17-Nov-08: Takuma Sato Tops Day 1 of Barcelona Test
Welcome to F1 Minute, it’s the 17th November 2008.
Testing got underway at Barcelona today, with our first glimpse of the 2009 wings in action. BMW ran a very high rear wing and low front wing, and it’s not that pretty. They were also testing out KERS, with the mechanics protected with thick gloves.
Toyota were the only team not in action, and we saw Takuma Sato top the timesheets in his test for Toro Rosso. Sebastien Buemi, also in the Toro Rosso, was just three tenths slower.
There were three red flags, caused by Robert Kubica for BMW and Nico Hulkenberg for Williams, with the main disaster saved for Giedo van der Garde in the Renault. He completed 27 laps as part of his World Series prize, but crashed out and finished the day in 16th.
Elsewhere, it appears the Canadian Grand Prix will definitely be off the calendar as the Montreal Mayor has admitted: “Despite our endeavours, the unreasonable demands of Formula One exceeded the taxpayer’s ability to pay.”
That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
02-Oct-08: Williams Confirm Nakajima for 2009
Welcome to F1 Minute for the 2nd October 2008.
Williams have confirmed their driver lineup for next season and it remains unchanged. We already knew that Rosberg would be driving for them in 2009, but now Nakajima has been signed up for next year as well. Frank Williams believes it is good to be consistent with the two drivers, plus Nico Hulkenberg as tester, and says: “Nico Rosberg continues to be one of the most capable drivers in the sport. Kazuki is getting stronger all the time and has more to offer and Nico Hulkenberg is developing well.”
Also today, Flavio Briatore has apparently said he will be taking a different role at Renault next year, and bringing a team director on board to run the day-to-day business. Briatore has said he already has someone in mind.
Finally, Red Bull believe they have found what caused Webber’s gearbox to malfunction in Singapore. They’ve narrowed it down to an electrical surge from the tramlines on the street circuit. What are the chances?
That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
14-Dec-07: McLaren Confirm Kovalainen For 2008
I’m Christine and this is F1 Minute for Friday the 14th December 2007.
McLaren have confirmed that Heikki Kovalainen will be joining them as Lewis Hamilton’s partner for 2008, with Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett remaining as third driver and test driver respectively. It’s the second time Kovalainen has replaced Fernando Alonso in a team, after joining Renault in 2007 as the double champ left. Now he fills the Spaniards boots once more, and McLaren believe they have a formidable line up for the new season.
McLaren also announced that they have no plans for a 2008 launch at all, compared to the spectacular display in Valencia this past year. So far it looks like the car will just take to the track at Jerez, with no fanfare, and pictures will be circulated to the media at the same time.
It’s also worth mentioning that Williams have signed Nico Hulkenberg as test driver after he impressed them at Jerez. And it’s probably not worth mentioning, Honda have announced their intention to announce their test driver at some point before Christmas.
That’s all for today, have a great weekend, and join me on Monday for another F1 Minute.
04-Dec-07: Heidfeld Leads Slick Testing in Jerez
Today is the 4th December 2007, I’m Christine from Sidepodcast and this is F1 Minute.
Testing in Jerez kicked off today, with slick tyres being used for the first time in almost a decade. Heidfeld topped the timesheets in the BMW, with Honda’s Jenson Button just a tenth of a second behind him. Raikkonen returned to the car for the first time since Brazil and finished fourth behind de la Rosa in the McLaren.
Giancarlo Fisichella was taking his turn in the Force India car, but had a bad start with a bit of a spin. No damage was done and he finished the day in 14th. Timo Glock, in his Toyota debut, finished just ahead of him in 13th.
Some new names and faces included Nico Hulkenberg in the Williams, whilst Marko Asmer and Javier Villa ran just over 50 laps each for BMW in the hopes of grabbing the test driver role for the team.
Mark Webber finished 8th for Red Bull, having also reinforced his belief that moving from Williams was a good decision. He says he’s enjoying his driving again, and despite the lack of results at Red Bull, he’s happy with his form and believes they are the best team he has driven for.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.