16-Mar-10: Ecclestone Tells F1 Not to Panic

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Listen to this episode

Welcome to F1 Minute, it’s the 16th March 2010.

The reaction continues to pour forth regarding F1’s first race of the year, with Webber going into more detail than his initial tweet. He said: “I spent 48 laps staring at the gearboxes of first Schumacher and the Button and there was nothing I could do to pass them.” He added: “I was quicker than him but I was unable to find a way through. He didn’t make a mistake and if I’d tried to force the issue, it would have ended in a crash.”
Coulthard has joined in the call for mandatory pitstops, suggesting that as it is now, it’s all about reliability rather than racing.

Bernie Ecclestone has warned that the sport shouldn’t over-react though. He said: “There is no panic, no crisis for F1. I think there is nothing we can do immediately and we should not just knee-jerk into changes… The first race with new regulations was always going to be a learning curve for them all. Now they know they can make improvements and be a bit bolder and we will get more action.”
Let’s hope!

That’s it for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 17th January

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

Preparing to Test

The teams are starting to get ready for pre-season testing…

• “We have been given special dispensation to have six straight line/full-scale tunnel days, rather than the four to which all the other teams are limited. It is an example of how the FIA and the teams have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome.” Peter Windsor
• “I think there is no other sport in the world where you test for seven days before the championship. I cannot imagine a tennis player testing seven times before Roland Garros, or a football player training seven days before a world cup, so this is something strange in our sport.” Fernando Alonso
• “All of the cars on the grid have had incredible reliability over the last few years – on the first day of running with the RB5 we did 90 laps. We’ve got high expectations in terms of track time with RB6 so we feel that it’s a plan that suits us and it’s one that we plan to execute.” Christian Horner on skipping the first test

Bernie Ecclestone’s Opinions

The FOM chief has been sharing his thoughts again…

• “Obviously when you speak to these people they say everything’s fine and there’s no drama. But I’m sure there is drama. I honestly believe that one or two of these new teams that are now coming in will be much better off running one car which is supplied by any of the other teams” Bernie Ecclestone
• “My idea was to make a much bigger gap between first and second, and maybe second and third. What I was trying to do was give people the incentive to overtake, not to sit there getting points.” Bernie Ecclestone
• “The other thing I’ve been pushing like crazy with people is that brakes these days are so efficient that – I’ll say this and it’s probably wrong – I could brake as late as anyone else if I saw the braking markers” Bernie Ecclestone

Talking Silverstone

The legacy that Donington has left behind…

• “Donington is a fabulous circuit and I think it’s such a tragedy frankly that it’s been buggered up so much. I’m afraid Simon Gillett’s done that circuit no favours whatsoever. An awful lot of promises, very few of which ever came to anything.” Jonathan Palmer
• “We are building the new Arena circuit. It has gone into the FIA for [F1] homologation so we should be able to run FIM MotoGP and F1 on it. The issue really for 2010, is whether we can do that logistically. So we have issues with maybe Paddock Club, and Paddock Club parking and things like that to resolve.” Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone
• “The facilities at Silverstone are already better than a lot of other grand prix circuits. We were at Barcelona for Formula 2 and the paddock area and buildings were far shabbier than Silverstone is now. Silverstone has worked really hard in the last year or two to smarten that place up and I think they’ve done a good job.” Jonathan Palmer

13-Jan-10: Fisichella Hopes for Race Seat in 2010

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Listen to this episode

Welcome to F1 Minute, it’s the 13th January 2010.

Giancarlo Fisichella has said that he is still hopeful that he might get a race seat for one of the teams with a seat available in 2010, even though he is signed with Ferrari as a reserve driver. Fisi said: “Abu Dhabi could have been my last race, but maybe not. It would be nice to know my future, but in the case of not racing I’ll be in the Ferrari team as third driver and for me that’s still a very good opportunity.” Ferrari have already said there is nothing in Fisichella’s contract to stop him racing elsewhere.

Whilst we’re on the subject of Ferrari, the team confirmed the launch of their new car will be on the 28th January – a Thursday – and naturally, it will be in Maranello.

Finally, the new points scoring system has come under fire from Bernie Ecclestone who thinks although the numbers are bigger, the incentive to win still isn’t enough. It seems as though the teams are still discussing the system, though.

That’s all for now, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.

Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 10th January

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

Renault Make Some Changes

Eric Boullier takes over the helm at Renault…

• “Renault is one of the most famous and successful names in motorsport and I look forward to leading the team into the new season. In the past Renault has demonstrated that it is one of the top teams in Formula One and I am sure that with hard work and determination we can challenge at the front once again.” Eric Boullier
• “…it might be a Gravity driver or not, but I can guarantee that it will be even more difficult for a Gravity driver to be selected as they really will have to prove their worth to be chosen as Renault’s second driver.” Eric Boullier
• “There is a great value here that we need not to forget – and it would be stupid of me with no previous F1 experience to shake up everyone here. The team is very competent – they just need to be a little bit reassured and get more confidence for the future.” Eric Boullier

Drivers in New Teams

It’s all change on the grid for 2010…

• “Already at Renault, I drove the car, especially at the end of the season, very well. But, I think I have learned things that I have brought to this team and I can use in the future. And I can bring better results.” Heikki Kovalainen
• “All I can say is that I’m excited about working with Lewis, because that is exactly what we are going to have to do to be competitive this year. Really it makes my life a lot easier because I’m in a much more relaxed position than people telling me that I was going to destroy my team-mate.” Jenson Button
• “There were no doubts, really, but it was very important we understood who were in the key roles in the team and of course also the budget – it is fundamental you have that for the updates to the car.” Daniele Morelli, Kubica’s manager

Briatore Gets His Verdict

The Flavio Briatore saga continues…

• “It was a case of vengeance from Mosley, who has always managed the FIA and the World Council as if it was private property. He had reassured me, telling me they understood I didn’t have anything to do with that story. Then came that verdict. It was an ignoble thing after 18 years of F1.” Flavio Briatore
• “…in any case the FIA can easily change its rules so that it takes account of what the court said. They said we weren’t allowed to ban non-licence holders. Well obviously you can bring in a rule which does allow you to, if you wish. One thing’s for sure, it’s very far from over.” Max Mosley
• “There’s no reason he can’t carry on as a manager if he wants. I didn’t want to see him go in the first place, but it would be difficult for someone who has done something wrong to return in his old job or something similar.” Bernie Ecclestone

Lotus Ready to Test for the Mid-Field

Mike Gascoyne is hoping to beat a couple of existing teams.

Welcome to F1 Minute, it’s the 7th January 2010.

Autosport is reporting that Lotus are pretty sure they will be on track at the second pre-season test in Jerez in the middle of February, and they’ll take part in the following Barcelona test as well – the last outing before the season gets underway in Bahrain. CTO Mike Gascoyne is happy with how their plans are shaping up, particularly as they are doing better than anticipated, he says: “Being a week ahead of schedule is pretty good considering it is modern F1. To get an entry on September 12 and to be there in good shape is not a bad effort.”

He is sure that picking up experienced drivers like Kovalainen and Trulli will propel Lotus to the mid-field, saying: “…with eight cars going out in Q1, you’ve only got to pick up one or two stragglers to get both cars into Q2 – and immediately you are a midfield team.”

That’s all for now, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.

[Download Video]

Sauber Confirm Launch Date for New Car

Sauber plan their launch, whilst Bernie welcomes Briatore.

Today is the 6th January 2010 and this is F1 Minute.

Good news to start with, the ex-BMW team Sauber have confirmed the launch of their 2010 car – it will take place at Valencia on the 31st January, which is the day before the first test of the year. They are the first team to announce a launch date, I hope we’ll hear more from the others now.

Back to the unpleasant Briatore business unfortunately, the Italian has suggested that he will be taking legal action against the Piquet father and son duo, saying “The bad that has been done to me won’t be forgotten in one day.” He also has another go at Max Mosley while he’s at it. Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone would be ready to welcome Flav back to the paddock with open arms, saying: “He was a great character in F1 but I am not sure if that’s what he wants to do now. I think he will move on from that.

That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

[Download Video]

06-Jan-10: Sauber Confirm Launch Date for New Car

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Listen to this episode

Today is the 6th January 2010 and this is F1 Minute.

Good news to start with, the ex-BMW team Sauber have confirmed the launch of their 2010 car – it will take place at Valencia on the 31st January, which is the day before the first test of the year. They are the first team to announce a launch date, I hope we’ll hear more from the others now.

Back to the unpleasant Briatore business unfortunately, the Italian has suggested that he will be taking legal action against the Piquet father and son duo, saying “The bad that has been done to me won’t be forgotten in one day.” He also has another go at Max Mosley while he’s at it. Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone would be ready to welcome Flav back to the paddock with open arms, saying: “He was a great character in F1 but I am not sure if that’s what he wants to do now. I think he will move on from that. It’s good for him but it is not good for the FIA when you read the verdict.”

That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 27th December

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

Schumacher’s Big Comeback

Michael Schumacher joins Mercedes for 2010…

• “Michael and I kept very close over the years and I saw from his disappointment over the summer, when he couldn’t drive a Ferrari, how much passion he still has for the sport. We’re incredibly excited now about the prospect of Michael being part of the team.” Ross Brawn
  
• “I never left the race track. I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006, but in three years of absence I got back all the energy that I am feeling right now. I played around with motorbikes and I feel ready for some serious stuff now.” Michael Schumacher
  
• “It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula 1 and will be my team-mate at Mercedes GP. It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed. It is also great news for our sport and the fans.” Nico Rosberg
  

Ecclestone Picks His Favourite

Bernie sets his sights on a new champion…

• “There are several – Hamilton, Alonso… But I will say this now: Vettel will be the next world champion.” Bernie Ecclestone
  
• “His return is good for F1. Now this is obviously the main point of conversation, and the entire world is talking about it. But I think that once the engines start again and the season begins, there will certainly be more important things to focus on.” Sebastian Vettel on Schumacher
  
• “Don’t forget, next year we have four current or former world champions in the shape of Alonso, Hamilton, Button and Schumacher on the starting line. I can’t remember the last time that happened.” Bernie Ecclestone
  

New Team Updates

Confirmed and potential teams talk of the future…

• “A number of people have asked me why we’ve been relatively quiet over the past six months or so. My answer is twofold – one, while the F1 politics were sorting themselves out there was very little that we could do or say. We’re all in the entertainment business we call F1 and there seemed little or no point in adding to the situation from the perspective of a new team.” Peter Windsor
  
• “We have suffered from changes to the FIA rules since we became part of Formula 1, but despite difficulties we have never considered the option of giving up on the championship. Our project is solid as it has always been and we confirm we will be in Bahrain in March and of course Abu Dhabi in November.” Statement from Campos
  
• “We will offer teams, who are changing drivers during the season, or even young drivers themselves, the chance to test our car so they can gain experience. It will be purely a commercial operation.” Zoran Stefanovich, Stefan GP
  

24-Dec-09: Formula 1 Reacts to Schumacher Comeback

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Listen to this episode

Welcome to F1 Minute for the 24th December 2009.

Following the Schumacher confirmation yesterday, there has been a lot of talk about how he will fare on his comeback in 2010. Everyone has been hitting the headlines with their thoughts, starting with his new team boss Ross Brawn: “He has always been his own best critic, the man himself knows what he is capable of. I am very comfortable and put my trust in Michael, and it won’t be misplaced.”

Teammate Nico Rosberg says: “It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed.”

Finally, Bernie Ecclestone thinks it is excellent for the sport: “I always said that F1 is a strong brand. It has demonstrated time and again that it can pull itself up by its own bootstraps. And yes, all indications point to a jaw-dropping season. Fans will love it.”

That’s all for now, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

22-Dec-09: Peter Windsor Confident on US F1 Future

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Listen to this episode

It’s the 22nd December 2009 and this is F1 Minute.

There have been a lot of doubts about the future of US F1, as whilst Lotus and Virgin Racing announce liveries, drivers and plans for the car, US F1 have been remarkably quiet. Even Bernie Ecclestone has raised a few concerns, but boss Peter Windsor has hit back at those comments: “I’m surprised Bernie said that. We will be there. We’re in good shape. Everything is going well and we are looking forward to the year.”

Also today, the name Zoran Stefanovic cropped up again. Stefan GP previously attempted to get on the grid for 2010, then sued the FIA for allegedly demanding the new teams used Cosworth engines. It’s emerged Zoran visited the Toyota factory in Cologne, and he reportedly still wants a team ready to go for next year, even if there is no space left on the grid. A statement from Stefan GP said the boss was impressed with Toyota’s work.

That’s all for now, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.

Next Page »