Bridgestone has dropped a bombshell on the F1 world by announcing they will not be supplying tires for the championship after 2010. The announcement comes as the F1 season wrapped up its 2009 season in Abu Dhabi. The tire manufacturer stated that they will continue to support the teams through 2010 but indicated that the current impact of the continuing evolution of the business environment was the lead reason for the departure. Bridgestone also indicated that they were prepared to take their product to the next level in an attempt…
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Rally – Gronholm Looks at 2010 Options
The two time WRC champion Marcus Gronholm is said to be exploring options that would see him back in a car for more than one event in 2010. Gronholm performed in the Rally Portugal and was very quick until an incident seen him out of the rally early. Marcus stated during the rally Portugal that he did not want the responsibility of running a full rally season. Where have I heard that before Michael. At the moment, it would appear that Marcus is looking for two rallies including Sweden and…
Read MoreLe Mans – Nissan & Maserati Return
As the economic crisis continues to hurt the different Le Mans series across the globe, there is now news that the rules may change slightly to allow some GT1 cars into the field for the annual 24 hour race. Nissan and Maserati have had a long and impressive history in the 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race, and they are now set to make a return under new guidance that looks to help the GT1 class and the field overall. The Autombile Club de l’Ouest will now allow…
Read MoreRally – WRC to Propose 15 Round 2011
The ISC has come forward and announced plans to increase the WRC calendar to 15 rallies as opposed to the 12 we had this season. What is even more interesting is some of the reported locations the ISC are scoping out for these rounds… The WRC has been running redline all month with nothing but positive news coming from the series on a seemingly daily basis. Something the IndyCar series could learn about generating interest in your series, however that is for another day. The ISC has stated that they…
Read MoreIndyCar – Penske to Field Three
Autoweek just ran an article quoting Team Penske President, Tim Cindric, as saying that he plans on running three cars in the IndyCar Series and not running Grand Am. “It’s not done yet, but we’re closer,” Cindric said. “I’m planning on running three cars full-time, but I don’t have the deal done yet.” This bodes well for Will Power who signed with Team Penske as a replacement driver while Helio Castroneves fought off charges of tax evasion and fraud. When Helio was exonerated, Will had to relinquish the seat to…
Read MoreF1 – Button/McLaren Picking up Steam
2009 has seen Jenson Button and Brawn GP rise from the ashes of Honda to claim both championships and impress the critics who it couldn’t happen. However, according to Motorsport.com, this match made in heaven may be over after only one year. Recent reports of a rift in the championship camp, and Martin Whitmarsh adding fuel to the fire may see the champ in at McLaren with fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton for an all British lineup. While this rumor has been out and about, only recently have comments from Martin…
Read MoreIndyCar – IRL to Sanction a Revived F2000
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding many things involving the Indy Racing League (title sponsor, Brazil race, new engine/chassis specs), one more iron is added to the fire: F2000. The Indy Racing League has recently signed an agreement to be the sanctioning body for the U.S. F2000 National Championship. This is certainly an interesting move, and an uplifting one in some respects. If successful, the new F2000 series could provide a solid ladder sequence for young drivers to make their way to Indianapolis. Last year, the IRL supported the Snap-On Stars of…
Read MoreIndyCar – Newman Wachs Coming in 2010?
Newman Wachs Racing is set to take Altantics champion John Edwards to either GP2 or IndyCar. As of now, they’re leaning strongly towards IndyCar, and it would seem to be a good fit since all of their work and efforts thus far, and all of the experience of Edwards, has been in domestic open-wheel series. John Edwards has won consecutive championships in Star Mazda (2008) and the Atlantic Championship (2009). The latter was thanks to a fantastic drive on his part in the season finale at Laguna Seca enabling him…
Read MoreF1 – Toyota Offers Kimi
Now that the real part of the F1 season has ended, the real part of the offseason can continue. Silly season has already seen Alonso to Ferrari, and Kimi to the curb. Toyota however have mad an offer to the former Ferrari ace as they continue to look for success in the sport. This deal may be the best they have ever offered and may lend them that first victory. As me and Mike stated a couple weeks ago, Kimi to Toyota would be a potentially great combo for both…
Read MoreRally – Fiesta S2000 Test Update
The newest challenger from the Ford stables has successfully completed its first round of testing. The Ford Fiesta S2000 has completed it initial gravel and tarmac tests as it continues it’s early yet accelerated development. M-Sport, who is responsible for Ford’s rallying program has carried out the initial tests of the car as they prepare for the 2010 season. The car is now ready to make the track to Lommel, Belgium where it will undergo further tests. The car will then head to Spain for the final tests on both…
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