Quotes Roundup - Week Ending 23rd Nov
November 23, 2008 by Christine
Filed under Weekly Quotes
The very best from the mouths of those in the know.
Testing out the 2009 Spec
We’re not the only ones who don’t like it…
- “I never saw such a sexy car.” Christian Klien
- “Considering this is Formula One - if people think the introduction of KERS and the reduction in downforce and slicks is going to transform Formula One, then forget it. It will still be a wide car, there will still be aerodynamic effect and offline will stay dirty. It will be easier, but it won’t be MotoGP. And people need to understand that.” Pedro de la Rosa
- “Obviously the set-up is far from ideal, especially on my car as I was focusing mainly on the KERS systems. We’re still having quite a few problems there, but at least we have it in the car.” Nick Heidfeld
The New Boys
We saw some fresh faces in Barcelona, but here’s what they thought…
- “Driving a Formula One car is really, really nice. And I was enjoying myself more and more each lap. Pushing harder and harder makes you find the edge and when the laptime comes from your effort that’s pretty good.” Bruno Senna
- “You can’t compare F1 to rallying, they are so different. It’s not true that rallying is more of a comfort zone, because when I am flat-out on the stages I am concentrating just as hard as I was today.” Sebastien Loeb
- “I only had a big curiosity to know. Well, I’m more and more convinced that with a bit of time I could have become a good F1 driver. It only remains to be seen how good, whether good enough to win or not.” Valentino Rossi
Bernie’s Corner
Three separate stories concerning Mr Ecclestone this week…
- “Given Mr and Mrs Ecclestone were reputed to be worth £2.4bn in the 2008 Rich List, this case may see the highest award to a wife in legal history.” Simon Bethel, family law specialist
- “Everybody understands gold medals and silver and bronze. Nearly all sports are done that way. The whole point will be, when they get to Melbourne for the first race, the guys will want to leave there with a gold medal.” Bernie Ecclestone
- “I think it’s almost certain that there will not be a grand prix in 2010. I always thought the Disney site was the right place for us, the new location that would suit the French Grand Prix. There’s a lot of infrastructure in place, the trains go there, everyone would know it – it was perfect.” Bernie Ecclestone
05-Nov-08: WMC Reveal New Provisional Calendar
This is F1 Minute for the 5th November 2008.
The World Motorsport Council met in Paris today and came up with some interesting developments, including the latest version of the provisional 2009 calendar. This time round, France has understandably gone, and China has moved from the bottom of the calendar up to the third race of the season. Notably, the Canadian GP hasn’t been restored, but apparently there is still hope.
The WMC also moved to make stewarding more transparent. There will be more information about the credentials of each steward available, and selecting them will be a tighter process. All penalties should be handed out in the race, unless there is a real need to see the footage after the event. Talking of which, any evidence the stewards see to help them make their decision will be made available on the FIA and FOM websites. This is real progress.
Away from politics, Alonso’s future decision has finally become clear with Renault announcing he’ll stay with them until 2010, and they’ll also keep Piquet on for another season.
That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
15-Oct-08: French Grand Prix Cancelled for 2009
It’s the 15th October 2008 and this is F1 Minute.
It seems only moments since Canada was left off the 2009 calendar, and now France, who had a slot on the season guide for next year, look like they’re pulling out. The FFSA, who organise the sport, have several options as to where the Grand Prix should be held next year, but with the current financial meltdown, the 10% increase in fees, and the fact that the event would most likely make a loss, they just don’t want to do it. They’ve said it would be better to sit out for one year, and come back when they’ve got some long term funding on board. Whether a replacement will be found, or if there will just be a gap in the calendar has yet to be seen.
Finally, I mentioned yesterday that Berger wouldn’t be drawn on whether Bourdais would be resigned for 2009, preferring to wait until the end of the season. Today, Bourdais himself has said that he can’t wait until December for a decision, otherwise he might be left with no other racing opportunities.
That’s it for today, I’ll be back again tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
30-Jun-08: Coulthard Speaks About His Uncertain Future
This is F1 Minute and it’s the 30th June 2008.
David Coulthard is usually pretty quiet on the subject of his future, which never stops the silly season rumours from flying without abandon. However, today he’s spoken out a little about his future. What he actually says is that he doesn’t know what the future holds, and whilst he would love to keep driving, he knows that it’s very possible the coming race could be his very last British GP. He says there are worse things in life than not having a drive and when the time comes he will move on gracefully.
The BMW boys have differing opinions on how they will fare at this weekend’s race, with Heidfeld confident that the improvements from the recent test will help them get back to form. Kubica, meanwhile, says that their dismal French GP performance will hopefully kick everyone into a new gear, and that Silverstone needs to be a turning point for the team.
And finally, the boss of the Paul Ricard test track, Phillippe Gurdijan has retired and will concentrate on his new project – helping the Abu Dhabi circuit organisers.
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
25-Jun-08: Kovalainen Heads Up Silverstone Test, Day 2
Welcome to F1 Minute, it’s the 25th June.
Kovalainen was fastest on Day 2 of the test in Silverstone, with Trulli and Rosberg behind him, and Massa all the way down in 7th. There were several red flags today, one of which caused by Fisichella, who crashed after being caught in a gust of wind. He was taken to the medical centre and then a nearby hospital for checks on his wrist. He is okay, though.
Elsewhere, the FIA have been busy, with the World Council meeting in France. Firstly, they released a statement officially announcing they would review how F1 is governed. They also promoted their new feeder series for F1 called Formula 2, and they decided that they’d only raise the entry fee costs to F1 for teams by the rate of inflation.
Finally, they released a provision calendar for 2009, which sees the races starting and ending much later in the year, France is included, whilst the US is not, and the season closer will be in Abu Dhabi, the only new addition. Notably Turkey has been returned to its slot further down the calendar.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
23-Jun-08: A New Concorde Agreement May be on the Horizon
This is F1 Minute for the 23rd June 2008.
It’s being reported that the FIA may be interested in a new Concorde Agreement but only if Bernie accepts some changes. Apparently the new deal would be in place if Bernie ups the share of F1 revenue given to the teams. For promotional revenues, it could go up from 75 to 92 per cent, and for TV earnings from 50 to 67. It looks like the proposal was submitted to Mr Ecclestone last year, and so far has garnered no response. Within the paddock, however, teams aren’t really in on the deal. Mario Theissen says the new Concorde Agreement isn’t just about money, but of course, they wouldn’t turn it down.
Elsewhere, after the exhaust incident in France this weekend, it looks as though Raikkonen will need an engine change ahead of the British GP, but he won’t receive a penalty. Ferrari will be able to cash in on the one freebie engine rule.
Finally, the San Marino Grand Prix has been missing off the calendar for a couple of years now, but the Imola circuit has received certification from the FIA so they can now host F1 tests.
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
22-Jun-08: Massa Dominates in France GP
You’re listening to F1 Minute and it’s the 22nd June.
Felipe Massa took the win in France, after Raikkonen’s Ferrari developed a mechanical problem. Part of the exhaust became loose and was dangling off the car for at least half the race. It finally fell off a few laps from the end, but not before melting a giant hole in the bodywork. Raikkonen still managed to finish in second, though. Rounding out the podium was Trulli, who is no doubt thankful to have provided the tribute for Ove Andersson that Toyota so badly wanted.
Elsewhere, Button was the only retiree, after a first lap tangle with Bourdais that damaged his front wing, whilst Hamilton pushed through the traffic as much as he could, but was on the receiving end of another penalty - this time a drive through, for taking a position by running off the track.
Alonso was having a strong afternoon, battling with Webber mostly, right until the end when Piquet managed to get past him. This will have boosted Piquet’s confidence after a run of bad luck.
It didn’t rain as was predicted, although there were two brief showers, and I mean very brief, that barely affected the action at all.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
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.
18-Jun-08: Fuji Organisers Sued By Unhappy Fans
This is F1 Minute for the 18th June 2008.
Irate F1 fans in Japan are launching a lawsuit against the organisers of the Grand Prix, saying there were not enough toilets or food stands. 109 fans are complaining that the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka caused them emotional distress, and they are looking for 32 million yen, which is about £150,000, in damages.
Ahead of the French Grand Prix, Fisichella is looking to end his run of bad luck that has seen some poor results so far this year. However, he’s not a fan of the track. He says “It’s the circuit where I had my biggest accident in Formula One, back in 2002… so for sure I don’t have great memories of it. Also I don’t see any particular challenge with it. As you know though, in our job you have to accept the good and the bad.”
Finally today, the results of Jenson Button’s triathlon over the weekend are now widely known, with the Brit placing 117th out of over 1700 entrants.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
17-Jun-08: Renault Say They Are Not Giving Up On ‘08
Welcome to F1 Minute, it’s the 17th June 2008.
Renault’s chief of aerodynamics Dino Toso has left the team today, to be replaced by Dirk de Beer. The move was announced back in April, and has finally come to pass. This comes at the same time as Renault confirming that they are not giving up on this year’s championship, with technical director Bob Bell saying of the team’s poor start: “The worst thing we can do is get spooked by it and start losing our attention to detail and commitment. We’ll keep our heads down and things will come right for us.” He said they will not be giving up and focusing on next year as was believed, and that they have an aggressive development plan in place.
More Renault news, Fernando Alonso has been awarded the Dialogue Prize in Spain at the French embassy. The award is for opening up communications between France and Spain and was handed over by a French Ambassador. It was also revealed a few days ago that Alonso has hired his very own professional fan, who will be paid to follow him round at races. Which is quite a job description.
That’s all for today, join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.