F1 – Road to…Austin

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The Circus has said goodbye to Russia and flown to the Us in Austin, one of the best Tilke circuit: 5500 technical meters with twenty bends for fifty six laps. It should be more hot than Sochi even if it is going to rain on Friday and Saturday.

Pirelli will bring his Soft and Medium tyres, tyre-compunds non-optimal for teams like Ferrari. So we will have a lot of unknowns and unpredictable moments. With the challenge for the title already closed in favor of Hamilton who needs just a second place to prove himself World Champion for the third time, all the attention will be focused on Rosberg and Vettel’s challenge for the second place. For the German driver at Ferrari it would be an unexpected goal, while Rosberg has much to lose towards his team-mate and his team.

If the technical aspect of this grand prix will focus on the struggle between the two standard-bearers at Mercedes and at Ferrari, from a political point of view, the substantial changes proposed by engine suppliers will be the main topic. Having these proposals to be endorsed by the F1 Commission, all the teams will take part in several meetings trying to find the indispensable unanimity. From my personal point of view these proposals are fair because development, growth and research are all part of Constructors’ DNA. Nothing should be done, anyway, at the expense of Customer-teams which deserve equal regard. Only this way they can level performances on track. The soap opera about Red Bull engine continues. I think both RB and TR will stay with Renault because times are too tight to create two different gear-boxes.

Returning to the circuit, we will have seen Raffaello Marciello behind Sauber wheel for the fourth time. I have been stressing the importance for each team of dedicating a car to young drivers for years. “Lello” has came from a complicated GP2 season, I hope he will prove his real worth because he has all what it takes to reach F1.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        

F1 – Ecclestone "Red Bull and Toro Rosso won't leave F1"

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Mr Bernie Ecclestone is sure: Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso won’t leave F1 World Championship even if they are now without an engine for next season after their break with Renault.

In the last two weeks, Red Bull staff, from Marko Horner to Newey, have threatened by the press to leave the Circus after the refusal of Mercedes and Ferrari who are not willing to sell their latest PU models. The soap opera seems to have come to an end. Red Bull would got back in touch with Renault which asks for a public letter of apology for the treatment they have received by “The Soft-drinkers” in the last few months. Maranello’s doors should open for Toro Rosso even if there are technical complications not easy to solve because the team from Faenza uses the same transmission of Red Bull Racing. A new development would involve a considerable amount of time and money.

“The risk of a defection was high, but in view of recent events I think it can be considered avoided” Mr. E has commented on Autosport. FIA and Mr. Ecclestone refer especially to article 23.5 of sport regulation where it is stated that from 2016 to 2020 only the power unit validate by the Federation will be usable.

At present the deadline to freeze the engines is on February 28 2016. Then it will not be possible to improve them. Gian Carlo Minardi stressed this perspective already on 30 September commenting Red Bull situation ”On February 28th 2016 engines meant to be used during the season will have to be deposited and frozen.Not being able to use tokens for developing their PU along the season, the official teams and their customers will have the same power unit and, unlike this season, diversify supplies won’t be possible.In my opinion, the use of 2015 PU is unlikely, unless some change in regulation coming from constructors’ meeting in Ginevra, that should also pass the examination of the Formula One Commission”.

According to last rumors, at yesterday’s meeting in Ginevra, Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda expressed their willing to avoid the freezing and to update their unities during 2016 (32 tokens would have been asked). Basically like this year. This way we could have official engines and customers. An evolution like this would be really favorable for Honda and Renault in a strong technical delay respect to Mercedes and Ferrari. We have to applaud the fair-play of Mercedes which probably will keep its leadership having important developments aside. But there is more. There is the willing to modify article 23.5 of sport rules so to supply 2005 power units.

We have to keep in mind that this kind of proposals should be discussed by F1 Commission, and approved jointly by all the teams.

F1 – Russian Gp: Scorecards

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 Let’s grade this grand prix that impressed us till the last lap with his amazing show.

Pirelli – 10 due to the renewal of its partnership with F1 for other three years. They are taking their technology and the Italian brand around the world. It is a great satisfaction for our motor sport. They have been able to satisfy all the needs, as the Gp in Sochi demonstrates. They have been working not only for a technological earning but also for the show: a very important move that stresses Italian engagement in Motor Sport. Made in Italy is strongly present in the Circus with Brembo, Sparco, and a lot of helmets suppliers. Unluckily we have not a driver yet…

Lewis Hamilton – 8,5 overpowered in qualifying and at the start by the unlucky Nico Rosberg, he has been excellent in race even if the fastest lap was signed by Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel – 8,5 fabulous in race despite Saturday’s complications. He has signed the fastest lap right at the end. I hope Ferrari has figured out its tyre warming problem because Seb has raced faster with Soft tyres.

Nico Rosberg – 8 a pole position with a perfect lap, he has been excellent at the start. Unluckliy he lost any chance to keep open the World Championship due to a clamorous problem linked to the break of the acceleration pedal. As usual, really unlucky. Surely he is not a second driver even if he has been below expectations for a year.

Sergio Perez – 7,5 he has been able to manage in an excellent way his car despite an hazardous and too early pit stop. Bottas and Raikkonen have passed him but till that moment he has been driving very well closing one of his best race.

Daniel Ricciardo – 7 as long as his car has been working, he did well despite some difficulties. Carlos Sainz – 7 after Saturday’s accident he wanted absolutely participate in the race. Unluckily, once again along with Toro Rosso, he has lost important points due to reliability. They have to work hard and I think the accident could be a possible consequence of brakes complications.

Max Verstappen – 7 his last recover demonstrates t that Toro Rosso is a remarkable car After having fallen in last positions for an early pit stop, he has recovered and reached point zone taking advantage of a fallacious Fernando Alonso.

Felipe Massa – 6,5 after a lackluster qualifying, with his “grand-pa” experience in F1 he recovered achieving final fourth place ( from the fifteenth) for Williams also thanks to the double Finnish KO.

Daniil Kvyat – 6,5 he has brought important points to Red Bull that is still waiting for an engine. The fifth place is important to him and also in view of future developments. Valtteri Bottas – 6 this grade is due to qualifying. In race he hasn’t taken advantage of Saturday’s result.

Kimi Raikkonen – 5 beyond the start he has made some mistakes, like the collision with Bottas. You can’t jeopardize your race and that of a rival f yours this way. His attempt could have been good for the show but he has committed a heavy misjudgment. 

F1 – Road to…Russia

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F1 has returned to Russia for the second time. Surely the first edition of this Grand Prix didn’t enter into the annals of history as the most engaging race, but this year things could change also thanks to Pirelli who has chosen to bring the Soft and Supersoft tyres. We expect to clock better times of 3 secs.

Unless cataclysms, It will be another Mercedes week-end, indeed they  could already gain the Constructors’ World Championship title. Regarding drivers, for Nico is really the last chance. Hamilton has a psychological head start, five second places would be sufficient to be again the champion. Behind theirs back we should find Ferrari (at ease with these tyre compunds even if temperatures will be around 15-20°C) that will have to look over its shoulders not only because of Williams, but also because Red Bull and Lotus. I hope Enston’s team has found a final solution with Renault in order to plan their future at their best and close the season with greater confidence.

We are talking about an half-urban circuit with 18 bends (12 on the right, 6 on the left) characterized by the most long bend in the whole world championship that puts under stress the tyres. Approaching the last part of the season, the forces at play are almost outlined even if Ferrari must keep improving to get closer to Mercedes. They can’t lower their guard.

Behind the curtains, the negotiations will go on because Red Bull and Toro Rosso are still without an engine.Time begins to run low even f they have the resources to recover lost time.Last rumor  talks about a Toro Rosso very close to Maranello’s Power-Unit and a Red Bull that would have reopened its negotiations with Mercedes trying to bypass Toto Wolff. It’s time to clarify.

250th Gp: Congrats 'Nando

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In a season stingy of results, with the upcoming Russian Gran Prix, Fernando Alonso will accomplish an important goal: 250 Grand Prixs in F1. 

“I am really happy for Fenando and his important goal. I am glad I started his career. I wish that his 250 Gp could be an auspice to reach the goals he wants”. 

It has been 14 years since that young Spanish boy (only nineteen) embarked on the Motor-sport Olympus thanks to Gian Carlo Minardi who after seeing him in action strongly wanted this boy on his team with which Alonso debuted in F1 in 2001 at the wheel of a PS01.The first contact happened some years before, in 1999, on the occasion of the first test-prize ( for having won the World Series by Nissan) at the wheel of Minardi team single-seater on Jerez track.In 2000, simultaneously with his engagement in F3000 Championship, Alonso starts to work with Minardi team.The most important test was surely in Fiorano, where he signed lap times so important to attract the attention of Ferrari. In that moment his price started to rise.

F1 – Silverston at risk. Minardi "I am astonished"

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We don’t learn now, but the news upsets us because it represents an alarm bell for the F1 world. Silverstone has delayed the payments due to Mr. Ecclestone. The future of historical Motor-sport is now strongly questioned.

After Germany and Italy, also England risks to lose its F1. We have consulted Gian Carlo Minardi who raced a lot of Gps with his Minardi Team. “I am really astonished. I was aware of the difficulties at Nurburgring and Monza circuits, but if a circuit like Silverstone is in trouble, something doesn’t work. In the last few years, exactly during the Gp, this English sport facility has had a record audience. If a theater can’t earn a living with its shows, we have to revise the rules of the games. In my opinion impoverish who organists the show isn’t fair” manager from Faenza analyzes.

Like the Italian Gp also the English event doesn’t enjoy the Government support. In the last few days, in addition to Mr. E., also Mr. Patrick Allen, managing director of the circuit, has sounded the alarm. “At present I can’t guarantee for the future of Gp. We would need someone willing to invest in the circuit. Give up the Gp would be very sad for the Great Britain and for the whole Motorsport”. Thanks to “F1 Mister”’s intervention  2016 edition won’t be at risk. “They will pay the next year for this year’s race. I personally authorized them, otherwise they would have closed by now”.

F1- Concurrence between F1 and Le Mans. Minardi "No problem"

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As soon as we have seen the 2016 F1 Calendar that was decided during the last FIA World Council, we have noticed an extraordinary coincidence. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku and the 24H of Le Mans, the most important event of Endurance, take place in the same week-end (19th June).

In the last few years the World Endurance Championship, that includes the French marathon, has had a great increase of audience, also among the drivers of the Circus. After saying goodbye to Red Bull and F1, Mark Webber joined WEC, side LMP1, under Porsche colors and Nico Hulkenberg reached him this year, precisely on the occasion of the 24H.The German coming from Force India not only took part in it, he also got the victory and increased his prestige in and out the circuit. After his F1 debut at the wheel of Williams in 2010, Nico has never had the occasion to attract attention with a Top team car. Hulkenberg won’t have the opportunity to defend his victory. With such a calendar, to combine all these scheduled events won’t surely be an easy task.

And if  Mr. E., as a good conductor, wanted to trick his drivers preventing them to run in other races with such a demanding calendar?Jenson Button instilled this doubt in an interview given to Auto Express. “Each driver thinks about Le Mans. It is a great team work and win it is a great result. I like what Bernie did. He has just clarified that F1 drivers can’t drive cars which not belong to F1. I have a lot of projects for the future, they will have to wait”.

We have consulted Gian Carlo Minardi who at www.minardi.it has commented this way. “Such a long and demanding calendar can easily have some concurrences with other races. In this case thanks to jet lag they won”t even interfere, so I don’t see any problems. Many times we run In Canada in the same week-end of the 24H”.

The manager from Faenza has made no secret of the fact the he doesn’t agree with the idea that a F1 driver undertakes simultaneously in a risky race like Le Mans 24H.  “In any case, even if I have the maximum respect for this wonderful event, personally I have never given the no impediment for Le Mans to my drivers.I think that race has to be prepared differently from a F1 Gp. So I have never been willing to take any risks, indeed behind each driver there are substantial investment both from Constructor and sponsors.Hulkenberg is an exception, the majority of the drivers has a contract that doesn’t allow them to run also the 24 Hours”.

F1 2016 Calendar

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FIA World Council announced the 2016 F1 Calendar. The curtain will be raised at the end of the week of 20 March with the traditional season-opening Australian gran prix in Melbourne and it will be drawn the on 27th November in Abu Dhabi with the United Arab Emirates Grand Prix. Twenty-one races in just over 8 months with the newness of Azerbaijan (Baku) on 19th June, the same weekend of  the 24h at Le Mans.

March 20 – Australia (Melbourne)
April 3 – Bahrain
April 17 – China (Shanghai)
May 1 – Russia (Sochi)
May 15 – Spain (Barcelona)
May 29 – Monaco
June 12 – Canada (Montreal)
June 19 – Azerbaijan (Baku)
July 3 – Austria (Speilberg)
July 10 – Britain (Silverstone)
July 24 – Hungary (Budapest)
July 31 – Germany (Hockenheim)
Aug 28 – Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
Sept 4 – Italy (Monza)
Sept 18 – Singapore
Oct 2 – Malaysia (Sepang)
Oct 9 – Japan (Suzuka)
Oct 23 – United States (Austin)
Nov 6 – Mexico
Nov 13 – Brazil (Sao Paulo)
Nov 27 – Abu Dhabi

With regard to the noise, the dual exahust has been approved. The single-seater car should be equipped with a wastegate valve thought which only its exausted gasses will have to pass.

F1- Minardi: "The partnership Mercedes-Manor? A good signal"

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In a short lap of time, McLaren confirmed his partnership with Jenson Button for 2016 while Mercedes announced his intention to supply its six-cylinde to Manor, the small team that now gets silver de facto becoming its Junior Team.

Great job for Banbury’s team that after risking a bankruptcy and a separation from the starting grid now could raise the bar leaving the last place at the grid.Indeed, the partnership with the team managed by Toto Wolff shouldn’t involve just the Power-Unit supply but much more. This way it could become a “home”for all that young driver in Mercedes sphere, like Pascal Wehrlein, already third driver in DTM where he precisely runs for the German group. We have consulted Gian Carlo Minardi in order to better understand the meaning of this partnership.

“The strategy of Toto Wolf, who probably succeeded in avoiding the supply of his PU to Red Bull and in planning an useful partnership for his team, is getting clearer and clearer.This new partnership between Mercedes and Manor is a good signal for all of the top teams, especially Ferrari. De facto Manor becomes a Junior Team where make the drivers around Mercedes grow. Basically it is the same relationship between red Bull and Toro Rosso. A partnership that will allow the little cindarella to climb the rankings” the manager from Faenza analyzes on www.minardi.it. “This situation could embarass some team not really accustumed to the lower zone of the standings. At present Toro Rosso, Sauber, McLaren and Manor occupy the last four place of the standings. Next year, unless a Japaneses’ wonder, McLaren will have to fight to not be the last“.

Manor in Mercedes zone, with Wehrlein from 2016

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The official announcement arrived just an hour ago. Manor will drop out Ferrari engines to adopt Brixworth six-cylinder engine in 2016, de facto becoming a junior team of the “Three-pointed Star”.

As things stand, it would be a good breath of fresh air for Banbury’s team, now engaged in the World Championship with a 2014 car which has been evolved just in some elements to suit the current rules.
This new partnership could open the doors to some young drivers who revolve around Mercedes as the German Pascal Wehrlein, present DTM leader ahead our compatriot Mortara (Audi Sport).

The second seat could became a matter between present official drivers Will Stevens and Alexander Rossi, with the addition of the Indonesian Rio Haryanto, supported by Pertamina oil company.
Circus entrance should remain closed for the new F3 Euro Series champion Felix Rosenqvist. The Swedish, born in 1991, supported by Mercedes could attain GT, side DTM.

In recent days, Gene Haas’ team has presented his first driver. It is about Romain Grosjean who will say goodbye Lotus after four years. So, the seat beside the already confirmed Pastor Maldonado frees.
Instead, McLaren-Honda confirmed Jenson Button for 2016 season this morning. Woking’s team used the option on the English that will run his seventh season with Mclaren.

*This article was updated after the announcement of Mercedes.

F1- Red Bull and Toro Rosso: a different solution?

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While F1 is at work for next Russian Grand Prix, all the technical uncertainties linked especially to Red Bull teams keep leading discussions. In effect, both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso Stable are without an engine at present. However, also the driver market is ready to take its first steps.

ENGINES After criticizing Renaut engines, knocking at Mercedes and receiving the marching orders directly from Carlos Ghosn, now Helmut Marko and Christian Horner declare themselves scandalized because Ferrari would have offer them 2015 engines. However the puzzle gets complicated due to the rules that allows every engine supplier to supply a maximum of four stables. Haas and Sauber are already at Ferrari. So it remains Just a place for two candidates. It looks almost like the musical chair game.

Toro Rosso joined Renault in 2014 catching up with its “sister” RBR and mainly summing up its power. Therefore, under Regulation this collaboration could cease. So what roads Toro Rosso is supposed to take? “Honda knocked at Toro Rosso. A solution that could help the Japanese constructor, and therefore McLaren in developing its troubled Power-Unit. We do know that Honda is around Europe to make a technological shopping” Gian Carlo Minardi comments “.While we are talking, the World Council is going on. It could change the current rules that, among other things, limit each engine supplier to supply a maximum of four teams”.

Mercedes already supplies four teams, Mercedes, Williams, Force India and Maron that replaces Lotus. As said before, at Ferrari there would be a free place ( Ferrari, Sauber, Haas). Honda and Renault (that is going to come back as constructor purchasing Lotus) each have a team. “Now the ball passes to Ferrari and its President who has to decide if add a fourth customer. But be careful. On February 28th 2016 engines meant to be used in season will have to be deposited and frozen. Not being able to use tokens for developing their PU along the season, Official team and customers will have the same unlike this year. So I see the employment of 2015 PU as a difficult event”.

DRIVERS  Contextually to the engine-market, the driver-market could also enliven. Yesterday, Haas team presented the french Grosjean who said goodbye to Lotus leaving temporarily alone the already confirmed (thanks to his sponsors) Maldonado. The arrival of Renault could bring Enstone a top driver like Jenson Button who hasn’t clarified his future yet, whose place beside Fernando Alonso could be taken by Stoffel Vandoorne (who already revolves around McLaren). The arrival of Manor under Mercedes wing could also bring new names like Pascal Wehrlein.”In other words there is really many opportunities to take advantage of. We are waiting to know the news coming from the World Council. Moreover the Diselgate could affected the FIA. Volkswagen group is very involved in motor sport: Porche in WEC, Audi with WEC and DTM, beyond the Rallies for Volkswagen”. The manager from Faenza concludes.

F1 – Japanese Gp: SCORECARDS

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Among several engine complications regarding Honda, Red Bull and Lotus/Reanault, let’s grade the protagonist of the Japanese Grand Prix along with Giancarlo Minardi.

Lewis Hamilton – 9 impeccable during the race, he was outclassed by his team-mate in qualifying. Once again he proved all the superiority of his Mercedes also scoring a fabulous fast lap, outstripping all of his opponents by over 1”.

Max Verstappen – 8,5 he started from the bottom for the second time, being able to recover up to the ninth place thanks to an intriguing pace and exciting overtakings. A result that was unhoped-for early in the race also due to the features of this Japanese circuit.

Sebastian Vettel – 8 excellent at the start where he out-passed Bottas. He brought home the best result for Ferrari in an unfavorable circuit.

Nico Rosberg – 7 the vote is especially linked to pole position achieved in qualifying. He seemed colorless and not so aggressive as a driver in his position should be. With that car, the second place is the worst result to aim at. He looked like resigned to have to be the second drive.

Nico Hulkenberg – 7 an important sixth place both for him and Force India. It is the proof that the fifth place in the Constructors’ standings is a result achieved on track.

Valterii Bottas – 6,5 at the start he was caught off guard and lost the challenge with his main opponent: Ferrari. He brings some points to William that proves itself third power in the world championship.

Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado – 6,5 in such a hard time for their team, both of them succeeded in getting into the points. A good strength trial for the two Lotus standard-bearers. Maldonado is already confirmed for the next season, and now the team could open its doors to Grosjean.

Haas Carlos Sainz Jr – 6,5 he lost the challenge with his team-mate, the first of all the opponents. He also made a levity entering the box and loosing some time for the replacement of the nose.

Fernando Alonso – 4 it’s a vote linked to his team-radio beyond his malice on track where he has steadily improved his times recovering the eleventh place. An inappropriate outburst especially because addressed to those who wanted him in McLaren. Honda delegated any decisions to his team that, according to rumors, would like to remove him through Ron Dennis. Surely it was an inappropriate outburst, but the fact remains that communications should be better filtered. It is the Fia itself that decides what team-radio broadcast. On this occasion an inelegant tool has been used to keep alive the attention on F1. This kind of facts make people talk.

Mercedes – 10 Pole position and victory with both of its drivers. They proved to have kept their bearings. They are again that perfect and unbeatable car they were before Singapore.

Ferrari – 8,5 with the third and fourth places they strengthen their second place among Constructors and with Vettel they achieved their tenth seasonal podium. A good result considering the technical features of Suzuki, unfavorable to the red.

Lotus – 7,5 despite the lack of liquidity and hospitality, the whole staff is working with the hope of a rescue by Renault. These points raise spirit and strengthen the sixth place.

Williams – 7it succeeded in qualifying but it raced below its capacity. In a circuit suitable for Mercedes Power-Unit like this one, I expected something more from them.

Toro Rosso – 7 they close the week-end ahead their “ cousins” at Red Bull proving to work usefully. I hope they could find an engine solution suitable for their development which allows them to continue their young line that makes us so much fun.

Red Bull – 5 besides not having confirmed the result in Singapore, they lost the challenge with Toro Rosso. Surely they are bothered by their engine complications . They are heavily paying their arrogance, especially towards Renault with which they won four world championship. As soon as they had some problems, they has felt free to heavily point their finger to the French constructor. An aggressive approach that surely alarms Ferrari and Mercedes. They should make an examination of conscience.

EnginePuzzle – Red Bull between Ferrari and Mercedes. Risk at Honda

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With every days that goes by, the engine tangle is getting more and more complicated at Red Bull. Furthermore, even if the marriage between Red Bull and Mercedes looked like a thing done in late July, during the Italian Gp at Monza, Mercedes made a decisive back step: the management of the German team proclaimed that they won’t supply a team born to win. Meanwhile Ferrari stepped forward through its President Sergio Marchionne. They put words into action with several meetings aimed to reach an agreement.

This way the stable of “The Prancing Horse” would provide its engines to Toro Rosso in addition to Red Bull, starting a significant Power-Unit “waltz” and gaining a good economic returns. We must not to forget that the rules allows each manufacturer to supply a maximum of four teams and the new “Star and Stripes” team Haas will be equipped with a Maranello’s heart from 2016. In this “dangerous” game Sauber could be the loser, with Manor in Mercedes perspective. We approach the end of September and the situation is still stuck. Mercedes uncertainties also spread along Maranello’s corridors.

The rules is clear: all the teams enrolled to the F1 World Championship must have an engine. If Maranello says “no”, measures will be taken by the top brass. As a good orchestra leader, Mr. E won’t stand watching, also because he can’t afford to loose two such important teams like Red Bull and Toro Rosso.The only certainty is that the next year RBR and TR won’t use a Renault PU anymore. If we add to this also the troubles at Lotus and McLaren, we understand that we are fire-walking.Enstone’s group is awaiting Renault to attempt planning the future of its team that in Japan gave a nice trial of strength closing its race in seventh and eighth with Grosjean and Maldonado.

The situation at McLaren-Honda is the same. Ron Dennis’ team is paying the heavy Japanese debacle among some shirker sponsors and others ready to run away.Alonso’s radio-team during Suzuka’s Gp is in inexcusable, it is a synonym of frustration. For Honda it is hard time.The technical gap is huge compared to its opponents. In such situations Japaneses usually made drastic choices. At present it is really difficult to imagine their future in F1 after 2016.

In the next few days something will certainly happen also because there are two cars to be designed.