26-Feb-08: Coulthard Pulls out of Barcelona Test
Today is the 26th February, I’m Christine and this is F1 Minute.
David Coulthard had to withdraw from testing in Barcelona today due to a minor injury to his neck. The Red Bull driver pulled a muscle during yesterday’s session and has had treatment for it today. He will be resting up now and hoping he’ll be alright for tomorrow. Red Bull drafted in Sebastian Vettel to take his place, as Toro Rosso were only running one car.
Two McLaren’s topped the tables today, with Hamilton just edging Kovalainen. Raikkonen was third in the Ferrari. Rosberg continued the fine form of Williams in 4th, and it’s worth pointing out Fisichella in the Force India was in 6th. It was the first completely dry day for a long time, and Button managed to raise Honda’s spirits with the 9th fastest time, while Renault struggled with Alonso in 13th and Piquet in 18th.
Elsewhere, Michael Schumacher spoke about his experience yesterday, and predicted that it will be a two horse race this year, McLaren and Ferrari. He said Ferrari are not as far ahead as everyone thinks, but they are strong.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
the Blue Orange Lion on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 20:55
Hmm, I hear Spanish press (namely sport magazine Marca, I think it’s a magazine) says Ron Dennis could call it a day soon, it seems that Mercedes was fairly unfappy about last year’s scandals and they want Ronster out. Interesting. Marca also says Ron can stay in advisory role without being able to appear at the races, define race strategies (quite obvious if he can’t be there), choose drivers, sign sponsorship contracts or have any involvement in car design (how exactly he has involvement in designing McLaren Formula 1 chassis - I’m not sure, he’s not trained for that). Supposedly, Mercedes spends over 200 million euros on F1 program and wants better image, something like that; they even say Ron would’ve departed already had Alonso ir Hamilton won the title last year. Bizarre! I love rumours! McLarens look quite handy in testing, but anything can happen in Melbourne, gotta call you guys and make my predictions.
sebastian on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 22:38
I read the same thing in many Spanish sport websites. However, they don’t like Ron Dennis so I don’t believe it……………yet!!!
If it comes to be true, in my opinion McLaren image is already damage, even if you’re a fan of them.
In Melbourne, I predict Ferrari one and two with McLaren 3rd (hoping for Heikki) and Williams fourth……………….I know, I know. I’m asking for too much
me on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 22:44
very much appreciate it sir.
sebastian, if you have 2mins to spare, please phone these predictions into our free voicemail servcie. more info here - http://tinyurl.com/3cxjv6.
sebastian on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 23:05
Me,
Thanks you, but I’m in the US and at work and unfortunately they don’t allow calls outside the US.
However, I think that this site is great and that you are doing a great job keeping us, the fans, inform.
me on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 23:14
shoot, didn’t realise.
methinks we’re going to have to set up a local US number, because you’re not the first to have this problem.