13-Nov-08: New 2009 Spec Williams is Revealed
This is F1 Minute for the 13th November.
We have seen our first proper pictures of a 2009 specification car, as Williams shook down their new aerodynamic package in Gloucestershire today. Formula 3 driver Jonathan Kennard was behind the wheel, as the team tested out the new higher, shorter rear wing, and lower, flatter front wing without a bridge over the nose. Kennard said he enjoyed the test and thanked the team for the opportunity, but there’s no word on how the new wings affected performance.
While we’re on the subject of Williams, they have extended their partnership with financial service providers Allianz. The pairing have been together for over ten years now, and both are very happy with the support from the other side of the fence.
Elsewhere today, organisers of the Canadian Grand Prix say they are still working hard to get the event reinstated. There’s only a few weeks left, and the Montreal mayor is considering every option to try and rescue the race.
And very quickly to finish, Barrichello says if he doesn’t retain a seat in Formula 1, he’ll give up competitive motorsport for good.
That’s it for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
12-Jun-08: Ferrari Head Up First Test Day in Spain
You’re listening to F1 Minute for the 12th June 2008.
Testing in Barcelona kicked off today with Luca Badoer topping the timesheets for Ferrari. Robert Kubica was second in his BMW, and David Coulthard third with Red Bull.
The day was relatively uneventful, with some rain towards the end limiting the running. Anthony Davidson returned to Formula 1 action, for the first time since the demise of Super Aguri. He was testing for Honda and finished 6th out of 9 drivers. Only eight of the teams were represented with Force India and Toro Rosso not on track.
Elsewhere today, Giedo van der Garde has launched claims against Force India, saying that when they were Spyker, they did not allow him the testing mileage they had promised. He is demanding the sponsor money returned to him as his contract was breached, he wants 1.3 million Euros, and the case will be heard on the 20th June.
Finally, today, the boss of the Montreal circuit has said that they will definitely be looking into the problems that were experienced with the track during the last race, he admits it’s unacceptable.
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
02-Jun-08: Stewart Drops Mosley Libel Action
Welcome to F1 Minute for the 2nd June 2008.
Although Max Mosley is waiting for his fate to be decided by the FIA tomorrow, he has had a bit of good news today. Jackie Stewart has dropped the libel charges against him, dating back to last year. Mosley made some comments about Stewart that the latter took to be a reference to his dyslexia, and he sought legal action against the FIA President for libel damages. However, he has decided not to pursue any action saying: “I did think about suing him and was told I had a cast iron case, but it was so petty and I didn’t want to come down to his level.”
In other news today, Alonso has joined in the denials that he is joining Ferrari. The Spaniard spoke out, saying that he hasn’t spoken to anyone, and no one from Ferrari has approached him either.
Finally, two snippets of circuit news: Montreal has unveiled it’s new paddock complex and media centre, giving the teams and journalists much more space to work, and the new Valencian circuit will be put through it’s paces in July when Formula 3 and the GT open racing takes to it’s streets.
That’s all for today, join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.