Officials from Donnington have yet again missed another deadline set by Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. This is yet another deadline that has shown Simon Gillett’s inability to secure financing for the track modifications to host next year’s British Grand Prix. Bernie expressed doubt and indicated that even if the money is delivered this weekend, there would not be enough time for the track to prepare for next year’s event. Traditionally held at Silverstone, the race looked set to move to the Leicestershire track. However, due to continued missed deadlines…
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F1 – REPORT: Senna to Campos
The German publication Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that the ink is all but drying on a contract that will see Brunno Senna make his 2010 debut with Campos F1. There is further rumor that Pedro de la Rosa will team with the Brazilian in the second seat which would give Campos a promising lineup heading to the 2010 campaign. This has not been officially confirmed, however Senna stated earlier this week that he was 90% sure he was going to make his F1 debut next season. Senna has…
Read MoreF1 – USF1 is Solid
After much speculation about the readiness of USF1 and their 2010 challenger, the FIA headed to tin taxi country in good ol’ Charlotte North Carolina and were served a piece of humble pie. This can mostly be attributed to one Bernie Eccleston and his “well tapped” information. Last week Bernie stated that there had been doubts raised as to whether the US team would make the 2010 grid, and stated that the soon to be Qadbak team would not have to worry about a 14 team waiver. Further more, there…
Read MoreF1 – Suzuka Wrap-up
The Formula 1 World Championship returned to Suzuka for the first time since 2006 this weekend. Jenson Button could sure up the title this weekend as could Brawn GP. Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing would have something to say about it before all was said and done however. Sebastian Vettel would go on to dominate the Japanese Grand Prix. His victory not only kept Red Bull Racing in the title fight, but also kept the German himself in the hunt for his first driver’s title. Toyota was unable to…
Read MoreEpisode 10 – Open Paddock Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadThis week Mike and I get into Singapore and the Petit Petit Le Mans. Mr. Alonso goes to Maranello and we discuss all the hot topics and look ahead to Suzuka and WRC Spain. Get your fix of this weeks news in the most politically incorrect way possible.
Read MoreF1 – Eccelstone Doubts USF1
It has been known for what seems like eternity that Bernie Ecclestone is a very outspoken man. One to never let an opportunity in front of a microphone go, Bernie has now heaped scorn at the Peter Windsor/Ken Anderson USF1 entry claiming that he does not believe the team will be ready for 2010. The new Charlotte based team has worked methodically and round the clock to ensure their entry would hit the grid by 2010 and have done it all right in my opinion. They have their own chassis…
Read MoreF1 – FIA OK with Re-Homologation
Engine homologation in F1 has been a bit of a black art. The teams were allowed to make ‘reliability upgrades’ to their cars, but those upgrades have increased engine performance. So much so that Renault was allowed to make special engine upgrades during the offseason to catch up. New concerns over the performance level of the engines have come up, with many in the paddock saying that the Mercedes engine is at a very clear advantage, especially after their performance at Monza. The FIA has responded to requests from FOTA…
Read MoreF1 – 2010 Schedule Released
The FIA took the opportunity of the WMSC meeting with Renault to release the 2010 F1 calendar of events: March 14 – Bahrain March 28 – Australia April 4 – Malaysia April 18 – China May 9 – Spain May 23 – Monaco May 30 – Turkey June 13 – Canada* June 27 – Europe (Valencia) July 11 – Great Britain July 25 – Germany August 1 – Hungary August 29 – Belgium September 12 – Italy September 26 – Singapore October 3 – Japan October 17 – Korea October…
Read MoreF1 – WMSC Puts Down Smack
The FIA has issued their full verdict on the Renault ‘Piquetgate’ scandal and the arbitrary hand of FIA justice has fallen. Leading up to this mornings WMSC hearing, Pat Symonds and Flavio Briatore left the team and Renault made it known that they would not dispute any of the FIA’s findings. On top of that they issued an unreserved apology to the FIA for the actions of members of their team. The FIA found that Nelson Piquet Jr., Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds conspired to have NPJ crash during last…
Read MoreEpisode 08 – Open Paddock Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadThis week Doug and I are joined by Todd aka Negative Camber to talk about a whole bundle of F1 news. Todd was gracious enough to lend us some smarts on the FIA traveling circus. Doug also does a brilliant job with feeder series. Enjoy!
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