FIA WEC – Points and podium rhythm for Davide Rigon at the 6 Hours of Austin

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In Texas the curtain fell on the 6 Hours of Austin, the fourth round of the FIA Endurance World Championship, in which the changeable weather conditions were an important variable during the whole weekend.

At the wheel of the Ferrari 458 #71, the talented Venetian driver Davide Rigon, together with his team-mate James Calado, signed his debut on another circuit of an international character, putting himself on test along its 5,513 meters. Heavy rain and high air temperatures made even more demanding the endurance race, in which, however, David emerged, showing himself with lap times like the top of the class.

After about an hour and a half from the start, a strong storm made landfall on the American circuit, making the track impassable and forcing the race director to raise the red flag and suspend temporarily the race. At that point, the Venetian driver came into action instead of his friend James, using Wet tyres, bringing the Ferrari of AF Corse near to the podium, before giving the wheel up for the final stint, in the last hour and twenty minutes. Only one problem, yet to be verified, denies the satisfaction of the first seasonal podium, ending with a fifth placement. “It’s been a really demanding weekend, from all points of view. The track is not easy, especially in the first part with many blind corners. In addition, the weather has done its part, with thunderstorms and an air temperature around 32°C“, Davide Rigon analyzes, on the way back from America. “During the free practice sessions, I studied the track, but discovering tricks only in race. I am very happy with my race rhythm, from podium like to the tops of the class, even in difficult wet conditions, in which we decided to take a risk with Wet compounds. I just regret for having missed out a podium in the last hour“, the Ferrari driver concludes. “Now my head is already to Japan“.

Next appointment is scheduled for the weekend of October 12th with the 6 Hours of Fuji, fifth round of the World Championship.

F.4 – Joao Vieira at Monza, thinking big

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The Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth is getting ready for the sixth and penultimate round of the season at Monza.

Took the first contact with the fast Monza circuit, Joao Vieira is ready to gain the first win of the season, after having touched the pole in the last race at “Piero Taruffi” in Vallelunga. Once again, it will be a debut in a weekend race for the Brazilian of Antonelli Motorsport, on a track that does not need any introduction, as part of the history of Motorsport, with the unknowns of the first chicane, the two curves of Lesmo and the famous parabolic curve.

In the first five rounds, the development of the Brazilian counts 66 points and the seventh place in general raking, with the podium at Mugello and other important placements. From here until the end of the season, the goal is the highest step of the podium. The challenge is issued.

“We arrive at Monza after the good results of Vallelunga and last weekend. Last week I had the opportunity to take the first contact with Monza. A really fast track, with several points to overtake. I can’t wait to be on track, but only on Friday we’ll understand what’s our potential“, Joao Vieira says.

“After the test of last week, that goes pretty well, I am very optimistic in view of the weekend race, where we can finally play for the top step of the podium. If weather will assist us, we can experience an amazing show. In this last month and a half, Joao has worked hard, making a great difference in quality. It’s time to collect the important results. Fingers crossed“, the manager Giovanni Minardi comments.

As scheduled, the weekend will start on Friday, with two turns of free practice sessions, followed by Qualifying on Saturday 27th (11:50 am and 12:30 pm), to determine the starting grid of the two races (28′ + 1 lap), scheduled at 5:35 pm and 4:05 pm (on Sunday 28th). In the middle, the sprint race with 23 drivers, competing for 18′ + 1 lap.

Singapore GP – DRIVERS' SCORECARD

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Lewis Hamilton 9 – When he has got no problems and thanks to his car, he can rule the roost. He reopened the World Championship and we will see some pretty ones by the end of the season. His potential is incredible. After the safety car, in just four laps he outdistanced his rivals of more than 9 sec

Jean-Eric Vergne 9 – The driver of Toro Rosso is looking for a seat for 2015. He made an exceptional race, achieving a 6th place behind only the top drivers

Fernando Alonso 8 – Once again, he proved what he’s made of. Even driving with certainly many thoughts in his head, he brought Ferrari very close to Red Bull during both tests and race, but without incredible distances from Mercedes’ dreadnought

Daniel Ricciardo 8 – Even if he didn’t start perfectly, he was able to win the podium, in spite of some technical car problems

Felipe Massa 8 – He knew how to react to an unluckily start of the season and he’s deserving the reconfirm for 2015, putting himself behind his team-mate

Pastor Maldonado 7 – He struggled with his teeth to bring a lacking car to the finish line, fighting on equal terms with Bottas on Williams

Kimi Raikkonen 6 – Vote of encouragement. Once again, he had to give way to his team-mate, closing the race with fifty seconds to him. This should make us think and reflect on what is in program at Ferrari for 2015

For all the other pilots, we don’t have special considerations; I would give a 10 to the circuit, as a race under floodlights in Singapore is spectacular, also thanks to the Italian technology of DZ Engineering, illuminating the street circuit.

 

Singapore GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

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As usual, Mercedes ruled the roost, dominating also the fourteenth Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season, which took place under floodlights in the circuit of Singapore. The leaders of this season ran the race in their own way, winning with Hamilton a race and a weekend dominated almost from beginning to end.

Well done also for Red Bull and Ferrari with Fernando Alonso, that closed his race at the foot of the podium with a handful of tenths, having driven perversely for the entire weekend and completing an excellent race. On a city track with Super Soft tyres, Ferrari managed to stay in the wake of top teams. Unfortunately, the race has been penalized from safety car’s entrance, which remained on track for too long. Raikkonen (eighth at the finish line) suffered a delay of 1’ from the first position and more than 45’’ from the team-mate. For Maranello, this was the first weekend of the new generation, among many tensions, especially relative to Fernando Alonso’s decisions.

Amazing race also for Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel that completed the podium in Singapore. Seeing in action the RB10, it’s clear that they have built a very good car once again.

Reliability is confirmed as the only Achilles’ heel of the German dreadnought. This time it was up to Nico Rosberg to attend the celebrations of his team-mate, who takes the lead in the world ranking with the seventh success. Now, misfortunes are pretty much matched. With three points of difference (241 for Hamilton against 238 for Rosberg) and five races in the calendar (Japan, Russia, USA, Brazil and Abu Dhabi), World Championship for Mercedes starts now.

The news of this weekend were the really tight advantages, with 9 cars in a little more than 5’’, although seeing the dominance of Mercedes in Qualifying, one could wonder that something didn’t work for them.

As already announced in the last weeks, there are great movements. We will see what will happen in the next days.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F.4 – Joao Vieira studies the Temple of Speed

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Study day for Joao Vieira in Monza, which is scene of the sixth and penultimate round of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth. The Brazilian driver has returned to work on his Tatuus #28 to start gaining confidence with the fast track of Monza, that hosted the champions of Formula 1 only a few weeks ago.

After placings with good points in the last rounds, the bearer of Antonelli Motorsport began approaching the weekend of September 27th – 28th scoring important results on track, leaving the Autodromo Internazionale with positive feelings. “It was a really important test day, in which I completed the entire program developed by the Antonelli Motorsport staff. The track is really very fast and amazing, and the weather helped us, giving me the opportunity to do several tests of set-up, as well as studying the ideal trajectories”, Joao Vieira says. “After coming really close to the first pole-position of the season at Vallelunga, I’ll try again within a week, right here at Monza. The latest results have confirmed that I’m on the right road. The goal is the highest step of the podium by the end of the Championship. It’s no use denying it. Reaching the podium at Monza would be great”, the driver of Minardi Management concludes.

There’s satisfaction also in the words of the manager, Giovanni Minardi: “If a good beginning bodes well, then in Monza we expect another good result. After becoming familiar with the layout and its fast 5.793 meters, Joao scored consistently excellent results on track, in spite of used tyres, remaining a handful of tenths off the best performance scored with new compounds. The weather helped us, because we had the opportunity to work with an air temperature of 21°C. Only at the end of the day came a bit of rain. Unfortunately, we had no chance to drive in Qualifying set-up, with new tyres. The results of Vallelunga showed that we are lacking very little to make the big jump. We have the first row and the victory in our sights”, Minardi concludes.

Singapore GP – PREVIEW

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This weekend I will be back to the crime scene. In fact, I will be in Singapore, to attend a weekend that promises to be really lively behind the scenes. We still have the Honda variable, on the hunt for a Top Driver. Today there are two drivers, Alonso and Vettel, who have on their desk a contract of McLaren-Honda for next season and have to make a decision. From what it’s realized, Red Bull wouldn’t make a fuss to restrain its pilot, whose destination may not be only at McLaren.

With regards to Ferrari, Marchionne’s era has certainly started uphill. Great nervousness is breathed within the team and there are several decisions to make. Drivers are not calm too. In these days, Mr. Marchionne has confirmed his intention to keep both his drivers, but it becomes difficult to hold back a pilot against his will… Therefore, it’s necessary to be very careful.

As to the race, this Grand Prix seems to be characterized by one more unknown: the weather. For Saturday, in fact, the rain is expected, never seen yet. We hope at least in a dry Sunday; otherwise, it could be a problem.

Pirelli will bring the Super-Soft and Medium compounds, a solution that doesn’t fit perfectly to McLaren, while Ferrari proved to do better with the SS. Of course, Mercedes will be the car to beat, but watch out Red Bull. Twelve months ago, here they did what they wanted, giving also 2″ per lap to the remaining group. If they had to compensate for the engine problem with the chassis, they could come out again. We cannot forget Williams, that’s in constant growth and in fight for the third place of Constructors’ Championship. They confirmed both drivers, giving a signal of continuity and serenity. In the last GP, they has been constantly on the podium.

Ferrari is the team I see most in difficulty. It lacks in drive and engine. With six places occupied by Mercedes’ P.U., only the scraps remain to the outsiders. Toro Rosso and Force India will try to win the last available points. Now, the forces in field and the grid are almost defined, save cataclysms.

Gian Carlo Minardi

FIA WEC – Davide Rigon flies to Austin for the 6 Hours

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Davide Rigon is ready to get back at the wheel of his Ferrari 458 #71, for the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. After three months from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the World Championship par excellence in the Endurance category is preparing to turn on the engines and get to the heart, reaching the turning point of the season.

The stage is one of the important one. After England, Belgium and France, the Circus is ready to fly overseas, landing in Texas, in the brand new “Circuit of the Americas” of Austin – scene of Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2012 – for the 6 Hours.

This will be the debut for the test driver of Ferrari, along the  5.513 meters in which the German architect, Mr. Tilke, has designed twenty curves among the great differences in height; these curves together with the long straight of 1km will give several ideas for overtaking.

“Finally back on track. It will be a circuit to be discovered, as well as my first race overseas in the World Championship and with these cars. I started to discover the layout on the simulator. Austin is a very demanding circuit, especially the first part, with many blind corners“, Davide Rigon comments. “The goals are important, because we want to confirm our position at the top Constructors and Team PRO ranking“. After the first three appointments, Ferrari and AF Corse respectively lead the Constructors ranking – with 135 points and before the opponents, Porsche and Aston Martin  – and the Team ranking. “The weather will be a variable to take into account. It will be our first real “hot” race, where resistance is put to the test, as well as car and tyres”, the driver of Minardi Management, Davide Rigon, concludes.

F.4 – At Vallelunga more points for Joao Vieira

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Solid weekend for Joao Vieira at “Piero Taruffi” Racing Circuit of Vallelunga, which has been the scene of the fifth round of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth.

The 16-year-old Brazilian from Gurupi confirms the growth, closing all races in the score-zone, winning a total rewarding result of 23 points, consolidating both a seventh place in the general ranking and his position as reference pilot for Antonelli Motorsport. The weekend started very well right from the beginning, with Joao that reached the top positions, closing the free practice sessions in fifth and third place, a handful of tenths off the top, touching the pole-position. Even in a demanding track such as Campagnano, the level of championship turned out to be very selective, with even nine and thirteen cars within a range of just 1” in the two Qualifying sessions.

Despite some inaccuracies at the start, in the three races that characterize every weekend of the newborn series – two rounds of 28′ + 1 lap and one race of 18′ + 1 lap – the driver managed by Minardi Management became the author of amazing battles, being consistently among the fastest drivers in the lot.

“It was a definitely positive weekend and I’m happy with the gained results. Unfortunately, a small mistake in Qualifying denied me the first pole-position and at the start I lost a few positions, skidding the wheels. My race speed was good, and I have no longer made any mistakes. Now I prepare for Monza“, the driver of Minardi Management, Joao Vieira, says.

“I’m very satisfied with what has been collected from Joao here in Vallelunga. Since the free practice sessions, he was with the best of the championship, although the regret still remains for the pole-position lost in the last corner and for the not yet perfect starts, which made him lose some positions. In all races he did very well to recover, struggling with a knife between his teeth, without making mistakes and taking a pace close to the first drivers. Now, we go on two tracks, Monza and Imola, where it will be easier to overtake“, the manager Giovanni Minardi comments.

Gian Carlo Minardi "Abrupt action, due to economic-financial reasons"

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From October the 13th, after 23 years, a new era will start at Ferrari’s. The current CEO of Fiat-Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne, will replace Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, in command of the “Red”.

The change at the top, that will take place, in fact, the same day in which the FCA quotation is expected to be listed on Wall Street, was already in the air, but it has accelerated sharply. “I’m personally very close to Mr. Montezemolo, as he was the first interlocutor that has led me to meet Enzo Ferrari. The summit change was in the air and it finds its motivation not so much in sports results as in economic and financial aspects, which are certainly related to the entrance of the FCA Group in Wall Street“, Gian Carlo Minardi comments on the web site (www.minardi.it). “The Turin brand needs to attract interest in the United States, showing great strength. It’s easy to imagine that the result will be achieved with a great image effect. At the moment, Ferrari is the best brand in the world! In any case, we must not forget that nowadays all the F1 teams – Williams excluded – are run by managers, who have to refer to a Board of Directors, whose goals are primarily economic and in the membership group’s interest. It is treated, in any case, of an abrupt action, against a person who, for over twenty years, has achieved significant results on all fronts, from sports to economic ones”, the manager from Faenza continues.

Montezemolo-Marchionne turnover has already created a first and unexpected movement within the company. “Roberto Fedeli, key-man of production, has moved to BMW“. Therefore, an important task is now up to the new President: to create a new winning cycle, bringing serenity within the environment. “Now, lets hope that the choices that have been made can restore serenity and enthusiasm to the Team. Ferrari lacks for nothing to return to the top. They have people and facilities, but need more investments in technology sector; Power-Unit is the main Achilles’ heel of F14-T“.

F.4 – Joao Vieira at Vallelunga, thinking about a new podium

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After a day of test last week, this weekend Joao Vieira will continue from “Piero Taruffi” Racing Circuit of Vallelunga his way in the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth, which is now in its fifth appointment. The newborn series brought on track by ACI and promoted by WSK actually enters its final part. After the weekend on track of the capital circuit, the Circus will move first to Monza (27th – 28th September) and later to Imola (11th – 12th October) for the “grand finale”.

The 16-year-old Brazilian from Gurupi is ready to get back at the wheel of the Tatuus F.4 #28, with the aim of continuing the positive streak of results, after the podium at Mugello and the points won between Adria and Magione that led him to the seventh place in ranking, with 43 points. The bearer of Antonelli Motorsport will take advantage of the experience gained during the two days of test on track of Campagnano, in order to look for an exciting new result.

“I could take a first contact with the layout of Vallelunga and I really like the track. Thanks to the programs carried out in the two days of test, since Friday’s tests I’ll be able to focus more on car’s development, both for Qualifying and race. The goal is always the podium, especially after seeing it first-hand at Mugello, even if it won’t be easy. The championship is really very selective and every mistake is paid immediately“, the pilot of the Minardi Management, Joao Vieira, analyses.

“I’ve been positively impressed by Joao’s outcomes during the last tests and this gives me hope in view of the weekend’s race. Since the beginning of the year, he’s steadily improved and, coming from karting, this is the most important thing. We’re getting closer to the top. We must continue to work, growing step by step. The podium on a selective and demanding track like Mugello is an important proof of Joao’s qualities“, Giovanni Minardi comments.

The engines will switch on on Friday 12th September, with the two turns of free practice sessions, in preparation for Qualifying (5:50pm and 6:15pm), which will determine the starting grid of the two rounds of the race (28′ + 1 Lap), starting on Saturday at 4:20pmand Sunday at 5.10pm. In the middle, starting at 9:35am, the sprint race (18′ + 1 Lap).

Italian GP – Drivers' Scorecard

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After the Italian Grand Prix, the 13th appointment in the World Champion, it’s time to give some votes. First of his class is, of course, Lewis Hamilton, followed by the super-young Russian of Toro Rosso, Daniil Kvyat.

Lewis Hamilton – 9 Despite his bad start, he was able to recover, imposing his style, his ability and tenacity in achieving an important result for him. Without the start’s mistake, he would have deserved a higher vote

Daniil Kvyat – 8/9 He started as last, but he recovered, finishing at the foot of the score-zone. Excellent strategy for Toro Rosso and fantastic race for him. It’s a pity for the mistake on the finish. He deserves the consecration in Formula 1

Daniel Ricciardo – 8.5 He started behind and recovered positions with overtakings and crossing the finish line before Vettel. His overtakings on Magnussen and Vettel were amazing; Vettel was stripped by the Australian with a feint outwards, overtaking him inward. He is definitely taking the leadership of the team and deserves a treatment like leading driver

Felipe Massa, Valtteri Bottas e Sergio Perez – 8 The Brazilian win his first seasonal podium with Williams, while the teammate and the Force Indian pilot were the authors  of an amazing recovery

Jenson Button – 6.5 Market rumors that would like Vettel or Alonso to take his place next year have renewed him. The possibility of having again a window has restored him. He took advantage of his experience

Nico Rosberg 6 – After a perfect start, he was able to take a quite good advantage, which has been frustrated by two incredible mistakes in the first variant, which cost him a possible victory. Someone say that Nico wanted to “get even” with the teammate. However, for me he isn’t more than enough

Low vote for Ferrari. There’s an unequal struggle between Alonso and Raikkonen, having a car that gives 1.5” to competitors. There’s certainly a moment of despair. It’s certainly not only a problem of Power-Unit, but also of chassis. Compared to the Finnish, Fernando deserves at least a higher vote (also 7), because he tried to fight until he remained on track, keeping himself afloat for a sixth-seventh place. Since Friday, he has reached the limit of its F14-T, eroding then thousandths on thousandths after each session in qualifying. More, truly, it cannot hope at the moment.

Italian GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

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We have experienced a lively Grand Prix, with too many mistakes and the first seasonal retirement for Fernando Alonso, after so many races. It’s certainly not been a good weekend for the colours of Maranello, both in terms of performances and reliability. In fact, Ferrari says goodbye to the home race with a disappointing ninth place and only two points in world ranking for Kimi Raikkonen. The attention at Ferrari’s has been drawn by the statements of both Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo: “In March I told the shareholders and especially the people at Ferrari, who I’m very close to, that I would be available for another three years”, and Fiat-Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne: “No one is indispensable, but the change of Presidency is not on the agenda”. Are these words that may herald a future in “Red” and a stock exchange appearance?

With regards to the race, we saw a determined Hamilton, who has taken his revenge on his teammate, winning the race after a certainly not brilliant start, taking advantage of two Nico’s mistakes and gaining the sixth place of the season and the tenth for Mercedes. Now, the gap with Rosberg is 22 lengths (216 points against 238 of the team-mate). Mercedes is, instead, increasingly alone at the top with a “spoil” of 454 points, compared with the 272 of Red Bull, which says goodbye to Monza with the fifth and sixth place.

Fantastic comeback-race for Daniel Ricciardo, that closes once again before his teammate. After an imperfect start, he managed to put together an amazing comeback, taking up to the fifth position and overtaking on the final also the teammate, who tried to defend himself. No doubt about it. The Australian is now a certainty for the team, which can definitely count on a pilot of the first band. At RB’s, they are certainly covered by a probable Vettel’s change of team, considering Kvyat’s good performance (mistake aside) with Toro Rosso. Forced to burst forth from the bottom of the group, he got closer to the score zone.

Astonishing comeback also for the Finnish of Williams, Bottas, who promptly recovered a disappointing start, finishing just off the podium and immediately behind Felipe Massa. The confirmation of its pilots by the British team is the first sign of stability. Consequently, I also expect the confirmation of Hamilton, at least for 2015.

At this point, the only missing piece is at Honda’s. The court of Sebastian Vettel continues and he asked a few more days to make his assessments. Considering how his season is running, he should change his scenery, in order to find new challenges and incentives. At worst, Honda-McLaren could think of doing another year together with Button, confirming concurrently the present pair.

They are now outlining the forces in the game, with two Mercedes, two Williams and two Red Bull. Mercedes’ Power-Unit raised McLaren in these conditions and market rumours seem to have restored vitality to the ex 2009 World Champion.

F.4 – Joao Vieira prepares the new challenge at “Piero Taruffi” circuit

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Intense day of work at Vallelunga circuit for Joao Vieira, that is at the wheel of his #28 Tatuus, preparing the next round of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth, scheduled for the weekend of September 13th and 14th exactly in the track of Campagnano.

In fact, “Piero Taruffi” circuit will be the stage of the fifth of seven rounds on the calendar of the newborn category commissioned by FIA, supported and brought to the track by ACI and promoted by WSK. The 16-year-old Brazilian from Gurupi continued the work started in July, on the occasion of his debut on the 4,085 meters of the demanding capital’s racetrack, completing over 100 rounds with excellent chronometric results, together with the staff of Antonelli Motorsport.

“I’m really happy with this day of work and with the lap time. I could make the most of the work started before the last race of Magione, completing many rounds, getting close to Maisano’s time. I like the circuit a lot and now I can’t wait to get on track this weekend“, Joao Vieira says.

“A very profitable day, even kissed by a beautiful sun. Joao has put together more than 400 km without making mistakes, scoring constantly very interesting chronometric results. Now, we have just to complete the training for the race, in order to get to the weekend prepared and determined to win another important result”, the manager Giovanni Minardi comments.