It’s the 22nd September 2008, and this is F1 Minute.
At the Jerez test last week, Williams ran a brand new but old-style rear wing in preparation for 2009. Not everyone, including myself, is in favour of the look of the cars with this wing, but Ross Brawn has defended the change. “I think they look okay - and they look in many ways nicer because the bodywork doesn’t have all this furniture. It is a much bigger front wing and smaller higher rear wing, but we have had things like that in the past.” He said that just like when grooved tyres were introduced, people didn’t like the look of them, but we will soon get used to it.
Talking of 2009, Vijay Mallya has spoken about how he is measuring the performance of his team, and whilst he says Force India are doing well this year, next season will be the real test. “I’ve always said that we will take baby steps in 2008, such as getting into Q2, and I think we have managed to do that. In 2009 we have no excuses, I know that, and I will make sure that we perform.”
That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
It’s a very slow news day today, but we have a few thoughts ahead of Valencia. Jenson Button has been preparing for the new circuit, and says the simulator at the factory has been a real help in this matter, although it doesn’t give you a total feeling of what the car will be like. It is useful for getting the braking distances and learning the corners.
Ross Brawn has also been taking a look at the new track, and says they have been getting some information from some of the previous races that have already taken place. He says that whilst the circuit is compared to Monaco, it will not require as much downforce as that street circuit because it is not quite as twisty.
Finally, BMW have released their preview quotes and are looking forward to the weekend because the team has some close ties with Valencia. They roll out their new F1 car there usually, and Heidfeld says: “The first few metres in a brand-new car are always a very special experience.”
That’s it for today, let’s hope there’s more news for tomorrow’s F1 Minute.
Remember last week when the teams got together and agreed to set up a new organisation called the Formula One Teams Association? Well, there has been plenty of discussion about the new group around the internet, whether they are going to be useful, or whether it’s all just talk, but there have been few actual details so far.
Ross Brawn has spoken to Autosport.com and told them that he is more than happy to take charge of the technical side of things for the association, if the other teams are happy for him to do so. The FOTA’s main priority is to come up with some new regulations for the 2011 season that will fit in with the FIA’s plans to become greener and more cost-effective.
Whilst it’s nice to know something is actually happening, Brawn does admit it’s a slow process: “We need the first stage done first, which is about how we can all work together without making it too heavy. We need to have something that is clear, but we don’t want a 100-page document. It would be a shame if it resorted to that.”
That’s rounds up the show for today, join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
Today is the 18th July 2008 and this is F1 Minute.
Lewis Hamilton topped both Free Practice sessions in Hockenheim today, the first one being a McLaren one-two, and the second seeing Hamilton ahead of Massa. Notable events included Kubica smashing into the wall in FP1, he emerged unscathed and the mechanics worked furiously to get his car out in the afternoon. Also, Glock had an airborne moment in his Toyota, and landed with a serious bump.
Elsewhere today, Ross Brawn has said that he expects Button and Barrichello to remain with the team next year. Although negotiations are still ongoing, and Brawn doesn’t believe it is of high priority at the moment, he said: “I don’t think there will be any dramatic change. It’s unfair to criticise the drivers as we haven’t provided them with a good enough car.”
Finally, Anthony Hamilton has sparked a new raft of speculation by having a not-so-secret meeting with Stefano Domenicali. Pictures have emerged of the two chatting, and whilst that’s all we know, it doesn’t stop the Hamilton to Ferrari rumours from starting afresh.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
After their unexpected podium finish at Silverstone this weekend, you’d imagine Honda might want to rethink their plans to abandon development this year. However, CEO Nick Fry says they won’t be doing that. He says: “The plan is really designing the car Ross wants for next year, and this year is about getting everything as Ross wants it in the way the team operates.” Fry does concede that the podium finish has boosted everyone’s morale (except perhaps Jenson’s) but they have to remember it was mostly down to luck.
More reaction to the weekend, and of a less positive kind, comes from Luca di Montezemolo. “I hope we’ll manage to win our eighth title in ten years. We will if we don’t carry on doing stupid things. Obviously I wasn’t pleased with what I saw yesterday, but I hope it’s a useful lesson. Knowing my men, I’m certain it is.”
Finally, Max Mosley’s court case against the News of the World has begun, and the FIA president has been on the stand today denying the Nazi side of the allegations.
That’s all for now, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
Organisers of the Singapore Grand Prix have announced they will be adding at least 1,500 more seats, due to the popularity of the event. They’ll extend one grandstand and build another for the increased ticket-holders. They’ve also reduced the number of corners to 23, after deciding that Turns 10 and 11 should only really count as one.
Elsewhere today, Ross Brawn has apparently said that any team would be interested in signing up Alonso, as indeed are Honda. However, he also pointed out that the Spaniard’s preference for Ferrari would need to be sorted out first.
Finally, two quick snippets, David Coulthard got a sneek peak at the McLaren Technology Centre today, having bid on and won a charity prize for a tour. He took Christian Horner, Adrian Newey and Martin Brundle with him, as well. And Lewis Hamilton has signed the previously rumoured personal sponsorship deal with Reebok, although no numbers have been released.
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
It seems everyone has something to say following the manic race in Australia this weekend. First up, Ross Brawn is confident that Honda will be able to get points finishes regularly, despite Button being knocked out in the first lap and Barrichello being disqualified. The entire team is buoyed up by the improved performance from last year.
On that subject, Barrichello is calling for the pit signalling to be changed. He said: “I never saw a red light. I will never see it and I don’t pretend to see it. They are in the wrong places and by the time you see it, it is too late. You have already gone past it.”
Ron Dennis has spoken of Kovalainen’s mistake during the closing laps, where he pushed the pit speed limiter button and allowed Alonso to regain his position. Dennis said Heikki shouldn’t beat himself up too much, no one is judging him for what happened.
Two quick snippets, Massa refuses to take the blame for the incident with Coulthard saying the Scot should go back and rewatch the footage, whilst Glock is confident he will be okay to drive in Malaysia.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
I’m Christine, it’s the 30th January 2008 and this is F1 Minute.
2007 was a difficult season for Super Aguri in terms of revenue and budget, and the team are looking for investors for the coming season. This has prompted all kinds of speculation, from some saying the team won’t make it through the year, to others saying they’ll need to bring in pay drivers. Honda have said that they will continue to support Super Aguri but only if they keep a driver like Anthony Davidson on board. They want someone who can bring valued feedback to the team. Nick Fry also essentially said that supporting Super Aguri is a bit of a distraction for him and Ross Brawn and that their primary focus needs to be on Honda.
On that subject, Alex Wurz has obviously been listening to the speculation about his ability to stand in at a race after his sudden retirement from competitive racing last year. He has cleared the air saying he would stand in if required, but it’s not what he wants to do all season long.
And finally, the schedule for the Singapore GP has been released and shows that practice sessions and qualifying will also be at night, along with the race.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
It’s the 29th January, this is F1 Minute and today is all about Honda.
The Japanese squad launched the new RA108 and although we have previously seen it on track during testing, the excitement centred on the new livery. Gone is the total earth-style theme to a more sedate white and red paintjob, with a globe towards the back of the car.
The myearthdream initiative has evolved into simply earthdreams. Last year, fan donations reached almost £100,000 which will be shared out to environmental charities. There is no specific information about what will happen this year, but Honda want us all to know that the earth dreaming is a long term thing.
Back to the launch, though, Ross Brawn was saying that he’s enjoying life so far with Honda and that there’s no pressure on him to produce a quick fix for the car. He still seems a little unsure exactly how involved he’s going to get with the race strategies, saying he doesn’t want to interfere. Meanwhile, Barrichello was saying he isn’t thinking about retiring from F1 just yet, whilst Button is confident the team know where they’re going and he’s going to stick with Honda for the long term.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
Hi everyone, this is F1 Minute and here are your top headlines for 14th January 2008.
BMW launched their 2008 car in Munich today, and whilst there was the usual talk of being ready to challenge for the title and confidence of success, boss Mario Theissen did come up with a few tasty bits of information. Firstly, he said that BMW are in favour of the budget caps idea presented by Honda’s Ross Brawn and Nick Fry. He said with some evaluation as to how it would work, the idea is preferable to specific limitations. Secondly, Theissen announced that the team are ready to supply engines to other cars. They have no one in mind or lined up as a customer, but if the right situation arose, BMW have the resources.
Meanwhile, over at Jerez, the first day of testing kicked off with a mixture of 2007 and 2008 cars out on track. Raikkonen and Massa topped the timesheets in their new cars, with de la Rosa in the McLaren close behind. Liuzzi debuted as test driver for Force India and posted a respectable 11th fastest time, whilst Super Aguri struggled with mechanical problems. Tester James Rossiter only completed 10 laps and the team remained at the bottom of the times.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.