F1 – Thoughts on the Austin Track Map
One more step has been taken toward having a Formula 1 grand prix race in Austin, Texas. The proposed Tilke-designed track map including elevations has been released. My first thought is that this can’t be a Tilke track. There’s no chicane in front of the hairpins. (tongue firmly planted in cheek) 3.6 miles in 20 turns with 133 feet of elevation change, hairpins, high-speed sweepers, medium-speed technical sections, the circuit really... [Read More...]
F1 – Could Spa Switch to Every Other Year?
To paraphrase the stunned and dismayed youngster who confronted Shoeless Joe Jackson after the infamous 1919 Black Sox incident, “Say it ain’t so, Spa!” The president of the Spa-Franchorchamps circuit, Etienne Davignon, admitted to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws that the Belgian Grand Prix would likely become a once-every-other-year event. “We have already been congratulated by F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone. The facilities... [Read More...]
TV – Weekend Racing Schedule for August 27, 28, and 29th
FORMULA 1 RETURNS! MOTOGP RETURNS! INDYCAR OVAL RACING RETURNS! Its a great weekend to be a racing fan with access to cable TV. At long last, the Formula 1 returns from holiday to compete at one of the most epic racing circuits on the planet: Spa-Francorchamps! Spa is always a good show, especially if the rains come as forecasted. The shorter MotoGP break is also over and the riders return to Indianapolis. Sadly, I will be watching on TV this... [Read More...]
OpEd – Blocking in Modern Motorsports
The Blocking Problem Blocking is certainly nothing new in motorsports, or racing in general for that matter. As soon as two people raced each other on foot, I’m sure that the leader blocked the person behind and probably violently. In various types of horse racing, we see blocking and crowding a competitor against the rail, and given that automobile racing is simply an extension of horse racing, its no surprise that we see blocking in modern... [Read More...]
F1 – Audi Says No Means No
Recent reports have linked the Volkswagen family of auto manufacturers to a potential move to Formula 1 in the near future even perhaps assisting the likes of HRT. One brand name that was tossed into the circle was that of Audi. The ringed brand has told Formula 1 that they will not compete in the “pinnacle of motorsport” because it is not relevant to road car development. Wolfgang Ullrich had this to say in regards to the situation. “We... [Read More...]
F1 – Ferrari…Seriously??
Once again the FiA was able to make a dull pathetic race exciting by adding in the trump card of all F1 Grand Prix. The race steward. This card is a controllable means to making a race interesting when there is no chance of rain. So it happened this weekend in the bright sun of Valencia on a race weekend that even the most die-hard fans live to forget. Let’s face it, the race track itself is silly and the on track action is even worse. Yet that... [Read More...]
F1 – Fourth Team Would Hurt Mercedes
Simply put, 2010 has not been the year that Mercedes was hoping for. The team that was once Brawn GP, a team that took both the drivers title and the constructor’s title received a huge boost when they signed Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher, but both drivers have struggled up to this point. Along with trying to field their own manufacturer effort, Mercedes has supplied McLaren and Force India with power plants for their challengers over... [Read More...]
F1 – Raikkonen and Buemi Rumor Mill
While we thought that the extension of Massa and Webber would put a stop to big movers and shakers this silly season, that has not stopped some other names from picking up the slack. While Kimi Raikkonen has been the subject of a number of F1 seats since his departure, Sebastian Buemi has only been linked with his seat and its defense but now finds himself the subject of perhaps a Red Bull Racing seat. Raikkonen has been linked to Renault once before... [Read More...]
F1 – How Can Austin Succeed Where Indy Failed
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh recently made his feelings known about the return of the USGP to Austin, Texas in a phone interview with Autosport. His most poignant statement was “I think Formula 1 is used to being poured into markets that want us badly there…. North America frankly doesn’t need Formula 1, so I think it’s for us to go and prove to North America that this is an interesting sport and spectacle and... [Read More...]
F1 – Massa Extension Settles Market
Ferrari has announced this morning the extension of Felipe Massa until the end of the 2012 season. This will give the Maranello based squad the lineup of Alonso/Massa until that point. A smart move by Ferrari who need to keep things relatively the same until they produce better results. It was thought that Alonso and Massa would give Ferrari a nearly untouchable combo this season and while the season is still young, it has been far from roses for... [Read More...]
