04-Aug-08: Hungarian GP Gets Five Year Extension
It’s the 4th August 2008, and this is F1 Minute.
Some snippets of news following the race yesterday: Bridgestone haven’t confirmed it yet, but believe that Hamilton’s puncture was caused by debris in the sidewall. The tyre is being flown to Japan for further investigation. The Hungarian GP has been given a five year extension. It was already contracted until 2011 and will now run to 2016.
In other news, Autosport.com is reporting that the drivers will test out a new audio warning system in their cars, as part of the overhaul of the safety car rules. The idea is that anything on the dashboard is just going to add more distraction for the drivers, so some kind of signal over the team radio may be more effective.
Finally, in the rumour mill, the speculation has increased that Alonso will join Honda in 2009 for a one-year deal before moving on to Ferrari. It’s believed that Honda are willing to offer the short term contract in return for a big name signing.
That’s it for today, join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
08-Jun-08: Kubica Takes Maiden Win in Canada
This is F1 Minute for Sunday 8th June 2008.
Kubica took his first ever win in Canada today, after a pit lane incident knocked both Hamilton and Raikkonen out of the race. Kubica kept his head with a two stop strategy, and finished in front of his one-stopping team mate Heidfeld, and an incident-free Coulthard.
An early safety car was brought out by Sutil who pulled off track and out of the race, and his car had to be retrieved. When the pit lane opened, a stream of traffic took the opportunity, and Kubica and Raikkonen pulled up to the red light at the same time. Hamilton, just behind them, made a mistake, either not realising or ignoring the red light, and crashed into the back of Raikkonen.
Elsewhere, Massa had to pit an extra time after a mistake by the mechanics, but pulled off a couple of outstanding overtaking maneouvres to finish in fifth. Both Renaults retired, along with Fisichella and Nakajima. The track seemed to hold up for the entire race, despite previous worries about it breaking up. Alonso did blame it for his crash, however.
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
05-Jun-08: Ferrari Chief Changes His Mind on Mosley
Welcome to F1 Minute for the 5th June 2008.
Yesterday, Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo said he felt Max Mosley should resign. He said for “credibility’s sake” Mosley needed to step down. Today, however, Montezemolo has changed his mind, saying: “I am happy Max Mosley has been confirmed as president of the FIA. Through the years he has done an excellent job for Formula One. With regards his future, it will only be up to him to decide if and when to take a step back.” There’s no apparent reason for his change of mind.
Elsewhere, today, it was announced that the new safety car regulation proposals will be tested out during the French Grand Prix weekend. The new system involves making use of the standard ECU to monitor the speed of the cars out on track, therefore allowing the pit lane to remain open throughout a safety car period. It had been intended to be tested at Monaco, but was pushed back to allow the teams more time to get used to the software. It will now be tested during Friday practice to see if it should be implemented.
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
29-Apr-08: Confidence In Mosley Continues to Fall
It’s the 29th April and this is F1 Minute.
A report in the Sunday Times this weekend has said that some of the motoring bodies who are members of the FIA could leave if Max Mosley does not step down. Although not specifically saying they would do so, the American Automobile Association warned that several of their fellow organisations could breakaway to form their own version of the FIA, one without Mosley at the top. This comes on top of a meeting over the weekend between all eleven F1 teams, where only three of them did not want to sign a statement asking Mosley to resign.
Elsewhere today, BMW boss Mario Theissen has spoken out about what ruined Heidfeld’s race, saying: “Unfortunately, with regards the safety car and pit stops, the current situation is anything but satisfying - it is a true gamble. This time, we have been the ones to suffer. The team managers have been discussing this topic with the FIA for quite a while now. I hope that there will be a reasonable solution soon.” Meanwhile Heidfeld simplified matters, branding it a “stupid rule.”
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.