In what can be called one of the more shocking outcomes in F1, Brawn GP has definitively taken the front row in Melbourne. The Mercedes powered cars ran blistering laps all through practice and set the track alive during Qualifications. Jenson Button took his first pole since Australia in 2006 while teammate Barrichello finished second. Third place went to Sebastian Vettel and the Red Bull Racing team. Third place is a splendid result after a terrible Friday practice. The Ferrari’s could only muster the bottom of the top ten and…
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Hunter-Reay to Drive for Vision Racing
Robin Miller and Speetv.com are currently reporting that 27 year old American Ryan Hunter-Reay will be signed to Vision Racing later this week. The young talent has recently signed a mega deal with IZOD to promote the young driver. When explaining the deal, Hunter-Reay had this to say: ” It all happened yesterday and we’re still getting the contract squared away but the team is scrambling to put my car together and thankfully I’m going to be racing Indy cars this year.” Reay lost his ride with Rahal Letterman after…
Read MoreSato Eyeing IRL Seat
There was rumor floating about within the last couple weeks that perhaps Takumo Sato would come to the U.S. and give the IRL a try. Autosport has run an article confirming Sato’s desire to run in the American open wheel series and could be in a seat come Motegi. Sato’s commercial manager was quoted as saying: “It’s a long way from happening yet,” But if Taku could do Motegi that would be great. If he could do more IndyCar races that would be even better. He still wants to get…
Read MoreOpenpaddock.net on Twitter & Facebook
Openpaddock.net has branched out of its humble beginnings and can now be found on facebook and twitter. Look for live updates at Twitter as they are posted and join the Openpaddock.net facebook group, a place where all can have friendly and thought provoking discussion.
Read MoreJust When You Thought it Was Safe
Just when you thought it was safe to venture back onto the race track, Red Bull has announced David Coulthard is in special reserve in case one of the Red Bull drivers are unable to race in the early stages of the 09 campaign. Granted we have no reason to believe that young Vettel has much to worry about unless the RBR’s suspension fails completely as it did last year for the first few races. This reserve is probably more in tune with Mark Webber who suffered a nasty bike/car…
Read MoreDuval Looking to IRC for Ride
Francois Duval has stated that he would like to drive in the IRC and he may have his chance in the Skoda Super 2000. Duval drove in the IRC in Portugal last year piloting a Abarth Grande Punto. That performance is one that he would choose to forget after losing a wheel bearing and retiring. Duval who drove for the Stobart Ford WRC team is looking into the Ypres Westhoek Rally from June 20-22. Duval stated that the IRC interests him more than the WRC because there are chances for…
Read MoreSafety Paramount in Oz
The Australian Grand Prix venue has undergone changes to the layout in order to protect drivers in the case of an off track excursion. Last year Timo Glock took the Panasonic Toyota off road in a scary accident that slightly injured the German and had many people in arms over the safety of Melbourne after past accidents involving Alonso and Schumacher. Amongst the changes on course is is a flattening of the exit in turn 12. Similar changes include extending the curbing, and increasing the amount of artificial grass exiting…
Read MoreShould Brawn Have Kept Jenson??
Much controversy was made about Brawn GP and the driver lineup that was selected this off season. Granted we here at openpaddock.net were stunned to see Rubens Barichello survive, some are questioning Ross’s decision in keeping Jenson Button. One of the leading voices in this argument is none other than John Surtees. Usually we have former champions making weird comments all season and really playing Monday morning quarterback, it is sort of surprising however that after a stellar testing session for Jenson Button and Brawn GP that folks are questioning…
Read MoreProdrive Showoff Gronholm STI
Prodrive has officially revelaed the new STI that Marcus Gronholm will make his one off run in Portugal. The car is painted with the colors of the Portuguese Tourist Board. Gronholm will step back into the car for the first time in 16 months. He first will run a test in Wales and then step up the pace and perform a more rugged shakedown. The true question is what kind of impact will Gronholm have in the points race? We all know that Gronholm is one of the best drivers…
Read MoreAudi Wins 12 Hours of Sebring
A weekend in Florida that was to have it all has come to an end. Needless to say, it had everything one could want from a race. In the end Audi flexed the muscle of the new R15 and sent a clear message to Peugeot for LeMans. The biggest suprise in my opinion was how quickly the Acura was a non factor. Just a couple short days ago we were singing the praises of Acura during the qualifications period. The car was not there all day and proved that it…
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