F1 – US GP: SCORECARDS

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Evaluating a funny GP like that in Austin is always a pleasure. I offer my congratulations to Hamilton for his third World title, but I give the highest mark to:

Sebastian Vettel – 9 maker of a perfect race along which he push his Ferrari to the limit without a sole mistake. Forced to start in 13 due to the replacement of his engine, he succeeded recovering till third place smelling the second one. Despite complicated conditions he has been impeccable in every situation fighting with any means. Like certain champions he can bring out the best in his Ferrari differently to his drive-mate.

Max Verstappen – 8+ once again he showed us what he is made of, especially with his excellent takeoffs.

Carlos Sainz Jr – 8 he went trough some mistakes which strengthened and allowed him to close a great race. Both he and his team-mate are taking STR towards an un-hoped sixth place in spite of a loss of points due to reliability.

Lewis Hamilton – 7,5 we have always to remember the car he has at his disposal. Surely, last week-end he has not been impeccable. Anyway I congratulate with him for his third title.

Sergio Perez – 7 another race where the Mexican driver proved his nature and to be good at. Along with Hulkenberg, he is taking Force India to unhoped levels: the fifth place is strengthened.

Daniel Ricciardo – 7 I liked very much the Australian driver both in qualifying and on race. As long as he could he fought like a lion proving to be at play even in difficult conditions.

Daniil Kvyat – 6 what a pity his juvenile mistake with which he canceled what he had well done till that moment.

Nico Rosberg – 5,5 the German heavily disappointed me. With such a car to drive, sometimes he makes second-.driver’s mistakes. That is not really good.

Kimi Raikkonen- 5 due to my liking for Ferrari. Anyway it is time to stop defending him or someone have to explain what kind of technical complication occurred. The comparison with his team-mate is embarrassing.

F1 – Road to…Austin

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Joao Vieira in action with JD FR 2.0

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At the Spanish Jerez de la Frontera circuit, Joao Vieira has taken his first steps driving an Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. Among the 28 drivers who have taken part of the first day of collective tests, the Brazilian driver has got behind the wheel of JD Motorsport team’s car for a first contact with this single-seater car, after having filed away his Tricolor Formula 4 season. 

For Joao it has been the first contact with the Spanish circuit and the single-seater which animates the trans-alpine brand, with the purpose of first evaluations in view of 2016.This first contact has been characterized by uncertain weather with a wet track in the morning and a dry one in the afternoon that have not anyway let Joao to make mistakes.“It was a really useful day to me because I had the opportunity to test a totally new car. Renault is more aerodynamic than Taurus F4. You can feel it especially in bend. Also the engine is more powerful. We are working for 2016 and in the next few weeks we are going to test another car to evaluate the best choice”,  Minardi Management driver Joao Vieira comments.

“We can only be glad about Joao’s work. Despite the changing conditions of the track have made his first contact more difficult,he has done well anyway not making any mistakes. Everything was new to him, from the track to the car.  We have to thank Renault for its invite and JD team for its work. We are looking around in view of 2016 and in the next few weeks we are going to test another car” manager Giovanni Minardi and Alberto Tonti comment. 

A.A.A. Formula 1 for sale

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Without being denied by Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, the possibility of a new F1 owner has been back in the limelight in the last few days. “There are three groups interested in purchasing F1 and there will be a new owner within the end of the year”. Mr. E would keep his position as he has declared himself. “The Groups interested in acquiring F1 royalties asked me to keep my role”.

At present the Circus is under the control of CVC capital Partners which would be willing to transfer 30% of its assets. According to rumors, among the candidates, there would be the current owner of the most famous American football team, Stephen Ross’ Miami Dolphins, along with the sheiks of Qatar who already own Paris Saint German.

Some time ago also Dietrich Mateschitz, owner of Red Bull and Toro Rosso stable has been mentioned. A name that manager from Faenza Gian Carlo Minardi really appreciates as he declared at www.minardi.it.“There is no question, we need a charismatic man with exceptional business and marketing skills. Mateschitz has demonstrated to be very capable. At this time, F1 needs someone able to attract new audience”. Surely there would be some problems with the ownership of his two F1 teams. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F1 – Russian Gp: Scorecards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lamborghini test for Karol Basz

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In the circuit of Vallelunga, close to Rome, new KF World Champion Karol Basz has measured himself with a Super Trofeo Lamborghini.

For the talented driver from Cracow, who already belongs to Minardi Management world, it has been the first contact with both “Piero Taruffi” circuit and the powerful super-car from Sant’Agata Bolognese.”It has been a very important day for Karol, he had the opportunity to measure himself with a very selective and demanding car as Lamborgini is, in a technical circuit like that in Vallelunga. I have to thank Antonelli Motorsport team represented by Marco Antonelli and Lamborghini for this valued opportunity. It is the first test in view of 2016 and many others will come after in order to define next Championship” manager Giovanni Minardi analyzes.

“I am very happy about this day because I immediately felt at ease with the car. Everything was new to me, starting from the car till the circuit.Lamborghini is really an extraordinary car. Its power and braking system really impressed me. In addition to the last seasonal kart events, we will plan other test-days” an enthusiastic Karol Basz comments.

F1 – Road to…Russia

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

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

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

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

250th Gp: Congrats 'Nando

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F4 – A penalty prevented Joao Vieira from winning

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The Brazilian flag flies high thanks to Joao Vieira that won race-2 at the Misano World Circuit where the Italian F4 Championship powered by Abarth took place. A good result especially after the terrible crash occurred two weeks ago in Imola.

Unfortunately, after so many problems related particularly to the engine, the celebration and happiness for having won the first victory of the season, lasts little. The wet blanket of penalization (for not respecting the track limits beyond which warming up the tires during the sighting lap isn’t allowed ) falls upon our Joao and other four drivers.

An uphill week-end for the yellow-gold driver. After conquering the sixth place in both qualifying sessions, the commissioners canceled the chrono to the three cars of Antonelli Motorsport. Spriting from the last row in race-1, Joao becomes protagonist of the umpteenth comeback and closes in tenth which gives him the pole in race-2 where he gains a clear victory on track, that unluckily was annulled at the end of the race. As a precaution, also due to the after-effects of the accident in Imola, Joao doesn’t compete in race-3. “In a way I am happy because despite all the difficulties I succeeded in making a good comeback, winning then the sprint race. What a pity the penalization. It changes nothing in the standings, but it is a question of personal satisfaction. In race-3 I didn’t compete following the suggestion of my manager because I had suffered some pain during the previous races. Before thinking about 2016, I’ll continue the medical checks and exams” Joao Vieira comments.

“Joao closes a bitter season due to a lot of engine complications. This penalization have been the icing on the cake. I am very satisfied about his reaction on track. He didn’t discourage, proving all his worth in race. In race-1 he made a wonderful and incredible comeback that took him in pole for race-2. Now we’ll continue physical checks before starting our plans for 2016” manager Giovanni Minardi comments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

F1 2016 Calendar

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

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

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