Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 6th December

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

Young Driver Test

More sign-ups for 2010…

• “It is impressive what the car does, how predictable and precise its reactions are, and how high the overall grip level is. But I have to admit I am also a little bit disappointed because being a racing driver you always want to be the fastest!” Alexander Rossi, BMW
  
• “I am very happy to be able to drive for Sauber. It will be a second day for me – and it’s always good to get two days of testing instead of one. It will be very interesting to compare the differences between the two teams and the two cars.” Bertrand Baguette, Renault then Sauber
  
• “I don’t have any concrete plans for next year but I hope that I can build a solid relationship with Force India for the future off the back of this test.” Paul di Resta, Force India
  

Young Drivers and Ferrari

The red team are keen on getting youngsters in the car…

• “Ferrari contacted my manager Willi Weber. They had a bit of interest and there was some contact. It didn’t come out that way, as we know, and I think it worked out for the best because I was able to finish GP2, win it and start F1 clean with Williams, who are a great team.” Nico Hulkenberg
  
• “We are very happy to do this long-term deal, which was completed a short time ago. His role is undefined for the moment, but from now on, he will be at Ferrari’s disposal. His first Ferrari drive is obviously at this young driver test.” Nicolas Todt, manager of Jules Bianchi
  
• “It is very difficult to explain how I feel, but it is something very special. I know this is the first step on a journey that could turn out very nicely, but I’m equally aware that there is still a long way to go to Formula 1.” Jules Bianchi
  

Sauber Become 13th Team

Peter Sauber takes the helm once more…

• “The team can now turn its full attention to preparing for the forthcoming season. We have no doubt that Peter Sauber and his team will justify their nomination through good performance, and we wish them all every success in the future.” Mario Theissen
  
• “Subject to their signing the Concorde Agreement, BMW Sauber will be awarded the 13th entry in the Championship, taking the place of the departing Toyota team.” FIA Statement
  
• “This is excellent news for the workforce in Hinwil. After many weeks of uncertainty, we have finally secured our place on the grid for 2010. Now we can enter into concrete negotiations with drivers and sponsors.” Peter Sauber
  

BMW Sauber F1 Team – Young Driver Days – Day 3

Weather conditions:

sunny and dry in the morning, light rain around lunch time, then sunny and dry again

Temperature Air: 14 – 18 °C, Track: 15 – 23 °C

Number of drivers participating: 16 from 9 teams

Fastest lap overall: Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) 1:17.418 min

Circuit length: 4.428 km

Bertrand Baguette (BE)

Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.09-07 / BMW 86/9

Test kilometres today: 310 km (70 laps)

Fastest lap: 1:19.356 min

Programme:

For the third and final young driver day in Jerez the BMW Sauber F1 Team had a rather more mature driver at the wheel! Bertrand Baguette from Belgium is the 2009 Formula Renault champion, and had already tested the French manufacturer’s F1 car last Tuesday at the same track. Despite this the 23-year-old started work with a similar programme to that the youngster who tested on Tuesday and Wednesday had to become familiar with the car. In the afternoon the team let him run aerodynamic tests, including downforce measurements on different configurations. The engineers were very happy with Bertrand’s feedback and comments, as well as with the useful overall results of the day.

Despite several interruptions because of rain, red flags and mechanical changes to the car, Bertrand managed to get good mileage under his belt today. Just like the other two drivers on Tuesday and Wednesday, Bertrand was not sent out with an extra low fuel load.

At the end of the day a still fresh and chirpy Bertrand Baguette commented: “I am very happy with what we did today. In the morning I was worried because of the weather conditions but, apart from the rain at lunch time, it turned out to be a very nice day and we completed our entire programme. Of course I’m also happy that I managed to get in a good lap time on my very last run despite a lot of fuel on board. The balance of the car was very good, I enjoyed the driving a lot. I was able to work with the engineers and want to thank the team for all that I have learned today.”

02-Dec-09: Bianchi Signs Long-Term Deal with Ferrari

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It’s the 2nd December 2009 and this is F1 Minute.

It’s been quite a day for our young drivers, as it was announced on the strength of one day in the car, that Jules Bianchi had been signed up to Ferrari for the long-term. Although there is no defined role for him, he will be available to them if they need him, and he’s hoping it would lead to a testing role and then, of course, a race seat.

Meanwhile, Bertrand Baguette switched teams, having tested for Renault yesterday, and announced he would be having a go in the Sauber car tomorrow. He said: “I am very happy to be able to drive for Sauber. It will be a second day for me – and it’s always good to get two days of testing instead of one.”

In today’s test, though, Gary Paffett finished on top in the McLaren, with Hulkenberg in the Williams second and Ricciardo in the Red Bull third. He was very keen to tell the media that he’d jump at the chance of a full time test role for Red Bull.

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

Exit Baguette

Bertrand Baguette exits the pits at the wheel of the Renault R29 in Jerez, Spain. The World Series by Renault champion could only manage 9th fastest time of the day, after completing a massive 105 laps under sunny Spanish skies.

Andy Soucek led the field while Brendon Hartley brought up the rear. Testing continues tomorrow.

Credit: Alastair Staley/LAT Photographic

27-Nov-09: Force India Confirm Sutil and Liuzzi for 2010

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This is F1 Minute for the 27th November 2009.

Lots of news today, starting with the fact that Force India have confirmed Liuzzi and Sutil for 2010. The team will be running the same drivers they finished this season with in an attempt to keep some consistency and continue their upward trend. Mallya says: “I am sure we have one of the most dynamic line-ups on the grid and I hope this will stand us in good stead in what we all hope will be a transitional year for the team.”

Elsewhere, BMW have confirmed they will sell the team back to original owner Peter Sauber, who will buy on condition that they have a grid slot for 2010. This is by no means an easy feat as they don’t at the moment, but it is a piece of good news for the team after the Qadbak investment fell through.

Finally, Renault have announced their young drivers for next week’s test in the shape of Renault 3.5 champ Bertrand Baguette, test driver Lucas di Grassi and China’s Ho-Pin Tung.

That’s all for now, have a fabulous weekend, and I’ll be back on Monday with another F1 Minute.

Renault F1 Team Gets Set for Young Driver Test in Jerez

The Renault F1 Team is gearing up for the young driver test which will take place from the 1st to the 3rd of December in Jerez, Spain. Bertrand Baguette, Ho-Pin Tung and Lucas Di Grassi will share driving duties across the three days.

The provisional schedule will see 23-year-old Belgian driver, Bertrand Baguette, get behind the wheel of the R29 on Tuesday 1st of December as his prize for winning the World Series by Renault 3.5 category. This will be Bertrand’s first chance to sample F1 power and an opportunity to complete representative mileage as the team evaluates up and coming young drivers.

The team will also evaluate young Chinese prospect, Ho-Pin Tung. Having previously tested for Williams, the 26-year-old will relish the chance to get reacquainted with an F1 car and will draw upon his recent experience in GP2, A1GP and the Superleague Formula.

The team’s third driver, Lucas Di Grassi, will also have the chance to complete further F1 mileage as he drives the R29 for the first time.

Speaking ahead of the test, Team Principal Bob Bell commented: “Testing is so restricted nowadays, but this young driver test is the perfect opportunity for us to assess rising stars such as Bertrand, Ho-Pin and Lucas. All these drivers have shown great promise and we look forward to seeing what they are capable of as we complete our test programme for the year.”

11-Nov-09: New Drivers Prepare for Dec F1 Test

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Hello and welcome to F1 Minute for the 11th October 2009.

It’s all about new drivers today as the teams gear up for a young driver test at the beginning of December. There are three days available from the 1st December for drivers that have competed in less than three Grand Prix events, and we’re starting to see some new names. Renault have lined up 3.5 series champion Bertrand Baguette, and let’s face it, that’s a great name. He’s looking forward to it but is worried the only thing he’s going to be familiar with is the circuit itself. Toro Rosso have offered Italian Mirko Bortolotti a chance to get behind the wheel of their car, and he is determined to make the most of the rare opportunity for young drivers to have a go.

And finally, Red Bull are handing their car over to British Formula Three champ Daniel Ricciardo. The 20 year old Australian has been racing in Formula Rena ult, and spent some time in the team’s simulator to get some more hands on experience.

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