31-Jan-08: Renault’s R28 Launches in Paris
Today is the 31st January and here is your F1 Minute.
Renault launched their new R28 in Paris today, although there are no radical changes to the car, it’s paint job or it’s sponsors. Team boss Flavio Briatore spoke about his aims for the year and said that getting back onto the podium needs to be job one. He said 2007 was a disaster and they must do better. Of the driver line-up, Briatore was most complementary saying it was motivating to have Alonso back on board, and Piquet is a promising young talent. He said he is often asked of the chances of a French driver being on the team, but he feels that’s a job for the future.
Alonso himself said he feels Renault are about a second behind their rivals for the top spots, that there is no possibility to fight McLaren and Ferrari for race wins – yet. Alonso said he didn’t regret leaving Renault because of the poor performance they had last year, whilst he was enjoying another crack at the title, but he’s happy to be back. He wants to work with the team to get them back to a competitive position.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
23-Jan-08: Kovalainen on Top in Valencia
Today is the 23rd January 2008, I’m Christine and this is F1 Minute.
Kovalainen has put McLaren at the top of the testing timesheets in Valencia. The two Ferrari’s were sandwiched between the McLarens, with Lewis Hamilton in fourth. Williams continued their strong showing and Red Bull showed an improvement in pace, although Mark Webber was the cause of two red flags during the day. Felipe Massa also caused a red flag in the morning. Rubens Barrichello was driving the new Honda RA108, but unfortunately finished at the bottom of the timesheets.
In other news, Flavio Briatore has been speaking about the welcome return of Alonso to the Renault garage. He said that the Spaniard is stronger and more motivated after the difficult season he had with McLaren. He was also quick to point out that the double world champion won’t find the same troubles with rookie driver Nelsinho Piquet. Quote: “I won’t be the new Ron Dennis. I know how to manage the team and I don’t want any dispute. Each person directs the team in their own way but I can guarantee that there will be no problems this season.”
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
10-Dec-07: Alonso Will Join Renault for 2008
It’s the 10th December 2007, this is F1 Minute and these are your top headlines for today.
Alonso has been holding up the drivers market for quite long enough, and has now announced his return to Renault. He’ll be joined by Nelsinho Piquet who will be making his F1 debut, and Romain Grosjean takes the test driver role. Briatore paid tribute to Fisichella and Kovalainen who will now have to look for a seat elsewhere, and said the car they provided them with was not up to scratch but the team appreciated the hard work both drivers put in. Along with the driver announcement, Renault confirmed the launch of their new car will be at the end of January, running at Valencia, and then unveiled in Paris.
In other news, the FIA’s latest war of words through the media is actually with the media. At the end of last week we found out that the FIA will be suing the Sunday Times for a column from Martin Brundle accusing them of a McLaren witch-hunt. Brundle wrote another column to defend his right to an opinion and berating the FIA for their apparent media manipulation. The FIA have hit back again saying that he does have every right to an opinion but he will have to defend it in court.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.