FIA WEC – Davide Rigon “In Brazil for Constructors’ title”

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“In São Paulo the goal will be only one: Constructors’ title for Ferrari“. These are the first words of Davide Rigon, flying to Brazil, scene of the last round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Rigon, paired with team-mate James Calado, will be at the starting grid at the wheel of Ferrari 458  #71, being confident of last three consecutive podium finishes in Japan, China and Bahrain, which launch him in sixth place of GTE-Pro standings. Right at Sakhir, Amato Ferrari’s team celebrated the achievement of titles dedicated to Teams and Drivers, with the team-mates Bruni and Vilander, neo World Champions. Now, only the last piece missing  to complete a season that could be unforgettable: Constructors’ title for Ferrari. After seven rounds, Ferrari team leads the standings with 261 points.

“São Paolo is a track that I really like, a circuit of the old-school, with several ups and downs. The asphalt has been redone and it should make the cars even faster. In these days, we worked hard to be prepared at our best for this decisive event. We are ready and determined to end the season in the best way. Two weeks ago, we won the first two titles. Now, missing the third one“, the Venetian driver continues. “It won’t certainly be easy, but, once again, I can rely on the experience of last year “.

Right on Interlagos’ track, Davide has signed his debut in World Championship with a second place.

Kart – Joao Vieira, great protagonist of the XVIII edition of SuperNationals Kart

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Exciting weekend for Joao Vieira, busy in Las Vegas for the XVIII edition of SuperNationals Kart.

The 1,370 metres of the kart track in Las Vegas, entertainment capital and most populous city in the state of Nevada, were the scene of the biggest international event of the year in karting world. Managed by Giovanni Minardi of Minardi Management, the young Brazilian driver, already winner of the edition in 2010, was once again among the great protagonists of the XVIII SuperNationals Kart edition. Right from the first free practice sessions, the Brazilian set the pace, signing the best performance in both sessions and closing Qualifying session with the tenth time, 244 thousandths from pole-position. In Qualifying race, unfortunately, the engine collapsed and its replacement caused him a heavy penalty for the final.

Having started from the 40th place of grid, Joao became the protagonist of an incredible recovery, closing the gap to the final ninth place. “The final was exciting. I really enjoyed the race, with all those overtakings“, Joao Vieira said, satisfied. “Regret certainly remains, as I could have fought for the final win with my pace. Unfortunately, because of engine’s replacement, I was forced to start from the fortieth position“.

Phenomenal Mercedes, barely pass Ferrari and resat Sauber, Lotus, Caterham

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Mercedes – 10 Without reliability problems, it would certainly be an A+ season. With sixteen successes of nineteen Grand Prix, it has hit the jackpot. Hamilton is a “races” animal, a bit less in Qualifying. As for Rosberg, he was able to fight on pair with Lewis. He has to be more consistent in race. Certainly, he will still have a way to fight with his tam-mate. At the beginning of the season, everyone has already considered him as defeated

Williams – 9 Moving from ninth to third place in Constructors’ standings in just one year is synonymous with having worked not only in the right direction, but also having chosen expert people, many of which are Ferrari’s “fugitives”. This certainly has to make us reflect and serve as an example. Thanks also to Mercedes PU, it was able to move up the ranks, especially in the second half of the season, becoming the second force in the World Championship

Red Bull – 8 It’s a vote that goes mainly to the chassis, as it is limited by transalpine PU. It deserves also a higher vote, but, honestly, I didn’t like at all the last “trickery” in Qualifying. The penalty is also perhaps been too mild. Its problem is PU and it may prevent these actions not really clear. It has been the only one to put a spoke in Mercedes’ wheels, going on to win three races with Ricciardo. I would not risk ruining the credibility of a team that has won so much, with trickeries like this

McLaren – 8 It has been able to recover, being as a third reality in recent races. This vote wants to be a vote of confidence. With the arrival of Honda, it can certainly make the leap. As a team, despite the looting of technicians of last season, it proved to have a “hard core” on which restart. I hope it will be one of the next team on the rise, in order to make next 2015 Championship more exciting

Force India – 7.5 Certainly, it has put together many points, being able to be competitive in almost all races, thanks to Mercedes’ PU. It has to struggle between budget and inventions, but it did a great job

Toro Rosso – 7 Very strong in Qualifying, entering, on several occasions, in the top-10. Unfortunately, frustrated result too often in race and, therefore, it has to work on this aspect for the future

Ferrari – 6 The latest moves at the top could be a positive sign for the future. The arrival of Maurizio Arrivabene is a great signal. He knows very well F1 environment, Ferrari and Agnelli family. I am sorry for Marco Mattiacci, but, considering experience, there can be no comparison. It has been one of the most difficult seasons for Maranello, both technically and sportingly, although it had two World Champions

Marussia – 6 For having won two points in Montecarlo, despite many financial difficulties. They are now in receivership, but I hope that the result of Montecarlo might be the basis for a new restart

Sauber e Lotus – 5 They have fallen too low. Certainly, they not have been helped by Ferrari and Renault’s PU, but causes of their failure have to be charged ascribed to a non-performing chassis’ project

Caterham – 4 After so many years, it should have done more. I hope it will find the right resources to start in 2015

Gian Carlo Minardi

Abu Dhabi GP – Drivers’ Scorecard

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Also this world championship has ended. Lewis Hamilton is the news World Champion and Mercedes signed its sixteenth success in nineteen rounds. They have hit the jackpot.

Lewis Hamilton – 10 He has been able to withstand brilliantly Rosberg’s media and sporting pressure. He signed the eleventh personal victory of the season

Nico Rosberg – 10- He was commendable in Qualifying, with an outstanding time-result. In recent races, this Formula 1 has come close to the record marked with 2008-2009 cars. Credit to engineers. He and Lewis have put together sixteen successes. Pity that start was not perfect. Surely, the next year he will be back there, to fight with his team-mate

Felipe Massa – 9+ A regenerated driver. Only a year ago, he was given for finished. After being bombarded by bad luck earlier in the year, he developed together with Williams, closing with an excellent second place and driving aggressively

Valtteri Bottas – 9 He is the revelation of the world championship, as a young driver. He raced with intelligence

Daniel Ricciardo – 9 Starting from pit lane, recovering up to fourth place, is a great achievement, despite an inferior car. At the beginning of the season, it was unthinkable to assume a season like that. Everyone thought he would be outclassed by Vettel

Jenson Button – 9 Despite rumors, he has continued to drive brilliantly, bringing important points to McLaren

Nico Hulkenberg, Sergio Perez – 8 They have struggled with the knife between their teeth in all races, making the most of their Force India

Fernando Alonso – 7.5 He certainly could not do anything more than that

Kimi Raikkonen – 7 He has struggled too, but the ninth and tenth place is certainly not of Ferrari

Sebastian Vettel – 7 He finished again behind his team-mate, although in Qualifying he had prevailed. He certainly lost the challenge with Daniel. For him, a difficult year ends

Gian Carlo Minardi

Abu Dhabi GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

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Also this season is ended quickly, consisting of fascinating Grand Prix, even though almost all branded Mercedes. It’s a pity that this final deprived us of Nico Rosberg, who was slowed by a problem of his car. It wold have been amazing to see them fighting till the end. I have to congratulate him both for his nice gesture against Lewis in the race over, and for wanting to stop at all costs the Grand Prix.

It’s been a championship in growing, despite technical concerns at the beginning. The times have lower quickly until approaching the various records, just like Rosberg’s Qualifying time scored yesterday, which was really close to Vettel’s track record – 2009.

It’s been a season with so many variables: Williams, after a difficult 2013, has become the third force in the world, closing the season with a double podium. It revived Felipe Massa and formed one of the most promising young driver, Bottas. Talking about chassis, Red Bull has shown that have a competitive car, despite too many smarts. Developing as Power-unit, it would certainly have something to say. Ferrari, among many difficulties, has confirmed as the fourth / fifth force of world championship. Fernando said good-bye to the team showing things that only a champion can do, like the overtaking on Kimi and the fast change of strategies, entering first for pit-stop. Button has digested perfectly his last GP. Alongside Ferando, in fact, there’ll be Kevin Magnussen. Therefore, from Tuesday, the new McLaren-Honda era will start.

A season that ends with so many changes, both for drivers and for technical aspect. Vettel instead of Alonso in Ferrari. Alonso instead of Button in McLaren (missing only the announcement). Kvyat instead of Vettel in Red Bull. The Russian has been unlucky in some circumstances, but from the beginning he has imposed very well. He will be alongside to Ricciardo that even today has proven to be a first lead. In Toro Rosso, instead arrives the young Max Verstappen. To decide who will be his partner. For tests, the team from Faenza called Carlos Sainz jr. At this point, I would say that for Vergne the doors close, although he was the author of a good season ending. Verstappen-Sainz, a young team will be a good bet, though not easy. On the technical side, we have seen many changes, especially in Ferrari, where, however, the news are not over. The rumors speak of a new change of leadership, between Mattiacci-Arrivabene. If so, it would be quite a good shot. Arrivabene is very familiar with F1, Ferrari’s environment and the Agnelli family. In short, there are still many pieces to put in place.

During the tests in Abu Dhabi, we will have the chance to see in action even Raffaele Marciello, at the wheel of Ferrari. I’ll follow him very carefully, having observed him closely, since his first steps in this world.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Abu Dhabi GP – PREVIEW

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We’ve come to the nineteenth race, the last race of a season that has passed quickly, among polemics, technical developments, difficulties for teams and clear supremacy of Mercedes.

We had to wait until the last weekend to know Sebastian Vettel’s successor, who will leave the #1. It will be an internal fight at Mercedes, between Hamilton and Rosberg. The English driver, thanks to his advantage, will act in reply, while victory might not be enough for Nico. I can’t see any driver that can come between them, to favour either. Williams itself is still very far away, as proved by a 41″ sec. suffered in Brazil. The fight for third place among Constructors, instead, is done deal for Williams, despite the availability of double points, which have proved to be useless.

For the final round, Pirelli brings Soft and SuperSoft. This could give us a hard-fought Qualifying. Fifteen days ago, we had even 18 drivers in just 2″, while, during the race, differences between Mercedes and the remaining group could come out anyway. This compounds’ solution may not favour McLaren in the fight for fourth place. Button-Magnussen’s car has proved to be more powerful with Medium and Hard. Moreover, through a tweet, they’ve also announced that we should wait over December 1st to know the new line-up, even if games are already made.

Behind the pit, the atmosphere will be very “hot”, with various decisions to take, related to third car, prizes distribution and Power-Unit changes.

Gian Carlo Minardi

KART – Joao Vieira at SuperNationals Kart of Las Vegas

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Parked the Tatuus F4 #28, Joao Vieira is ready to return to his first love, after ending the first season in open-wheel and in the Italian F.4 Championship, with victory in the Adria Winter Trophy.

This weekend the young Brazilian driver will be in Las Vegas among the protagonists of the 18th SuperNationals Kart edition, the largest international event of the year in karting world. For Joao, it will be a return on the 1,370 meters of the go-kart track and he will try to repeat the success of 2010, at the wheel of a Parolin chassis. Even in last year edition, the Minardi Management driver was competing for the win. After scoring the fastest time in Qualifying in the rain, a problem in the first stages of the race took him out of the games for SuperSunday. “It’s always nice to come back here in Las Vegas. I know very well the environment, having already won. Last year, unfortunately, an overheating problem knocked me out, but this year I will try to take revenge by hunting success“, Joao Vieira says. “I finished the season in Formula 4 with a first and second in Adria International Raceway. After several months and then I go back behind the wheel of a kart“, the Brazilian driver concludes.

FIA WEC – Another podium for Davide Rigon at the 6 Hours of Bahrain

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And three! For the third appointment in a row, Davide Rigon paired with team-mate James Calado wins the podium in the World Endurance Championship, at the wheel of the Ferrari 458 GTEPro. After Fuji and Shanghai, it’s the turn of Sakhir, scene of the seventh round of FIA World Endurance Championship, winning  four podiums , with another round on the calendar still to be raced.

Right from the beginning, Davide and James stood out on the demanding circuit of Bahrain, bringing the Ferrari #71 of Amato Ferrari team in top placements of Pro class. After taking the necessary steps in the two free practice sessions, they signed the third best lap time, behind the twin-car #51 of the new World Champions Bruni-Vilander, despite the hard tyres. The 6 Hours proveed to be a tight race from the first passes, with a constant pressure by Porsche and the high temperatures of climate and asphalt. Without making mistakes despite nightfall, Davide and James switched each other, holding up the pace and giving Ferrari and AF Corse a new podium, ending a sensational weekend for the colours of Maranello. “We are very happy for this new podium that led us go one step further in standings“, Davide Rigon said, coming back from Bahrain. Thanks to his third place, he adds a further 15 points, entering the Top Six of the best drivers ever in GT category. “We were very pleased with the time marked in Qualifying, as we had decided to focus on Hard tyres. In race then we fought constantly with Porsche, our main opponents. After losing a few positions at the start to set our tyre’s temperature, I was able to recover and race with great chronometric results on track“, Davide continues. “In the first stint, safety car entry costed us a bit of time. However, podium is always a great satisfaction, especially since we are talking about the most important stage“.

Double joy at AF Corse that celebrated not only Team title, but also Drivers’ title with the more experienced colleagues, Bruni and Vilander. “It was a sensational weekend for all of us in team. As AF, we won the Team title, while Gimmi and Toni won the Drivers’ title“. For the team from Piacenza, it is the third title in three seasons. At this point, in order that the season will be memorable, Ferrari has now to gain Constructors’ title, a mission that it must attempt to complete during the last race of the season, scheduled in two weeks Interlagos in Brazil. “In fifteen days we will be back on track in São Paulo for the final round. My goal is to give Ferrari the Constructors’ title“, the driver Venetian concludes. With these new results, Maranello team has further strengthened its leading position with 261 points.

“I’m very happy for the great weekend of Davide. Just a bit of luck in race has missed. Probably, the second place was within his reach. A really positive weekend ends, thanks to Bruni and Vilander’s winning of Drivers’ Championship and Team Title of AF Corse“, the manager Giovanni Minardi says. “Now, we miss only the last piece, the most important one: the Constructors’ Title with Ferrari. We hope to take it home in the last round, in Brazil. In the second half of the season, racing on tracks already known, we made a big step forward. Standings at hand, unfortunately, we miss the important points of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Davide could have fought for podium“, Minardi concludes.

Gian Carlo Minardi “Games in F1 are not finished”

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In eleven days, Formula 1 will issue its verdict, consecrating the 2014 Drivers’ World Champion. Hamilton or Rosberg? Meanwhile, at the end of Russian Grand Prix, Mercedes has already won its first Constructors’ Title in history. Despite World Championship will close, the unknown elements for 2015 remain endless. In recent years, we have never got to this point of the season with still so many questions about the Circus.

As we know, at Suzuka Sebastian Vettel said good-bye to Red Bull, but without announcing his new destination. Fernando Alonso will leave Maranello, to go where? There is talk about Honda-McLaren; till now much talk, but zero facts. And who will be “sacrificed” between Button and Magnussen? The news does not end up here. Marussia and Caterham have raised the white flag, but the unknowns go around other teams, like Lotus and Sauber (that, meanwhile, announced for 2015 Ericsson and Nasr, leaving its drivers Sutil and Gutiérrez). Let’s move on. In Toro Rosso, after the press release of August, in which they announced the line-up in 2015 with Kvyat-Verstappen (in Minardi.it, we didn’t believe it much), the counter-ad has arrived, always at Suzuka: the Russian Kvyat in RBR, instead of Vettel, alongside Daniel Ricciardo. What will then do the “dumped” Vergne?

It’s certainly a strange year for this crazy Formula 1. The mess, however, affects not only drivers, but also technical and key men of the teams. Ferrari has brought substantial changes in its organization, but it’s not been the only one. McLaren fired thirteen of its men. “Losing does not like anyone. Especially to those used to win, in their history. Formula 1 is going through a very particular and difficult moment, full of confusion. In these months, we have seen a number of changes and, of course, we did not come to an end. A team that does not win, it’s changed.  The F14T lived up to expectations and, therefore, Ferrari intervened heavily in main areas. The season was started with proclamations as world title. Today, it is the fourth in Constructors’ World Championship (behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Williams) and, in some circumstances, it’s the fifth car“, Gian Carlo Minardi says on www.minardi.it. “Unfortunately, I think it’s difficult to solve problems in such a short time, even considering what we read. There is talk about a developmental step of the new engine of only 30-40 CV. Disarming, considering the huge difference showed in the field by German competition“, the manager from Faenza says. “Then, we must also add the problems of overconsumption. In Brazil, which is a track that should not cause problems under this aspect, Alonso said he had had to fight against consumption. We are facing a situation too complicated and intricate. I don’t think changes have come to the end. Marchionne has made specific questions to his collaborators“, Minardi says, “not getting the answers he hoped. This is synonymous with great uncertainty that may lead to new changes“.

Ferrari and Renault have formed a coalition to convince Mercedes to “unfreeze” the engines and open a window, to bring developments and updates about Power Unit, resulted less-performing. Meanwhile, Horner, Ecclestone and Lopez take a crack at. They would like to take a step back and leave the expensive V6 Turbo, in favour of the regretted V8. Sharp answer of Niki Lauda: “If we go back to the V8, Mercedes will leave F1”.  A storm is ready to fall on F1.

FIA WEC – Davide Rigon on the hunt for another great result at the 6 Hours of Bahrain

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Being confident of the podiums won in the last two rounds at Fuji and Shanghai, that add to the third place of the beginning of the season at Spa-Francorchamps, Davide Rigon, paired with Calado, is ready to return at the wheel of the Ferrari 458GTE-Pro #71 of AF Corse team, in the seventh and penultimate round of the World Endurance Championship at Sakhir circuit, for the 6 Hours of Bahrain.

Once again, Davide will treasure his experience that gained last season, when he ended his first experience in the World Championship with a considerable second place, decisive for winning the Team title for the 8Star Motorsport and the Constructors title for Ferrari. The 5,412 meters of track, built on the suburbs of Bahrain’s Manama capital, bring back memories in the 27-year-old driver’s mind. In addition to second place of last season, in 2009 he won a great podium in GP2. “It‘s a track that I always liked, where I collected important results, both in open-wheels and GT cars. We arrive to this appointment after the second place at Fuji and third place at Shanghai. Both my team-mate and I and the all AF team, we are ready to go on the hunt for a new positive result for Ferrari “, Davide Rigon says, flying to the capital of Bahrain. “We are preparing to spend the last two rounds on two tracks (Bahrain and Interlagos), which should be better adapted to the characteristics of our 458“, the Venetian driver says. “It will be a hard race, for both the high temperatures that’ll be reached inside the car, and because we will start with the sun and end up at night.”

Therefore, Ferrari’s ride towards Constructors title will continue, as main purpose of Davide and AF Corse team for this season. With two more rounds on the agenda, the Prancing Horse Team leads the group ahead of Porsche and Aston Martin, with Davide and Calado in seventh place in standings.

Brazilian GP – Drivers' Scorecard

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Interlagos is always an amazing and considerable circuit. The organizers deserve praise for the work done on the asphalt, having improved its performance. It was also very interesting Piquet’s speech on stage at the end of GP, which bring F.1 back to past times, with questions for drivers related to other topics outside the race, making it more joking.

Nico Rosberg – 10 Pole and victory, without making the slightest imperfection, despite Hamilton’s important pressure during the all race. If he’s made fewer mistakes during the season, this would be for him an incredible match-point. Unfortunately, he alternated masterful and less positive performances, like in Austin, when he practically opened the door to team-mate

Lewis Hamilton – 9 He made a mistake, trying to regain his team-mate and scoring, anyway, the fastest lap of the race. In many passes, they challenged on the edge of the second tenth, running on high paces. He gave a hard time to the team-mate and it was a fight just between the two of them. Unluckily, only one can win, even though they both deserve an award

Felipe Massa – 9 He made two mistakes, exceeding the speed-limit and stopping in the wrong box, but he has completed a masterful race, gaining a new podium for himself and for his Williams. To date, unfortunately, they are not yet in a position to strike back Mercedes’ supremacy and only external factors may change an already written, also in Abu Dhabi

Jenson Button – 8 As separated (or almost), he is proving that he would deserve better consideration

Sebastian Vettel – 8 He is author of a great race and he led the only points at Renault

Fernando Alonso – 8 He constantly fight with a knife between his teeth, despite a car that is not perfect. Today, he is the fourth power of the world championship, behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Williams. With limited time available, it will be hard to solve problems. Once again, however, he wins the battle with the team-mate, who gave an awakening signal

Nico Hulkenberg – 7 He brings new points at Force India

Valtteri Bottas and Kevin Magnussen – 6 They have not been able to confirm the results obtained in Qualifying, losing the comparison with the “veteran” team-mates

Brazilian GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

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São Paulo has not lived up to expectations, thanks to an exciting circuit that puts drivers’ ability to the test. As easily expected, we have had a clear supremacy of Mercedes team and its Power-Unit, with four drivers in the top-4 and seven in the top-10.

Good race also for Sebastian Vettel, with Daniel Ricciardo particularly unlucky, braked by the failure of left front suspension. Fernando Alonso has driven at his best with his Ferrari, playing all-out like Kimi Raikkonen, who has played the card of pit-stop less, risking compromising the seventh place, in favor of Hulkenberg and Magnussen. Given the supremacy of the German PU, the battle has been won by Vettel-Alonso-Raikkonen, entering into the top-10. Button himself then has been the author of a good race, showing how his McLaren defends itself with Medium and Hard compounds, suffering, instead, with Soft and Supersoft.

Once again, it has been an unequal fight between the pair Hamilton/Rosberg and everyone else. They have fight till the end, challenging with fast laps. That is the beauty of two champions, using a car that allows them to do what they want. Despite the supremacy, however, the title will be awarded only at the last race in Abu Dhabi. This can only be good for F1. The advantage of the English driver remains like that and he can end the game even with a second place. It will be a weekend that will open with many unknown elements, both for reliability and possible mistakes. Even today, Lewis himself makes a mistake that, in other circumstances, would have been fatal. Thanks to the new safety rules (which led to pave the escape ways) he has been spared, losing only a few seconds. However, 17-points lead are an important lifesaver, demonstrating that the double points are useless invention. Moreover, the track has already approved its verdict. 10 to 5 wins for Hamilton on Rosberg … Then, other factors, such as reliability, have affected the standings.

Well done also for Felipe Massa. With the third place, he completes the podium of the home-race. He has made two mistakes as a beginner, but, anyway, they wouldn’t have changed the result. Two mistakes, dictated by the heat of racing in front of his audience and driving a competitive car like his Williams. Unfortunately, the Brazilian misses several points lost in the first part that now would have launched him to the third-fourth place. He has lived a season in growing and monetizing the potential of his car. He is still a long way from Mercedes, but the PU allows him to reach these results.

With regards to mistakes, it has been a Sunday full of imperfections in the pits with Raikkonen, Bottas and Hamilton. For Ferrari, it is the second error. An alarm bell not to be underestimated, because it comes in an area where the Prancing Horse has always been at the top.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Brazilian GP – PREVIEW

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Seven days after Austin’s Grand Prix, Circus arrives at Interlagos, a historical Formula 1 circuit. The round on the Brazilian circuit is characterized by one of the shortest track of championship and, besides technical problems, it is always affected by weather changeableness. Also for these three-days, rain is expected and it could complicate teams’ choices.

In the event of dry track, Pirelli will bring Medium and Soft; we will see an open competition with different solutions. Obviously, everything is directed to Mercedes and the internal fight between Hamilton and Rosberg.

After Austin, Lewis’ lead over Nico arrives at 24 points. I have a feeling that now everything is already planned, as I have analyzed in recent days. After the race at Spa-Francorchamps, the team performed well defined hierarchies for the good of team, image and investments made in these years. Hamilton is predestined to win this World Championship. In recent races, we have seen how one of them takes the pole and the other wins the race. For me, the ease with which Nico has accepted defeat a week ago is a further signal too.

We are getting ready for Brazilian Grand Prix with two questions: who will win between Hamilton and Rosberg? Who will win the third place in Constructors’ World Championship?

As I said before, the top step of the podium (unless technical problems) is Mercedes matter. I do not see other actors that may worry them. At this point, the third place among Constructors is pretty much thing done for Williams, despite the double points of Abu Dhabi. Some teams are now already working on next season. Ferrari has big problems right now in the present. Let them work and look carefully at the tests they are doing.

Gian Carlo Minardi