Jul.1 (GMM) Two motor racing figures have dismissed a controversial claim that Formula E is set to take F1’s place as the pinnacle of the sport. Virgin’s Sir Richard Branson, once with a F1 team but now in the all-electric single seater series, claimed at the London finale last weekend that Formula E would “take […]
Month: July 2015
Friday drive for Leimer still unclear
Jul.1 (GMM) Just two days before his engine would fire, Fabio Leimer still does not know if he will drive at Silverstone. After his hopes of making his Friday practice debut for Manor were dashed in Austria, the Swiss told France’s L’Equipe: “For now, it seems that I will do the first free practice at […]
F1 ‘still beyond my reach’ – Kubica
Jul.1 (GMM) Robert Kubica has admitted that racing in formula one remains “beyond my reach” at present. The now 30-year-old Pole has been conspicuously absent from the grid since 2011, when in the pre-season he had an horror accident whilst contesting a rally. Today, he is a World Rally driver but to date has been […]
F1 crisis needs ‘quick solution’ – Arrivabene
Jul.1 (GMM) Maurizio Arrivabene says F1 is seeking “the solution” to its current crisis. When asked by France’s Auto Hebdo about the increasingly disaffected audience, the Ferrari chief answered: “Obviously we are going through a difficult moment. “Everyone has acknowledged that. There are discussions at all levels and everyone agrees that the solution must be […]
Qatar still pushing for F1 race
Jul.1 (GMM) Qatar is still pushing hard for a formula one race. That is despite the fact F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is for now honouring an agreement he made with Bahrain to keep that race exclusive in the Middle East. “We asked them (Bahrain) about Abu Dhabi and they agreed but they said a third […]
Mosley invited to Strategy Group meeting
Jul.1 (GMM) Max Mosley was invited to Wednesday’s key meeting of the Strategy Group in London, The Times newspaper reports. But the former FIA president “refused, believing that his presence would cause ructions,” according to correspondent Kevin Eason. One reason for that is because the meeting will also be attended by Mosley’s successor Jean Todt, […]
Vettel involved lawyers over ‘Multi-21’ – Webber
Jul.1 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel threatened to sue Red Bull over the ‘Multi-21’ affair of 2013. That is the explosive revelation in Mark Webber’s newly-published autobiography Aussie Grit. The Australian this week revealed that the tension between himself and former Red Bull teammate Vettel was so great after the team orders affair of Malaysia that it […]
Now Russia wants own F1 team
Jul.1 (GMM) If Azerbaijan is pushing towards the formula one grid, then so too should Russia. That is the view of Igor Ermilin, the presidential advisor of the Russian Automobile Federation. His comments follow reports Azerbaijan, a former Soviet state, is considering starting a F1 team or at least sponsoring one as it joins the […]
Hamilton must be better loser – Hill
Jul.1 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton must find a way to cope with losing. That is the view of 1996 world champion Damon Hill, who also warned the Mercedes driver to strike a better balance between his professional and private lives. Hill told Germany’s Kolner Express tabloid that Hamilton, the 2015 championship leader and reigning world champion, […]
Bottas to wear red if Raikkonen leaves
Jul.1 (GMM) Valtteri Bottas has been singled out as the ideal replacement should his countryman Kimi Raikkonen depart Ferrari. Multiple Italian media sources agree that, notwithstanding speculation Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg are also in the running, it is Williams’ Bottas who is first in line in the event fellow Finn Raikkonen is ousted. On […]
Burti tips Hamilton to beat Rosberg
Jul.1 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton is the clear favourite to win the 2015 title. That is the claim of former F1 driver turned Brazilian commentator Luciano Burti, even though Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg has found his form at recent races. 40-year-old Burti, who raced for Jaguar and Prost early last decade, told Globo: “Hamilton has […]
Massa defends radio instructions in F1
Jul.1 (GMM) Felipe Massa has defended the radio instructions given to today’s formula one drivers. As the sport analyses what is turning off fans, some are arguing that the sport should push ahead with its plans to further limit the exchange of information between the pitwall and the supposed ‘heroes’ at the racing wheel. But […]
McLaren should prioritise pace over reliability – Button
Jul.1 (GMM) Jenson Button has urged McLaren-Honda to prioritise performance over reliability. Team boss Eric Boullier said recently that, as works partner Honda’s awkward return to the sport continues, the ongoing troubles will soon begin to affect preparations for the 2016 season. At a sponsor event this week, Button agrees: “You can’t finish this year […]
Hamilton hopes to avoid ‘plastic’ trophy at home GP
Jul.1 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton is hoping the iconic golden trophy is on the British grand prix podium on Sunday. Last year, as he won his home race at Silverstone, he publicly ridiculed the “plastic” trophy commissioned by race sponsor Santander that fell apart in his hands on the podium. Later, he posed in the press […]