Archive for month: January, 2017

It is back in vogue the marriage that made millions of fans dream in the 90s. McLaren and the BMW group will be again together, even if not in the world motorsport for the moment.

The goal of the new partnership between McLaren Automotive and the Bavarian group, whose cooperation also comprises a number of other partners, is linked to the development of new technologies for the inner combustion that will make us reach new power levels and reduce CO2 emissions.

Contextually, Zak Brown is working to bring new sponsors to Woking to give some oxygen to the stable. The wind would carry to Cupertino, Apple destination. Last year, the name of the company created by Steve Jobs had already been associated with McLaren, but then denied. According to rumors, any Apple landing in F1 would open the doors for the return of BMW in the world championship as a propellers supplier.

As in many other operations, and despite the estrangement from Liberty Media, I am sure that behind this there is, once again, Bernie Ecclestone’s hand. No one else knows this environment as him, and he is still the reference point for companies.

The starting grid of 2017 Formula 1 will be constituted by only 10 teams. The curtain falls on the Manor. When you loose a team it is a defeat for the whole system. Perhaps it is the first real signal of the exit of the orchestra leader Mr. Ecclestone. It seems almost impossible that they didn’t find a new investor.

The engineers and the technicians of Manor have wanted to make a last step ahead with the 1/50 scale model that will never see the track. This image brings me back quickly to November 2005 when the Minardi PS06 (in the picture) had been created under the skillful design of the engineer Gabriele Tredozi and his working group. A car that had produced excellent results on paper but that unfortunately has never see the light because the new ownership had decided to line up the RB1 clone.

The regret for the abortion of that project was cancelled by the confirmation of the whole Minardi staff by the new Toro Rosso ownership. Today, after eleven years, they still have an important role within the structure.

My best “good luck” goes to the more than 200 employees of the Manor, can they find peace soon.

2017 represents a new Formula 1 era. Not just due to the arrival of the new owner Liberty Media, but also regarding the technical regulations. For the first time since 1994, the new sport season will have started with a reviewed regulation that will give us decisively more fast and performing cars compared to last year’s end.

Cyclically, the FIA used to call the rules into question to have slower cars compared to the previous technical cycle. Thanks just to the specialists’ genius, the teams managed to carry new-performing single-seater into the track.

Today, instead, we are facing simulations speaking about cars that are 4-5 seconds faster than those at the end of 2016 with a 40 km/h cornering speed.

All this for the benefit of whom? The show?

I do not think so because who sits in the stands or in front of the TV does not realize if the cars are faster. We will have cars much more difficult to drive and dangerous. I dread to think about what will happen after the development of an entire season or after some years. In contrast, with a note, FIA informed the circuits that will have to adapt themselves to new security standards, as if it were a simple and immediate thing. I find it absurd.

Formula 1 must promote the show on track, with fights and duels. I am glad that Liberty Media, the new property, feels the same way. They will be called to a difficult task whose results will only be visible in some years. The arrival of Ross Brawn will have a crucial role in the drafting of technical regulations. We need to return to have 2 or 3 teams able to contrast each other and to fight for victory. 

It will also be fundamental the commissioners’ role. The working group must be the same for all the grand prix, avoiding subjective decisions.

(Photo source McLaren.com)

Few days after the announcement about the entrance of Valtteri Bottas into Mercedes with a yearly agreement ( with an option for 2018), the stable from Brackley has announced the coming of Wihuri, the Finnish company linked to the ex Williams driver.

It is a shiny example of what we said some weeks ago. Behind every driver there are economic movements. In this specific case, the company has agreed upon a contract with Mercedes that lasts as the agreement reached with Bottas, closing its cooperation with Williams.

Surely, the sponsor mustn’t have been decisive to close the negotiation because we are talking about a team with a great constructor behind, but the fact that Mercedes has acquired a new logo remains. At the same time , the company will have a return in term of image being on the World Champion car.

Behind every driver who enters F1 there is always a company that backs his career. We must consider, anyway, that the drivers on the grid, in 99% of cases, have the technical and fast capacities to take part in the World Championship.

Formula 1 needs to draw new resources. It is a costly sport that lives thanks to sponsoring. Thus it has to be able again to fill the chassis with logos through new commercial strategies, changing the way it approaches its supporters. These days, FIA gave its approval for the acquisition of F1 by Liberty Media.

These have been days rich in announcements within the F1 Circus, especially at Mercedes-Williams-Sauber which have completed the puzzle. All the pieces have found their place without any twists, respecting recent previsions and rumors. The editorial staff of www.minardi.it has met Gian Carlo Minardi for an interview.

One after the other, three official press releases have arrived. Valtteri Bottas is the new Mercedes driver.

With this choice, Mercedes has got more weak because it bets on a second driver. Bottas is surely a good driver, but he didn’t cause any trouble to an “old” driver like Felipe Massa. In my opinion, we cannot compare Rosberg’s and Bottas’s career because German driver’s Williams wasn’t as today. I expect a Bottas in trouble against a cannibal like Lewis Hamilton, especially if he won’t be distracted by extra-sports events like this year. With his choice, Rosberg has caused some problems to Mercedes that had to take remedial actions when the market was already closed. The one year agreement (with the option for a second one) is the proof that it is a repair choice. The Finnish driver risks a lot. If he fails, he will become unemployed at 28 year old.

Felipe Massa at Williams beside Stroll.

I have said it since the first moment. After his good career, he risks to jeopardize his reputation in a single season. I find it difficult to have the right incentives to face a demanding season like next year’s one beside a young boy, unfairly criticized, that has been able to impose himself in every championship.

Pascal Wehrlein at Sauber in Felipe Nasr’s place.

We must recognize Toto Wolff’s managerial ability. He managed to place both his drivers. Ocon at Force India and the German at Sauber motorized by Ferrari. Before promoting them to the first team, Wolff has tested them, and Wehrlein will have more difficulties. I consider them both good drivers.

Who would you like to see in the grid?

Antonio Giovinazzi without any doubt. Leaving him on the bench is a pity because the results in the last years speak in his favor. I would like to see him in action.

After last movings, which couple do you prefer?

Ricciardo-Verstappen. I see them more close-knit and strong. Now, Vettel-Raikkonen are an mystery. In 2016, Raikkonen managed to put in trouble his team-mate, while during last years he had fought to not deface. It will depend greatly on the kind of car that Ferrari will give them, but I see them weaker, especially regarding the Red Bull couple that will do its best, struggling one another to became the best one.

Ferrari and Mercedes have put eyes on Mick Schumacher.

Mick has undoubtedly a natural talent. Competition and velocity are in the Schumacher’s DNA. Anyway, it seems premature to make auctions to grab him. In my opinion, it is about respecting Michael for the two most important teams linked to his career. I hope this “game” goes in favor of the boy’s image.