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.
05-Jun-08: Ferrari Chief Changes His Mind on Mosley
Welcome to F1 Minute for the 5th June 2008.
Yesterday, Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo said he felt Max Mosley should resign. He said for “credibility’s sake” Mosley needed to step down. Today, however, Montezemolo has changed his mind, saying: “I am happy Max Mosley has been confirmed as president of the FIA. Through the years he has done an excellent job for Formula One. With regards his future, it will only be up to him to decide if and when to take a step back.” There’s no apparent reason for his change of mind.
Elsewhere, today, it was announced that the new safety car regulation proposals will be tested out during the French Grand Prix weekend. The new system involves making use of the standard ECU to monitor the speed of the cars out on track, therefore allowing the pit lane to remain open throughout a safety car period. It had been intended to be tested at Monaco, but was pushed back to allow the teams more time to get used to the software. It will now be tested during Friday practice to see if it should be implemented.
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.