Is Formula 1 ready to greet two teams?

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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

Japanese GP – PREVIEW

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There are only 5 remaining Grand Prix before the end of the World Championship, with a wide open fight at Mercedes’. The menu is one of those interesting, consisting of four traditional rounds (one on the brand new Russian circuit) and one GP, Abu Dhabi, which is worth even as double.

In the past, Suzuka has been scene of important challenges, both because for many years it was the final stage of the season, and because it decreed the winner. Today, instead, we arrive with many question marks. At Mercedes’, the two drivers are almost pair and reliability will play a role nearly as first actor. Behind them, there’s an open battle for third place in Drivers and Constructors Standings.

We speak of a technical and demanding track, in all accounts: pilot, car and tyres. It’s not easy to get the maximum. It’ll be interesting to see who, between Lewis and Nico, will be able to excel and take that advantage, even psychological, to face the new challenge of Sochi.

It’ll be an “open” weekend also “behind the scenes”. Honda would have liked to announce his plans for 2015 right in its living room, but it’ll be difficult; it’s still on the hunt for a top-driver. At Ferrari’s, there’s a strange silence that could be a sign of renewal. According to what we read, Maranello would make even less of its number 1. In my personal opinion: if you want to put in place an internal and such important reorganization, I would start from fixed points, without giving an extra advantage to the rivals.

There will also be the debut of Max Verstappen that from the FIA F.3 European Championship is preparing for the big jump into F.1 Circus with the colours of Toro Rosso. It’ll be interesting to follow him from the beginning. During the test on Adria’s circuit, he had got great results. He’ll have to try not to overdo it, having this test as an experience in view of 2015.

Verstappen, Fuoco, Giovinazzi & C. come to Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola next 11th – 12th October, for the last round of the FIA F.3 European. For the occasion, they share track and paddock with the younger colleagues of Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth, the new series strongly supported by the International Federation, to create the first step towards professionalism. Just in last race at Monza, the 20 young pilots of F.4 have paid the audience back with amazing overtakes and fights till the last lap.

Save the date and I’ll wait for you in large numbers. Imola, 11th – 12th October for the final round of Formula 4 and Formula 3 European.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Gian Carlo Minardi “To re-establish a team, I personally would start by pilots"

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The saga on the future of Alonso, Vettel & C. continues. Never as this year, market-pilots has groping in the dark. Historically, Spa-Francorchamps and Monza were scene of announcements for team’s changes or renewals. Today, however, we’ve passed also Singapore’s night and we are going to attend Japan Grand Prix. Domino is in a precarious balance.

Just a move and several pieces may fall: “We are in a time of transition. We read different guess, but no one feels able to express an opinion with certainty, even if newspapers and television are somehow defending Fernando Alonso, that has proven in the last race to be a super-pilot, bringing his Ferrari a few tenths from Red Bull in the race and from Mercedes in Qualifying, in a long circuit like that of Singapore“, Gian Carlo Minardi analyzes on the website www.minardi.it. Mercedes is dominating this World Championship, even with some reliability problem. “The real potential of Mercedes isn’t known at 100%. If we consider the four laps after the safety car, we understand that they are martians, light years ahead of the earth. Hamilton has relegated the first of drivers (two Red Bull and one Ferrari) to more than 10″…“.

In these weeks, we have heard a lot of rumors, especially about the future of the Spanish champion: “Ferrari is going through a time of transformation and not easy renewal, in which new forces, people and strategies are involved. I would venture to say that, if I should find myself in the same situation of having to re-establish a team, I would begin by certain points: PILOTS. In my opinion, it’s difficult to criticize a driver like Alonso. Personally, I don’t think that Fernando wants to leave Maranello and not wanting to avail of him anymore could become a problem. Having in team the strongest driver of the World Championship must be a starting point“. In these years, numbers speak in favor of the Spanish, as pointed out by the manager of Faenza. “In these years, Alonso scored two times and a half the points of his team-mates . This year, the comparison is with an ex-world champion, while, until last year, with a very respectable driver as Felipe Massa, that in Williams scored big points for his team. This surely must mean something“.

As often happens in these moments, it may tend to highlight the amount of signings, declaring them too high. “It’s useless always do-goodism. Let’s talk about supply and demand. Alonso is a driver that pays himself through the points brought to team, which, at the end of the season, are transformed into image (sponsor) and TV royalties. The economic value of a pilot is given by what the pilot bring to his team“, continued the ex-constructor. “With his season and won points, the signing of Daniel Ricciardo will certainly undergo a retouching upwards“.

However, in his analysis Gian Carlo Minardi wanted to go beyond, putting himself even on company’s side. “From year to year, the hierarchies and the forces in field change radically. Precisely for this reason, why should I reconsider the renewal or a contract that expires only in 2016, looking already forward to 2017-2018? Let’s arrive to the expiry year. Only time will tell us whether to continue the partnership or look for new ways“. Honda is always looking for a top-driver, but if the team doesn’t find one available, then it may change its strategies, focusing on a three-year program with a young man. Sainz Jr., for example?

Singapore GP – DRIVERS' SCORECARD

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Lewis Hamilton 9 – When he has got no problems and thanks to his car, he can rule the roost. He reopened the World Championship and we will see some pretty ones by the end of the season. His potential is incredible. After the safety car, in just four laps he outdistanced his rivals of more than 9 sec

Jean-Eric Vergne 9 – The driver of Toro Rosso is looking for a seat for 2015. He made an exceptional race, achieving a 6th place behind only the top drivers

Fernando Alonso 8 – Once again, he proved what he’s made of. Even driving with certainly many thoughts in his head, he brought Ferrari very close to Red Bull during both tests and race, but without incredible distances from Mercedes’ dreadnought

Daniel Ricciardo 8 – Even if he didn’t start perfectly, he was able to win the podium, in spite of some technical car problems

Felipe Massa 8 – He knew how to react to an unluckily start of the season and he’s deserving the reconfirm for 2015, putting himself behind his team-mate

Pastor Maldonado 7 – He struggled with his teeth to bring a lacking car to the finish line, fighting on equal terms with Bottas on Williams

Kimi Raikkonen 6 – Vote of encouragement. Once again, he had to give way to his team-mate, closing the race with fifty seconds to him. This should make us think and reflect on what is in program at Ferrari for 2015

For all the other pilots, we don’t have special considerations; I would give a 10 to the circuit, as a race under floodlights in Singapore is spectacular, also thanks to the Italian technology of DZ Engineering, illuminating the street circuit.

 

Singapore GP – PREVIEW

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This weekend I will be back to the crime scene. In fact, I will be in Singapore, to attend a weekend that promises to be really lively behind the scenes. We still have the Honda variable, on the hunt for a Top Driver. Today there are two drivers, Alonso and Vettel, who have on their desk a contract of McLaren-Honda for next season and have to make a decision. From what it’s realized, Red Bull wouldn’t make a fuss to restrain its pilot, whose destination may not be only at McLaren.

With regards to Ferrari, Marchionne’s era has certainly started uphill. Great nervousness is breathed within the team and there are several decisions to make. Drivers are not calm too. In these days, Mr. Marchionne has confirmed his intention to keep both his drivers, but it becomes difficult to hold back a pilot against his will… Therefore, it’s necessary to be very careful.

As to the race, this Grand Prix seems to be characterized by one more unknown: the weather. For Saturday, in fact, the rain is expected, never seen yet. We hope at least in a dry Sunday; otherwise, it could be a problem.

Pirelli will bring the Super-Soft and Medium compounds, a solution that doesn’t fit perfectly to McLaren, while Ferrari proved to do better with the SS. Of course, Mercedes will be the car to beat, but watch out Red Bull. Twelve months ago, here they did what they wanted, giving also 2″ per lap to the remaining group. If they had to compensate for the engine problem with the chassis, they could come out again. We cannot forget Williams, that’s in constant growth and in fight for the third place of Constructors’ Championship. They confirmed both drivers, giving a signal of continuity and serenity. In the last GP, they has been constantly on the podium.

Ferrari is the team I see most in difficulty. It lacks in drive and engine. With six places occupied by Mercedes’ P.U., only the scraps remain to the outsiders. Toro Rosso and Force India will try to win the last available points. Now, the forces in field and the grid are almost defined, save cataclysms.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Gian Carlo Minardi "Abrupt action, due to economic-financial reasons"

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From October the 13th, after 23 years, a new era will start at Ferrari’s. The current CEO of Fiat-Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne, will replace Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, in command of the “Red”.

The change at the top, that will take place, in fact, the same day in which the FCA quotation is expected to be listed on Wall Street, was already in the air, but it has accelerated sharply. “I’m personally very close to Mr. Montezemolo, as he was the first interlocutor that has led me to meet Enzo Ferrari. The summit change was in the air and it finds its motivation not so much in sports results as in economic and financial aspects, which are certainly related to the entrance of the FCA Group in Wall Street“, Gian Carlo Minardi comments on the web site (www.minardi.it). “The Turin brand needs to attract interest in the United States, showing great strength. It’s easy to imagine that the result will be achieved with a great image effect. At the moment, Ferrari is the best brand in the world! In any case, we must not forget that nowadays all the F1 teams – Williams excluded – are run by managers, who have to refer to a Board of Directors, whose goals are primarily economic and in the membership group’s interest. It is treated, in any case, of an abrupt action, against a person who, for over twenty years, has achieved significant results on all fronts, from sports to economic ones”, the manager from Faenza continues.

Montezemolo-Marchionne turnover has already created a first and unexpected movement within the company. “Roberto Fedeli, key-man of production, has moved to BMW“. Therefore, an important task is now up to the new President: to create a new winning cycle, bringing serenity within the environment. “Now, lets hope that the choices that have been made can restore serenity and enthusiasm to the Team. Ferrari lacks for nothing to return to the top. They have people and facilities, but need more investments in technology sector; Power-Unit is the main Achilles’ heel of F14-T“.

Italian GP – Drivers' Scorecard

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After the Italian Grand Prix, the 13th appointment in the World Champion, it’s time to give some votes. First of his class is, of course, Lewis Hamilton, followed by the super-young Russian of Toro Rosso, Daniil Kvyat.

Lewis Hamilton – 9 Despite his bad start, he was able to recover, imposing his style, his ability and tenacity in achieving an important result for him. Without the start’s mistake, he would have deserved a higher vote

Daniil Kvyat – 8/9 He started as last, but he recovered, finishing at the foot of the score-zone. Excellent strategy for Toro Rosso and fantastic race for him. It’s a pity for the mistake on the finish. He deserves the consecration in Formula 1

Daniel Ricciardo – 8.5 He started behind and recovered positions with overtakings and crossing the finish line before Vettel. His overtakings on Magnussen and Vettel were amazing; Vettel was stripped by the Australian with a feint outwards, overtaking him inward. He is definitely taking the leadership of the team and deserves a treatment like leading driver

Felipe Massa, Valtteri Bottas e Sergio Perez – 8 The Brazilian win his first seasonal podium with Williams, while the teammate and the Force Indian pilot were the authors  of an amazing recovery

Jenson Button – 6.5 Market rumors that would like Vettel or Alonso to take his place next year have renewed him. The possibility of having again a window has restored him. He took advantage of his experience

Nico Rosberg 6 – After a perfect start, he was able to take a quite good advantage, which has been frustrated by two incredible mistakes in the first variant, which cost him a possible victory. Someone say that Nico wanted to “get even” with the teammate. However, for me he isn’t more than enough

Low vote for Ferrari. There’s an unequal struggle between Alonso and Raikkonen, having a car that gives 1.5” to competitors. There’s certainly a moment of despair. It’s certainly not only a problem of Power-Unit, but also of chassis. Compared to the Finnish, Fernando deserves at least a higher vote (also 7), because he tried to fight until he remained on track, keeping himself afloat for a sixth-seventh place. Since Friday, he has reached the limit of its F14-T, eroding then thousandths on thousandths after each session in qualifying. More, truly, it cannot hope at the moment.

Italian GP – PREVIEW

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Here we are! The Circus comes to Monza, in the temple of speed, the most historical circuit, together with Spa and Silverstone.

It is not a secret that Monza circuit is full of unknown aspects and variables, both in terms of reliability, with highly stressed engines, brakes and also tyres (Pirelli will bring Medium and Hard compounds) and, on the hand of layout, with the first chicane and the first variation, which has been the scene of numerous contacts that have changed the final result.

We are entering the final part of the Championship and many teams will have to deal with the number of PU already used, in order to avoid penalty on the starting grid. For units, the Grand Prix of Italy is certainly a great test, because the throttle valve remains open to the full, for the 75% of the lap. Then, on the calendar the Italian GP comes after Belgium, another circuit where it was no joke.

Once again, the Mercedes start as big favourites, but we must not underestimate the Williams, that have always attracted attention in these conditions. They have a good package, considering chassis-power unit-pilots, with Bottas determined to trip Fernando Alonso up for the fourth place in World Championship. After the unpleasant episode of Spa, at Mercedes’ peace should be back. The team can’t afford to lose this World Championship and, with its drivers, it will certainly strike the right note, to avoid falling again in similar mistakes.

Behind them we find Red Bull, with a great chassis and Daniel Ricciardo, that’s galvanized by the third success of the season (the only one that interrupted Mercedes’ domain till now and awarded with the Baldini Trophy in Brisighella), and Ferrari, which remains the great unknown. The men of Maranello can certainly rely on the support of the public. It’s up to them trying to snatch the third place.

A little advice as fan: go to Monza, in order to live a weekend of racing as if it were a country outing, a day off to spend together.

Gian Carlo Minardi