Alex Wurz Entering F1 With Team Superfund
In an exclusive from Autosport it has been revealed that popular former Austrian race driver Alex Wurz is to enter F1 [entry acceptence allowing] with a new team by the moniker of Team Superfund.
The former Benetton and Williams driver was in F1 until 2007, before spending 2008 as a test driver for the unsuccessful Honda team. It is believed he will become the Team Principal of the outfit.
The funding is coming from another Austrian, motorsport mad Christian Baha, head of Superfund Investment company. He has been adding money into F1 and other disciplines for some time, but this is his first solo venture.
It is believed that preparations are in advanced stages, and that they could win a place ahead of some of the other competitors because of this. To begin with they are looking to partner in with a UK team, before building their own HQ and factory probably in Austria.
More news as and when we find any!
Superfund sponsorship on the 2007 Spyker-Ferrari
Khan Concludes Renault Test
Adam Khan has concluded Renault’s straight line speed testing as Duxford Imperial War Museum’s runway in England.
The driver has completed his first test with the 2009 Renault R29, having previously only driven a re-branded Renault R28 from 2008 on Renault’s press events most recently in Dubai where one of the cars was slammed into barriers doing over 100mph in a race with a Ford GT roadcar by Mohammad bin Sulayem an FIA VIP.
“Both the aero tests have been a great experience for me and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to drive the R29 and help with its development,” said Khan.
“Even though I was only doing straight-line aero runs, I was able to learn a lot about the car and hopefully gave the engineers some useful feedback.”
Khan admitted there were significant differences, notcable within the car from the 2008 to 2009 models.
“This year the cars have reduced aerodynamics and I definitely felt that during the aero test as I’m used to driving the R28,”
Khan will be demonstrating once again in an R28 at the Renault World Series show at Silverstone this July. An event which I shall be attending!
Watch Bin Sulayem hit the wall in Dubai ^
All FOTA Member Teams Back Down And Sign For F1 In 2010
All of the FOTA member teams have backed down for now in their fight against the FIA’s new rules by entering themselves into the F1 World Championship for 2010.
Ferrari, Renault, Toyota and Red Bull have been leading the way to leave the sport in the wake of massive new rules changes being brought about by the sports governing body.
However now those changes look to be laxed slightly, the teams have signed up with a condition to leave if a concorde agreement with their terms is not brought by June 12.
“The renewal of the Concorde Agreement will provide security for the future of the sport by binding all parties in a formal relationship that will ensure stability via sound governance,” said FOTA in a statement.
“[The 2009 rules must be] identical for all competitors and amended in accordance with proposals that FOTA has submitted to the FIA.”
“All FOTA teams’ entries for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship have been submitted today on the understanding that (a) all FOTA teams will be permitted to compete during the 2010 Formula One season on an identical regulatory basis and (b) that they may only be accepted as a whole,” added the statement.
“All FOTA teams now look forward with optimism to collaborating proactively and productively with the FIA, with a view to establishing a solid foundation on which the future of a healthy and successful Formula One can be built, providing lasting stability and sound governance.”
Lola Announce 2010 Submission
Lola Racing have announced a submission to join the F1 series for 2010.
The sportscar company formerly entered cars in F1, most recently 1997 when their cars ran just 1 race, being far and away off the pace of everyone else and pulling out through financial issues.
The managers refused to comment until June 12 when the final 2010 entry list is released, by given that the current entries will be allowed in, and there is space for 26 there is a good chance they will be there.
Embassy Lola T370 being driven by Graham Hill
Richards Set To Launch Prodrive/Aston Martin F1 Entry
Today marks the final day for submitting entires into the F1 World Championship for 2010, and while FOTA’s debates rumble on with uncertainty, David Richards has confirmed a Prodrive entry for the 2010 season.
Richards had a slot for the 2008 season but couldn’t afford to put a car out, this time however he is hoping it will be different with Prodrive badged vehicles for 2010 and 11, before becoming Aston Martin Racing in 2012.
No stranger to F1 experience Richards has managed both Benetton and British American Racing teams.
With next year’s budget cap likely to be 100million Euros, and the following season 45million Euros, it is high time for Richards to prove his worth of entry.
“The cars will be built at Banbury and have Aston Martin-badged customer engines obtained from a supplier,” Richards confirmed to Autocar.
Fuji Speedway May Lose Japanese GP As Financial Woes Continue
Fuji Speedway in Japan sets to become another venue to be hit with financial difficulty, possibly forcing it to give up hosting the Japanese Grand Prix.
The circuit, extensively modified for the 2007 and 8 races, is owned by car company Toyota.
“(Fuji’s company) FISCO tell us they are taking various elements into account in their consideration towards hosting next year’s Japanese Grand Prix,” Toyota’s Paul Nolasco said.
The Suzuka Circuit hosts this seasons race and had done for some time. The figure of eight circuit owned by Honda is one of the most popular venues on the calendar.
Williams Suspended From FOTA Following 2010 Entry
The Williams F1 Team have been formally suspended from the teams racing group FOTA following their announcement and confirmation of a written entry to the FIA for the 2010 Formula One World Championship.
During the Monaco Grand Prix weekend a series of meetings were held to discuss the future of the current teams in Formula One, primerily the manufacturers. However all teams involved in FOTA were told they would be suspended should the formally send an application to the FIA for their continued entry into F1 for 2010.
The teams are trying to stick together as they fight Max Mosley’s now dictatorship of a governing body to the pinnacle of motorsport, with Ferrari, Toyota, Red Bull and Renault leading the way out of the changing sport and heading possibly for a new rival series made up of manufacturer backed teams.
Frank Williams head of the Williams team admitted it was unfortunate to be suspended, but he respected the actions. He hoped FOTA and the fans would respect their decision to continue entering as they have a contract with Bernie Ecclestone to stay in the sport until 2012.
“FOTA’s decision, although regrettable, is understandable.” Williams said today
“However, as a racing team and a company whose only business is Formula 1, with obligations to our partners and our employees, submitting our entry to next year’s championship was unquestionable.
“In addition, we are legally obliged under our contract with FOM and the FIA to participate in the World Championship until the end of 2012.”
Domenicali Pleased By Raikkonen Resurgence
Stefano Domenicali has declared himself very pleased by Kimi Raikkonen’s resurgence over the past 2 races in Barcelona and Monte-Carlo after a pleasing result of a podium in the principality for the 2007 world champion.
The Scuderia have been struggling throughout the early part of 2009, but Raikkonen seems likely to be the one that will deliver better results and perhaps even a win for the constructors champions.
“We’re heading in the right direction, which is very important after the first part of this very difficult championship,” said Domenicali. “The positive signs we’ve seen at Barcelona have been confirmed at Monaco.
“I’m particularly happy for Kimi, he had a wonderful weekend: he missed the pole by a blink of the eye and in the race he might have done better, if there hadn’t been the problem during his second pitstop.
“On a track where talent is important Kimi has shown what he is able to do.”
Haug Admits Nico Rosberg Is Top Target For 2010
Norbert Haug has admitted that German driver Nico Rosberg is high on the list for McLaren of potential racers for next season in an interview with Spox.com.
Haug, who runs Mercedes Benz motorsport manages the engines, and Mercedes’ share of the McLaren team.
It is likely that Heikki Kovalainen would be the replaced driver, given McLaren’s closeness and indeed lenghty contract with British reigning World Champ Lewis Hamilton.
Rosberg was a target in 2008 for the British constructor, but with him being under contract with Williams they couldn’t lure him to the chrome cars. Rosberg committed himself to Williams, but surely the bugger budget of an almost works team would be too much pull for the son of former champion Keke Rosberg.
“We had to respect it [the contract],” Haug said
“How things develop, we cannot discuss in public, but we have known Nico long enough and he is a man on the list.”
“It is clear that he is on many teams’ lists,” the German added.
Who those others teams are, we do not know but it could include Renault who are likely to lose Fernando Alonso at the end of the season.
She’s Looking At You Kid – Martini Advert Causes Havok In Monaco
An advert for the Martini drink, shown just after Lowes hairpin all over this race weekend in Monte-Carlo has been causing the drivers much distraction, Jenson Button revealed post race.
The advert, on the big board as drivers take a chunk of kerb turning in before the tunnel was featuring the beautiful Jessiqa Pace.
Button told The Bild “Every time you passed her, it was as though she was looking right at you.”
Pace was in Monte-Carlo to witness the Grand Prix this weekend and meerly suggested “It would be terrible for anyone to be hurt”.
In all honesty, i’m not suprised it was a distraction!
Monaco GP 2009: Button Takes The Flag
Jenson Button won the Monaco Grand Prix, yet again standing on the top step for Brawn GP. As Bernie Ecclestone put it “We changed the bloody rules to get different winners, not the same one all the time…”
Race Review
Jenson Button got away well as the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen didn’t find grip losing 2nd position to Rubens Barrichello. Felipe Massa managed to hold position behind Vettel, and into the early part of the race the Red Bull driver was losing time.
Further back, Lewis Hamilton and others sneaked down the side of Jarno Trulli who struggled away and ultimately had a poor race, unlike 5 years ago when he won here in the principality. Hamilton also got past Robert Kubica, but broke his front wing on the BMW, only to get it changed late on – hindering his overall pace.
Vettel and the Brawn’s were on the super soft option tyres and were struggling. Massa in the faster Ferrari made a daring move, but lost out position to Rosberg. When Vettel made a mistake, Rosberg, Massa and Heikki Kovalainen made it past. The German driver made a stop for some new tyres and fuel.
While in the midfield, Vettel now full with fuel managed to slide off into St. Devote and ended his race prematurely.
Vettel’s would not be the only incident at St. Devote, Sebastien Buemi got his braking point all wrong and slid into the back of Nelson Piquet taking them both out. This prompted an angry Piquet to say on BBC TV “They let all of these youngster’s who don’t know what they’re doing have licences, it’s wrong”. Well excuse me Piquet, last time I looked you were hardly the seasoned professional yourself. This DNF will lead to the rumour mill starting up about his future yet again, while slowing for Bourdais as he managed to complete the race…
The Ferrari’s being on short first stints meant they could muster the challenge to get past an ailing Rubens Barrichello. They fuelled longer though and into the second round Kimi Raikkonen was able to briefly secure the lead ahead of Jenson Button but it would be futile.
Nico Rosberg ended up stuck behind Felipe Massa as he, and Renault’s Fernando Alonso went for longer middle stints to minimise the time they would spend on super soft tyres. This caused them to be very slow and ultimately cost them a fighting chance at the podium.
Heikki Kovalainen had been running a great race until about 2/3 of the way through he lost control into Swimming Pool 2 and smashed into the barriers. A nasty incident but only warranted waved yellow’s, the Finn emerging from the chrome McLaren unscathed.
Sebastien Bourdais and Giancarlo Fisichella were both one stoppers, the moaning Frenchman managed to raise a smile beating Fisico to the final points paying position. That said, 9th was a significant improvement for the Force India, whose team boss Vijay Mallya was in South Africa watching his IPL cricket team play.
Nakajima would have been 10th if he hadn’t lost it into Mirabeau on the final lap, leaving Glock in 10th and Heidfeld 11th.
Last season’s winner Lewis Hamilton was 12th, followed by a very disappointed Jarno Trulli, a slow Adrian Sutil made up the 14 finishers.
Classified Results
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time |
| 1 | J. Button | Brawn Mercedes | 1.40.44.282 |
| 2 | R. Barrichello | Brawn Mercedes | +7.666 |
| 3 | K. Raikkonen | Ferrari | +13.443 |
| 4 | F. Massa | Ferrari | +15.110 |
| 5 | M. Webber | Red Bull Renault | +15.730 |
| 6 | N. Rosberg | Williams Toyota | +33.586 |
| 7 | F. Alonso | Renault | +37.839 |
| 8 | S. Bourdais | Toro Rosso Ferrari | +1.03.142 |
| 9 | G. Fisichella | Force India Merc | +1.05.040 |
| 10 | T. Glock | Toyota | +1 lap |
| 11 | N. Heidfeld | BMW Sauber | +1 lap |
| 12 | L. Hamilton | McLaren Mercedes | +1 lap |
| 13 | J. Trulli | Toyota | +1 lap |
| 14 | A. Sutil | Force India Merc | +1 lap |
Fastest Lap: Felipe Massa (Ferrari) ; 1.15.154
Retirements
| Driver | Team | Lap | Reason |
| K. Nakajima | Williams Toyota | 77 | Crash (Mirabeau) |
| H. Kovalainen | McLaren Mercedes | 52 | Crash (Piscine) |
| R. Kubica | BMW Sauber | 31 | Unknown |
| S. Vettel | Red Bull Renault | 16 | Crash (St. Devote) |
| N. Piquet | Renault | 11 | Crash (St. Devote) |
| S. Buemi | Toro Rosso Ferrari | 11 | Crash (St. Devote) |
Monaco GP 2009: Button Snatches Pole From Raikkonen
Jenson Button made it 4 pole positions in 2009 snatching it away from Kimi Raikkonen right at the end of Q3 in the principality of Monaco today.
Button’s Brawn lapped 0.025 seconds faster than a much imporved Ferrari, which is believed to be heavy on fuel at the hands of the 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen.
Button’s team mate Barrichello just beat Sebastian Vettel to 3rd place, and Felipe Massa rounded off the top 5 despite a crash in Q1 where he knocked his nose off into Swimming Pool 2.
There was heartbreak for Lewis Hamilton, his luck diminishing fast as he slammed the McLaren into the barriers in Q1, breaking the rear suspension and forcing a red flag with 8 minutes to go. He will start 16th tomorrow.
Hamilton will be joined by both BMW’s and Toyota’s who are clueless to their lack of pace.
It was a good day for Force India who got both of their cars into Q2.
Pos Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 1. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:15.210 1:15.016 1:14.902 2. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:15.746 1:14.514 1:14.927 3. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:15.425 1:14.829 1:15.077 4. Vettel Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:15.915 1:14.879 1:15.271 5. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:15.340 1:15.001 1:15.437 6. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:15.094 1:14.846 1:15.455 7. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:15.495 1:14.809 1:15.516 8. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:15.260 1:14.825 1:15.653 9. Alonso Renault (B) 1:15.898 1:15.200 1:16.009 10. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:15.930 1:15.579 1:17.344 11. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:15.834 1:15.833 12. Piquet Renault (B) 1:16.013 1:15.837 13. Fisichella Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:16.063 1:16.146 14. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:16.120 1:16.281 15. Sutil Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:16.248 1:16.545 16. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:16.264 17. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:16.264 18. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:16.405 19. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:16.548 20. Glock Toyota (B) 1:16.788
All Current Teams Threaten To Leave F1 After FOTA Meeting In Monaco
All of the heads of the current F1 teams congregated today on Flavio Briatore’s yacht in Monaco harbour to discuss the future of F1, and whether they would be involved.
It appears that all teams are now united, and while they all want a good and amicable end to the current situation, the message is clear – they could ALL walk out.
Rumour strikes that the teams, headed by Ferrari, Toyota and Red Bull Racing are set to create a rival Grand Prix series.
“We will not enter the championship with these rules and with this governance,” said Ferrari president and FOTA chief Luca di Montezemolo
“I can say that it was, as always, a very constructive and useful meeting between the teams.
“Fota is now an organisation with a common view.”
Monaco GP 2009: Nico Fastest In FP2
Nico Rosberg the pratice master was fastest in FP2 in Monte Carlo, as the Brawn’s slipped behind Hamilton.
S
P
A
C
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:15.243 45 2. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:15.445 + 0.202 34 3. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:15.590 + 0.347 40 4. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:15.774 + 0.531 35 5. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:15.832 + 0.589 41 6. Vettel Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:15.847 + 0.604 33 7. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:15.984 + 0.741 44 8. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:15.985 + 0.742 42 9. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:16.260 + 1.017 42 10. Piquet Renault (B) 1:16.286 + 1.043 42 11. Alonso Renault (B) 1:16.552 + 1.309 38 12. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:16.579 + 1.336 27 13. Sutil Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:16.675 + 1.432 37 14. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:16.915 + 1.672 42 15. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:16.983 + 1.740 47 16. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:17.052 + 1.809 47 17. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:17.109 + 1.866 39 18. Glock Toyota (B) 1:17.207 + 1.964 44 19. Fisichella Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:17.504 + 2.261 44 20. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) No time 2
Monaco GP 2009: Barrichello Fastest In FP1
Rubens Barrichello sent a clear message out to World Championship leading team mate Jenson Button by setting the fastest time of the first practice in Monte Carlo.
There were much resurgent performances from the Ferrari’s and Lewis Hamilton, while Toyota slid down the time sheets.
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:17.189 25 2. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:17.499 + 0.310 31 3. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:17.578 + 0.389 25 4. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:17.686 + 0.497 29 5. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:17.839 + 0.650 30 6. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:18.000 + 0.811 29 7. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:18.024 + 0.835 27 8. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:18.080 + 0.891 27 9. Alonso Renault (B) 1:18.283 + 1.094 30 10. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:18.348 + 1.159 22 11. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:18.695 + 1.506 36 12. Piquet Renault (B) 1:19.204 + 2.015 36 13. Vettel Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:19.233 + 2.044 16 14. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:19.255 + 2.066 30 15. Fisichella Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:19.534 + 2.345 27 16. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:19.560 + 2.371 20 17. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:19.579 + 2.390 22 18. Sutil Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:19.600 + 2.411 23 19. Glock Toyota (B) 1:19.698 + 2.509 23 20. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:19.831 + 2.642 28
Webber – F1 Needs The Red Cars On The Grid
In the wake of the Ferrari/FIA court case ruling that the FIA are fully legal in implementing the £40million budget cap, and the fact that Ferrari are almost certainly going to leave F1, Mark Webber was unhappy.
The Australian who races for Red Bull Racing who too have threatened to leave the sport said that the sport needed Ferrari.
Max Mosley tried to play down the importance of the Scuderia to F1, but as everyone knows they are one of the staple points of F1.
“I hope the sport is in reasonable shape next year in terms of teams competing,” said Webber. “There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge yet and some serious egos involved, so we’ll see.”
When Autosport asked Webber how important Ferrari is to F1, he said: “They are F1.”
“The red car has to be on the Formula 1 grid.”
Raikkonen – I Will Stand By Ferrari Whatever
Kimi Raikkonen has pledged his allegance with Scuderia Ferrari on the day that the FIA/Ferrari court ruling went in the FIA’s favour, possibly spelling the end of the Italian companies involvement with F1.
Raikkonen, who joined the team in 2007 and immediately went on to win the world title said he would race in any category for the team which he sees as part of his extended family.
“I will still have a contract with them and they are racing in many different categories, so I think they will find something for me.” Raikkonen said in Monaco
“I work for Ferrari and we are one big family. It is my work and it is the place where I want to race. Whatever they do, I will do the same with them. We are one family and we do things together.”
He believed that with the swathes of manufacturers leaving and minor independent teams entering, F1 would not be the pinnacle of motorsport any more.
“For me, if Ferrari is not in F1 nor any other big team like BMW or McLaren, it is not good for F1. They are the teams that make F1 and if you change the teams for other teams, new teams that come from GP2 or somewhere else, then it is not the same any more.
“F1 for me is all about the big teams, we race together and try to be the best. That is my opinion, but everybody has their own ideas.”
Alonso Fearful Of His F1 Future
Fernando Alonso the former two time world champion and current Renault driver has admitted, in the wake of Ferrari’s loss in the courts with the FIA over the budget caps that his future in F1 could be over.
Alonso competes this weekend with Renault, but rumour had been linking him with a drive at Ferrari. Whatever way, it would appear both teams along with Toyota and possibly Red Bull Racing could be heading out of a sport which formerly was the pinnacle of racing.
“Yes. It is very worrying.” Alonso told Autosport in Monaco after discovering the FIA/Ferrari verdict.
“I tried to switch off and concentrate on this business,” he said. “Here, when I am in Monaco, I will be 100 per cent focused on the grand prix, with the weekend. But it is true that last week when I was at home it was impossible to switch off because I don’t know if this will be my last time in Monaco.
“If the big teams and the big manufacturers leave F1 then I don’t want to race with small teams, because it is not any more F1 and there are many other categories.
“For me, it is strange that no one sat down and thought how we are damaging the sport, how much damage the sport has had in the last two months. To have those three or four new teams and losing seven of the big manufacturers I cannot understand – and not losing only seven manufacturers but losing the 10 best drivers in the world. It becomes no more interesting, F1.”
Alonso will visit the Le Mans 24h when it kicks off, and admitted he would be interested in a drive. This just a day after To Kristensen the legendary Le Mans driver claimed that Sportscar racing would see a renaissance in the wake of Formula One’s peril.
Ferrari Lose FIA Appeal – Chances Are They Will Leave F1
Scuderia Ferrari have lost the monumentally important case against the FIA about the future of Formula One today after yesterday’s hearing in Paris.
The Italian company held a veto against the FIA and have done since 1998, deciding to use it for the first time against the FIa in the wake of a £40million imposed budget cap leading to a two-tier F1 series.
Manufacturers have all been against the idea of a new budget cap.
The decision means that it is unlikely Ferrari will remain in Formula One from next season, the only team ever to have competed in every single Grand Prix will be gone. Renault, Toyota, Red Bull Racing and possibly McLaren too could be leaving, as could Mercedes Benz as an engine supplier.
Rosberg States He Is Happy To Stay At Williams
Nico Rosberg has shrugged off rumours that he could be heading out of Williams and into a works team seat as some publications connect him with a drive at Renault when Nelson Piquet Jr is likely to be released from contract at Silverstone.
Rosberg now in his 4th F1 season currently lies 8th in the title race, but is happy with the FW31 and its future potential.
“At the moment I would gladly remain with Williams,” he told Motosport Aktuell in the build up to the Monaco GP
“And if they continue to give me a car like that – and maybe even a little bit better – then I would be happy if I could stay with Williams,” added Rosberg.
He also claimed that money would not be decisive factor, that it was more down to team spirit and fluidity.
“It helps to have more money, however it is not the decisive factor,” he explained. “With Williams, if the cooperation fits, we can win with our budget.”
Schuey Backs Ferrari Quit Threat As Court Decision Delayed
Michael Schumacher has openly backed his Ferrari team in saying they will leave Formula One at the end of the season if £40million budget caps still remain on the day they took the FIA to court over breaching rules of their veto.
Schumacher, 40, won 5 of his World Titles with the Scuderia and now still works for them in a counsltancy and occassional test role.
“I am in complete agreement with my team,” Schumacher is quoted as saying by the Spanish sports daily Marca.
“Ferrari is very important to Formula One, because without Ferrari, the championship would be a second-class competition.
“There must be an agreement that makes it possible for the Scuderia to remain. F1 without Ferrari seems unimaginable to me,” added Schumacher
Meanwhile Auto Motor und Sport claims the decision on the veto ruling will be pushed back to tomorrow.
Scheckter Nearly Handed Title Back Over F1′s Ridiculous Politics
Jody Scheckter, the 1979 Formula One world champion admitted today that he considered handing his title back after the recent “ridiculous” politics from the FIA.
The usually quiet South African driver has come out in full support of his former employer Scuderia Ferrari in their row with the FIA.
Scheckter won his title with Ferrari, retireing in 1980 after failing to defend it. 21 years later and Michael Schumacher managed to bring a title to the team, the first of 5 in a row.
“The politics that have crept into Formula One, and the way that things are handled now, is very, very disappointing,” Scheckter said.
“There have been stages when I have thought ‘I am going to give back my world championship’ because I have felt so strongly about it,” he continued.
“Some of the regulations and some of the decisions that have been made by the FIA in the last years I think have been terrible. I think the sport’s going through a dictatorship that is going wrong, as most dictatorships go wrong sooner or later.”
Bernie Suggests Two Tier Tech Rules Will Go…
Bernie Ecclestone has taken the step of suggesting that the two tier technical regulations, the main problem manufacturers have with the budget caps will be abolished and one set of rules printed.
The idea was that those under the cap would have greater technical freedom. Toyota’s John Howett believed teams in the cap could gain 3-5 seconds per lap on those out of it.
Manufacturers and big spenders were not impressed with this idea, and Bernie has finally agreed.
“I think the most important thing that upset everybody is the two-tier technical system, and I think it’s been agreed that we shouldn’t have that, we should just have one set of regulations,” he said.
“I think everybody is more or less happy with the budget cap, it’s just a case of how much. I don’t know if that means it will be higher or lower, it’s a case of sorting that out.”
It does beg the question though. If there aren’t 2 levels of technical regulation, why would you opt into the cap? There appears to be no other advantage?! Maybe its just Bernie rebuilding the bridges Max Mosley keeps burning.
Bernard - Trying to patch things up...
No Agreement Reached Between FIA and Teams In Pointless Meeting
The FIA and Formula One Teams made no agreement in today’s emergency meeting held at Heathrow in London.
The manufacturers in F1 want a block on the budget cap rule which is coming in next season, Max Mosley thinks they’re stupid so all the manufacturers have threatened to pull out.
“It was quite a friendly meeting, but in the end all that happened was that the teams have gone off to see if they can come up with something better than the cost cap,” Max Mosley told reporters after the Heathrow meeting.
“We explained we cannot put back the entry date, as this has all been published, and we cannot disadvantage the potential new teams who will come in. But we are prepared to listen to whatever they have to say.
“In the meantime, the regulations are as published. We have explained that we want everyone to race under the same regulations. We have explained that we would like all of the teams to come in under the cost cap and that is what they have gone off to consider.
“We have said that we cannot see why anyone wouldn’t want to operate under the cost cap, and it would mean a gradual relaxation of the technical regulations – which all the engineers would want. We said in the end the choice was between intellectual freedom and financial constraint, or intellectual constraint and financial freedom – which is what they have had up until now.
“We have pointed out, and it is something the engineers have said, that current F1 consists of endless refinement at enormous expense and we want to move away from that and have invention and creativity, but we can only do that if we restrict the cost – because if we have unrestricted cost nobody would be able to afford it.
“I think some of the teams agree with that idea, and some don’t, and they have gone away to discuss it.”
Meanwhile, it was discovered during the meeting that Ferrari have taken the new rules to a French court claiming that it is a breach of the technical regulation veto they have.
“During the meeting it became apparent that Ferrari has made an application to the French courts, and I don’t know the details, but it is to apply for an injunction to stop us doing what we want to do. So that is where the situation rests as far as Ferrari is concerned.”
No Rome F1 Race Without Ferrari – Mayor
The Mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno has claimed that while he is pushing ahead with plans for a Rome Street F1 Race, he would not consider the possibility of hosting the event without Ferrari being on the grid.
Ferrari are locked in battles with the FIA and claim they will leave the sport at the end of 2009.
The mayor said that Ferrari were an integral part of Italy, not just this sport.
“I do not want to consider the idea of a Grand Prix of Rome without Ferrari,” he’s quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport on Thursday.
Ideas remain that Rome could host the 2011 Italian Grand Prix, but due to the desire to keep Monza on the calendar it could be fitted in another way. Some suggestions that the San Marino GP name could be revived or even a Mediterranean Grand Prix, or perhaps Valencia could lose the European Grand Prix.
Giancarlo Fisichella demonstrates F1 to Rome in 2006
