01-Dec-08: Hockenheim Reveal Doubt About F1 Future
Today is the 1st December 2008, and this is F1 Minute.
Hockenheim has become the next circuit to admit they’re struggling for money and will have to rethink their F1 commitment. At the moment, Hockenheim alternates hosting the German Grand Prix with the Nurburgring, and is due to return to the calendar in 2010. However, reports suggest that the track made a loss of over 5 million Euros this year, and says the only way to carry on is with government intervention. With so many well known circuits struggling financially, Bernie Ecclestone is going to have to sit up and take notice, isn’t he? Let me know what you think at F1Minute.com.
Elsewhere this weekend, Brazil was the scene of yet more racing action, as Renault were there for their lastroadshow of the year. More than 100,000 people turned up and enjoyed the demos from Nelson Piquet. Also in Brazil, Barrichello won the charity kart race organised by Felipe Massa. The F1 veteran beat off the likes of Massa, Michael Schumacher, Badoer, Liuzzi and di Grassi.
That’s it for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
08-Jul-08: Hamilton Leads Day One at Hockenheim
This is F1 Minute for the 8th July 2008. Please excuse my voice, I picked up some lovely germs from Silverstone.
Testing got underway in Hockenheim today, in preparation for the German Grand Prix. Rain caused plenty of chaos throughout with showers on and off. McLaren were running a brand new addition to their car in the shape of the shark fin engine cover used by many of the other teams. It seemed to help them, with Hamilton posting the fastest time of the day. Raikkonen was second and Rosberg third. Wurz was behind the only red flag, when his Honda spun off in the wet.
Elsewhere, David Coulthard has said that he’d like to see Vettel take his place at Red Bull when he retires at the end of the season. Over on F1.com, he said: “For me Sebastian Vettel has everything that a future winner in Formula 1 needs. Also his maturity and approach shows me that he is the best man for the job.”
Finally, Super Aguri are putting their assets up for sale at an online auction later this month, and the Mosley court case continues with several of the women involved backing up the presidents claims that there was no Nazi element to proceedings.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
28-May-08: Renault Face Dilemma Over Car Precedence
Today is Wednesday, the 28th May and you’re listening to F1 Minute.
Pat Symonds from Renault has given us a few insights into the problems the team are facing at the moment in this week’s official team podcast. Of the improvements needed to the car, Symonds admitted that they are struggling to decide whether to focus on updating this year’s car, or concentrate on getting a good start for next year. He says the team are small enough that they don’t have the resources to do both. Having said that, there are reports that a significantly updated car will be introduced at the British Grand Prix.
The Honda factory in Brackley has been awarded the ISO14001 certificate, which is an international standard for environmental management. This means that the team have implemented a management system that meets the international standard, and basically makes them a very green team.
Finally today, there are rumours that F1 teams will be testing at Hockenheim in July ahead of the German GP.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.