Gian Carlo Minardi “Games in F1 are not finished”

/in /by

In eleven days, Formula 1 will issue its verdict, consecrating the 2014 Drivers’ World Champion. Hamilton or Rosberg? Meanwhile, at the end of Russian Grand Prix, Mercedes has already won its first Constructors’ Title in history. Despite World Championship will close, the unknown elements for 2015 remain endless. In recent years, we have never got to this point of the season with still so many questions about the Circus.

As we know, at Suzuka Sebastian Vettel said good-bye to Red Bull, but without announcing his new destination. Fernando Alonso will leave Maranello, to go where? There is talk about Honda-McLaren; till now much talk, but zero facts. And who will be “sacrificed” between Button and Magnussen? The news does not end up here. Marussia and Caterham have raised the white flag, but the unknowns go around other teams, like Lotus and Sauber (that, meanwhile, announced for 2015 Ericsson and Nasr, leaving its drivers Sutil and Gutiérrez). Let’s move on. In Toro Rosso, after the press release of August, in which they announced the line-up in 2015 with Kvyat-Verstappen (in Minardi.it, we didn’t believe it much), the counter-ad has arrived, always at Suzuka: the Russian Kvyat in RBR, instead of Vettel, alongside Daniel Ricciardo. What will then do the “dumped” Vergne?

It’s certainly a strange year for this crazy Formula 1. The mess, however, affects not only drivers, but also technical and key men of the teams. Ferrari has brought substantial changes in its organization, but it’s not been the only one. McLaren fired thirteen of its men. “Losing does not like anyone. Especially to those used to win, in their history. Formula 1 is going through a very particular and difficult moment, full of confusion. In these months, we have seen a number of changes and, of course, we did not come to an end. A team that does not win, it’s changed.  The F14T lived up to expectations and, therefore, Ferrari intervened heavily in main areas. The season was started with proclamations as world title. Today, it is the fourth in Constructors’ World Championship (behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Williams) and, in some circumstances, it’s the fifth car“, Gian Carlo Minardi says on www.minardi.it. “Unfortunately, I think it’s difficult to solve problems in such a short time, even considering what we read. There is talk about a developmental step of the new engine of only 30-40 CV. Disarming, considering the huge difference showed in the field by German competition“, the manager from Faenza says. “Then, we must also add the problems of overconsumption. In Brazil, which is a track that should not cause problems under this aspect, Alonso said he had had to fight against consumption. We are facing a situation too complicated and intricate. I don’t think changes have come to the end. Marchionne has made specific questions to his collaborators“, Minardi says, “not getting the answers he hoped. This is synonymous with great uncertainty that may lead to new changes“.

Ferrari and Renault have formed a coalition to convince Mercedes to “unfreeze” the engines and open a window, to bring developments and updates about Power Unit, resulted less-performing. Meanwhile, Horner, Ecclestone and Lopez take a crack at. They would like to take a step back and leave the expensive V6 Turbo, in favour of the regretted V8. Sharp answer of Niki Lauda: “If we go back to the V8, Mercedes will leave F1”.  A storm is ready to fall on F1.

Brazilian GP – Drivers' Scorecard

/in /by

Interlagos is always an amazing and considerable circuit. The organizers deserve praise for the work done on the asphalt, having improved its performance. It was also very interesting Piquet’s speech on stage at the end of GP, which bring F.1 back to past times, with questions for drivers related to other topics outside the race, making it more joking.

Nico Rosberg – 10 Pole and victory, without making the slightest imperfection, despite Hamilton’s important pressure during the all race. If he’s made fewer mistakes during the season, this would be for him an incredible match-point. Unfortunately, he alternated masterful and less positive performances, like in Austin, when he practically opened the door to team-mate

Lewis Hamilton – 9 He made a mistake, trying to regain his team-mate and scoring, anyway, the fastest lap of the race. In many passes, they challenged on the edge of the second tenth, running on high paces. He gave a hard time to the team-mate and it was a fight just between the two of them. Unluckily, only one can win, even though they both deserve an award

Felipe Massa – 9 He made two mistakes, exceeding the speed-limit and stopping in the wrong box, but he has completed a masterful race, gaining a new podium for himself and for his Williams. To date, unfortunately, they are not yet in a position to strike back Mercedes’ supremacy and only external factors may change an already written, also in Abu Dhabi

Jenson Button – 8 As separated (or almost), he is proving that he would deserve better consideration

Sebastian Vettel – 8 He is author of a great race and he led the only points at Renault

Fernando Alonso – 8 He constantly fight with a knife between his teeth, despite a car that is not perfect. Today, he is the fourth power of the world championship, behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Williams. With limited time available, it will be hard to solve problems. Once again, however, he wins the battle with the team-mate, who gave an awakening signal

Nico Hulkenberg – 7 He brings new points at Force India

Valtteri Bottas and Kevin Magnussen – 6 They have not been able to confirm the results obtained in Qualifying, losing the comparison with the “veteran” team-mates

Brazilian GP – PREVIEW

/in /by

Seven days after Austin’s Grand Prix, Circus arrives at Interlagos, a historical Formula 1 circuit. The round on the Brazilian circuit is characterized by one of the shortest track of championship and, besides technical problems, it is always affected by weather changeableness. Also for these three-days, rain is expected and it could complicate teams’ choices.

In the event of dry track, Pirelli will bring Medium and Soft; we will see an open competition with different solutions. Obviously, everything is directed to Mercedes and the internal fight between Hamilton and Rosberg.

After Austin, Lewis’ lead over Nico arrives at 24 points. I have a feeling that now everything is already planned, as I have analyzed in recent days. After the race at Spa-Francorchamps, the team performed well defined hierarchies for the good of team, image and investments made in these years. Hamilton is predestined to win this World Championship. In recent races, we have seen how one of them takes the pole and the other wins the race. For me, the ease with which Nico has accepted defeat a week ago is a further signal too.

We are getting ready for Brazilian Grand Prix with two questions: who will win between Hamilton and Rosberg? Who will win the third place in Constructors’ World Championship?

As I said before, the top step of the podium (unless technical problems) is Mercedes matter. I do not see other actors that may worry them. At this point, the third place among Constructors is pretty much thing done for Williams, despite the double points of Abu Dhabi. Some teams are now already working on next season. Ferrari has big problems right now in the present. Let them work and look carefully at the tests they are doing.

Gian Carlo Minardi

United States GP – Drivers’ Scorecard

/in /by

Austin’s circuit is one of the most technical circuit of latest generation and it allowed us to attend a considerable Grand Prix and to evaluate reasonably well all values in the field. Besides, there have been penalties related to the use of new Power-Unit.

Mercedes – 10 They certainly deserve the highest-ever vote of the weekend, both for performances and for how they’re managing the internal fight between Hamilton and Rosberg

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg – 9  Sensational race and Qualifying. Qualities and “defects” of both of them balance out. One wins the pole and the other takes the Win

Daniel Ricciardo – 9 Race with outstanding overtakings. He is always very aggressive and confirms to be the most pleasant surprise of this season. He is an authentic team-leader. 65-points lead over the four-times World Champion the first year in a top team, they aren’t a few.

Felipe Massa – 8,5 He took advantage 100% of  Williams’ potential, although, once again, he has been penalized by a pit-stop that his team-mates didn’t allowed him. Bad luck seems to not want to abandon him

Jean-Eric Vergne – 8 Despite the uncertain future, he races brilliantly, getting the most and bringing important points to Toro Rosso

Fernando Alonso – 8 He is the only real weapon of Ferrari. He managed to stay ahead of Sebastian Vettel and showed what he is made of. He remains the number 1

Sebastian Vettel – 7 Great recovery. From pit-lane to the seventh place. He is in trouble with this car, but he wants to clarify that he arrive in Ferrari thanks to his value

Valtteri Bottas – 6,5 Honestly, I didn’t like him on this occasion. He was not the usual Bottas, perky and aggressive

Sergio Perez – 5 I don’t understand him at all. This is not the first time he make such mistake of this kind and the facial expression of his Team Principal says it all. He was certainly not satisfied

Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen – 5 It’s necessary to see if it is their or car’s fault. McLaren is certainly one of those cars, like Ferrari, that doesn’t shallow certain compounds

Kimi Raikkonen – N.D Ruthless comparison with his team-mate, both for points and for positions. He has never been in the race. He cannot solve his problems and this is not a good sign, considering a future perspective

Now, we will see what will happen in less than seven days in Brazil, the penultimate round of the World Championship. The “end” word may come.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Gian Carlo Minardi “Sainz Jr, Ocon, Marciello, Evans for third car”

/in /by

“If third car must be, it has at least to be entrusted to young people, to keep growing in the future“. With these words, Gian Carlo Minardi analyzed the difficult economic situation that Formula 1 is going through, with the sale of Caterham and Marussia and the spectre of third car.

Since the beginning of his career, the DNA of the constructor from Faenza has been characterized by working with young drivers. Therefore, we could not shirk from asking him which names he would see working on third car. “Right now, promising young people are many and Made in Italy is second to none. Keeping within our bounds, Ferrari is asked to point to one of its young people, between Antonio Fuoco and Raffaele Marciello, without forgetting Antonio Giovinazzi“, Minardi says. “Coming out of our zone, I would certainly give an opportunity to the winner of FIA F.3, Esteban Ocon, who got behind the brand-new Toro Rosso driver, Max Verstappen. Moreover, it’s also said that he went very well in Valencia with Lotus and he will soon test the Ferrari at Fiorano, as a reward for winning the title. As I’ve underlined many times, I would see working the winner of WSR 3.5, Carlos Sainz Jr, paired with Verstappen in TR. The team is growing also structurally. So, I’d rely on a very young pair, aiming for continuing developing together, reaping the benefits within 2-3 years. With Ricciardo and Kvyat, Red Bull Racing’s doors seem to be locked in the short term“.

Going on the pyramid, we arrive to GP2, which consecrated Jolyon Palmer. “Personally, I like Mitch Evans and Felipe Nasr very much. In view of third car, also Stoffel Vandoorne have to be included, being part of McLaren’s young drivers program“.

The question marks around the use of third car are still numerous. “It’s necessary to understand how it will be used for television rights and for scoring“, the manager from Faenza says. “Since we arrived at the third to last appointment, I hope that third car will be subject of meetings, facing with seriousness and coldness the topic“.

United States GP – PREVIEW

/in /by

In virtue of Caterham and Marussia’s forfeit, the adoption of third car will be the subject of meetings during the Grand Prix at Austin, third to last round of the Formula 1 World Championship.

Arranging a third car is not so simple and obvious, because, besides the cost, it also requires precise organization in terms of manpower and logistics. It’s necessary to weight up at 100% all Pros and Cons of such operation, to avoid finding oneself in similar situations, with excessive increase of costs that are ruining not only to the two “Cinderellas”. We have at least one other team navigating dangerous waters. Unlike Caterham’s situation, Marussia has an interesting business card, resulting from the current ninth place in Constructors’ Standings (before Sauber and Caterham), which would be tuned into money at the end of the season. Of course, it’ll be necessary to size up all the way the state of health. Getting to controlled administration three GP from the end is not a good sign. It have also to be considered what are the terms of the “bonus” granted by Mr. Ecclestone, in order not to lose the rights obtained through the current ninth place.

There are too many irons in the fire and I hope that it’s high time to sit around a table to evaluate difficulties and find solutions, to save this sick F1. There’s need of the right antidote, to give new lifeblood and vitality to the environment.

With regards to this Grand Prix, Austin is certainly one of the more technical and valid circuits (among those of latest generation). It will lead to inflamed competition, in which 2 pit-stops are expected, having at disposal Medium and Soft. So, we return to talk about strategies, which are the missed ingredient in Russia. Little to say at Mercedes. Won the Constructors’ title, Mercedes should just figure out who will be its champion. Open fight between Lewis and Nico, where each one has a specific purpose: trying to close the gap in the case of the German and widen it, to be less vulnerable in Abu Dhabi, in case of the English. Behind them, there’s the race for third place, while, among constructors, the challenge for Constructors’ third and fourth places will fire up, with a three-fight: Williams, Ferrari, McLaren. We expect a second/third row in ferment.

Considering the market, the arrival of third car could move even more the environment. To date, four seats are missing, as well as many drivers that will try to propose themselves again, also putting pressure on their budgets. Taking that I do not like the idea of  “third car”, I hope at least that it should be entrusted to young drivers to keep growing. Meanwhile, in recent weeks Nico Hulkenberg has been confirmed at Force India, one of the teams of second category, certainly more appealing.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Third car? Carlos Sainz Jr. the desire

/in /by

The spectre of the third car in 2015 is becoming more and more reality. Caterham and Marussia certainly won’t be present at Austin, within seven days in the third to last round of Formula 1 World Championship. The news doesn’t certainly stricken as a bolt from the blue, given the substantial rumors circulating especially in recent months. Even incredible the situation of the team from Norfolk. Few months later, the rescue made by people that as they’ve arrived, they’re also disappeared, is exploded like a soap bubble. Result: locations placed under seizure and structure entrusted to an administrator.

However, the crisis is not only about the two “Cinderellas”, but many other teams, which are much nobler (Sauber and Lotus). Therefore, the top teams are preparing for putting on track the “third car”, going on the hunt for new drivers. “I don’t like very much the idea of a third card, but if it’s really necessary to adopt, it should at least be entrusted to a young driver”, Gian Carlo Minardi commented this way on Saturday on his website www.minardi.it.

The name, that persistently circulates in Team Principal’s offices, is that of Sainz Jr. “Carlos Sainz Jr. is certainly in pole-position, although I still see him in Toro Rosso alongside Verstappen“. The manager from Faenza had already predicted very young scenery in the previous months within the Faenza’s team, with the Spanish alongside the Dutch Verstappen and the Russian Kvyat – upgraded in Red Bull instead of Vettel and beside Ricciardo. This scenery became reality at Suzuka Grand Prix: Sebastian Vettel announces to leave Red Bull, which in turn upgraded the Russian at the side of its Australian, leaving a vacant seat in Toro Rosso. “If Red Bull were to free Sainz Jr. up, there would be Mercedes already ready to give him the third car“. Toto Wolff himself had already tried to rip Verstappen from competitors.

The market, then, get even more inflamed, along with the Fernando Alonso’s crux…

Is Formula 1 ready to greet two teams?

/in /by

Those who understand something is good. In recent months and weeks we’ve read everything and its opposite. Who buys a team and then retired on the eve of a double trip, with the seizure of locations and the team assigned to administrators. Now the latest news came through the words of Mr. Ecclestone: no Texas for Caterham and Marussia. Caterham itself should not even participate in the Brazilian trip, which is the penultimate round of the season.

The situation of this Formula 1 seems every day more and more serious, both economically and from a sharp drop in spectators. “Honestly, it’s a bad blow for F1 and missing two teams, four cars and four boys is certainly sorry“, Gian Carlo Minardi says on the website www.minardi.it. “Unfortunately, the regulation changes have heavily affected all the teams’ founds, leading to this result in teams already in great difficulty. However, the situation seems very strange for Marussia that, thanks to the two points won in Monte Carlo by Jules Bianchi, currently occupies ninth place in the Constructors’ Standings, before Sauber and Caterham. Points that will turn into money from TV royalties at the end of the year. This aspect should make attractive a team. Perhaps it would be better to buy one of these structures, rather than starting from scratch …“, the manager from Faenza comments.

But the financial crisis that rotates round the Circus is not only about these two realities. “If we exclude the top teams, all the others certainly do not sail in calm waters, indeed. This should make us think and ponder all. Before making decisions – see new Power-Unit or double points – it’s necessary to count at least to ten, to avoid being in these situations, with “bonus” for not participating in a round of World Championship, in the top automotive category“.

In his analysis, Minardi hopes for bigger control also by International Federation. “What’s going on at Caterham is really ridiculous. After 2-3 months, the rescue made by people that as they’ve arrived, they’re also disappeared, is exploded like a soap bubble. Locations placed under seizure, teams assigned to administrators and those who would have to buy and manage the situation with doomsday proclamations, they’ve stepped aside“. It’s getting more impressive the spectre of the “third car” starting next year. “It’s a situation that I don’t like very much, but if you really need to adopt, it should at least be entrusted to a young driver to keep growing“. Circus problems are not only of a financial nature. In particular, this season is characterized by a sharp drop and Minardi, before we say goodbye, posed us a question: “And if a calendar of 19-20 events was too packed? Twenty Grand Prix means just as many weekends in front of TV. Perhaps, are they too many for today’s needs? Add even a strong detachment of Circus lovers“.

Russian GP – Drivers’ Scorecard

/in /by

Giving a vote to this Grand Prix is not easy, because of track’s little difficulties. The asphalt proved to be not abrasive at all, Pirelli was too conservative and pre-weekend worries about bends were unfounded. In an astonishing circuit from scenic point of view, but insignificant on all other fronts, let’s give the votes:

Mercedes – 10 They win their first F1 World Constructors’ Championship. A well-deserved title, having built an almost perfect battleship. A result that has something historical.

Lewis Hamilton – 9 He’s read the circuit very well, right from the earliest tests, dictating his pace and driving the nth double

Nico Rosberg – 5/6 He threw away a Grand Prix at the first bend, becoming author of an amazing “comeback” (from last to second), thanks to his car and asphalt that doesn’t ruin the tyres at all. In fact, he completed 51 laps, no less, with the same compounds, scoring the fastest lap of the race right at the finish. For this reason, I cannot give him a high vote. Too easy so!

Valtteri Bottas – 8 Another podium for the Finn, who is growing Williams, firmly in third place among constructors

Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen – 7.5 They are helping the team to grow, supported also by an excellent Mercedes PU. They’re the team that has put together the most important growth in the last period and prepares to attack the fourth place of Ferrari

Fernando Alonso – 8 He’s the only one that keeps this Ferrari afloat, being the first among the “not-Mercedes”. He fights as only he can do

Daniel Ricciardo – 7 He has solidly confirmed his position in third place of the drivers’ standings and, once again, he’s ahead of his team-mate

Sebastian Vettel – 6 Maybe his head is elsewhere. I haven’t seen him fight as a four times world champion should do

Felipe Massa – 5 Completely lost in Sochi’s sea

All the others do not go beyond the 6. Not because of them, but because of circuit’s simplicity.

Russian GP – PREVIEW

/in /by

Always thinking about the episodes of Suzuka, Formula 1 arrives for the first time in Russian territory, for the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi circuit, a street circuit of 5,853 meters built around the Sochi Olympic Park.

Like with all new experiences, it presents quite a few unknown elements and problems, which, from a sporting point of view, it could turn into a show, to be examined closely during Friday’s practice sessions. Certainly, teams will have made great indoor simulations. Among the biggest unknowns, there are many right-angle bends, in addition to the longer variation of the whole World Championship and a 180 degree bend that will test the Medium (White) and Soft (yellow) Pirelli, brakes, engines and various liquids present in them. Also drivers will be strongly stressed, because subject to a lateral acceleration of 3-4G for several seconds. 3 pit-stops are expected for this race 52 laps long.

The track needs a good aerodynamic downforce and Red Bull will sell its life dearly. From what we have seen especially in recent appointments, Mercedes has that extra oomph and can play it to its liking. It’s an internal struggle between Hamilton and Nico, which will end only at the last round, also because of the double points that Abu Dhabi will give. Only they can get hurt.

We’re talking about a new Grand Prix, that can inspire new interests for the Circus. I like to remember that in 1985 we were the first Formula 1 in “Red” Square, thanks to a partnership with Simod. Subsequently, in 2002 we brought GazProm in the Circus, in 2004 the SMP Bank and the first Russian driver at the wheel of an F1 car, Sergey Zlobin, now in command of the LMP2 standings in FIA WEC. I have always said that this country, once grew in the motorsport’s world, would have produced interesting athletes, as in all other disciplines. Today, we have a very young Kvyat of Toro Rosso that from next year will be a race driver in RBR.

Not to forget, #GoJules

Gian Carlo Minardi

Domino effect

/in /by

The first “Top-piece” has moved, starting the domino effect that will upset the starting grid of 2015. Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel’s ways have officially separated, after four World Championship Titles, 38 victories and 44 pole-positions, without forgetting the first seal in 2008, with Toro Rosso colours. In his place, Daniil Kvyat has already been announced, whose promotion from Toro Rosso comes only after a year in F1.

The destination of the German isn’t been announced yet, although it seems clear the arrival at the court of Maranello, in place of Fernando Alonso.

For www.minardi.it, movements at Red Bull’s are not news, having already raised the issue after Silverstone. “…Sebastian Vettel is now ready to be “abandoned”. According to rumors, we aren’t certainly short of drivers and young Kvyat and Sainz J. (involved in WSR 3.5) champing at the bit for a place” (read here), reiterating the concept with the announcement of 2015 Verstappen-Kvyat line-up of Scuderia Toro Rosso “… This operation surprised me, because it could cause difficulties to Carlos Sainz J., that’s a member of the RB family for several years. For this reason, I see different scene, with an extremely young Toro Rosso formed by Verstappen-Sainz J. and Daniil Kvyat towards Red Bull, in place of Sebastian Vettel” (read here).

As it might be expected, with the first move, driver market is preparing for an important. But first things first.

In Ferrari’s new course has brought important changes in all areas: after Domenicali, Marmorini and Montezemolo, it’s time also for Fernando Alonso to greet Maranello. To date, the Spanish is without a contract for next season. What are the possible sceneries?

– For several weeks on his desk there is a contract on McLaren-Honda letterhead;
– Sabbatical year;
– Passing in Mercedes, if Hamilton were to lose the World Championship and to decide to change the air.

With the promotion of Russian from TR to RB a place in Faenza become free. Alongside the already announced young Max Verstappen (who signed the F1 debut last weekend during the free practice sessions for the Japanese GP), another pilot could then get in Red Bull’s orbit, that Carlos Sainz jr., leader and son of the WSR 3.5 Rally champion, thus giving rise to the youngest team of Circus.

With regards to McLaren, Jenson Button’s confirmation is more and more distant. Honda wants a top-driver, but if they could not convince the Spanish, they could point to a young to grow, trying to snatch their competitors exactly Sainz Jr.

Finally, now more that this year next starting grid is surrounded by a great mystery. Waiting for new developments, we wish good luck to Jules Bianchi. We want to see you soon smiling again on track, as during the weekend in Montecarlo. #GoJules

Goodbye Andrea!

/in /by

In a black weekend for motor-sport, came also the terrible news of Andrea De Cesaris’ death (on Sunday evening),  in a motorbike accident.
Andrea, born in 1959, defended the colours of Minardi team in 1986 alongside Alessandro Nannini, leaving an indelible mark in the Faenza’s team and in Gian Carlo Minardi, who wanted remember him this way.

“I have only great memories of Andrea. We’ve experienced together a fantastic year in Formula 1 and even later, when we managed to meet” Gian Carlo Minardi remembers. “Our relationship was of mutual respect, trust and affection. When you receive this news is like a cold shower and cause of incredible sadness. In Minardi he regenerated himself, because he arrived from difficult seasons. As with all our pilots, we transmitted  the tranquility and serenity that allowed him to express his true value. I’m convinced he’s one of those drivers that has had less than he deserved. Certainly, he could aim for greater successes if the period in Alfa Romeo would not coincide with difficult moments for the  Car Company of Aresa.

Funerals will be held on Thursday (at 11:00 am) at San Roberto Bellarmino Church, in Piazza Ungheria, Rome.

Ciao Andrea

Japanese GP – Drivers' Scorecard

/in /by

After such a weekend and the events happened at Suzuka, giving votes is really difficult and maybe it’s not appropriate. Honestly, given the weather conditions and the necessary of respecting tv schedules, everybody deserves a high vote. Pilots has done a great job, because they concluded a race in very difficult conditions, with the exception of Fernando (stopped because of an electrical problem) and Chilton.

In these cases, my sportive spirit leads me to give everybody high votes, congratulating  them, even if Lewis Hamilton certainly deserves the nomination as top of the class and behind him there are Vettel, Button, Vergne and Ricciardo with equal credits.

It’s not the right time to give full details; let’s think about next Russian Grand Prix, which will take place within just seven days; our thoughts are all directed to Jules Bianchi, we wish him to get well soon and we are close to his family.

Gian Carlo Minardi