20-Jun-08: Massa and Alonso Make the Most of Friday in France
Today is the 20th June 2008 and you’re listening to F1 Minute.
A lot to get through today, but let’s start with Free Practice for France. Massa led the way in a very quiet first session, with the only incident really being Alonso’s engine blowing up out on track. However, in the second session, the Renault was much better with Alonso topping the timesheets.
Not the most action we’ve seen on a Friday, which could be blamed on the circuit. Magny-Cours have, however, unveiled their plans for some major upgrades to the circuit including new pits, paddock and hospitality facilities. They’re calling the project Magny-Cours 2.
At the end of Free Practice, the drivers that were still out on track took part in the new ECU safety car ruling test, apparently with mixed feelings. GPDA president Pedro de la Rosa said some are happy and some are not, and it’s still early days. De la Rosa also said there was no talk of a strike amongst drivers, which is good because Hamilton said, whilst he supports the cause, he wouldn’t be taking part in one.
That’s everything for today, join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
Steven Roy on Fri, 20th Jun 2008 21:28
So when Bernie says that this is the last ever GP at Magny Cours he has the back door option of announcing a new contract for Magny Cours 2.
Vi84 on Sat, 21st Jun 2008 08:52
Consider that the project needs time. And consider also that this year we have the race in Magny-Cours because Bernie did not find any other place. But next year, with Abu Dhubi coming in (and perhaps also India) Magny-Cours will be forced to forget Formula 1. Also Imola has completed the re-development, but it does not seem San Marino will be back in Formula 1. So I expect it will be the same for Magny-Cours.
Christine on Sat, 21st Jun 2008 19:04
I guess it depends on Bernie’s mood. Silverstone have been talking about their revamp for ages and it hasn’t made Bernie any more likely to let them keep the British GP. You can never tell what goes through that man’s mind.