European GP 2010: Alonso Fastest In Front Of Home Crowd In FP2
Fernando Alonso gave home fans in Valencia something to cheer about when he put his Ferrari onto the top of the timesheets at the second practice for the European Grand Prix.
Red Bull Racing and Mercedes Benz are however hot on the heels of the Ferrari driver.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Alonso Ferrari 1m39.283s 33 2. Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m39.339s + 0.056s 27 3. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m39.427s + 0.144s 29 4. Rosberg Mercedes 1m39.650s + 0.367s 22 5. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m39.749s + 0.466s 24 6. Kubica Renault 1m39.880s + 0.597s 28 7. Massa Ferrari 1m39.947s + 0.664s 22 8. Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m40.020s + 0.737s 30 9. Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m40.029s + 0.746s 27 10. Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1m40.174s + 0.891s 33 11. Schumacher Mercedes 1m40.287s + 1.004s 24 12. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1m40.387s + 1.104s 33 13. Petrov Renault 1m40.618s + 1.335s 29 14. Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1m40.906s + 1.623s 34 15. de la Rosa Sauber-Ferrari 1m40.945s + 1.662s 30 16. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m41.115s + 1.832s 35 17. Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1m41.371s + 2.088s 30 18. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m41.457s + 2.174s 36 19. Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1m42.467s + 3.184s 31 20. Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1m42.993s + 3.710s 30 21. Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1m43.811s + 4.528s 14 22. di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1m43.854s + 4.571s 27 23. Senna HRT-Cosworth 1m44.095s + 4.812s 24 24. Chandhok HRT-Cosworth 1m44.566s + 5.283s 21
European GP 2010: Rosberg Fastest In FP1
Formula One returns this weekend to the Valencia street circuit for the European Grand Prix and it was Nico Rosberg who made the first impact, using the new F-Duct on his Mercedes Benz to full advantage to take top spot in FP1.
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Rosberg Mercedes 1:41.175 16 2. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:41.339 + 0.164 19 3. Button McLaren-Mercedes 1:41.383 + 0.208 21 4. Kubica Renault 1:41.715 + 0.540 20 5. Massa Ferrari 1:42.182 + 1.007 21 6. Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1:42.216 + 1.041 24 7. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:42.275 + 1.100 17 8. Schumacher Mercedes 1:42.312 + 1.137 18 9. Alonso Ferrari 1:42.421 + 1.246 22 10. Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1:42.463 + 1.288 21 11. Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1:42.707 + 1.532 23 12. Petrov Renault 1:42.962 + 1.787 17 13. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:43.310 + 2.135 23 14. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1:43.380 + 2.205 19 15. de la Rosa Sauber-Ferrari 1:43.397 + 2.222 21 16. di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1:43.437 + 2.262 18 17. Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1:43.729 + 2.554 21 18. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:44.183 + 3.008 21 19. Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1:44.491 + 3.316 21 20. Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1:45.653 + 4.478 23 21. Senna HRT-Cosworth 1:47.123 + 5.948 17 22. Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1:47.285 + 6.110 18 23. Klien HRT-Cosworth 1:47.343 + 6.168 14 24. di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1:47.356 + 6.181 24
Pirelli To Use GP2 Car To Test Tyres Before Ban Lifted – Possible Toyota Link Up
Pirelli have confirmed they will do initial testing and development of their 2011 tyres for Formula One using a development chassis obtained from the GP2 Series organisers.
Pirelli, the Italian manufacturer were confirmed as the new sole tyres supplier to Formula One at the start of this week, ending months of speculation. They now begin work on creating tyres for the series, but cannot put them onto a proper, fully fledged 2010 F1 car to test until after the final Grand Prix due to the testing ban. With speculation linking the manufacturer to using the still-born Toyota 2010 F1 car, they have come out to confirm that as a future possibility but admitted they are more likely to use a GP2 car.
The rubber company must also provide tyres to GP2, the FIA’s F1 feeder series from 2011.
“There has been a bit of press about [us using the Toyota chassis] but it has probably come from them because they are trying to get someone to use the car maybe…” Paul Hembery, Pirelli’s F1 tyre chief told Autosport.
“No we are going to start with a GP2 car, the new GP2 car.
“Having discussed with the F1 teams the level of performance of the new GP2 car, it’s not so far off as you’ve probably seen. As a test-bed, particularly for integrity reasons, reliability and stability, it’s probably a good starting point.”
“We are talking with the teams, because we want to understand when we do need an F1 car, what we could use that won’t give one team an advantage over another, and will also give us suitable feedback for the work we need to do,” he said.
“The Toyota car often gets mentioned because it is a bespoke car that would have got run this season.
“The negative is that it hasn’t done a full shakedown pre-season in the sense of the other teams, and for us at the moment we have never seen any data as to how reliable it is, costs or anything.
“One extreme comment was that we were going to buy the Toyota F1 team but the reality is we’ve just had a couple of emails saying they are available if we want to discuss it.
“We need a baseline that we can trust so that we can start building information,” he continued. “Maybe we can convince the teams that a three-year-old car, or something like that might be more suitable alternative if they can all agree on which brand it is.
“BMW, for example, might be another excellent choice.”
Frentzen To Act As “Driver” Steward In Valencia
Heinz Harald Frentzen, the popular German former F1 driver will act as the “driver” race steward for this weekend’s European Grand Prix at the Valencia Harbour circuit.
Frentzen, who retired from Formula One some seasons ago raced in F1 with Williams, Sauber and Arrows. He also competed in the popular German touring car series DTM.
Other former drivers including Damon Hill, the 1996 World Champion and Johnny Herbert have acted as stewards this season.
The 107% Rule Makes A Return To F1
The famous 107% qualifying rule, which takes incredibly slow qualifying cars out of a Formula One race will be officially re-introduced from the start of the 2011 season it was announced today.
The rule, which was brought into Formula One in 1996 was taken away at the end of 2002 with the introduction of single lap qualifying for 2003. It was not brought back ahead of the influx of new cars this season, the new teams have been accused regularly of holding up faster cars.
The FIA and World Motorsport Council knew something had to be done, and the re-introduction of the 107% rule seemed like the right thing to do.
A statement released by the World Motor Sport Council said: “From 2011, any driver whose best qualifying lap exceeds 107 per cent of the fastest Q1 qualifying time will not be allowed to take part in the race.
“Under exceptional circumstances, however, which may include setting a suitable laptime in a free practice session, the stewards may permit the car to start the race. Should there be more than one driver accepted in this manner, the grid order will be determined by the stewards.”
It was introduced in 1996 at the Australian Grand Prix, and in the first session it was breached by both drivers for the Forti team, one of those drivers was Luca Badoer who is infamous for his chronically poor pace driving for Ferrari when he stood in for the injured Felipe Massa. Another famous breaker of the 107% rule was Ricardo Rosset, a well known Brazilian ‘pay-driver’. It was broken some 37 times in total, most appallingly at the 2002 French Grand Prix when the Arrows drivers deliberately failed to ualify due to the teams financial problems, the only reason they went to qualifying was to miss the fines the FIA would impose on the team.
Pirelli Return As F1 Tyre Supplier From 2011
Pirelli, the Italian rubber manufacturer was officially announced today as the new supplier of tyres to Formula One from next season.
The manufacturer beat off competition from Avon and Michelin to take the sole supply contract from the FIA. The decision follows months of speculation on who will succeed Bridgestone who pull out of the sport at the end of the current year.
It is a new ground for the teams, with Pirelli only having made tyres briefly before in Formula One.
“Pirelli has been selected as the single tyre supplier for the FIA Formula One World Championship for a period of three years, commencing in 2011,” said an FIA statement.
“The sole supplier will undertake to strictly respect the sporting and technical regulations implemented by the FIA.”
Pirelli previously supplied teams in the World Rally Championship, cementing a good reputation with the FIA
JJ Lehto Injured In Boating Accident In Finland
JJ Lehto, a Formula One and Le Mans veteran has had a lucky escape from a boating accident in his native Finland.
The former Benetton and Sauber driver, who also won the 2005 24h Le Mans, was sailing a vessel along the Jomalvik Canal in Finland when disaster struck on the ship. It is unknown what caused the incident, but Lehto was thrown into the water. Sadly, a friend who he was sailing with was killed.
Lehto suffered concussion and broken ribs among his injuries, and managed to swim ashore but was very confused during conversations with police according to local witnesses.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
Hamilton: F1 Closer Than Ever Before
Lewis Hamilton, the winner of the most recent Grand Prix in Canada believes that the Formula One field is closer in terms of pace and performance now than at any other time during his career in the sport.
Hamilton, who won the 2008 Championship, believes he and his McLaren team can actively compete to win the title, but it will not be easy to win with strong challenges from Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes.
“Our sport is so incredibly competitive at the moment – and we’re seeing different teams come to the forefront all the time – that this championship is going to be as much about playing the long game – minimising mistakes, scoring points at every race – as it is about success at individual races,” Hamilton wrote on his official website.
“And, actually, I think that’s the first time you can probably say that about a Formula 1 championship. Whether it’s the changes to the points system, or just the fact that there are maybe as many as 10 drivers out there with the machinery capable of winning races, you can’t afford to just take the points. You’ve got to be on the limit all the time – and I love that, because that’s how I love to race.”
“It’s great to be leading the world championship, but, I have to be honest, Formula 1 is so tough and so competitive at the moment that you can’t take anything for granted – and, while I might be on top right now, I know that I’ll need to fight for every lap of the next 11 races to remain up there,” he said.
“And, I think I’m like the fifth leader of the championship so far this year, so it’s pretty clear that it’s not so easy staying on top.”
Brawn Warns Mercedes Off Supplying More Teams
Ross Brawn the team principal of the Mercedes Benz team has warned the German manufacturer about supplying any more teams with customer engine units following Red Bull Racing’s interest in using the marques V8′s from next year.
Brawn believes the team, who supply engines not only to their works outfit but to Force India and McLaren too, are already at full stretch and that adding another supplier would weaken the works teams charge to a title.
“In my opinion, as constructors, we at Mercedes would need to think long and hard before adding another customer to our list,” Brawn told Autosprint magazine.
“I think we are on the limit as far as supplies are concerned. We must make sure there is always a Cosworth able to sell its engines, it’s not the duty of a car manufacturer.
“As for the power, I don’t know. The truth is that there is no procedure that determines precisely the parameters. We would be fine with placing all the engines on the bench under the FIA’s supervision.
“But measuring the power is only a part of the problem. There’s the cooling, the driveability, the fuel consumption. And just recently the boss of Renault’s engine guys has said that their V8 may not be the most powerful, but it’s the best from many other aspects…”
Massa Extends Ferrari Contract Until 2012 – Scuderia Also Sign Youngster
Felipe Massa has extended his Ferrari contract for two more seasons, according to an official announcement made this morning.
The Brazilian driver, who narrowly missed out on winning the 2008 F1 World Championship, was set to be out of the deal at the end of this season. Many expected Massa to leave the team, as Robert Kubica was touted as a replacement but now he will be staying for the foreseeable future.
Massa has been working with Ferrari since 2001 in test roles and race roles with the former Sauber team whom Ferrari supplied engines too. He became a fully official Ferrari driver in 2006, partnering Michael Schumacher and then in 2007 until 2009 he partnered Kimi Raikkonen who won the 2007 Championship.
“I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons,” said Massa.
“Throughout my entire Formula 1 career, I have always raced with an engine made in Maranello and it is a matter of pride for me to be able to continue working with a team that I regard as a second family.”
Meanwhile the team also announced a signing to their young driver programme. 11 year old Canadian Lance Stroll with join the programme having been successful in various kart championships around the world. Ferrari will now guide him through the lower formulas as they prepare him as a future F1 driver.
“We are pleased to welcome Lance to our group,” said Luca Baldisserri, who runs the Ferrari Driving Academy. “He is very young, but he has already shown in karting that he is exceptionally talented.
“We will follow him step by step in his forthcoming events in North America and he will soon also take part in our courses at Maranello.”
Todt Warns Drivers That On Road Antics Could Lead To Sanctions
Jean Todt, the president of the FIA has warned Formula One drivers of new rules being considered for implementation that would see them recieve penalties and sanctions within the motorsport community if they are caught breaking normal road rules.
During Todt’s election campaign for the post of president he said he wanted road safety to be at the pinnacle of his changes, using race driver role models and projects to encourage safer driving within the normal road conditions. Programmes like “Make Road’s Safe” have been pioneered through advertising in Formula One with FIA funding. Michael Schumacher, the Mercedes Benz driver is a great role model of sfe driving having been involved in multiple projects, including a new anti-drink driving series of adverts with the backing of the Bacardi company.
Schumacher lending his hand to a "make roads safe" campaign
“Last year, 1.3 million people died on roads in the world – 90% in developing countries.” Todt told Le Parisien newspaper
“The forecasts for 2020 are terrible, and they estimate that nearly two million people will be killed if no action is taken by then. Now, with a minimum of dialogue, that figure could be halved. This requires education, improved road networks, and the involvement of new technology on cars.”
“There is an incompatibility between the status of a role model champion, and a possible infringement on the road. A driver is a driver like the others. We are therefore trying to see whether to do something, and how.”
Various Formula One drivers have been involved in driving offences ranging from speeding, driving without a valid licence, street racing and loutish behaviour. Jenson Button was arrested for driving at over 100mph on a French Autoroute in 2000, Giancarlo Fisichella lost his driving licence in 2005 for being caught driving at 92mph in a 35mph zone in Rome and most recently Lewis Hamilton was arrested and had his car impounded in Australia for doing burnouts and racing down roads near Albert Park in Melbourne.
Aleshin To Get Renault F1 Run
Mikhail Aleshin, a Russian race driver is set to be handed the opportunity to test run a Renault Formula One Car.
Aleshin currently races in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series for Carlin Motorsport, and has already previously tested a Red Bull car back in 2008. This time he tests a fully fledged new style F1 car due to his lead in the championship standings.
The test will take place next month at Magny Cours.
“For me it is a big privilege to be given the chance to do this run in the Renault F1 car in Magny Cours and it is great that the World Series organisers give drivers opportunities like this. I am really looking forward to getting back into an F1 car again.” Aleshin said this morning,
“Having said that, my main aim is to win the championship; that is my focus. This demo run is a great bonus, but I won’t be happy unless I am still leading the championship at the end of the season.”
Red Bull Confirm Webber’s New Contract For 2011
Red Bull Racing have confirmed rumours that they have signed Mark Webber onto a one year contract extension which see’s him tied to the current championship leading team until the end of 2011.
Webber had been linked with a move to Ferrari or Renault following his recent good form, and incidents with team mate Sebastian Vettel, who is contracted to the team until 2012 although that may be extended until 2015. Vettel and Webber’s fraught relationship came to a head in Turkey where the pair ran into each other causing Vettel to retire from the race, the team were on for a 1-2 finish.
“It was an easy decision to remain with Red Bull Racing. We began talking very early this year and were in a position to sign by the Barcelona Grand Prix.
“The decision to extend for a further year was a mutual one; it’s widely known that I’m not interested in hanging around in Formula 1 just for the sake of it and at this stage of my career, I’m happy to take one year at a time.” Webber said this morning.
“I continue to feel very comfortable here – I have a fantastic relationship with the whole team and the factory at Milton Keynes feels like home. It’s been incredible to be part of the team as it’s moved forward from a mid-field competitor to one that is challenging for the Championship.
“I hope we experience more success together in the future and achieve our ultimate goal of winning the world championship.”
Team principal Christian Horner added: “The decision to retain Mark was very straightforward. He is an important member of our team and is currently in the best form of his career, as the current leader of the drivers’ championship. The team is extremely happy that the driver pairing of Mark and Sebastian will remain unchanged for a third season in 2011.”
Ferrari now hold the cards to change the driver market, but it looks likely they will retain Felipe Massa and Renault will retain Robert Kubica.
Ferrari Offer Rossi Assistance In Broken Leg Recovery
Scuderia Ferrari’s boss Luca di Montezemolo has offered assistance to MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi in his recovery from a broken leg sustained in practice for last weekend’s Italian Motorbike Grand Prix.
Rossi, who is the current reigning world champion in MotoGP and is widely regarded as one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time had a horrific accident at the Mugello Circuit where he crashed in free practice. He was airlifted to hospital in Florence and has sustained a broken leg. It is expected he will be away from motorcycle racing for 2 months at least.
The rider popularly known as “The Doctor” has close links with Ferrari, having tested various road cars and even their Formula One cars. He has been linked with a drive with the Italian team.
“Everyone at Ferrari is with you at this difficult time,” Montezemolo told the official Ferrari website.
“We are sure that you will be back on track soon, even stronger than before.
“If during your convalescence you feel you would like to do some training on four wheels, then remember that the door to Maranello is always open to you.”
Team Principals Speak Out On Tyre Situation – Test Time Requested
Some of the top team principals in Formula One have spoken out about the current decision making process over the new tyre manufacturer for Formula One. Bridgestone, the sole supplier for many season’s contract runs out at the end of 2010 and a new manufacturer needs to be selected. Pirelli and Michelin are the final two manufacturers in the running for the contract.
Ross Brawn, the principal of Mercedes Benz and former owner of Brawn GP said that he feels the teams need a couple of test sessions with demo tyres from the new manufacturers.
“There has got to be some testing with the new tyre supplier, whoever it is, so I think late summer and early winter there will be some tests organised with the new tyre supplier,” said Brawn.
“But again, we must try and accommodate that within the teams we have. We can’t afford to go out and start rebuilding test teams again.”
Brawn re-itterated the point that the teams want to keep similar technical regulations with regard the tyres, a statement which almost confirms Pirelli not Michelin will be chosen as the Italian manufacturer wanted to stick with the current Bridgestone-spec tyres.
“The teams have together produced a technical specification of the tyre we want,” he said. “So there is a document that we have all contributed to which is a broad spec of the sort of tyre that we want which means there is a single directive to the new tyre supplier of the type of tyre that is needed.
“That means we can continue with the development of our cars. Our cars are being designed around the current tyres because we have no other information.
“So I think everybody wants a tyre to come in that has similar construction characteristics to the current tyre, whether the compounds are quite the same is another matter.”
Ross Brawn - No Messing
Meanwhile Swiss team boss Peter Sauber says he wants a decision sooner rather than later.
“I hope we have a solution before Canada,” Sauber said.
“It is not an easy situation this tyre situation, but it is important we have a tyre supplier for the next season and I think it is important to have a sole supplier tyre.”
Eric Boullier said while his team should theoretically favour the Michelin contract, his team were totally neutral in the decision.
“Let’s say historically Renault could prefer Michelin because they are both French companies, but I don’t think there is a preference for the Renault F1 team,” said Boullier.
Red Bull Look Set To Extend Vettel Contract To 2015 And Retain Newey
Red Bull Racing look set to make Sebastian Vettel the longest contracted driver in Formula One if insider reports from the team are to be believed.
Vettel, who is rated as one of the best young drivers in Formula One with multiple Grand Prix victories to his name has been sponsored by the Austrian energy drink company for the majority of his career. Following a stand-in race with BMW Sauber, the young German was contracted to Scuderia Toro Rosso for whom he promptly won their first and only Grand Prix in Monza in 2008. Since 2009 he has driven for the Red Bull team with whom he is contracted with until 2012.
However according to Autosport Red Bull executives want to extend his contract until 2015. This would make him the longest under contract driver in F1, with Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton being the other top two with contracts until 2012.
Red Bull also wish to retain the services of design ace Adrian Newey.
Team principal Christian Horner said about the Newey situation: “The relationship is open-ended. He is enjoying what he is doing, he enjoys the environment at Red Bull and he is still relatively young.
“It is not like he is an old timer, so I don’t think he has any plans to retire at the moment. He will certainly be here for the foreseeable future.”
Mark Webber could well be kept on under a single year contract extension for 2011 despite the recent troubles in the Turkish Grand Prix. If the Australian decides to move, his only serious option is seemingly Renault.
Lotus Raid Force India For New Technical Staff
Lotus’ technical director has revealed an array of new technical team signings for the British/Malaysian team, with all of the signings coming from rival team Force India.
The Force India team have lost Mark Smith, one of their top designers who joins Lotus to team up with Mike Gascoyne once again. Also coming into the green and yellow squad are Lewis Butler and Marianne Hinson who will take the roles of chief designer and head of aerodynamic development.
“I’m exceptionally pleased to welcome Marianne and Lewis to Lotus Racing, and I’m very excited to once again be teaming up with Mark Smith who I have previously worked with at Jordan, Renault and Force India,” said Gascoyne.
“Lewis and I were together at Force India, and Lewis also worked with Mark Smith at Red Bull, and Marianne and I have known each other since 1999 when I gave her her first job in F1 at Jordan, so we all know each other very well.
“Mark Smith and I were first at Jordan together where our first car was the 199, Jordan’s most successful F1 entrant, and then he came with me to Renault where we helped put them back on the top step of the podium, and put in place the team that went on to win two world championships.
“Most recently we were together at Force India, and I’m delighted he sees the potential we have here, and has seized the opportunity to work with me, Tony [Fernandes] and the whole team on helping Lotus Racing reach the front of the grid.”
