As much as I hate to say it, I think the Michael Schumacher deal may be done. I know the sources stating the news are about as creditable as the National Enquirer. There is just so much steam behind the “rumor” and all of the press reporting has finally turned me into believing this is finally a reality. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo helped the rumor along today stating he would release the 7 times champion if he requested. The question then comes to mind why? Granted we know that…
Read MoreTag: Formula 1
F1 – Lotus Confirm Drivers
Team Lotus is the first of the new F1 teams to announce their full lineup for the 2010 season. Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen were announced Monday as the main two drivers with Fairuz Fauzy being named as the official test driver. Trulli will continue his career in refugee status as he lost out in the Toyota pullout (not so sure he would have stayed anyways). As for Heikki, this drive has to be a bit sour after losing his McLaren seat. Both drivers will be looking to have some…
Read MoreF1 – 2010 Calendar Finalized
The FiA have fired off a number of news stories in recent days ranging from a new points system all the way to embracing modern media. One thing that was also released was next year’s final calendar. Listed below is the final 2010 calendar for the FiA Formula 1 World Championship. Key changes see Australia moved to second and Bahrain up to the season opener. This change was sought by the Australians as they host a number of sporting events in the February-March time frame. Canada is back on the…
Read MoreEpisode 18 – Open Paddock Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and I as we discuss Le Mans and the International Cup. We also cover all the big motorsport conventions from this week and the great news that came from them. Britain again has a GP and we discuss it. We also talk rally feeder series and even mention Danica to NASCAR.
Read MoreEpisode 17 – Open Paddock Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Shaun, Mike, Doug, and Andy (aka Frantic) as we talk the IZOD IndyCar series and Danica Patrick. We also talk about RHR to Andretti Autosport. We offer our thoughts on Kimi to Citroen if the deal goes through and we also try and hammer the Formula 1 news out including a stupid entry list and Andy offers his opinion on Bernie and the British GP.
Read MoreF1 – Schumacher Contract Free?
We here at openpaddock.net have been trying our best to keep up with the Michael Schumacher to Mercedes circus and an interesting development has been posted at motorsport.com that may make things a little easier for the now German outfit. In September it was though that Michael Schumacher had signed a contract extending his stay at Ferrari as a consultant/test driver. According to some suspect media statements by Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni, the German may have actually not signed the agreement. Colajanni indicated he was not aware of a physical…
Read MoreF1 – Canada is Back!
A deal to secure the Canadian GP has been made official after the Canadian Government stepped in to secure the race for another five years. The race which was absent for the first time ever in 2009, has been given a new life and will be back on the calendar for 2010. We heard a lot of the chatter all season as the promoters of the event worked to restore it to the calendar. The plan is for 8.5 million pounds annually for the five year deal. This is only…
Read MoreF1 – Qadbak Out; Sauber In
BMW announced earlier this year that they would not be returning to Formula 1 next year. Shortly after that, the team was purchased by Swiss firm Qadbak who had been considered suspect. That deal has failed and will now be purchased by the man who started it all, Peter Sauber. Originally the team had been sold to Qabak who had some suspect issues come up. In recent days it would appear as though the deal was going to fall through. Now with the Swiss firm gone, Peter Sauber will now…
Read MoreF1 – Force India Reveal Line-up
Force India made amazing progress with the Mercedes package in 2009. They now will retain their current line-up for the 2010 season in hopes of adding consistency. Adrian Sutil and Viantonio Liuzzi will pilot the Force India Mercedes for 2010 which adds yet another full driver line-up to the grid. Lost is Fisichella who jumped ship in the later part of the season to have a sorry run with Ferrari. Fisi gave the Indian team its best ever finish of 2nd at Spa. However, Liuzzi and Sutil both had strong…
Read More#F1 – JR Hildebrand Tests for Force India
2009 Firestone Indy Lights champion, JR Hildebrand, will test for the Force India F1 team in the first days of December. Read the full article at Autosport.com. JR has been searching for a ride at the next level ever since August (probably before), but many, including myself, thought that meant a seat somewhere in the IZOD IndyCar Series, or perhaps with USF1 USGPE. Turns out that he has his sights set well above the doubtful USF1 USGPE and on a ride with a legitimate team that actually has a car…
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