Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 24th January

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

Button Talks Shop

Jenson Button gets settled in to his new team…

• “There are 70 per cent of athletes or sportsmen that win a world championship, they don’t succeed the following year. I have to try and be positive and think about the 30 per cent that did and work out why they won again. That is something that we never think about going into a season.” Jenson Button
• “I have been working very, very hard all winter on many, many things to do with fitness, mental attitude – and on January 1, I started working on being a McLaren driver. It means a lot to me because my first drive in an F1 car was in a McLaren young driver test after winning the McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award in 1999.” Jenson Button
• “They came to me and said that the tyres were on the limit of being illegal. They were still legal, but they were on the limit. So they took it away and they put new tyres on it for me. It was like going to the Kwik-Fit. How good’s that? Fantastic. And they did a great job with it.” Jenson Button on a visit to the McLaren factory

The Ex-Factor

Ex-F1 drivers, both looking to come back and not…

• “I could’ve been there if I wanted to. A team offered me to be there. I just thought I was sick and tired of all of the stuff over there. I just took a decision of starting a new step in my career and a new challenge in coming to NASCAR.” Nelson Piquet Jr
• “Theoretically the decision about drivers can be made right before the first race in Bahrain in March. Common sense tells us though that it makes sense to have your line-up ready before you go testing, which will be at the beginning of February or mid-February depending on the teams.” Christian Klien
• “I have always been interested in competing in the WRC and, at one point in my career, I’ve been offered this great opportunity by Red Bull. So, why not take it? The doors to F1 are still open.” Kimi Raikkonen

Determined Drivers

They’re starting to focus on the 2010 season…

• “I would not be here if I did not think I still had what it takes. I have a huge amount of motivation. I am a hard worker and I think that is the most important thing at this level…to still have the motivation and hunger to attack, and to work everyday as if it was the last day. So yes, I have what it takes.” Pedro de la Rosa
• “It is funny how things in life go. I could have said after five years of F1 this is a difficult one and I don’t know if I want to do this, but after such a long time I am still very hungry. The dream to become world champion is closer than ever.” Rubens Barrichello
• “It was a perfect way to optimise my form here in Barcelona. I’m really happy that I had this new opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 single-seater on a race track. I can’t wait to sit in the new car and get stuck in.” Felipe Massa

06-Jan-10: Sauber Confirm Launch Date for New Car

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Today is the 6th January 2010 and this is F1 Minute.

Good news to start with, the ex-BMW team Sauber have confirmed the launch of their 2010 car – it will take place at Valencia on the 31st January, which is the day before the first test of the year. They are the first team to announce a launch date, I hope we’ll hear more from the others now.

Back to the unpleasant Briatore business unfortunately, the Italian has suggested that he will be taking legal action against the Piquet father and son duo, saying “The bad that has been done to me won’t be forgotten in one day.” He also has another go at Max Mosley while he’s at it. Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone would be ready to welcome Flav back to the paddock with open arms, saying: “He was a great character in F1 but I am not sure if that’s what he wants to do now. I think he will move on from that. It’s good for him but it is not good for the FIA when you read the verdict.”

That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

FIA – World Motor Sport Council

At an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council held in Paris on 21 September 2009, the ING Renault F1 team (“Renault F1”) admitted that the team had conspired with its driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, in breach of the International Sporting Code and F1 Sporting Regulations.

Renault F1 stated at the meeting that it had conducted a detailed internal investigation, which found that: (i) Flavio Briatore, Pat Symonds and Nelson Piquet Jr. had conspired to cause the crash; and (ii) no other team member was involved in the conspiracy.

The FIA has conducted its own detailed investigation and its findings correspond with those of Renault F1.

At the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, Renault F1 made the following points in mitigation:

• it had accepted, at the earliest practicable opportunity, that it committed the offences with which it was charged and cooperated fully with the FIA’s investigation;
• it had confirmed that Mr. Briatore and Mr. Symonds were involved in the conspiracy and ensured that they left the team;
• it apologised unreservedly to the FIA and to the sport for the harm caused by its actions;
• it committed to paying the costs incurred by the FIA in its investigation; and
• Renault (the parent company, as opposed to Renault F1) committed to making a significant contribution to FIA safety-related projects.

Nelson Piquet Jr. also apologised unreservedly to the World Motor Sport Council for his part in the conspiracy.

The following decision was taken:

The World Motor Sport Council finds that Renault F1 team members Flavio Briatore, Pat Symonds and Nelson Piquet Jr. conspired to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. The World Motor Sport Council therefore finds Renault F1, which, under article 123 of the International Sporting Code, is responsible for the actions of its employees, in breach of Articles 151(c) and point 2(c) of Chapter IV of Appendix L of the Code, and Articles 3.2, 30.3 and/or 39.1 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations.

The World Motor Sport Council considers Renault F1’s breaches relating to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to be of unparalleled severity.  Renault F1’s breaches not only compromised the integrity of the sport but also endangered the lives of spectators, officials, other competitors and Nelson Piquet Jr. himself.  The World Motor Sport Council considers that offences of this severity merit permanent disqualification from the FIA Formula One World Championship.  However, having regard to the points in mitigation mentioned above and in particular the steps taken by Renault F1 to identify and address the failings within its team and condemn the actions of the individuals involved, the WMSC has decided to suspend Renault F1’s disqualification until the end of the 2011 season. The World Motor Sport Council will only activate this disqualification if Renault F1 is found guilty of a comparable breach during that time.

In addition the World Motor Sport Council notes Renault F1’s apology and agrees that the team should pay the costs of the investigation. It also accepts the offer of a significant contribution to the FIA’s safety work.

As regards Mr. Briatore, the World Motor Sport Council declares that, for an unlimited period, the FIA does not intend to sanction any International Event, Championship, Cup, Trophy, Challenge or Series involving Mr. Briatore in any capacity whatsoever, or grant any license to any Team or other entity engaging Mr. Briatore in any capacity whatsoever. It also hereby instructs all officials present at FIA-sanctioned events not to permit Mr. Briatore access to any areas under the FIA’s jurisdiction.  Furthermore, it does not intend to renew any Superlicence granted to any driver who is associated (through a management contract or otherwise) with Mr. Briatore, or any entity or individual associated with Mr. Briatore. In determining that such instructions should be applicable for an unlimited period, the World Motor Sport Council has had regard not only to the severity of the breach in which Mr. Briatore was complicit but also to his actions in continuing to deny his participation in the breach despite all the evidence.

As regards Mr. Symonds, the World Motor Sport Council declares that, for a period of five years, the FIA does not intend to sanction any International Event, Championship, Cup, Trophy, Challenge or Series involving Mr. Symonds in any capacity whatsoever, or grant any license to any Team or other entity engaging Mr. Symonds in any capacity whatsoever. It hereby instructs, for a period of five years, all officials present at FIA-sanctioned events not to permit Mr. Symonds access to any areas under the FIA’s jurisdiction. In determining that such instructions should be effective for a period of five years the World Motor Sport Council has had regard: (i) to Mr. Symonds’ acceptance that he took part in the conspiracy; and (ii) to his communication to the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council that it was to his “eternal regret and shame” that he participated in the conspiracy.

As regards Mr. Piquet Jr., the World Motor Sport Council confirms the immunity from individual sanctions under the International Sporting Code in relation to this incident, which the FIA had granted to him in exchange for volunteering his evidence.

As regards Fernando Alonso, the World Motor Sport Council thanks him for cooperating with the FIA’s enquiries and for attending the meeting, and concludes that Mr. Alonso was not in any way involved in Renault F1’s breach of the regulations.

The World Motor Sport Council would like to thank the Stewards and legal investigation team (in particular Dorothy Cory-Wright of Sidley Austin LLP who conducted the interviews at the Belgian Grand Prix).

The full reasons for this decision, in addition to a complete recording of the proceedings before the World Motor Sport Council, will be made available shortly.

United Colours of Barrichello

Barrichello starts 5th on the grid after qualifying in Monza today, but his fuel corrected times put him right up there towards the front. Rubens has changed his helmet colours again, in tribute to Piquet and Massa – his Brazilian compatriats – who he misses having around in F1.

Credit: Brawn GP

09-Sep-09: More Details Emerge on Renault Case

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Welcome to F1 Minute, it’s the 9th September 2009.

AUTOSPORT have done some digging into the Singapore Renault investigation and found that the initial complaint has come from Nelson Piquet Sr, and subsequent information has come from his son. There is talk of a meeting between Piquet Jr, Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds on the day of the race, in which the plan to throw the race for a convenient safety car was discussed. Apparently, Piquet says he was instructed to do so, whilst the other two insist that it was actually the young driver’s idea.

Two quick snippets, Ferrari have confirmed that should Fisichella wish to drive for another team next year but still retain reserve driver status with them, they’d be all for that. Presumably they have learnt that having an active driver on standby can be useful.

Finally, Williams and Force India have been allowed back into FOTA, following a meeting of the association today.

That’s all for now, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

FIA – Extraordinary Meeting of the World Motor Sport Council

Representatives of ING Renault F1 have been requested to appear before an extraordinary meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Monday, 21 September 2009.

The team representatives have been called to answer charges, including a breach of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code, that the team conspired with its driver, Nelson Piquet Jr, to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with the aim of causing the deployment of the safety car to the advantage of its other driver, Fernando Alonso.

A Little Bit Piquet

Nelson Piquet Jr, in the Renault, during the Singapore Grand Prix 2008. The FIA have called Renault to appear at an extraordinary meeting of the WMSC – answering charges that they asked Piquet to crash out of the race to help Alonso with a handy Safety Car.

Credit: Force India F1

04-Sep-09: Renault Called to Face WMSC Charges

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Hello and welcome to F1 minute for the 4th September.

Renault have officially been called up by the FIA to attend an extraordinary meeting of the World Motorsport Council. The hearing is to take place on the 21st September, which is the week between the Italian and Singapore races. The FIA said: “The team representatives have been called to answer charges… that the team conspired with its driver, Nelson Piquet Jr, to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with the aim of causing the deployment of the safety car to the advantage of its other driver, Fernando Alonso.” Renault have acknowledged the summons but won’t make any comment until after the hearing.

Elsewhere, Autosport reports that top chiefs at Toyota aren’t planning to pull out of F1 this year. Although the budget won’t be signed off until mid-November, and there are expected to be huge cuts to spending in the sport, the Japanese team should still be present in the 2010 season.

That’s all for now, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

30-Aug-09: Raikkonen Takes Win Over Fisichella at Spa

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This is F1 Minute and it’s the 30th August 2009.

Fisichella didn’t quite manage to hold on to his pole position through a manic Belgian Grand Prix, but he did finish on the podium.

Let’s start from the beginning, Barrichello had a poor start, struggling against the anti-stall again, but not as poor as Button. After just a couple of corners, Grosjean ran into Button, and the pair of them hit the barrier. Hamilton backed off to avoid trouble, but confused Alguersuari who ran into the McLaren. The pair of them also hit the barriers. Four cars out, safety car deployed and not one lap yet completed.

Thankfully, the rest of the race was a lot calmer, although plenty of overtaking to enjoy. Raikkonen easily got past Fisichella on the restart, and led the way to the end of the race. Fisi took second, whilst Vettel stepped up on the podium in third.
Elsewhere, the FIA have confirmed they are investigating last year’s Singapore GP as there appears to be new evidence that may show Piquet’s crash and Alonso’s subsequent win may not have been coincidental.

That’s all for now, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.

18-Aug-09: Renault Allowed to Race in Valencia

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It’s the 18th August 2009, and this is F1 Minute.

Moments after I posted yesterday’s news update, the FIA revealed the results of Renault’s appeal hearing. The ban for the upcoming European Grand Prix was overturned, and the team were fined $50,000 and received a reprimand instead. The FIA statement said that Renault admitted they had breached the regulations with the unsafe release of the car, but they felt the penalty was too harsh.

Now, Alonso will be allowed to race at his second home Grand Prix, and he will be joined by Romain Grosjean. Renault confirmed the news today, with Briatore taking the high ground and thanking Piquet for his time in the car, whilst welcoming Grosjean as an “impressive young talent.”

Finally, Massa has revealed he hopes to be back in the car by the time the Brazilian Grand Prix takes place in October. He knows that it is in the hands of the doctors, but would like to be ready for his home race.

That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

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