Ferrari Look Set To Reveal Alonso For 2010
There has been further indication today from Scuderia Ferrari that they are set to reveal Fernando Alonso as one of their drivers for the forthcoming 2010 Formula One Season.
Hot rumour ha ben floating around the paddock since 2008 that the Spaniard, and twice F1 World Champion, would join the Scuderia.
Following his move to McLaren in 2007, and then back to Renault for 2008 the team he drove for when he won both titles, it has been clear he wants to return to a front running big name squad.
Alonso could well have signed the contract, potentially revealed today, way back in July 2008.
The contract sees Alonso earn around $35million, and lasts until 2011. Although Ferrari hold an option to extend this utnil 2014, by which time Fernando would be 33.
A Ferrari spokesman said: “At this moment, there is nothing we can say. In the last few weeks, something has changed. We are talking to the drivers and when it is the proper time we will make an announcement.”
Kimi Raikkonen now looks set to depart Ferrari and head back to McLaren to partner Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile Robert Kubica will leave BMW Sauber and join Renault. A cascade of driver moves will follow the announcement. Although i think Ferrari have been shortsighted, keeping Raikkonen would have been a better option than keeping Massa.
Toyota and Renault Boosted By Singapore Podium
Toyota and Renault have both declared they have been massively bossted by podiums in the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend.
Toyota boss John Howett was sure that the podium finish, 2nd place for Timo Glock would provide some excitement and further motivation for the Cologne based mechanics after a poor season. He also played down that this result would secure Timo Glock’s future with the team.
“It’s good for the motivation of the guys who work so hard. They worked really hard to get the package ready here.
“It’s quite a complex design on the rear of the car, and the production guys have really been pushing. As a race team, you race to win.
“I think it’s more for the motivation in the team, the belief that we actually can do it.”
Meanwhile Bob Bell of Renault said that their 3rd place was one of their most important results ever following a week of huge controversy with Nelson Piquet Jnr, Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds in Crash-Gate.
“This result obviously lifts the spirits of the whole team enormously and will be fresh in everyone’s mind as we have back-to-back races this weekend.
“The team will therefore arrive in Japan feeling very upbeat,” said Bell in a team preview ahead of the Suzuka race.
“The race in Japan might not be the easiest for us, but I think the level of motivation will be much higher.”
Sorry for lack of recent posts, I have had a few long term life issues to deal with, Thanks Rob
Singapore GP 2009: Vettel Fastest In FP2
Sebastian Vettel threw himself right back into the title mix with a stellar performance in FP2 for the Singapore Grand Prix.
The main title contenders are all looking strong this weekend, and Sunday’s race will be absolutely vital to diluting the cloudy waters of World Champion.
Ferrari had a quiet day, but Giancarlo Fisichella is 0.3 seconds off Raikkonen now.
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Vettel Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:48.650 31 2. Alonso Renault (B) 1:48.924 + 0.274 27 3. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:48.952 + 0.302 30 4. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:49.098 + 0.448 31 5. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:49.311 + 0.661 34 6. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:49.317 + 0.667 14 7. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:49.333 + 0.683 33 8. Glock Toyota (B) 1:49.342 + 0.692 30 9. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:49.358 + 0.708 28 10. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:49.609 + 0.959 24 11. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:49.616 + 0.966 30 12. Sutil Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:49.710 + 1.060 31 13. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:49.795 + 1.145 29 14. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:49.941 + 1.291 29 15. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:50.023 + 1.373 34 16. Fisichella Ferrari (B) 1:50.253 + 1.603 31 17. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:50.527 + 1.877 29 18. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:50.605 + 1.955 28 19. Grosjean Renault (B) 1:50.972 + 2.322 17 20. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:51.423 + 2.773 31
Sinagpore GP 2009: Barrichello Leads FP1
Rubens Barrichello was fastest in the first practice session for the Sinagpore Grand Prix, held in almost positive daylight an hour earlier than last year.
Romain Grosjean provided unwanted irony for Renault dropping his car into the wall at turn 17. If that wasn’t enough to contend with, ING and Mutua Madrilena logos have been removed from the cars leaving the team almost sponsorless.
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:50.179 19 2. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:50.356 + 0.177 22 3. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:50.416 + 0.237 21 4. Alonso Renault (B) 1:50.567 + 0.388 16 5. Vettel Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:50.614 + 0.435 16 6. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:50.699 + 0.520 21 7. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:50.715 + 0.536 17 8. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:50.815 + 0.636 15 9. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:50.865 + 0.686 ù. 10. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:51.089 + 0.910 25 11. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:51.427 + 1.248 23 12. Sutil Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:51.544 + 1.365 14 13. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:51.643 + 1.464 28 14. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:51.656 + 1.477 15 15. Glock Toyota (B) 1:52.083 + 1.904 20 16. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:52.135 + 1.956 20 17. Fisichella Ferrari (B) 1:52.390 + 2.211 24 18. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:52.905 + 2.726 23 19. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:53.232 + 3.053 25 20. Grosjean Renault (B) 1:53.458 + 3.279 9
Renault Handed 2 Year Suspended Ban Sentence
The Renault Formula One Team were handed a 2 year suspended Formula One ban today after the World Motorsport Council met to discuss the alleged “Deliberate crash” by Nelson Piquet at the 2008 Singaporean Grand Prix.
Due to the severity of the situation, Renault are very lucky to recieve a suspended sentence, most likely because two of Renault’s top eecutives Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds, 2 people Piquet alleges told him to crash, stepped down from their positions.
An FIA Statement read: “Renault had accepted, at the earliest practicable opportunity, that it committed the offences with which it was charged and cooperated fully with the FIA’s investigation. It had confirmed that Mr. Briatore and Mr. Symonds were involved in the conspiracy and ensured that they left the team; It apologised unreservedly to the FIA and to the sport for the harm caused by its actions;
“It committed to paying the costs incurred by the FIA in its investigation; and Renault (the parent company, as opposed to Renault F1) committed to making a significant contribution to FIA safety-related projects.”
The FIA explained their decision after the court left this afternoon.
“Renault F1′s breaches not only compromised the integrity of the sport but also endangered the lives of spectators, officials, other competitors and Nelson Piquet Jr. himself. The World Motor Sport Council considers that offences of this severity merit permanent disqualification from the FIA Formula One World Championship.
“However, having regard to the points in mitigation mentioned above and in particular the steps taken by Renault F1 to identify and address the failings within its team and condemn the actions of the individuals involved, the WMSC has decided to suspend Renault F1′s disqualification until the end of the 2011 season. The World Motor Sport Council will only activate this disqualification if Renault F1 is found guilty of a comparable breach during that time.”
Fernando Alonso was present but not accused of any crime. It is unknown whether Flavio Briatore will persue blackmail charges against Nelson Piquet Snr.
Briatore and Symonds Leave Renault
Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds have both resigned from their positions at the head of the Renault Formula One Team following accusations they asked Nelson Piquet to deliberately crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Crash-Gate as it has been coined, has been thrusted through the media heavily and with Briatore and Symonds looking more and more like the culprits, they have decided together with the team that this was the right time to go.
“The ING Renault F1 Team will not dispute the recent allegations made by the FIA concerning the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix,” said a statement from the team.
“It also wishes to state that its managing director, Flavio Briatore and its executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, have left the team.
“Before attending the hearing before the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris on 21 September 2009, the team will not make any further comment.”
Renault’s CEO reckoned that Briatore only stepped down because he felt someone had to take responsibility.
“Piquet had already left and Pat Symonds is gone. Briatore considered he was morally responsible and has resigned.” He told Autosport
BMW Gets A Buyer, And 2010 Grid Slot Likely
BMW Sauber have announced this morning that they have found a buyer for their Formula One team.
Qadbak International are a Swiss based foundation representing the interests of several wealthy Middle Eastern and European families, and are headed up by a Lionel Fischer.
They have purchased the team outright, and are looking forward to starting their challenge.
“A strong investor has therefore been found for the Hinwil-based team,” BMW said in a statement.
“Qadbak’s interest in the team will be represented by Lionel Fischer, a Swiss national. BMW wishes Qadbak and the Sauber Team every success for the 2010 season and beyond.”
The only issues thus far for Qadbak is that the final grid slot, previously home to the BMW team has been filled with Team Lotus. However, the FIA are now considering adjusting the rules to allow for 28 cars [16 teams], or perhaps they will fill Renault’s place if they are thrown out of the World Championship over the Crash-Gate scandal.
Nevertheless Qadbak, and BMW are sure their team will line up for 2010.
“We are pleased to confirm that the FIA has indicated that we may have a place in the 2010 Formula One World Championship. The team expects to line up on the grid for the first race of the 2010 season.” Said a team statement.
Lotus Return To F1 With Final Team Slot For 2010
Team Lotus, one of the most synonymous names with Formula One will return to the top formula of racing for the 2010 season.
The team, which will be backed by Malaysian funding, takes BMW Sauber’s lost slot. That said, BMW’s application was so good, they have been placed onto a reserve team list.
Lotus will be based in Norfolk, England, just a handful of miles away from their road car production factory, in the former Bentley Le Mans factory, also used by Toyota in their very early F1 days.
Mike Gascoyne,a long term figurehead of Formula One racing will also join the team. Also believed to be a part of the team is the Air Asia Airline, who could be the title sponsor. Perhaps Alex Yoong too, Malaysia’s F1 Driver might test or even race for the team.
Symonds Offered Immunity From Punishment Over Crash-Gate
The FIA have revealed they have offered Pat Symonds of Renault F1 Team immunity from punishment over the crash-gate scandal if he reveals all details to the World Motorsport Panel ahead of the extraordinary general meeting.
Symonds has already admitted to the FIA that he and Briatore spoke to Piquet about deliberately crashing his Renault F1 car at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. He has already co-operated well, and if he has taken the immunity then Flavio Briatore would have to face the court, and charges (likely to be exceedingly high) on his own.
Nelson Piquet has already been exempted from any charges for bringing the case to the FIA, Max Mosley confirmed in Italy.
Pat Symonds would be immune if he reveals this “extra-information” he suggested to the panel he had on August 27th.
The stewards report stated: “Mr. Symonds suggested at his interview on 27 August that he might wish to revert to the Stewards with further information, including information responsive to the various questions he had declined to answer.
“However, no such further information was provided on 27 August. On 28 August, Mr Symonds was summoned back before the Stewards to be asked if he wanted to give further information on the questions he had declined to answer. Mr Symonds again declined to answer the questions.”
Engine De-Freeze Possible At End Of 2009 Season
An engine de-freeze allowing manufacturers to create more competitive and faster engines could be in place at the end of the current 2009 season according to the Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali.
At the end of 2008, Renault were allowed a temporary de-freeze to allow them to catch up in terms of engine pace. With mercedes Benz becoming so dominant this season, other rival manufacturers could be allowed to change their engines with Toyota especially becoming slow on top end horsepower and speed.
With Cosworth coming into the sport as well as an engine manufacturer to Manor, Campos and USF1, there is a possibility the engine freeze restriction could be abandoned altogether.
“This is for sure something that we will be discussing in the engine working group because today we have seen a really great performance from the Mercedes engine and before we make a final decision we have to see the numbers connected to that.” Domenicali said after the Italian GP
“It is a point that is on the table to discuss among the teams, as it is something that we need to understand,” he added.
Mercedes Benz Engines have been dominant this season
Force India Drop Big 2010 Driver Hints As Chandhok Given Sim Test
Force India have given us their biggest hints yet as to their 2010 driver line-up after an interview with Vijay Mallya this morning.
The boss of the team, and Kingfisher lager and aeroplane brand has admitted he has no reason to change from the current line-up of Vitantonio Liuzzi and Adrian Sutil. Liuzzi being drafted in to a race seat from his test role after Giancarlo Fisichella joined up with the Ferrari team.
“They are loyal and hard working. They are with the team and part of the team, they are doing their best. Unless I have some compelling reason to change, I ask myself why should I change? As of now I am very happy with what I have and the only role open is a test driver role and we’ll see where we go from there.”
And Karun Chandhok, the known Indian driver will be given a testing chance in the McLaren simulator this week, to perhaps become the teams official test driver for 2010.
“Karun is like a son to me. I have known him from when he was a little boy in shorts. If I can give him a chance, I’d be delighted,” Mallya told Reuters.
Neel Jani, will also be given a shot in the simulator. I think Mallya should consider another India driver, one Narain Karthikeyan.
Italian GP 2009: Barrichello Takes Strategic Win Of Quality Race
Rubens Barrichello took the chequered flag, and another win for himself and the Brawn GP team in today’s Italian Grand Prix after a fantastic strategic effort from Ross Brawn.
The single stop strategy employed by the white cars of Brawn led to Jenson Button joining Rubens on the podium in 2nd, with Kimi Raikkonen being gifted 3rd place on the last lap.
Race Review
Lewis Hamilton didn’t get a great start, unlike Kimi Raikkonen and the Finn was forced onto the grass going down to the first chicane. He managed to make a pass on Adrian Sutil, while the rest of the field fed around without bother – Timo Glock the only driver having to use the escape road.
Then into the second chicane, the first major incident – Robert Kubica tipped Mark Webber’s Red Bull round into the gravel and the Australian was forced to retire after just a handful of corners. The incident led to front wing damage to Kubica’s BMW, and the Pole was forced into the pits some laps later as the FIA were concerned about its’ safety at 220mph.
Heikki Kovalainen had a terrible start, losing out to Barrichello and then Liuzzi and Alonso, despite claiming pre-race that he could win the GP and indeed his KERS system.
Hamilton then started to pull well away from Kimi Raikkonen, who to all intents and purposes held up Adrian Sutil as the Ferrari looked to struggle.
These 3 drivers at the top on 2 stop strategies made a big gap over the two Brawn’s behind them, and then Tonio Liuzzi held 7th well with Fernando Alonso hustling the Renault behind him, trying to squeeze every last bit of performance from the R29.
Hamilton pushed incredibly hard, the McLaren right on the ragged edge many times. He pitted early, and Raikkonen & Sutil pulled ahead. Hamilton was released into favourable traffic ahead of Liuzzi and Alonso.
With Raikkonen and Sutil then pitting, the now lighter Brawn’s pulled well away with Rubens Barrichello holding a good dap lead over championship rival and team mate Button.
Robert Kubica ended up retiring, with some kind of oil leak – although Martin Brundle claimed on BBC television that they were saving the engine as they were nearing their allocation limit.
Tonio Liuzzi too had a scare when he was driving through towards the Roggia chicane when at around 200mph the clutch appeared to break completely and the Force India driver ended his day in the sliproad of that chicane. Disappointing after a fairly good weekend.
Giancarlo Fisichella looked largely average making his Ferrari debut, losing out on positions to various drivers, which in the end meant he finished the race in 9th place just behind Sebastian Vettel. A shame for Fisichella not to score points on his debut.
After the final stops, Hamilton came out in 3rd behind the two Brawns and immediately started chasing. Hamilton said after the race every lap was like “a qualifying one”. Raikkonen and Sutil had a pitstop race, but both made mistakes! Raikkonen nearly stalled leaving his box, and Sutil tried to run down half his pitcrew. Raikkonen came out in front and despite massive pressure would hold Adrian off until the end of the race.
The final piece of action really came from Lewis Hamilton, who, chasing down those Brawn’s managed to lose the car on the exit of the first Lesmo, spinning and smashing into an unforgiving tyre/concrete mixed barrier. He ripped lots of bodywork off the car and left it strewn across the track. The ensuing double waved yellows and safety car board [in vein!] Raikkonen cruised passed and into 3rd place.
Classified Results
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time |
| 1 | R. Barrichello | Brawn Mercedes | 1.16.21.706 |
| 2 | J. Button | Brawn Mercedes | +2.866 |
| 3 | K. Raikkonen | Ferrari | +30.664 |
| 4 | A. Sutil | Force India Mercedes | +31.131 |
| 5 | F. Alonso | Renault | +59.182 |
| 6 | H. Kovalainen | McLaren Mercedes | +1.00.693 |
| 7 | N. Heidfeld | BMW Sauber | +1.22.412 |
| 8 | S. Vettel | Red Bull Renault | +1.25.472 |
| 9 | G. Fisichella | Ferrari | +1.26.856 |
| 10 | K. Nakajima | Williams Toyota | +2.00.000 |
| 11 | T. Glock | Toyota | +2.43.925 |
| 12 | L. Hamilton* | McLaren Mercedes | +1 lap |
| 13 | S. Buemi | Toro Rosso Ferrari | +1 lap |
| 14 | J. Trulli | Toyota | +1 lap |
| 15 | R. Grosjean | Renault | +1 lap |
| 16 | N. Rosberg | Williams Toyota | +2 laps |
*: Lewis Hamilton crashed on the final lap but was still classified by order of being 1 lap ahead of other runners classified lower.
Fastest Lap: A. Sutil (Force India) – 1.24.739
Retirements
| Driver | Team | Lap | Reason |
| L. Hamilton | McLaren Mercedes | 55 | Crash |
| V. Liuzzi | Force India Mercedes | 23 | Clutch |
| J. Alguersuari | Toro Rosso Ferrari | 20 | Unknown |
| R. Kubica | BMW Sauber | 16 | Oil Leak |
| M. Webber | Red Bull Renault | 1 | Crash |
Italian GP 2009: Post Qualifying Reaction
Here are some interviews with drivers and team bosses following today’s qualifying session for the 2009 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This is a new idea to collaborate interviews in one easy, simple post. Let me know what you think.
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) – McLaren Mercedes – Qualified: 1st
“It was a very close qualifying session…and they (Force India) are incredibly fast and competitive, but our team did a great job this weekend. I was able to put the lap together. It’s such a great feeling to put that lap together, the public have to imagine what it is like, it is the most exciting exhilarating thing.
“I guess we have to wait and see what the strategies are for everyone tomorrow, but we feel quite comfortable and needed to be where we are,”
Adrian Sutil (DEU) – Force India – Qualified: 2nd
“It is a great moment, a great deal. The whole weekend was a big success already. We did good work, and the car is amazing, really quick. It’s unbelievable, it is so good for the team especially after the Spa success. We continued it here and just being competitive, it is such a different feeling in the car right now. You know you have a chance.
“It’s a good feeling like the racing driver is back in me. I enjoyed every single moment.”
Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) – Ferrari – Qualified: 3rd
“It is not perfect for sure but it shows us again that once we put race fuel in the car it is stronger against the others. The car is more difficult in Q2 than in Q1 or Q3. It has been very good all weekend. We have some issues with it but unfortunately we cannot fix them as well as we want. Overall, with race fuel the car is running nicely and I am very happy with it.
“We (will) give the best and hopefully give the best for our Italian fans and ourselves.”
Jenson Button (GBR) – Brawn Mercedes – Qualified: 6th
“All weekend I’ve been pretty happy with the car, and it got better in qualifying. It went well on both high fuel and low fuel. I think we can go well from there [sixth]. My team-mate slightly pipped me, by 15 hundredths, which is a pain, but we’re in a good position.
“I want to go out there and win this race. We’ve done the best strategy not to just score points but to do the best job we can this weekend. I think our strategy is good and I’m looking forward to it.”
Timo Glock (DEU) – Toyota – Qualified: 16th
“It’s frustrating to miss out on second qualifying when I was only sixth tenths away from the fastest lap of the session,” said the Toyota driver, who will start from a disappointing 16th position.
“We looked quite promising this morning but we didn’t transfer all of that speed to qualifying, and I wasn’t helped by traffic.”
Jaime Alguersuari (ESP) – Toro Rosso – Qualified: 20th [5 place penalty]
“I was not expecting much from this session, after problems in the morning with my gearbox meant I only did ten laps in free practice,” said the Spanish rookie.
“Because of that, I did not have the time to try much in terms of setting up the car. Therefore, we carried over some unknown factors into qualifying and I have to say, I am still getting used to driving the car in this low downforce configuration.
“I hope I can still have a good race tomorrow and to be honest, I hope it rains.”
Italian GP 2009: Qualifying, Hamilton Takes Pole
Lewis Hamilton slotted his McLaren into pole position for tomorrow’s Italian Grand Prix, as the KERS and Mercedes Benz engined cars made the most of their performance advantage.
Indeed, Adrian Sutil will line up alongside Hamilton, his best ever qualifying in the Force India. Kimi Raikkonen stares down Hamilton’s back end and will be looking for a good start, and possibly a 2nd win in a row for the Scuderia.
Kovalainen, Barrichello, Button and Liuzzi continue down to 7th, making it 6 cars in the top 7 with the Mercedes power units.
Alonso takes 8th, something to remove the limelight of Crash-Gate away from Renault. His rookie team mate Romain Grosjean is down in 12th.
Splitting them are the Red Bull’s who really have lost their way over the past few Grand Prix. Fisichella takes 14th in his first qualifying for Ferrari.
Jaime Alguersuari qualified last, and also takes a 5 place penalty for changing Gearboxes.
Post qualifying reaction here:
Pos Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 1. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:23.375 1:22.973 1:24.066 2. Sutil Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:23.576 1:23.070 1:24.261 3. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:23.349 1:23.426 1:24.523 4. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:23.515 1:23.528 1:24.845 5. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:23.483 1:22.976 1:25.015 6. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:23.403 1:22.955 1:25.030 7. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:23.578 1:23.207 1:25.043 8. Alonso Renault (B) 1:23.708 1:23.497 1:25.072 9. Vettel Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:23.558 1:23.545 1:25.180 10. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:23.755 1:23.273 1:25.314 11. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:24.014 1:23.611 12. Grosjean Renault (B) 1:23.975 1:23.728 13. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:24.001 1:23.866 14. Fisichella Ferrari (B) 1:23.828 1:23.901 15. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:23.584 1:24.275 16. Glock Toyota (B) 1:24.036 17. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:24.074 18. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:24.121 19. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:24.220 20. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:24.951
Italian GP 2009: Sutil Fastest In FP2
Adrian Sutil topped the times in session 2 of practice at Monza, while the championship top buys lost their way down to the bottom of the timesheets.
Giancarlo Fisichella “did a Badoer” and found himself languishing in last place.
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Sutil Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:23.924 28 2. Grosjean Renault (B) 1:24.163 + 0.239 31 3. Alonso Renault (B) 1:24.297 + 0.373 35 4. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:24.482 + 0.558 41 5. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:24.622 + 0.698 40 6. Glock Toyota (B) 1:24.634 + 0.710 36 7. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:24.693 + 0.769 34 8. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:24.796 + 0.872 39 9. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:24.799 + 0.875 36 10. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:24.884 + 0.960 44 11. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:24.902 + 0.978 32 12. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:24.921 + 0.997 39 13. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:24.967 + 1.043 40 14. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:24.979 + 1.055 25 15. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:25.003 + 1.079 34 16. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:25.140 + 1.216 35 17. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:25.215 + 1.291 38 18. Vettel Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:25.386 + 1.462 27 19. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:25.424 + 1.500 32 20. Fisichella Ferrari (B) 1:25.543 + 1.619 36
Briatore And Renault Launch Police Proceedings Against Piquets In Crash-Gate Saga Twist
Flavio Briatore and the Renault Formula One Team have launched a full scale legal and police backed operation against the Piquet family in a new and very public twist to the Crash-Gate scandal which is just starting to rock F1.
Nelson Piquet Jr has alleged that Briatore, and team compatriot Pat Symonds asked him to crash his Renault R28 car in the Singaporean Grand Prix, to give a safety car based advantage to Fernando Alonso. Alonso went on to win the race, but has said he had no idea of any discussion over a deliberate accident.
Briatore and Symonds admit that a conversation did take place before the Grand Prix where Piquet suggested crashing, and they both laughed it off as silly. Piquet also claims that he did it to keep his job, something feverently denied more by Briatore who now claims Nelson Piquet Snr tried to blackmail him into keeping Piquet Jnr in a race seat for the 2009 season.
The whole crash gate and sacking of Nelson Piquet Jnr has now completely exploded… A statement from Flavio and Renault read;
“Today the ING Renault F1 Team and its Managing Director Flavio Briatore personally, wish to state that they have commenced criminal proceedings against Nelson Piquet Junior and Nelson Piquet Senior in France concerning the making of false allegations and a related attempt to blackmail the team into allowing Mr Piquet Jnr to drive for the remainder of the 2009 season.
“The matter will also be referred to the Police in the UK.”
Briatore and Piquet, not a happy Papa
Italian GP 2009: Hamilton Dominates FP1
Lewis Hamilton set a high benchmark for FP1 of the Italian Grand Prix weekend. Despite his McLaren investigating the new high chicance kerbs, Hamilton managed a stonker of a lap time which left him top of the tables.
The only other exciting point was Fisichella making his Ferrari debut…!
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:23.936 26 2. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:24.332 + 0.396 27 3. Sutil Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:24.471 + 0.535 24 4. Alonso Renault (B) 1:24.477 + 0.541 21 5. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:24.683 + 0.747 25 6. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:24.703 + 0.767 35 7. Button Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:24.706 + 0.770 21 8. Fisichella Ferrari (B) 1:24.732 + 0.796 24 9. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:24.759 + 0.823 19 10. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:24.761 + 0.825 26 11. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:24.813 + 0.877 20 12. Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes (B) 1:24.826 + 0.890 24 13. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:24.927 + 0.991 29 14. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:25.150 + 1.214 28 15. Grosjean Renault (B) 1:25.612 + 1.676 18 16. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes (B) 1:25.689 + 1.753 29 17. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:25.742 + 1.806 30 18. Vettel Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:25.951 + 2.015 8 19. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:26.020 + 2.084 23 20. Glock Toyota (B) 1:26.325 + 2.389 17
Santander and Ferrari To Announce Deal Thursday
Santander Banking Group and Scuderia Ferrari are to announce a huge sponsorship deal, worth hundreds of millions of dollars at this forthcoming Italian Grand Prix.
A press conference has been called for Thursday afternoon.
This will mark a move for Ferrari away from Marlboro’s title sponsorship. The team have had the cigarette manufacturers logos on the car less and less over the years as tobacco sponsorship has declined in legality, and other teams have lost their title brand sponsors.
Santander too will move away from McLaren, a team they came to sponsor in 2007. It will increase rumours that Santander are moving to Ferrari as part of a deal with Spaniard Fernando Alonso.
Liuzzi Confirmed In Force India Race Seat
Vitantonio Liuzzi has been confirmed in the vacant Force India race seat, a direct promotion from team test driver.
The Italian will get his opportunity now that Giancarlo Fisichella has replaced Felipe Massa’s replacement driver Luca Badoer in the Scuderia Ferrari team.
Talented racer Liuzzi, now 28, has not competitively raced an F1 car since the end of the 2007 season when he was released from contract by Red Bull sister team Scuderia Toro Rosso.
“I’m delighted to give Tonio the opportunity to get back into a race seat, which I know he has been itching to do for the past two years,” said team boss Vijay Mallya.
“Force India is now in a very competitive position and we need a driver who can continue this momentum. This will be the chance for Tonio to demonstrate to both the team and the field that he has the commitment, speed and professionalism to perform and I am sure he will seize this opportunity.”
Liuzzi will get the chance to race until the end of the season, starting with his home Grand Prix next weekend at Monza.
Mercedes Benz Look To Purchase Part Of Brawn GP Team
Plans for Mercedes Benz to buy in to the Brawn GP team have emerged today in well respected British newspaper The Daily Telegraph.
The newspaper suggests that Mercedes will not complete a full buy-out of the team, and instead purchase a percentage of it in a similar way to McLaren. Then use their stake, of probably around 20% to assist the team with equity and a certain engine and development deal.
Brawn get this news on the back of a positive few weeks in terms of sorting things out for next season, with Nick Fry telling the media that Brawn have a confirmed big name sponsor for 2010 which could be Emirates Airlines.
Mercedes Benz didn’t comment with much as always, but their other big investment team McLaren did, seemingly they are not concerned Mercedes Benz could leave the Woking based squad for Brawn’s new rockets.
“Mercedes-Benz’s engine supply contract with McLaren is a very long-standing one – it’s in its 15th consecutive year, in fact – and it will continue to run for many years to come,” said the McLaren spokesman.
“However, we’re supportive of our partner’s plans regarding engine supply of other teams in Formula 1, and we were delighted earlier this year that a Mercedes-Benz engine supply deal was able to be done with Brawn, thereby saving that team from likely extinction.”
Badoer Blames The Media For Loss Of Ferrari Seat
Luca Badoer has blamed the media for his loss of a temporary drive with the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team.
Badoer was brought in as a second rate replacement for Felipe Massa after Michael Schumacher, the first choice replacement for Massa could not race due to a neck injury.
After two race weekends languishing at the bottom of the timesheets, Badoer came under a lot of criticism from newspapers, television, bloggers and tweeters about his poor performances and was replaced last week by Giancarlo Fisichella.
“Those who write don’t understand how much harm they can cause,” Badoer was quoted as saying by Gazzetta Sportiva. “The media played a fundamental role in the decision to replace me.”
But Badoer didn’t just hit out at the media, he also criticised the FIA for reducing the amount of testing possibilities. He also admitted that while he had been slow, and sacked, he will always remember the opportunity.
“I realised my dream,” Badoer added “I will always be able to tell my kids I raced two races for Ferrari. Maranello had faith in me. I only have one regret – from the third grand prix I would have done better.
“There was no agreement on how many races I would do. I thought I had time to improve. And these rules stop a reserve driver from testing and make him a victim – it happens only in Formula 1.”
Fisichella To Race For Ferrari Until End Of Season – Full Report
Giancarlo Fisichella will drive for the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team until the end of the 2009 season, in place of Felipe Massa’s replacement driver Luca Badoer.
Fisichella leaves the Force India team with immediate effect, despite scoring their best finish ever last race out in Belgium with a 2nd place finish.
His former boss Dr. Vijay Mallya commented; “Giancarlo and his management team approached me yesterday with the proposal from Ferrari.
“For any Italian driver, a Ferrari race seat is a long-held dream and for Giancarlo it was no exception. No one should stand in the way of this. Furthermore the agreement will secure Giancarlo’s long-term future with Ferrari and it would be incorrect to jeopardise this, particularly when Giancarlo has made such a vital contribution to Force India.”
It will be even more exciting that just joining Ferrari for Italian Fisichella, because his debut race with the top team will come at the Italian Grand Prix next week. He will be looking to impress in the Ferrari F60, which took it’s maiden win in the last race at the hands of Kimi Raikkonen.
“We have chosen Fisichella because we can expect him to make a valuable contribution in this final part of the season.” Stefano Domenicali, boss of Ferrari Formula One Team said today
“Giancarlo has shown, throughout his long career, that he is fast and competitive and we are therefore proud to be able to run an Italian driver in our home race.”
Giancarlo Fisichella, known as Fisi to his fans, is still unbelieveably excited at the prospect of racing for Ferrari. It comes 14 years after he test drove a Ferrari in Maranello.
“I’m in seventh heaven,” Fisichella told the official Ferrari website. “I still can’t believe it – that the dream of my life comes true, and I want to thank Ferrari and Chairman Luca di Montezemolo.
“Over the last week some really incredible things happened to me: the pole position and then second place at Spa and now I’m called by Ferrari to race the last five races of the season for them.
“I’ll give my best to recompense the Scuderia for this great opportunity they gave me: I know that it won’t be easy, but I’ll give it everything to gain the best possible results.”
Nokia And Raikkonen To Make It Two Finns At Renault?
Kimi Raikkonen and the Nokia Phone Company are being touted by the Renault F1 Team as they look for a new driver and title sponsor.
Word from Crash.net suggests that Kimi Raikkonen has already been offered a 45million Euro multi-year contract by the French auto manufacturer based in Enstone, UK. He has a contract with Ferrari for 2010, but it is highly likely Fernando Alonso is to be unveiled as the Scuderia’s new driver for 2010 at the Italian Grand Prix in a week or so time. Raikkonen will be left seatless, if Ferrari stick with Felipe Massa as expected.
Renault are also looking for a title sponsor to replace ING who are pulling out of Formula One altogether at the end of the season. One candidate being lined up is the Nokia telecommunications company, which with Raikkonen could be very interested in a title sponsorship deal. It may lead to the cars returning to a Blue/White/Yellow scheme of colour, after this seasons frankly garish red/yellow/orange scheme.
Nokia previously sponsored the Tyrrell team in the early 1990′s with Finnish driver Mika Salo.
Ukyo Katayama in the 1995 Tyrrell with Nokia sponsorship clearly visible
Special Feature: When The Small Teams Do Well!
Everyone likes to see the “under-dogs” do well at some point, and following on from Force India’s epic weekend in Spa, where they had the fastest car and scored a second place finish on the back of pole position we look back at some fine performances from the minnows from the late 1990′s through to 2008!
1996 Monaco Grand Prix – Olivier Panis
It was a wet morning before the Monaco Grand Prix and changeable weather conditions were a possibility. In the warm-up pre-race Andrea Montermini crashed his Forti and wouldn’t make the start of the Grand Prix. Jos Verstappen hit the wall within moments of the race start as he was on slicks. After just 5 laps there were only 13 cars remaining with Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Ukyo Katayama, Ricardo Rosset and Pedro Diniz all retiring through incident.
Gerhard Berger then retired, and Martin Brundle spun. Heinz Harald Frentzen lost his nosecone and ended up well down the field. At Lowes hairpin, Olivier Panis managed to muscle his way passed Eddie Irvine in the Ferrari. Irvine lost control and was getting out of the car when the Ferrari engine coughed back into life for him. Jean Alesi took an impromptu lead but lost it when his suspension failed. Jacques Villeneuve retired when he was in an incident with Luca Badoer in the Forti who was some 6 laps DOWN on the leaders.
Olivier Panis took his first and only Formula One victory after the two hour limit was passed, it was Ligier’s final victory also and their first for 15 years in the sport. True underdog stuff.
1997 Hungarian Grand Prix – Damon Hill & Shinya Nakano
Damon Hill, despite being world champion was driving for the very uncompetitive Arrows Yamaha team and had been experiencing a shocking season. However in Hungary, the Bridgestone tyres the team used were working well and after qualifying 3rd, Hill managed to lead the race after making a daring move down the inside of Michael Schumacher. He lead for the majority of the race but ended up finishing second after a throttle linkage failure. The failure was caused by a small washer, valued at only 50pence but it took away Arrows’ first ever win. It would be their last podium finish.
Also worth noting in Shinya Nakano’s performance here to 6th place, where he managed to score a single point!
1998 Belgian Grand Prix – Jordan’s 1-2
Eddie Jordan’s team had always been there or thereabouts at the top of the tables, but this race really put them on the map.
In the rain at Spa Francorchamps there was a huge incident between the La Source hairpin and Eau Rouge with almost every single car in the field involved. It was caused by David Coulthard losing control, and with terrible spray and mist other drivers piled in at full speed. Without enough spare cars, many did not restart the race and those that did ended up in accidents themselves with just 8 cars finishing the event, and last placed Shinya Nakano was 5 laps down…at Spa!
Still a brilliant performance from both Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher led to the team getting a 1-2 finish and sending Eddie Jordan into eclectic jubliation.
1999 European Grand Prix – Minardi Points; Stewart 1-3
After a fairly large incident on the first corner taking out two cars this was a pretty crazy Grand Prix all in. When the rain came it just added to everyone’s problems and cars were spinning off the track all ways. The standard amount of mechanical problems added into the mix too led to both Minardi’s being in the points. Disaster struck the story late on when Luca Badoer retired from 4th place with mechanical problems but his team mate Marc Gene managed 6th and a solitary point which was as ever incredibly vital for the team. However, in recent years it has been suggested that Gene changed the champion of that season, had he been passed by Irvine then Eddie could have won the World Championship by a single point. But he did not, and Mika Hakkinen took his second and final title.
Worth noting also that Jackie Stewart’s team got a 1-3 finish in the race. But Minardi were even more of an underdog than Stewart!!
2003 Brazilian Grand Prix – Fisichella Shines In The Rain
Rain hit the Brazilian GP, and the drains on track couldn’t cope with the monsoon conditions. With standing water all over the place, many crashed around turn 3 including some of the big names such as Michael Schumacher. Coy pitting allowed Giancarlo Fisichella up the front of the pack and he completed a beautiful pass over Kimi Raikkonen to take the lead moments before Mark Webber had a huge crash coming into the main straight. The safety car came out and Fisichella dived into the pits giving Raikkonen the lead again. When Fernando Alonso had a huge shunt in the same place just moments later the race was red flagged and Raikkonen handed the win.
However in the days following the race, it was discovered the leader from the last full lap won the race and that was Giancarlo Fisichella! He was belatedly handed the trophy at the San Marino Grand Prix a few weeks later.
2005 United States Grand Prix
When Ralf Schumacher had another crash at Indianapolis, Michelin realised their tyres were not up to the job of the circuit and moments before the race started they asked the Michelin running cars to pull into the garages post formation lap.
They did so, and we were left with just 6 Bridgestone tyre runners to complete the USGP. There were shocking scenes that day, but it allowed Jordan and Minardi to score many points and indeed Tiago Montiero to take his first and only podium finish.
2008 Italian Grand Prix – Vettel Wins For What Was Minardi!
Sebastian Vettel was drafted into Toro Rosso late in 2007 and showed great promise as a driver. When the Italian GP came, adverse weather allowed the young driver to put his car on pole, from there he strolled home in the terribly wet conditions while others lost their heads. Vettel delivered Toro Rosso a win, the team that used to be Minardi and indeed before the big brother Red Bull team even got one!
