28-Jan-08: Vettel Happy to Start Season in Old Car
This is F1 Minute for the 28th January 2008.
Sebastian Vettel thinks that starting the season with his old car might not be such a bad thing. Speaking to Formula1.com, Vettel said he felt comfortable in the old car and happy in the knowledge that whilst others are struggling with teething problems in their new machines, he will have a car he knows very well. There is no specific date for the launch of the new car, but it’s expected that it will appear after three or four races.
Prodrive boss David Richards isn’t joining F1 this year, but is still having his say about things that may affect the sport in the future. Talking of the proposed budget caps idea, Richards believes that the plan is simply an excuse for poor technical regulations. He says he’s seen the scheme attempted and failed in Australia, and as a team boss, he wouldn’t want to go back to being an accountant again.
And very quickly to finish, two snippets from Max Mosley: He says the sport will be stronger for the controversial 2007 season, and despite speculation, he believes teams will not be able to get round the standard ECU.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
17-Jan-08: FIA Agree Budget Caps Could Be Introduced
I’m Christine and this is F1 Minute for the 17th January 2008.
FIA President Max Mosley has written a letter to all the teams confirming that the wheels are in motion for a ruling to cap expenditure on almost everything, except for engines. A Financial Working Group is to be formed and they need to start coming up with some solid plans before June this year, otherwise the proposed and much stricter regulations will be introduced instead.
Despite persistent rumours, Toyota have denied that their sporting future is in doubt. Team Principal Tadashi Yamashina says that his previous statement about the two year deadline was misinterpreted and related to his appointment within the team rather than their entire presence in Formula 1. Toyota claim they are committed to F1 until 2012.
Mike Gascoyne has been discussing Force India’s driver lineup saying with Liuzzi in the wings the pressure is on the two main drivers to succeed. He commented that having Fisichella on board was a big step forward for the team, but his appointment beyond 2008 can only be based on performance and results.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
14-Jan-08: BMW Launch F1:08 in Munich
Hi everyone, this is F1 Minute and here are your top headlines for 14th January 2008.
BMW launched their 2008 car in Munich today, and whilst there was the usual talk of being ready to challenge for the title and confidence of success, boss Mario Theissen did come up with a few tasty bits of information. Firstly, he said that BMW are in favour of the budget caps idea presented by Honda’s Ross Brawn and Nick Fry. He said with some evaluation as to how it would work, the idea is preferable to specific limitations. Secondly, Theissen announced that the team are ready to supply engines to other cars. They have no one in mind or lined up as a customer, but if the right situation arose, BMW have the resources.
Meanwhile, over at Jerez, the first day of testing kicked off with a mixture of 2007 and 2008 cars out on track. Raikkonen and Massa topped the timesheets in their new cars, with de la Rosa in the McLaren close behind. Liuzzi debuted as test driver for Force India and posted a respectable 11th fastest time, whilst Super Aguri struggled with mechanical problems. Tester James Rossiter only completed 10 laps and the team remained at the bottom of the times.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.