08-Sep-08: Williams Move Development on to 2009
This is F1 Minute for the 8th September 2008.
Everyone is still talking about the Hamilton penalty controversy, but I thought it would be good to look at some of the stories that have slipped under the radar this weekend.
Frank Williams has admitted that the team are putting most of their resources into the 2009 development now, especially after another disappointing race result at Spa. He said: “We recognise that this year’s car is almost as developed as we can successfully do it, short of a major revamp of all the aerodynamics and next year’s car is the one where we pin our hopes.”
Also this weekend, Autosport.com reported that Bernie Ecclestone has been discussing with team principals the possibility of a return of the US Grand Prix. There are no details, but we know the teams are keen to see a return to the US, for the fans and for the marketplace. Whether it would return to Indianapolis, we don’t know yet. Would you like to see F1 return to Indy, or would another US circuit be better? Let me know what you think at F1 Minute.com.
10-Apr-08: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Set For October 2009
This is F1 Minute for the 10th April 2008.
The news is all about speculation today, starting with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009. Autosport is reporting that organisers have been told the event will take place in October, and they have drafted in an experienced track builder to make sure the circuit is finished on time. There is no word as yet if the Abu Dhabi race will be the season finale though.
Also today, Indianapolis Motor Speedway boss Joie Chitwood has said that F1 needs to return to the US and it should come back to his track. He admitted that the circuit has made sure that all the hurdles have been cleared so that Bernie Ecclestone should have no problem with reintroducing the US Grand Prix to the calendar.
The latest Technical Working Group will focus on the new KERS system and the weight increase it puts on the car. Top bods from each team will meet in order to discuss the alteration of weight limitations in the rules.
Finally, apologies for the short notice but F1 Minute needs to take a short hiatus. I will be back with another show as soon as possible.
29-Nov-07: Indianapolis Boss Hopes For F1 Return
Today is the 29th November 2007, this is F1 Minute and these are your top headlines.
The boss of the Indianapolis circuit in America has expressed his hope that Formula 1 will return to the states and to their track. Having invested so much in the circuit, Joie Chitwood hopes that a deal can be done for a future race.
BMW have released Timo Glock from his contract, so that he can join his new team Toyota for the upcoming test in Jerez. Glock’s contract officially runs out on December 31st, but BMW have given the go ahead for him to test all four days next week.
Jarno Trulli has been talking about his hopes that slick tyres will return to racing, as he dislikes the current grooved ones. Trulli says they change a drivers style to be totally unnatural and the graining that come with a grooved tyre is frustrating. He blames any lack of overtaking in Formula 1 on the grooved tyres.
And very quickly, two former World Champions have been talking about Michael Schumacher’s impressive return to form in testing this winter. Alan Jones and Mika Hakkinen both say that his success may tempt the German back to the cockpit.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.