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 believe formula one and Audi do not fit, so long as…
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IndyCar – Hello Loudon, Goodbye NASCAR
With the news that the IZOD IndyCar Series (IICS) will be returning to Loudon next year, the dreaded NASCAR track disease that we here at Open Paddock said was a series debilitating syndrome may finally be going away. It is true that we here at the site have been very critical of the IICS and their schedule that consists mainly of the cookie cutter NASCAR tracks. For one, they show next to no attendance figures, and they also do not promote “drivers” racing but instead a true test of engineering…
Read MoreF1 – 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 race has…
Read MoreEpisode 44 – Open Paddock Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and I as we address the great race that was Iowa as well as talk rally news and all of the new Formula 1 regulations as well! Sit back and have a beverage as we ramble on about all things hot in motorsport this week and some things World Cup related.
Read MoreRally – Why Toyota/Prodrive is Rumor Only
There seems to be some confusion on what exactly Prodrive are doing in terms of their rally program as of late. Is it MINI or is it Toyota or is it even Formula 1??? I can assure you as will Prodrive that they are not entering Formula 1. However, the rally program has been thrown into question with rumor that the British firm may be working with Toyota in a return to the WRC. Guess what? Not gonna happen. There are a number of things that make this a non…
Read MoreRally – Juha @ Rally Finland 1998
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 the last couple years. Speculation had the German team also perhaps supplying Red Bull…
Read MoreRally – Flash from the Past to Compete in Finland?? *UPDATE*
One of the great things the WRC has shown us the last few years is the ability for drivers to make returns for select events. For example, we had Marcus Gronholm make a cameo appearance at Rally Portugal last year and Rally Sweden this year. However not even that can top Juha Kankkunen and his attempt to run in the Rally Finland event that is coming up. The four times WRC champion is making waves in the rally world as he sits on the very edge of making a comeback…
Read MoreIndyCar – Drivers Preview Iowa
Episode 43 – Open Paddock Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and I as we discuss the weekend that was the Canadian GP. We also cover a little Le Mans as there was the greatest sports car in the world last weekend. We talk a little Rally and a little IndyCar as well. So as is standard operating procedure, sit back with your favorite beverage and enjoy the random gripes and complaints that make up this weeks show!
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