11-Jul-08: McLaren and Ferrari Put Aside Espionage Differences
It’s the 11th July 2008 and you’re listening to F1 Minute.
The only news today, aside from Jenson signing up to participate in the Race of Champions, is that McLaren and Ferrari have decided to put aside their differences and become friends again.
Okay, that might be taking it a bit far but the espionage saga is now officially over between them. A McLaren statement reads: “In light of the formal closure in December 2007 of the FIA and FIA World Motor Sport Council proceedings against McLaren, and of McLaren’s public apology to Ferrari which we have reiterated, Ferrari and McLaren have agreed to bring the various disputes between them in relation to this matter to a final conclusion. McLaren has also agreed to the reimbursement of Ferrari’s costs and expenses relating to these matters and a concluding payment.”
Ferrari said thank you very much and we accept. They also said they’d donate the final payment from McLaren to charity, and that they aren’t giving up their lawsuit against Nigel Stepney.
That’s all for today, join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
10-Mar-08: Super Aguri are Saved by British Magma Group
This is F1 Minute for the 10th March 2008.
Super Aguri have announced they have new owners, British company Magma Group. The financial backing means that drivers Anthony Davidson and Takuma Sato have been confirmed for this season, but there are very few details out about the actual financial arrangement.
Nigel Stepney escaped sanction from the FIA over last year’s espionage scandal, however teams have been warned not to work with Stepney for over a year. The FIA have advised against collaboration with him until 1st July 2009.
Bernie Ecclestone was threatening the future of the Australian Grand Prix again this weekend, saying it would have to become a night race or else it would be off the calendar. Organisers have offered a compromise, saying that if the delayed start time this year raises viewing figures, they will delay it again next year to start at 5pm local time.
Finally, as the teams line up in the Melbourne pit lane, McLaren are not at the end as expected. Their motorhome is apparently too big to fit, so McLaren have secured the 5th garage down the line.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
19-Feb-08: Rosberg is Top at a Wet Barcelona
Today is the 19th February 2008, and this is F1 Minute.
Teams faced a difficult test session in Barcelona today, with adverse weather conditions making things tricky. The track never completely dried up and only Red Bull, Williams, Renault and Toyota decided to run. Alonso pronounced the track too slippery, and Trulli said data comparison was hard when conditions keep changing. Nico Rosberg topped the timesheets, nearly 2 whole seconds faster than team mate Nakajima in second. There were four red flags throughout the day – two spins from Coulthard, one from Piquet, who also stopped on track in the morning.
Over at Valencia, BMW were working on their programme but could not complete everything they had planned. Kubica only completed 6 laps, and Heidfeld stuck to practicing pit stops. No times were issued.
Also today, we have learned a bit more about what Nigel Stepney said to the Italian magistrate regarding the espionage saga last year. He maintains he did not pass the information onto Coughlan, although they were in contact. His lawyer said Stepney is disappointed with Coughlan’s version of events.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
18-Feb-08: Super Aguri Pull Out of Barcelona Test
Hi everyone, this is F1 Minute for the 18th February 2008.
Testing resumes in Barcelona tomorrow, but Super Aguri won’t be joining in. After delaying the launch of their new car to a simple track testing debut this week, they’ve now announced they won’t be taking part in the test at all. The statement released by the team simply said it was due to circumstances beyond their control. Speculation over the teams financial worries has increased now, but Super Aguri did say they intend to fully participate at next week’s test with two cars.
Over the weekend, Bernie Ecclestone spoke to the BBC about his feelings on the new anti-racism campaign from the FIA. He said the whole thing was unnecessary, the incident was a one off and it is nothing to worry about. The FIA have dismissed Ecclestone’s comments, however, and remain steadfast that promoting the campaign is the right thing to do.
And two other quick snippets, Lewis Hamilton has won a Laureaus Award for World Breakthrough of the Year, and Nigel Stepney met with the Italian magistrate today and was said to be “collaborative and thorough”.
That’s all for today, join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
15-Feb-08: Stepney Ready to Share his Story
Today is Friday 15th February, and this is F1 Minute.
A statement has been released by Nigel Stepney’s solicitors saying that he has maintained a dignified silence but is now ready to spill the beans. Unfortunately, the FIA weren’t able to be present at the arranged meeting for the 7th February, so it’s been put back to 7th March. Stepney is unsurprisingly eager to meet with the FIA and share his side of the story.
Whilst we’re on the subject of espionage, McLaren’s hearing with the Italian prosecutor has been pushed back, with no reason or renewed date given.
Tickets for the Singapore Grand Prix went on sale yesterday, and organisers were immediately plunged into chaos. 70,000 tickets were available, but buyers struggled to get through by phone and via the internet. The problem is so bad, the organisers are holding an emergency meeting to try and rectify the situation.
Finally today, Jenson Button has said the new Honda is making progress, despite the low results in testing. He and Barrichello agree that this week’s test in Jerez was the best for them so far, and now they’re waiting for some aero updates to see more improvement.
That’s all for today and this week, have a great weekend and I’ll see you Monday for another F1 Minute.
21-Jan-08: Stepney Says He’s Not To Blame For Espionage
This is F1 Minute for the 21st January 2008.
Nigel Stepney has revealed in an interview with Sky Sports, that he does not feel to blame for the espionage affair. He says although he did supply the information to McLaren, it was used to a much higher extent than he’d anticipated. Stepney also commented that there is still a lot that has been left unsaid on the subject.
Williams rolled out their new car, the FW30 at a very foggy Valencia circuit today. With no official launch taking place, this is the first time we’ve laid eyes on the car. Nico Hulkunberg managed to complete just 20 laps, before heading back to the garage due to the weather conditions. Fernando Alonso was also at Valencia, taking to the track in the new Renault R28 around lunchtime. He completed 39 laps, and was comfortably faster than Hulkenburg. Renault will be running the car at Valencia this week, before the official launch takes place at the end of the month.
And finally, Alex Wurz has spoken about his decision to join Honda, saying he feels he wouldn’t have the energy to complete a full season of racing but that’s just a small part of what a driver does and the development of the car is just as fulfilling.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
30-Oct-07: Ferrari President Says Happy Birthday
Hello everyone, I’m Christine from Sidepodcast, and this is F1 Minute for the 30th October 2007.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo had some harsh words to say about F1 supremos Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley last week, angry that they had not done enough with the espionage saga. He has today clarified his comments, saying he has nothing but respect and admiration for the pair. He even wished Bernie a happy 77th birthday for yesterday.
On the subject of the espionage scandal, McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa was called before the Italian magistrate who is investigating the criminal side of the affair. Ferrari initiated the investigation against Nigel Stepney, but gradually the case has been widening, with Fernando Alonso being called for questioning at the beginning of the month.
And finally, Honda have announced they will be letting three GP2 drivers behind the wheel for the upcoming test in Barcelona. Mike Conway, Luca Fillipi and Andreas Zuber will all be hoping to impress team bosses in hopes of a future F1 drive.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 minute.
09-Oct-07: Williams Announce Nakajima for Brazil
Today is Tuesday, 9th October, I’m Christine from Sidepodcast, and this is your F1 minute.
Williams announced their replacement for Alex Wurz today as Kazuki Nakajima. The test driver will step up for the race seat as a one-off in season-closer Brazil, and although it’s obviously a great opportunity, Frank Williams has made it clear that he will not be judging the driver for 2008 potential on this one race alone.
Max Mosley stands by his recent unfavourable comments about Jackie Stewart, even though the former world champion is threatening legal action. Stewart has said his lawyers are talking to Mosley and his people, but Mosley is determined to make no apology for calling the Scotsman a “certified halfwit.”
Fernando Alonso was interviewed by magistrate Guiseppe Tibis, regarding the criminal investigation into the Ferrari/McLaren espionage. There was no visible outcome from the enquiry, but questions asked are believed to have been about the email exchange and confidential information received from Stepney.
Those are your F1 headlines for today, join me tomorrow for another F1 minute.
08-Oct-07: Raikkonen Keeps Title Hopes Alive
Hi everyone, this is Sidepodcast’s F1 minute. I’m Christine and these are the F1 headlines for today, 8th October 2007.
Kimi Raikkonen won the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, followed closely by Fernando Alonso, meaning both drivers are still in with a chance at the drivers title when F1 descends on Brazil. Lewis Hamilton scored another unexpected pole position, but during the race he suffered a tyre failure, and retired to score no points.
Alex Wurz has today confirmed that he will be leaving both Williams and Formula 1 as a whole with immediate effect. After much speculation, rumours were squashed this weekend when Alex announced he was going to leave at the end of the season, but the Austrian has moved his plans forward after another poor showing in Canada.
Ex Ferrari employee Nigel Stepney is still planning to release his autobiography, despite it being dropped by the previous publishers. Proceeds from the sale of the book, entitled Red Mist, will go to the Great Ormond Street hospital. Visit nigel-stepney.com for more details.
Those are the top stories for today, join me tomorrow for another F1 minute.