F.1 – Fall in sales for the Austrian Gp: "Tickets are too expensive"

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This is the week of the Austrian Grand Prix, the eighth appointment of F1 World Championship. This Grand Prix came back in the F1 calendar last year: in Styria Formula 1 experienced one of races with the best organization ever, rewarded with terraces and lawns crowded of public, thanks to the presence of nine Austrian drivers on track for the Legends Parade. This year the initiative will be repeated too, and the main theme will be the cars powered by Turbo engines of the ‘80s.

In the weeks before, however, Helmut Marko, the right arm of Mr. Red Bull, alarmed about on the sharp fall in ticket sales – despite the many initiatives put in place – because of the particularly difficult moment that Formula 1 is experiencing. “Besides the lack of the traditional sound of the engines, the cars are too easy to drive”, Marko declared, remarking those Power-Units that are creating many problems to Red Bull. “Everything has started with the introduction of the power-unit, which are not sustainable for this Formula 1 and are so complex that can’t be introduced in the mass-production cars”.

“I understand the difficulty of confirming the success of sales in 2014 because, apparently, Berni Ecclestone has imposed to maintain the same prices of other circuits“, Gian Carlo Minardi comments. “Frankly, I find it really absurd, because as organizer, I should decide how to organize the Grand Prix and estimate the loss amount, especially if I have paid the sum required for the race. Evidently, the imposed price increase of tickets is affecting the presale, considering also the current economic unlucky moment of Europe. Last year, the Austrian Gp was one of the best-organized Grand Prix, thanks to the many initiatives of background, such as the Legends Parade, which is confirmed also for this weekend. I hope that ticket sales will recover as closers we’re getting to the event“, the manager from Faenza, who will be in Spielberg, concludes.

This is a sign that something more has to change in this Formula 1, and also as soon as possible.

F.1 – Road To Austria

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The Formula 1 is ready to make his comeback in Styria, the green heart of Austria, for its second Grand Prix marked Red Bull Ring, after its return in the calendar.

We speak about a medium-fast track, which is not too aggressive for tyres; this is why Pirelli will bring Soft and Supersoft compounds for the third consecutive race. The number of stops will play an important role in the final result. Last year, most of the teams opted for three pit-stops, but for this year the winning move could gamble on the two pit-stops. Another big unknown element will be the weather, which is always very variable and rainy, shifting race’s ground.

With regard to the first row, I do not expect big news, with Mercedes ready to act a new family battle between Hamilton and Rosberg. The situation behind them is more uncertain: Ferrari and Williams get ready to fight. Last year here Williams colored the entire front row with Massa’s pole position – followed by his teammate, Bottas – thanks to a chronometric result that was really close to the record marked by Michael Schumacher, who could be beaten this year.

The Austrian track requires a good engine and it will not be easy to fight against Mercedes’ Power-Unit. I expect that Force India will be ready to battle for the top ten, thanks to Nico Hulkenberg, galvanized by his win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 919 Hybrid Porsche. Compared to 2014, some scenarios have changed: Red Bull and McLaren are far away from the top zones, although the “rumours” speak about signs of growth. At Ferrari, the Finnish driver is called to a good weekend, to ward off the criticism and bring home those points necessary to Maranello to retain the second position in the Constructors’ Championship. Honestly, I do not agree with all these criticisms against him, even if he is certainly losing the comparison with his teammate.

As happened in 2014, even this year there will be the Legends Parade, whose theme is dedicated to the turbo cars of the ’80s. I am glad that on track there is also the Minardi M186-01 with Pierluigi Martini at the wheel, together with Niki Lauda and Alain Prost, respectively in 1984 and 1985’s McLarens, Gerhard Berger on the F1-87/88C, Jean Alesi with Renault RE50-03 of 1984 and Martin Brundle with Lotus 98T of 1986. In short, this is another reason to go and see the Grand Prix at Red Bull Ring.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F.1 – Minardi: “F.1 is the highest expression of speed. Technological research to LMP1”

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The world of motorsport entered the weekend that will take us to the race in the world’s most famous endurance scene: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In terms of Formula 1, we have just left behind the Canadian Grand Prix. Therefore, we wanted to meet Gian Carlo Minardi to talk about the problems of Circus, but not and beyond.

Formula 1 is not going through its best moment. Where can we find the causes?

Right now Formula 1 needs to find again its appeal. We have too much complicated races to experience and interpret. Sometimes, the staff and commentators themselves have difficulties. Moreover, we see meetings that lead nowhere. Lately, there has been talk for the umpteenth about car leasing and refueling, without evaluating the economic impact of these operations. Cars built to win a World Championship have strategies construction and operating costs well above the minor open-wheels. I personally studied this fact in 1996. Fortunately, it seems that in Canada Team Principals made a step back on refueling. I see too much confusion and lack of professionalism. The climax was reached just in Montreal, during the penalty imposed on Vettel and Verstappen. From the temporary standings to the official one there were six hours. An eternity. It means that the regulations are so messed up that those who wrote them can not read and translate them easily.

What could be the recipe for a revival?

I have no magic wand, but have long asserted that the Strategy-Group should be made up of people outside the team. Technicians updated on latest technology and who know the F.1 environment, but that are not directly involved by teams. Otherwise, everyone further his own cause, obviously. Formula 1 should be run by the FIA, for the drafting of technical and sporting regulations, and by the FOA, with regard to communication and promotion. A step forward was taken by Jean Todt, who strengthens his group, working alongside Charlie Whiting and Jo Bauer and also the aerodynamic expert Marcin Budkowski. We need simple and lasting rules. In this way, we could also attract new constructors. Today, all companies have a ready-to-use Power-Unit, but with these uncertainties no one is so foolish as to enter.

We have to add the technical difficulty of three teams

We experience a clear supremacy of Mercedes, thanks to its Power-Unit. Among eight cars with the German engine, seven constantly occupy the top ten. In contrast, we have three teams (Red Bull, Toro Rosso and McLaren), not in financial difficulty, suffering technical problems of Renault and Honda. I repeat that the motor racing should have the greatest expression of technological research in the LMP1, with companies committed to transfer technologies from track to streets. The F1 has to be the ultimate expression of speed, technique and performance.

What future do you see for these two realities?

There were several boards of directors in the last few weeks and sincerely I don’t see great solutions or pleasant scenarios. Honda is a historical name and to date there’s no improvement. Even the Japanese could have their sudden impulses and I don’t see a rosy future also for the French.

This weekend there will be the 24 Hours of Le Mans and, after the return of Nissan, 2016 will be the Ford’s turn

The FIA WEC, whose calendar includes the French marathon, must call all the constructors in order to develop the latest technologies, to be transferred later on mass-production cars. I would, in fact, frowned upon the use of PU in this scenario, because the future of standard cars will go toward turbo and hybrid. The endurance races have always represented this type of challenges for the companies, while the approach is different for the F1.

At the start there will be also Nico Hulkenberg. Are you in favor of these exchanges?

In the contracts that I signed with my drivers, I have always added the clause against the 24H, because it hides too many pitfalls, considering the track layout, the reached speed and the many cars which are simultaneously on the track. Therefore, I don’t look favorably on these exchanges. There are many valid drivers and there’s no need to catch them among the 22 drivers of F1.

After the Canadian Grand Prix, Kimi Raikkonen is at the epicenter of the public debate

As Maurizio Arrivabene informs, Kimi knows exactly what to do to renew with Ferrari. From what I’ve seen in these first few races, in my opinion, he is not a driver for Maranello, which can already count on a four-time World Champion and I’ll pull him alongside a young driver. He is not up to the task, as well as last year.

With regard to young drivers. During the test sessions in Australia, Fuoco will debut at the wheel of Ferrari

I am very happy with this news. The FDA program is very ambitious. I am convinced that next Vettel’s teammate will came right from the Academy. The current situation will take several months to recover the technical gap towards Mercedes. Therefore, it would be interesting to a trust on a young driver to grow, who does not require large investments that can be used for the development of the technical part.

F.1 – Canada GP – DRIVERS’ SCORECARDS

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Lewis Hamilton 9 – Despite an exceptional Sunday and the pole position I cannot give more, because at the start of the weekend I saw him very nervous, committing several mistakes. Perhaps he had also accused the post-Monaco. During the race, instead, he was perfect. When he is on form, he cannot be caught.
Sebastian Vettel and Felipe Massa – 8 For their incredible comeback, with important time results, although we must not be deceived by an easy optimism. Apart from Hamilton, who managed his car, Raikkonen, Vettel and Massa were the fastest.
Nico Rosberg – 7.5 Who knows, perhaps in his subconscious he wanted to return the gift received in Montecarlo. Certainly, he was not very active in Qualifying, because 3 dec of outdistance are indeed a lot, and almost non-existent in race. When he tried to attack Hamilton, he was rejected.
Valtteri Bottas – 7.5 He optimized the full potential of his Williams, conquering an important podium.
Pastor Maldonado – 7 Despite the rumours, he brought Lotus important points.
Daniil Kvjat – 7 He is struggling in the midst of many difficulties and managed to respond to criticisms of the early season. He is proving to deserve the promotion.
Kimi Raikkonen –  5 He is the first of the insufficient. Good in Qualifying but in the race he was really disastrous. He did not optimize the potential of the Ferrari and the statements of Arrivabene are eloquent. He made a mistake not as world champion and not as a driver who seeks the reaffirmation
Let’s draw a veil over McLaren. Drivers tried to do their best, but they definitely get lost. With regards to teams:
Mercedes – 10 They did not get intimidated by internal mistakes and reacted with a new double
Williams – 8 They were present with a good podium of Bottas and a good recovery of Massa
Ferrari – 7.5 of encouragement. I did not see great benefits from the evolutionary steps of the engine. 45” from the winner are a lot and they show how winding is the road.
Lotus – 7 They were able to react to a negative moment.
Force India – 6.5 They took advantage of the moment, to take home important points.

F.1 – Canada GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

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It was a truly anonymous Grand Prix , with an embarrassing supremacy (once again) of Mercedes that win another double, leaving Bottas behind – the first of others – with 40″ of lead.

After scoring a new record of resistance by completing six grand prix with the same power unit, the Germans presented themselves in Montreal with an updated unit, whose results are seen even at Williams and Force India.

Sebastian Vettel and Felipe Massa moved last Sunday, with two nice comebacks that led the German driver to the fifth place (behind his teammate, who started in third position) and the Brazilian, who was in sixth. Seeing this comeback, Seb was missing and he could have worried (or at least try to) the duo Hamilton-Rosberg, giving Ferrari that podium missed by Raikkonen because of a failure on exiting the pit-box – greatly angering the Team Principal, Maurizio Arrivabene. It was a Grand Prix, which has passed quickly, even when the Safety Car was a frequent spectator (on track almost always).

Perfect race for Hamilton, after starting the weekend very nervous, with different errors between Friday and Saturday. Raikkonen did not used his Ferrari 100%, while, after the critical early season, Daniil Kvyat was ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, who was not at ease. Red Bull has taken steps forward, considering the chassis, while Renault is still in difficulty, as shown by the results of Toro Rosso.

The situation at McLaren was incomprehensible. It will be difficult for the Honda staff to justify a debacle like this at the top. We see no improvements. Indeed, the reliability is worsening, as evidenced by the double retirement.

Without any doubt (and as I support since too long time) this Formula 1 should “have a face-lift”, to regain its “appeal”. Maybe something starts to move. Meetings at McLaren may have opened to interesting solutions and the same Marchionne was in talks with Ecclestone.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F.1 – Road to Montreal

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Formula 1 greets Europe and flies overseas to Canada, to the land of Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal. A special Grand Prix, which is run on a half-road half-permanent circuit, where pitfalls abound. An example: the weather conditions, with wind and temperatures ready to change quickly, putting then a strain on strategies and tyres. The track has low grip and Pirelli will bring Soft and SuperSoft tyres. In addition, the safety car is almost constantly present, as it made its entrance on track in 82% of cases.

Then, there are other significant variables. The layout requires a low downforce, with engines forced to have the throttle valve open to the maximum for 60% of the time, thanks to the second longest straight of the world championship, in which engines touch the 350 km/h, before a sudden braking, which provides strain on the entire brake system, together with five other hard brakings, located along the 4361 meters. About engines: after signing the new record by completing 6 consecutive GP with the same PU, Mercedes is preparing to bring on track a new unit, with the addition of 50 hp.

Let’s have a look also to gears and consumption. Traditionally, Montreal is one of the tracks with the highest rate of consumption. Compared to last year, also in this area, it has taken a big step forward, but it remains a good test circuit.

Hence, the unknown elements are not lacking. It will be worth to see this Grand Prix, considering what happened in Monaco. Mercedes has already made mistake, paying for the wrong strategy, even if the race in Montecarlo went “good”, in any case.

Once again behind the scenes meetings will animate the circus, as happened fifteen days ago. Carlos Ghosn and Berni Ecclestone met certainly do not discuss the Cannes Film Festival or the Casino, but certainly to talk about a future that looks so rosy, since it involves two teams such as Red Bull and Toro Rosso. Meetings will be about how to remedy decisions that might be striking.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Kart – Great recovery for Matteo Nannini at Adria

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It was a not easy weekend on track Adria International Raceway, which was the scene of the sixth appointment of the ROK North area Championship (the third for Matteo in the category KFJ). Matteo Nannini stood out for his stubbornness and talent at the wheel of the “125 Energy” of Fabio Urgnani’s New Technology.

In free practice sessions, the driver from Forlì was able to bring his car to the upper positions of standings, but during Qualifying, the set was not optimal and he had to settle for eighth placement. The most important episode came in Pre-Final lap, when Matteo was hit, causing serious damage to the kart that forced him to retire even before the start. A withdrawal that forced him to start from the 33th position, and last placement in the Final. With determination can replace twenty placings, finishing in 13th place overall. “On the one hand I enjoyed it very much in the Final,  managing in several overtakings that led me from the last till the thirteenth position, despite the not perfect conditions of my kart, grating various meters to the rivals on the straights. It’s a shame to see vanishing the work of a weekend in a single lap, but this is also part of the race. Now I want to think about the next challenge, hoping to have good luck “, the driver of Minardi Management, Matteo Nannini, says.

“I am very sorry for Matteo, because he worked very much to better prepare the kart, but everything was ruined during the warm-up of pre-Qualifying. Despite the drawback, Matteo has again shown his value, coming back several positions with a car which was not 100%. Now we must focus on the next race”, the manager Giovanni Minardi analyses.

F.4 – Great show of Joao Vieira in Monza

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Despite the points left behind, Joao Vieira was one of the great protagonists of the second round of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth in the temple of speed, Monza circuit.

The yellow-gold bearer of Antonelli Motorsport inflamed again the public in the stands managing two great comebacks, recovering more than forty positions in total. Right from the beginning, with a grid of 29 cars, Joao had brought his Tatuus F.4 #50 in the top positions, signing, thanks to the fifth and ninth in the overall standings, the two Qualifying session valid for the 28’+ 1 lap races. Unfortunately, the first round, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, ending in the worst way: the Brazilian had to retire after just a few meters from the start, while he was already in third position. The retirement forced him to start from the bottom (29th position) in the sprint race, scheduled for Sunday morning. Without getting caught up in despair, he acted an incredible recovery: 26 positions in about 18′ of race and Brazilian flag waving on the third step of the podium.

Thanks to this incredible comeback, he was back on the grid for the final appointment of the weekend. The lights went off, but something in the starting procedure did not work and Joao is passed, reaching the 26th place. Despite the entry of the safety car for a contact that involved four cars in the early stages, the bearer of Antonelli Motorsport started overtaking again the rivals, up to the fifth position.

“I’m satisfied only halfway. The incident of race-1 affected the outcome of the sprint race, as I was forced to start from the last position. In race-3 instead, I made a mistake at the start. Luckily, two important recoveries that led me to the podium, scoring important points. The lead from the first driver in ranking is important, but we still have a lot of races. Now, I think about Imola“, the driver of Minardi Management, Joao Vieira, says

“This weekend Joao showed all his value, a real fighter with the talent to spare. Unfortunately we have “given” too many points to our opponents that will not be easy to recover, even though we are only at the second race. We roll up our sleeves and try to race until the end, starting to recover with Imola. I thank all the staff of Marco Antonelli for the excellent work done over the weekend”, the manager Giovanni Minardi analyses.

The second round of the Italian Formula 4 Championship has now ended and next appointment will take place in a month, at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola.