Historic Minardi Day – The Scuderia Ferrari Clubs also present at Imola

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The Scuderia Ferrari Clubs – that represent the FERRARI PASSION in the world – will take part in the HISTORIC MINARDI DAY scheduled for next June 25 at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari Circuit of Imola.

We are sure that this cooperation will enrich a day devoted to fans, collectors, and aficionados who wants to live again the emotions arising from F1 history, and to admire the vintage single-seaters roaring again on track with their scents and noises that by now are faraway.

F1 | Canadian GP – Gian Carlo Minardi's Preview

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We are talking about an extremely important Gran Prix because it will close the first third of the season. Mistakes excepted, Mercedes will start as the favourite once again, with a good internal struggle between Rosberg and Hamilton. Nico will have to try to restore his supremacy on Lewis who dominated the stage among the little roads of the princedom. Ferrari, back from two difficult grand prix has used some tokens to develop his Power-Unit and will have to regain its role as a second power in the world championship, a role currently assaulted by a Red Bull in strong growing. Since Montreal is a circuit where aerodynamics and brakes have a key role, Adrian Newey’s creature could reach the spotlight.

Given its geographical position and the lack of mountains, the weather can quickly change. Up to now, the weather forecasts talk about temperatures around 20°C, thus also the tires could make the difference.

At Williams they should pay attention to Force India and Toro Rosso. They will bring some updates that will be analyzed in the post GP, but in this moment the gap between Ferrari and Red Bull is too wide.

A GP rich in unknowns awaits us. Behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull are ready to battle. We have just to watch the race starting at 20:00.

 

Kart | Gian Carlo Minardi at 2016 Summer Kart

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Everything is ready for the 5th edition of the “Kart Summer Camp”, the summer camp aimed at little aspiring drivers. It is confirmed for July the traditional initiative promoted by ACI Sport (Italian Federation), organized by the Federal ACI Sport School, and dedicated to children aged 5 to 10 years.

From July 18 to 21, the very young drivers will turn on the engines on again in the International Circuit of Naples (Sarno – Sa) to have fun aboard the go-karts made available by the Parolin Racing, a brand that has become an historical partner of the Federal ACI Sport School in the Karting sector.

The children will attend a theoretical and practical program, under the watchful eye of the Federal Instructors, they will deal with the particular aspects of driving technique such as trajectories, braking, wet driving, and will engage in fair sessions of competition between skittles and simulated starts, qualifying, and races. All this without losing the recreational dimension that has to be, even for 2016, the key feature of this special summer camp.

There will certainly be the expert  eye of Gian Carlo Minardi, supervisor of the Federal School, who will monitor the children together with the usual working group composed of the psycho-pedagogue Glenda Cappello and the regulations expert Lucio Tonello.

The newness for 2016, instead, will concern the technical partnership with OMP, one of the leading companies in clothing for racing. It will provide free helmets, overalls, gloves and shoes for all the enrolled members and a media coverage of the entire campus thanks to some collaboration agreements with the photographer Marcello Angiolella, and with Pierre Productions for TV aspects. They will resume the highlights of the event as well as provide all participants a file with the complete clip of the show. There will be some occasions of relaxation and leisure time for the children in the evening, thanks to the presence of an animator that will entertain the kids with games and fun activities after dinner.

 For detailed information, it is at your disposal the new website of the Federal School ACI Sport: www.scuolafederale.acisport.it where you will find photos and videos of the day, or you can see to the Facebook page of the School. For information about cost, you can write to kart@scuolafederale.acisport.it.

CIK FIA | Karol Basz proves to be a leader at Adria

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With the second place conquered in Pre-Final and the fourth one in Final, Karol Basz greets the second event in the European OK Championship at the Adria’s circuit, strengthening his position at the top of the overall standings. Definitely, a not easy weekend for the Polish driver of the Kosmic Racing Team who proved his determination once again by becoming protagonist of important recovers. In Pre-Final, with a spring from the eleventh position, he manages to cross the finish line in second putting his name down for the win in Final.

In the middle of a downpour at first and then with a dry track, Karol is in second position when Sargeant hits his car. Thus, Karol ends his race out of the podium, in fourth position.

“Surely, it hasn’t been an easy weekend. The problems arose in qualifying have affected the race result. As usual, the team has made an excellent work. In Pre-Final, I did a good recover, but the regret remains for what happened in final. What a pity if you are hit two bends away from the end when you are struggling for the win and you have the second place in your hands. It is part of Motorsport. I want to see the glass half full because I greet Adria still leading the championship”, Karol Basz says.

“Without the final contact, we would have greeted Adria with a more substantial score. It has been a difficult weekend, but Karol has proved all his talent, becoming protagonist of a good recover in Pre-final and keeping himself away from risks. We will be ahead in the last two championship events, with an eight lengths gap from the first of the pursuers. This is the most important thing. Surely, I must congratulate and thank all the staff of the Kosmic Racing for their excellent work” manager Giovanni Minardi says.

F1 | Sebastian Vettel "on pins and needles"

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The GP in Spain and Monaco have left important aftermath in the state of mind of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Lewis Hamilton.

If Mercedes and Red Bull drivers can console themselves with the win and the pole position achieved in the Principality, the Ferrari driver’s mood is definitely the worst. For some time, his attachment to the team has undergone a dramatic shift, as we could see from his last declarations. The positioning and the lack of competitiveness of his SF16-H start to be tight to him. The guy is champing at the bit. A certain anxiety towards the management seeps within the team, and the Spanish podium and the fourth place behind Perez sound like a defeat.

At Red Bull, Max Verstappen’s debut with a win brought new energy to Daniel Ricciardo who beyond signing the pole position in Monaco, with his fabulous lap wanted to launch an important signal. Anyway, the second consecutive mistake made by the pit prevented him again from gaining the win that he would have really deserved. The Italian-Australian was firmly leading the race. The disappointment was great, the smile glided away from his face, and he didn’t spare some criticism (more than deserved) towards the team.

The success conquered last Sunday should have contributed to temper the soul of a Lewis Hamilton in contrast with his team. Someone has talked about a possible layoff. With his win, the English has signed the first seasonal victory and reduced the gap from his teammate, only in seventh place at the start.

All these signals could suggest resounding changes, even if it is too early for making some provisions about the market of drivers. We can only be careful and see what will happen in the next weekends.

F1 | Gian Carlo Minardi "Ferrari tension. Red Bull in the ascendant"

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Early in season, Ferrari presented itself at the start as the main rival of Mercedes, but six GP have been enough to downsize the situation drastically.Starting from the first Australian event, the superiority of the Silver Arrows of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg has been clear, just as the hesitation of Maranello.

Anyway, Red Bull has added itself. Backed by an excellent chassis with an extraordinary aerodynamics and by a good power unit, it was able to get back on top at every race up till the win with Max Verstappen in Spain. The coming of the very young Dutchman has contributed to give a boost to Daniel Ricciardo who signs the pole position in Monaco thanks to a perfect lap. Unfortunately, for the second time it was the pit that has ruined his race, delivering the win in Hamilton’s hands.

“Mercedes, independently from some reliability problems and mistakes, proved to be again an unapproachable car. Moreover, when it is vulnerable, Red Bull strategy fails. In Monaco, like in Spain, it is Ricciardo who lost the top of the podium”, Gian Carlo Minardi explains.The Italian-Australian did not spare criticism towards the team. “In some circuits Red Bull exceeds Ferrari thanks to an excellent chassis, in spite of an engine that still leaves some “horses” in Maranello. From the beginning of the season, the SF16-H has not proven to be that perfect weapon to defeat the reigning German World Champions. Many times, we have stressed how the gap is unchanged.The situation for Milton Keynes is the opposite. After a difficult 2015, they are bridging the gap”, the manager from Faenza continues.

The fourth place of Sebastian Vettel in Monaco behind Perez’ Force India, and the third Spanish place are results that begin to become uncomfortable for the German. “A strong irritability shows through the team, especially from Vettel who has also changed his declarations toward the team drastically. The young man paws the ground and starts to feel tight in his positioning. Maurizio Arrivabene, for his part, continues to point Mercedes, but a potential third place in the World Championship would be a defeat”.

Montreal could be an important testbed for both Ferrari and red Bull. “We’ll have the same tire compounds used in Monaco and the weather could affect the choices. Thanks to the long straights, the chassis and the aerodynamics have a central role, as the brake system. Red Bull will try to fill the gap of power with the goodness of Adrian Newey’s design” Minardi ends.

 

F1 | MONACO GP – SCORECARDS

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Lewis Hamilton  – 9 excellent and impeccable throughout the whole race, also taking some strategy risks.

Daniel Ricciardo – 8 after the outstanding time in qualifying that earned him an incredible pole position, he had to give up due to another mistake made by the pit.

Sergio Perez – 8,5 sensational race for the Mexican driver who has optimized Force India at its best , in spite of economic problems.

Sebastian Vettel – 7 a personal mark, not to be shared with Ferrari. He made too many mistakes, even if I don’t know if the fault is his. A Vettel that gets agitated and anxious for results that do not come.

Fernando Alonso – 8 a sensational lap after lap. The gap from the top is important, but he was able to attack with his tenacity and his driving skills improving himself after each step. He outclassed his teammate.

Nico Hulenberg – 7 aligned to what was done by his teammate. Some important points for Force India.

Nico Rosberg – 7 weakened, even if it was clear he had some problems. In qualifying he wasn’t the usual Nico, especially in a circuit that he dominated last years.

Carlos Sainz – 7 now he is the only landmark for Toro Rosso that is getting calmness after the agreement with Renault for engine supply. The Spaniard is proving to be a top team driver.

Jenson Button – 7 even if he arrived behind his teammate, he gained important points for McLaren-Honda that sees daylight.

 Felipe Massa – 6 even if I don’t believe that his result in qualifying and in race is all his fault.

F4 | Unlucky weekend for Joao Vieira at Imola

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Weekend to forget quickly for Joao Vieira who greets the third event of the Italian Formula 4 Championship powered by Abarth with just a point.

With 31 cars at the start, we are back to the original format, with three races for week-end instead of the qualifying rounds for reaching the Final. In two qualifying rounds, the driver at Antonelli Motorsport didn’t manage to go beyond nineteenth and sixteenth positions. Therefore, the aim was to get back on the top during Saturday and Sunday, exploiting the long straights of Imola and the particular feeling connecting the Brazilian driver to the Santerno. Unfortunately, numerous red flags and safety-cars, called onto the track for some accidents and for the rain, have drastically reduced the time of the recover, limiting the struggle in a single handful of laps.

“There is really few to say and to add. In qualifying, I didn’t make any mistakes, but I found myself in the second half of the group. I paid too much on the straights in terms of power.  During the race, on a wet track, I raced fast, but due to safety-cars and red flags, I did not have the chance to complete my recover. A real pity. Now I am waiting for Mugello where it would be great coming back to the format with rounds,” a disappointed Joao Vieira explains.

“It was definitively an unlucky weekend. We came here with important projects and we leave the circuit with none point. Surely, qualifying have been disappointing, but we would had the chance recover during the race. This has been impossible because in all three races, we raced less than 10 true laps of race. The red flags and the safety-cars have limited the action on track. We should come back to the first seasonal format with qualifying rounds to limit the impetuosity of young drivers, beyond to reprimand them. Otherwise, even in the next appointments we will live a similar scenario“,  Giovanni Minardi explains.

F1 | Monaco GP – The POINT "Strike Hamilton. Ferrari even behind Force India"

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This Monaco GP could had been more animated considering the weather conditions, anyway, offered us some mistakes, on track and at pits, with overtakings and fights. Excellent Lewis Hamilton who brought home the first seasonal win, nibbling away important points at Nico Rosberg, also helped by the mistake made by Red Bull at the pits during Daniel Ricciardo’s pit-stop.

Within Milton Keynes’s team, they will have to review something because it is not the first time that they have fallen into this kind of situations, even if they are strongly proving to be the second powerful team of the world championship at the expense of Ferrari. The Australian strengthens his position in overall standings and makes this season enlivened. What a pity Max Verstappen’s mistake, very nervous during the whole weekend.

Certainly, it was disappointing the performance of Ferrari that greets the principality with only a fourth place behind of Force India. Definitely too little. We had already realized that something was going wrong due to the state of mind and to declarations made by the German driver. His displeasure is clear, and he begins to feel these placings too tight. The boy starts to paw the ground. His declarations about his team are changing.

Beginner’s mistake for Kimi Raikkonen that had never been efficient for all the weekend, probably he was not backed by his car. Surely, the gap with his teammate is substantial. A “zero” that costs important points also to Ferrari.

Very positive, instead, the performance of McLaren-Honda that marks the fifth position with Fernando Alonso and the points zone with Jenson Button. Sometimes, the Spaniard has also tried to cause problems for Vettel. They begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

                                                                     

 

Historic Minardi Day | Pierluigi Martini awaits you with his M189 at Imola

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Among the greater protagonists of the Historic Minardi Day, scheduled for next June 25 at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit of Imola, there will surely be Pierluigi Martini. He will speed along 4909 track meters driving his M189 with which he conquered the first raw in the US, the score zone at Silverstone, in Estoril, in Adelaide, and the head during the Portuguese GP.“The M189 was like a tailored suit. Those cars were smaller than today’s F1 cars, and it seemed to be in direct contact with the asphalt”.

Thanks to his past, he is the symbol of the Minardi F1 Team. He inaugurated the M185, the first F1 single-seater signed by the stable from Faenza. He conquered the first world point in 1988 at the US GP and raced 104 out of 120 Grand Prix by the side of Gian Carlo Minardi. In his prize list, it also excels the win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999. He continued the duo Minardi-Martini of the 70s when his uncle, Giancarlo, raced in Formula 2 with the Passatore and Everest Stable belonging to a very young Minardi.

“It will be a great party day in which all the keens and fans of the Minardi Team, and more, will have the chance to live again an important chapter of the Italian research in Motorsport. Gian Carlo Minardi, along with his Minardi Team, had the chance develop talented drivers, technicians, and engineers who distinguished themselves in F1 and offered us numerous excitements. Along with Gian Carlo I celebrated important goals like the debut in Brazil, the first world point in Detroit, the first raw in the US, the leading place during the GP in Estoril, and many points zones” , “Piero” Martini says. “Having the chance to recall everything in Imola, one of the most beautiful circuits, will be fabulous. We’ll have the chance to watch the cars on track, but also to look at them closely”.

The engines will turn on at 9.00 in the morning with the first laps on track made by the cars from Touring and Supercars, forerunners of the shows with F2, F3, and F1 cars. Already at 8:00 in the morning, the gates of the Paddock and of the garages will be open to show the single-seaters of the Minardi Team, of Toro Rosso Stable, and some unique and historical pieces. We will have the opportunity to look at the F3 Chevron-Toyota B38 with wich Elio De Angelis won the Monaco race and the Italian Championship in 1977, the March-Bmw Schnitzer 732 drived by Ernesto “Tino” Brambilla, the Formula 3000 with which Marini won in Imola, and many others.

Historic Minardi Day | Interview with Gian Carlo Minardi

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June 25 will be an important day in the history of the Minardi Team. At the “Dino e Enzo Ferrari” Circuit of Imola will go on stage the Historic Minardi Day, a whole day dedicated to the history of the stable from Faenza founded by Gian Carlo Minardi which went onto the world scene for more than twenty years.  The cars from Formula 2 and Formula 3 will also be on the track, along with the single-seaters from Faenza. The show, anyway, won’t take place just along the almost 5 kms of the track. All the fans will have the chance to meet the drivers and  enter into the Paddock and garage area  where 21 car models of the Minardi Team will be exhibited (from the M185 to the PS05),  ten Toro Rosso cars and some unique and historical pieces like the F3 Chevron-Toyota B38 of Elio De AngelisThere will be DJ music and good cuisine.

Thus, we have reached Gian Carlo Minardi and asked him what to expect in the historical Minardi Day.

Historic Minardi Day | The show on track and out in the paddock with F1, music, and street food

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The Historic Minardi Day, scheduled for Saturday June 25 at the Circuit of Imola, is only 30 days away. The Enzo and Dino Ferrari is going to embrace again Formula 1 and the single-seaters from Formula 2 and Formula 3 that contributed to write important pages of 35 years history of the Minardi Team, of the Circuit of Imola, and of Motorsport.

The engines will turn on starting from 9.00 in the morning with the first laps on track performed by the cars from Gran Tourism and Supercars categories that will act as forerunners before the shows with F2, F3, and F1.The highlight of the event will be at 12:30 when, thanks to the helpfulness of numerous collectors, all the spotlights will be turned to the single-seaters signed by Gian Carlo Minardi, which went onto the world scene from 1985’s Brazilian GP to the Chinese GP in 2005.

The show, anyway, won’t take place only along the almost 4909 meters of the track. From 8:00 in the morning, the gates to the Paddock will open for all the fans and keens who will have the chance to see the single-seaters from the Minardi F1 Team and from Toro Rosso, beyond some unique historical pieces from F1 closely. They will also have the chance to meet Gian Carlo Minardi and the drivers who contributed to write important pages of the Team from Faenza in its career within F1 Circus. We will also have the chance to test our skills through virtual challenges thanks to professional simulators, we’ll enjoy the music corner with the Red Bull Event-car, and the Street Food with a variety of specialities offered by numerous stands.

“There is great anticipation and excitement for this day and this can only make me happy. The Historic Minardi Day was meant to be a sports day to live together with the whole family, an opportunity to embrace the F1 world, too often closed. We wanted to create an event completely dedicated to fans by opening the grandstands as well as the Paddock and box area. We’ll have the opportunity to meet the members from the “Minardi Fans Club of Lauria and San Francisco,” which have already signed up to the event, and I am particularly pleased by the presence of Miguel Angel Guerra, the first driver who raced under the colors of the Minardi team in Formula 2“, Gian Carlo Minardi explains.

The show will go on along the track and in the Paddock area untill 18:30 before the greetings in front of the principal grandstand.

An official portal has been inaugurated, www.MinardiDay.it, where you can find the complete program and details about this day at the Circuit of Imola. You can also follow the updates via Facebook and Twitter social networks, using the hashtag #HistoricMinardiDay and #MinardiDay, and www.Minardi.it.

The ticket price is 10 € (free for children under 12 years), you can purchase them directly at the Circuit or on the Vivaticket portal (click here).

F4 | At Imola Joao Vieira plays for the win

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Strengthened by the podium and by the many points gained at Adria, Joao Vieira is about to live the third round in the Italian Formula 4 Championship powered by Abarth at the “home” circuit of Imola.

The demanding “Enzo and Dino Ferrari” circuit, that will host again Formula 1 during the Historic Minardi Day on June 25, will be a great testbed for the Brazilian standard-bearer under the Antonelli Motorsport who is intent on getting the high step of the podium missed in the first two weekend because of some engine complications.

With five events still scheduled, Joao is in the fifth position of the general standings, 23 points away from top three.

“Beyond being the “home” race, it is also my favorite circuit on calendar. Thus, I’d like to get a good result. It is a very fast and technical track where the engine is an important component. During the first two events, in this respect, we had some problems.At Adria, thanks to its layout, I managed to limit damages getting a good second place and 42 points. At Imola, instead, the engine will have more importance both in the long straights and in the output in the variants. During the first free practice session, next Friday morning, we will have the first response“, said Joao Vieira.

“We are at the third round and at the first true circuit on calendar. On this track, Joao has always raced fast, backed by a good car made by the staff of Marco Antonelli. I wish for a weekend free from engine complications so to have the chance to play for winning. I hope to greet Imola with a smile and, hopefully, with the cup of the winner” manager Giovanni Minardi says.