Minardi.it meets Pierluigi Martini

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By virtue of his past, he is the icon of Minardi F1 Team. He led his M185, the first single-seater signed by the team from Faenza, to debut. He achieved the first world point in the US GP of 1988 and raced 104 in 120 Grand Prix, alongside Gian Carlo Minardi. We are speaking of Pierluigi Martini whose prize list also shows his win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999. He has continued the couple Minardi-Martini of the 70s when his uncle Giancarlo raced in Formula 2 for Passatore and the Everest stable that belonged to a very young Minardi.

“I had known Minardi since I was a boy because I attended my uncle’s races in Formula Italia and Formula 2. In 1983, precisely along with Gian Carlo, driving the Minardi-BMW F2, I achieved the second place at Misano after winning also Formula 3 title. He wanted me at his side for his debut to Formula 1 in 1985”, Pierluigi Martini remembers on Minardi.it. “It was an experience as difficult as important because being the sole driver all the responsibilities were on my shoulders. Anyway, that was a positive season because even if I was a novice, we achieved the eight place in Australia. According to today’s score, this result would have gave us the first world points. At the end of season our paths diverged. I came back to F 3000 and I conquered the second place of the Intercontinental World Championship in 1986. Then, with great pleasure, Gian Carlo called me back by his side for the Detroit grand prix in 1988. I repaid his confidence with the first world point thanks to the sixth place. A wonderful relationship started and lasted till my retirement from F1 in 1995, with just a parenthesis in ’92 with the Scuderia Italia. After a break, the vitory arrives at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with BMW in 1999”.

How would you describe the “romagnolo” Gian Carlo Minardi?
He is a unique person. Thanks to a bit of “temerity”, which is a result of intelligence and passion for this sport, he built something that is really incredible for Romagna. He has been able to launch a lot of drivers, and also top level engineers and mechanics. Nobody is like him.

Do you have any anecdote related to its figure to tell us?
Now no special anecdote comes to my mind. Surely, we are talking about a person that was very attentive to observe the group and protect it from external attacks. A great family man.

What teachings have you gained with Minardi Team?
Having raced with teams like the Scuderia Italia, Williams and BMW at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Master GP, I have realized and appreciated the organization of Minardi team. When you are in F1 with restricted resources, you learn to optimize your force and synchronize all your sections. Without any doubt, I can affirm that Minardi Team was really a great stable, a perfect one. It lacked only the engine. Contrary to what happens now, in those years an “old” engine was able to pay also 200 hp compared to competition.

We know that engineer Chiti used to call you “Little Pheasant”. How does this funny nickname come from?
He used thisnickname to gain sympathy and to hide from the “blunders” that he committed. With that nickname he usually tried to defuse a difficult situation.

Along with Morbidelli, you have been the very first driver to have a Ferrari Client engine. Which aspect of the engine from Maranello impressed you ?
Unfortunately, that engine was born to match an automatic transmission, which we lacked at that time and so it created problems with the clutch. The sound was certainly great, but to become protagonists it would have been nicer to have the appropriate reliability.

Speaking with you, the incredible accident in Monza in 1993 comes to our mind. What happened and what Minardi told you in the pit?
At that moment, I was protecting my seventh place. Up to 10 laps to go I was in fifth position, but the breaking of the fifth gear made me loose some positions. I tried to defend myself from the attack of Christian and I moved on the right, but he followed me. I then heard the hit at the rear. With its wing he touched my rear wheel. Not seeing him anymore in my mirrors, I thought the worst. The returning lap was quite difficult. I was afraid he were finished among the audience. Fortunately, everything went out for the best for him. Even in that circumstance, Gian Carlo has been very good at handling the situation. The telemetry pointed out that I had not committed any impropriety. Therefore, the fact was dismissed as a racing accident.

With which driver you founded a special friendship, and who has been the harder competitor?
I founded a deep friendship with Paolo Barilla. With all the others, I had a great esteem and a healthy rivalry. The harder was JJ Lehto during my period in the Scuderia Italia.

104 F1 grand prix with Minardi Team. What have been the memorable moments?
I had  lot of good times. From the first world point in Detroit, to the lap ahead of everybody in Portugal, or the fourth place in Estoril in 1991. The times spent to develop the car along with engineers Tredozi and Costa are memorable. In those years, the chronometer was the only thermometer to judge developments. When you found the right direction, it was a great satisfaction.

The most difficult times?
Without any doubt, the demise of Ayrton Senna that convinced me to end my F1 adventure the following year. I would add some accidents: at Nurburgring, Montecarlo and Imola when I broke my leg.

You have mentioned Ayrton Senna.
He was the greatest driver that I had the pleasure to meet. He was always able to bring out the best from the team. He gave the 120% and was able to involve the all group urging it to give its 110%.

Due to your strong relationship with the team from Faenza, and to the fact of belonging to Romagna, were you involved in the choice of your team-mate?
Minardi made his choices. He was always looking for drivers who could put me in trouble. This made me a bit angry  but at the same time, it was a great stimulus.

Did you use to enter the factory to talk with the engineers and see “the birth” of the machines?
I lived in the factory. I liked very much to see the engineers’ work on the car. From there you could take off 2-3 tenths of asecond from your lap time. Those have been fantastic years.

This year you were back under the wheel of the M186 and the M189 in Austria and in Goodwood. What did you feel in those moments?
I realized how we were crazy to run at 300 km/h with those cars. However, I feel like the time hadn’t stopped. I immediately felt comfortable. I drove the M186 just during a test and I must say that it is an extraordinary, competitive and well-balanced car. With a Cosworth engine it would have gave a great satisfactions to the team.
The M189 was a customized car that gave us two fifth and two sixth places, the first row in America and the head of the race in Portugal. It has been pleasant come back in the cockpit.

In the last months you have anticipated us the project of a Minardi-Day. We know that now a great expectation is growing among true enthusiasts. What can you tell us, are preparations going on?
Along with Minardi, I am working to prepare the program, also asking advice for costs. The period should be at the end of June, but we will know something more only next months. Our aim is to bring back at Imola all the single-seaters built by Gian Carlo, with other F1 cars. Our intention is to recreate the old amazing and memorable atmosphere.

Three engines per driver? Minardi "A great advantage for Mercedes"

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This is apparently the most quiet moment of F1. Engines are turned off and the external teams are on vacation to recharge their batteries. But inside the factories the teams bustle to design and assemble the cars for 2016.

“Teams are creating the first shell that will face the crash-tests imposed by FIA for validation of all the components in view of the first test at the end of February” Gian Carlo Minardi, consulted by Minardi.it, comments. “On one side we have a Mercedes that passes through a party to another to celebrate its double win as best as it can, on the other one there is Circus face engaged in recovering its technical gap. Then there is Haas, the new-entry, that has to arrange everything from A to Z. They are facing a great effort because debuting with a 21 events scheduled on calendar is not easy” the manager from Faenza continues.

Anyway, the mind is projected forward in time. We are discussing to limit to three the number of power unit per driver in 2018 with the purpose to reduce cost. “To really cut the cost of this engine supply, producer should not redirect the cost of development and design on customers, but invest directly. Reducing the number of power units per driver to three is a possible way, even if it is very alarming. Both Mercedes team and its customers have been able to cover the entire season respecting rules without any penalization. No other manufacturer has achieved this amazing result”.

Under this aspect, Honda and Renault will be observed in a special way next season. “While the trans-alpine constructor seems to want to change direction no doubt with clear and defined ideas and projects, the Japaneses’ path seems more harder to me”.Renault, which is Red Bull Racing engine supplier, will return to the forefront as constructor after purchasing Lotus.“They have also acquired know-how around with the clear aim to get back on top. The situation at Honda seems more complicated. The electrical part has been the real Achilles’ heel. While Mercedes can exploit it for more than a minute, Japaneses struggle to reach 30” with with serious repercussions on time.We can notice this problem in T2 and, especially, in T3. In this respect, McLaren batteries have not been up to the job. Also Japaneses have been shopping in Europe” Gian Carlo Minardi, coming from an ACI meeting, concludes.

F1 – Road to…2016: Pirelli discloses its tyre compounds

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With the engines turned off and all the teams engaged in assembling the new single-seaters, Pirelli has announced its tire compounds and the mandatory set for the the first three World championship Grand Prix which starts in Melburne, Australia, on March 20 and continues in Bahrain and China.

For the first three of the twenty-one events scheduled, the group from Milan will bring Medium (white), Soft (yellow), and SuperSoft (red) tire compounds. The tyres designed for race are the Medium and Soft ones, whereas SuperSofts are intended to Q3.

 

Alfa Romeo is arranging its return. Minardi "It would be great"

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Alfa Romeo possible return to racing, announced by Ferrari President Sergio Marchionne during the year-end press conference, did not surely go unnoticed rekindling fans’ passion.

The so called “Big snake” has a glorious past in Motorsport, from F1 World Championship to Touring car race with Nicola Larini’s successes in 90s DTM. “Those were the golden years of Italian Motorsport, during which the team from Turin was engaged on all fronts: F1 with Ferrari, Rally and prototypes with Lancia, and Touring with Alfa Romeo, without forgetting Maserati” Gian Carlo Minardi consulted by Minardi.it comments about a possible Alfa Romeo return to races.“Surely, their come back would be terrific and an important news. I keep sustaining that Sports is the best means for a brand promotion. Even the most distracted young remembers Lancia success in the Rally World Championship with Delta or Nicola Larini’s seals under the wheel of his 155. Thanks to these programs, our boys then found a way towards professionalism. Drivers like Larini, Nannini and Pratese are the result of that kind of experiences. I can evaluate an Alfa Romeo return to races only in a positive way”.

Giulia, their last creature that will enter the market from 2016 has been launched in recent months. Along with Ferrari, the group from Turin has been conquering the scene with Abarth, thanks to a partnership with Formula 4 that saw his debut precisely in Italy two years ago with a project made in Italy thanks to Tatuus frames and Pirelli tyres.“As ACI’ we have been the first in the world to believe in FIA project linked to new Formula 4, and we have created a very strong product. Until now, F4 is the most important championship numerically speaking, and 2016 data are astounding. Abarth is a brand that attracts attention, so much than in Germany national F4 is the only race that includes a not German group. We must be proud of that” the manager from Faenza concludes.

Golden Helmet to Gian Carlo Minardi

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“I am truly honoured to receive this prestigious reward. One for all, I want to thank Autosprint editorAlberto Sabatini”. It is the first comment of Gian Carlo Minardi after being awarded with Autosprint Golden Helmet for his career and his engagement in Motorsport with Minardi F1 Team.

“After accompanying on stage a lot of young drivers who have drived with me, I am glad I received this prize in a so important occasion like the fiftieth year and among many illustrious names who wrote the history of autosport like President Luca Cordero di Montezzemolo, Mario Andretti and Marco Tronchetti Provera, along with new protagonists like Luca Ghiotto, Antonio Giovinazzi, and Riccardo Agostini”.

We are also glad to announce the prize received by Alessandro Nannini that we have met some days ago for a plesant chat.

Minardi.it meets Alessandro Nannini

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Five years together. From Formula 2 to Formula 1. We are talking about the duo Minardi-Nannini. In this end of year, we had the pleasure to meet Alessandro Nannini, who very kindly went back to the 80s for a moment and answered our questions. From the first meeting with Gian Carlo Minardi till the arrival at F1 World Championship.

Hi Alessandro, to start this interview let’s come back to the mid-80s. When was the first contact with Gian Carlo Minardi?
The first contact with Gian Carlo Minardi was in 1982, when he proposed me the wheel of his Minardi F2 next to Paolo Barilla, after my win in Abarth Formula. On the whole, I spent with Gian Carlo 5 years: I raced three F2 and two F1 seasons.

In 1986 you, a very young boy, joined Minardi team, and  remained even in 1987. Two difficult seasons characterized by many retreats.
Two years characterized by troubles due to Motore Molteni, especially turbo complications. The chassis was good, unlucky the Achilles’heel was the engine, designed by an engineer that I personally consider a real genius. A lot of retreats. The lack of reliability has been a pity. Anyway, the years spent along with Minardi Team have been extraordinary, even more beautiful than my period with Benetton. After all, we are talking about a manager who discovered and launched the best drivers of the last years.

What impresses you in a man from Romagna like Gian Carlo Minardi?
I am “in love” with Gian Carlo. No one has his passion for this sport and he is a real talent to find out drivers. He loves engines. In the last 20 years he has discovered the most talented drivers, as their curricula demonstrate.

The most difficult time of your period at Minardi?
There aren’t. Unfortunately, the engine wasn’t up to expectations, even if , as I said, it was designed by an excellent engineer. The car chassis, instead, was good.

As a Minardi driver,  you faced Cesaris and Campos. Who has been the harder opponent?
Luckily I had a very heavy right feet, and putting myself behind Andrea has been a good business card.

Among Boutsen, Pirro, Herbert and Piquet?
Piquet, three times world champion. From him I learned a lot about the improvement of a car. You can’t win three titles for chance.

We have also a question by a fan of yours. Is there an event that you especially remember?
There would be too many episodes to tell. As I said, those were really amazing years, I got a true fun, I met a lot of girls and, along with Paolo Barilla (F2) we made a lot of mess. As a matter of fact, year after year, we had trouble finding hotels because they didn’t want us as customers.

In 1997 you retired. What do you do now?
Sometimes, I lead the way with Subaru. After spending a lot of time on track, now that I am 56 years old , I am attracted to the soil. But I do it occasionally.

Do you watch Formula 1?
Honestly? Not so much. I watch the start.. and then the end. But it has always been the same. Let’s say I prefer to drive than watching races on tv.

Karol Basz awarded at the Fia Prize Giving

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Our Karol Basz could not miss the night of “World Motorport Stars” in Paris; he was awarded by  the FIA PRIZE-GIVING for winning the World Title of 2015 FK Kart.

At La Conca international circuit, the driver cured by Minardi Management imposed himself with a net and decisive domain during the most important international karting event under the wheel of a Kosmic Racing leaving only “crumbs” to his opponents.

In the famous Lido theater in Paris, close to the Arc de Triomphe, Karol shared the stage with his colleagues Jorrit Pex (KZ), Logan Sargeant (KF- Junior) and the world f1 championship Lewis Hamilton.

Giovanni Minardi and Alberto Tonti, along with Gian Carlo Minardi and all his staff congratulate Karol for the incredible achievement in a season that, for the polish driver, has been full of satisfactions.

Joao Vieira on-the-job with JD Motordport in Barcelona

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Two days of hard work on Barcelona’s track for Joao Vieira, who almost two months later his debut in Jerez, was back under the wheel of a Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 belonging to JD Motor-sport team. 

At his first contact with the Spanish track, the Driver from Brazil curated by Minardi Management had kept working with the engineers of the team from Novara for next season; he achieved over 100 laps with interesting lap times and without any mistakes. After becoming familiar with 4655 mt of Catalan track, a lot of setup tests were made to study the performance of the single-seater.Returning from Formula 4 Tricolore, Joao and his entourage are assessing the best solution for 2016.

“These two days have been important, I had the opportunity to do a lot of work along with JD team and I a lot of kilometers under the wheel of the car without doing any mistakes, with good time lap times. Surely, I still have a good improvement margin, but I start from a good base. Unfortunately, these were the last two test days granted by regulation. Now I have to wait until February to get back in the car. I really like the car, and I get on with the team. So, i hope to be able to define as soon as possible my next schedule. Meantime I am going to keep studying English” Joao Vieira comments.

“These test sessions have been very important and positive to Joao it has been a very important and positive test session. He had the opportunity to make a lot of kilometers under the wheel of F.R. 2.0 without any mistakes. So he could work with continuity. After studying the track along with JD engineers, we made a lot of setup tests with the purpose of helping Joao’s perception with the new car. I must thanks all the team staff for their excellent work. I admit that we would like to race in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and we are working to find an agreement as soon as possible”, Giovanni Minardi and Alberto Tonti comment. 

F1 – 2016 power-units

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“2016 engine-mosaic” is finally completed. Red Bull Racing and Renault will keep their partnership for next season, although Daniel Ricciardo’s and Daniil Kvyar’s power-units will be branded Tag Heuer, the new partner stolen from McLaren. A new sponsor comes, and another takes a break. Infiniti will not be again the title sponsor of Christian Horner’s team. +

Toro Rosso stable is getting ready to grab a Ferrari engine, version 2015, after two years away from Faenza and thanks to an exception allowed by FIA World Council.Franz Tost’s men join Sauber and Haas, the new entry, replacing Manor which is passed under Mercedes wing. Williams and Force India have confirmed their partnership with German PU.

After purchasing the facility of Lotus F1 Team in Enstone, Renault will return to be a constructor in 2016. As declared by president Carlos Ghosn himself, French Constructor had only two choices: “leaving the Circus or return to 100% as a constructor”. At McLaren and Honda, the team is ready to forget a 2015 which has been disappointing in every aspects.After visiting the factory in Woking, Fernando Alonso declared to be confident and to aim at the podium

Minardi.it meets Gianni Morbidelli

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He has just closed his TCR International Series season with Honda Civic, but he defended the colors of Minardi Team in Formula 1 World Championship from 1990 to 1992. Minardi.it has met Gianni Morbidelli just back from Argentine to relive those years along with Gian Carlo Minardi and his boys.

After joining Scuderia Italia, you made your debut with Minardi in 1990 during the US Grand Prix that was preparatory to entire 1991 season.
The two last grand prix of 1990 season were the prelude to two beautiful years with Gian Carlo Minardi. It was like a family life with true human relationships. I had the opportunity to learn a lot and to grow professionally. From the point of view of results, we had some difficult races because we lacked reliability. In qualifying we could safeguard ourselves at first thanks to Ferrari and then to Lamborghini engines, but during the race we have always had a lot of problems due to reliability. M191 was the first car signed by a very young Aldo Costa who proved all his value in Mercedes, and with whom I have maintained a wonderful relationship. In 1991 he managed a difficult very long 12-cylinder which also created some twisting complications on the frame.

You spent with Gian Carlo Minardi’s team also ’92 season. Which moment do you remember more pleasantly?
The Mexican Grand Prix was one of the most beautiful one, I closed in seventh and missed the point zone just for a place. Unfortunately, unlike today, points were assigned in dribs and drabs at that time. Qualifying in Imola is another pleasant memory: Pierluigi Martini faced me till death, tenth after tenth, and we both gained the top 10. One can’t forget the excellent cuisine of Minardi. Drivers from other teams used to come and eat under our pavilion. I have maintained a good relationship with many of them and particularly with Luca Zama.

The most difficult moment?
It is linked to a tragicomic event. During qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps, I destroyed my Minardi due to an incomprehension with Jean Alesi. Into the pits, Gian Carlo made me get on the spare car to end my session. Then the suspension stopped to work and I crashed again. At that point, from the radio, Gian Carlo Minardi told me:” come back, but don’t hurry up, after all we are short of cars”. Even in the most difficult moments, he has always been able to defuse tensions with a joke or an adage from Romagna.

How did the Circus change your life?
In that period I had a double visibility, I was a first-string for a F1 team, and I was also a Ferrari test driver. The fame and all the events overpowered me. I was in a kind of limbo, also because I was very young. I was in the place where every guy would have liked to be. I didn’t realized what was going on. Everything was lived with enthusiasm. Instead, growing up I enjoyed the experience.

The transition period from 1991 to 1990 spectated the arrival of Ferrari engine in Faenza.
Compared to Ford…it was  totally a different world. At that time cars were constantly improved.We passed from 8 to 12-cylinder. Just because of the couple and the noise, they were two opposite “means”. 12-cylinder “sound” was a symphony. Driving it was a pleasure.

If you had to tell a particular and funny story about Gian Carlo Minardi and his Romagna?
The phrases that he was usual to say, something like “Let’s pack the violin and let’s go” or “Confident is dead”. I remember Gian Carlo’s humanity fondly. We were accustomed to eat piadina romagnola and tortellini, but once invited in Kyoto by a Japanese sponsor we had to stay in a typical Japanese hotel with all their customs and habits, from the cuisine to massages, very long ones. We laughed a lot.

You shared the pit with Martini-Fittipladi and Zanardi. Who was the nut harder to crack?
Definitely Piero Martini. A real bulldog and an integral part of Minardi team. He was fast and determined. I was an ambitious young, and he was a successful driver. He has been a great stimulus to push stronger and stronger.

You have just closed TCR International Series.
Among high and low moments. We have also led the championship, but in the second part of the season we experienced some problem with the turbo and the brakes that excluded us from the challenge for the title. Compared to others, our car was “unripe” due to a lack of kilometers. I am in an excellent relationship with the team and I have the will to continue with TCR. I hope to define my 2016 schedule by Christmas.

Gian Carlo Minardi: "ACI Team Italia is promoted"

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The curtain dropped on the World Championship at the Yas Marina Circuit which was also the scene of the last event of GP2, GP3. ACI team Italia Velocità at its first season participated with its two standard bearers Raffaello Marciello and Luca Ghiotto at the wheel of Trident cars.

Raffaele Marciello had a seesaw season and closed the championship preparatory to F1 with a solid second place in Race 1 and a total haul of 110 points, which earned him seventh place in overall standings. Luca Ghiotto saw Gp3 title slip from his hands in the last race after leading overall standings for most of the season with his 5 victories.At his first entire season, the nineteen from Arzignano has been able to put himself in the spotlight fighting with Ocon and attracting the interest of the Principal Teams of the Circus.

“As ACI Team Italia we had a really positive year with drivers coming from the branch of the Federal School in partnership with FDA. Both Marciello and Ghiotto have been able to put themselves in the spotlight in their respective championships. If Raffaele closed a difficult season with his second place in race-1, Luca was frustrated by the final loss of the title. Two/three mistakes at the start were fatal and compromised a season that was really favorable to him” Gian Carlo Minardi comments.“In terms of victories (five) he has been greater than Ocon who, however, has more constancy” the mangager from Faenza continues. “I want remember Antono Giovinazzi’s secod place in the European FIA F3 and the season of Antonio Fuoco who is already in Ferrari scope with FDA. Now we will start to work for 2016 with the purpose of valuing young drivers coming from kart, we will support those who wants to raise the bar toward professionalism”.

F1 – Abu Dhabi GP: SCORECARDS

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The curtain has fell on the World Championship, so let’s grade the protagonist of Abu Dhabi GP along with Gian Carlo Minardi.

Nico Rosberg – 9 his weekend was perfect. He waited the right moment to place his sixth consecutive pole position closing the season with an impeccable race. I remain dazed about his ending-season metamorphosis. Having a fight in family all the season would be very interesting from a motoring point of view.

Sergio Perez – 8 we must reward him because he has matured along all the season, leaving behind Nico Hulkenberg, who was considered the emerging driver. Perez got the largest part of points appraising himself and his team.

Kimi Raikkonen – 7 finally he was able to appraise what he had at his disposal without overdoing, avoiding the mistakes of last races and closing in a positive third place. Unfortunately he can’t take advantage of his Ferrari at 100% as Vettel does.

Daniel Ricciardo – 7 despite his problematic car, he was able to close in sixth.

Grosjean – 7 he fought with a knife between his teeth closing his adventure with Lotus. Like Perez, he proved an important progress in view of 2016.

Jenson Button – 7 he hindered Alonso and defended his position despite his McLaren.

Sebastian Vettel – 5,5 he started in last position and closed in fourth “mimicking” Valentino Rossi, but he has some responsibility for Saturday’s hash.

 Lewis Hamilton – 5 I can not understand why he is so nervous. Probably e relaxed or he suffers his team-mate’s capacity.

Fernando Alosnso – 5 despite  his capacity- as his time demonstrates – and the problematic McLaren, he has to avoid certain declarations and polemics.

 Max Vrstappen and carlos Sainz – 5 I have always endorsed them appraising their performances, but last Sunday the ymade some mistakes.

 

Gian Carlo Minardi professor for a day at DZ

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Thanks to the project “The history of Ferrari, an Italian excellence”, The Dino Zoli Foundation has become a classroom for the pupils of the middle school Fiorini in Villanova.

Setting aside his role as a team principal and a talent scout, Gian Carlo Minardi has filled the shoes of a teacher, along with the hosts Dino and Monica Zoli, to recount the history of Ferrari, World Champion with Michael Schumacher.

This event is going to be the first of a series of activities involving a lot of school disciplines with an educational trip in Maranello and a final event, a Ferrari meeting, in the school garden.The aim of the project is to teach in depth the history of the ‘900 and the companies from Romagna that have tied indissolubly their entrepreneurial work out of no were to the most famous company in the world.

Another important purpose is to make it clear to future generations that it is just passion that makes people able to achieve goals that are unbelievable at the beginning of their career.