FIA WEC – From Texas to Japan. Davide is ready for the 6 Hours of Fuji

/in /by

From Texas to Japan. Davide Rigon is already flying to Fuji circuit, scene of the fifth round of FIA WEC World Championship. After the good race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, the talented driver from Vicenza is ready to return at the wheel of the Ferrari 458 #71 and continue on his way to win the titles of Constructors and Team, the main aims for Ferrari and AF Corse.

For Davide, this race won’t be his debut on the 4,563 meters of the Japanese track at the foot of Mount Fuji, having taken part in last season’s round with the colours of 8Star Motorsport. The weekend, however, was affected by bad weather and the race was cancelled after only 16 laps.

“Half of the tracks on which I’ve driven till today were unknown to me and, therefore, I had to face one more difficulty. Finally, this weekend we get on a track on which I’ve already run a few kilometers, even if, unfortunately, a year ago I could put together only a few laps, because of the weather and race’s cancellation. I’m happy to be back to drive after the good results of Austin’s track and I’ll try to treasure the experience of last year”, Davide Rigon says, flying to Japan. “We hope to find a stable weekend on the front of weather conditions, in order to prepare the 6 Hours as best as we can. Our goal have to be the podium and, above all, to gain points in view of Constructors’ Championship”.

Reached the mid-season, Ferrari leads the standings with 157 points. “We enter in the second half of the championship and both my partner James Calado and I have gained a good experience with this car. We are ready for the new adventure”, Davide concludes.

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

Formula 4 and Formula 3 meet at Imola for the grand final

/in /by

After the exciting weekend at Monza’s “Temple of Speed”, on 11th and 12th October the little champions of Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth are ready to do battle in another “Temple” of Motorsport: at Enzo and Dino Ferrari in Imola, that will be theater of the seventh and final round of the newborn category, as well as the first step after karting.

For the occasion, the 20 young drivers – aged between 14 and 16 – will share track and paddock with more experienced colleagues of F.3 FIA European that have also reached their last round of the season. A kind of passing the baton between the two FIA categories to growth and launch of new champions to Formula 1 and professionalism. “At Monza we experienced three great races in which Italian National Anthem has been played three times and public’s response was really important, with principal areas crowded of fans of all ages”, Gian Carlo Minardi says. “Open Doors initiative starts giving its first results and this must be only the first step. We have to lead all fans to approach again and make them fall in love again. Imola will close the first season of Formula 4 – the category open to all guys coming from karting world – and the fight for second and third place is still to be played. In the same time, there’ll also be the end of F.3 FIA European, with opportunity to see in action Max Verstappen – next to debut in F1 – and our bishops Antonio Fuoco (Prema) and Antonio Giovinazzi (Carlin), together with the championship winner, Esteban Ocon.

There are all the ingredients to experience another thrilling weekend of motorsport. “I wait for you all at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola, on 11th and 12th October“, the manager from Faenza concludes, “to attend the final rounds of Formula 4 and Formula 3“.

Japanese GP – PREVIEW

/in /by

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

F.4 – Talented second place for Joao Vieira at Monza

/in /by

Sixth round of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth, in the name of competitiveness for Joao Vieira, who wins an important second place in Race-3, in a weekend consistently in top positions.

Since free practice sessions, the young Brazilian of Antonelli Motorsport shows the good feeling get with the “Temple of Speed”, bringing his Tatuus #28 with constancy in the very first positions, signing the third fastest time with a handful of tenths off the pole, in both free practice sessions. Joao repeats himself, touching the second row in Qualifying with the third time (1’53.926), just 70 thousandths from the pole of the much more experienced Brandon Maisano.

In Race-3, satisfaction is great, with the achievement of the best result of the season with a peremptory second place. From his first passes, the 16-year-old steps heavily, keeping the tread rhythm. Even in the restart after the safety car, which entered the track on the first lap because of a contact at the start, he held his position trying to lunge. Given the expressed potential, reward could certainly be larger, especially for what has been showed during the sprint-race on Sunday morning. Having started from the last row for an accelerator problem in the first manche, the yellow-gold driver recovers in less than 18″ up to the third position, winning the audience’s applause and inflaming the wonderful public setting on the steps of Monza circuit. Only a contact in the last meters before chequered flag denies him the satisfaction of a deserved podium, closing only in seventh place.

“I’m really happy for this second place and for my rhythm, throughout the weekend. Certainly, regret still remains for what happened in Race-2, where I lost a podium in the last few meters to avoid a driver who took me off the track. It’s been exciting to overtake many times in so few laps. After the third place at Mugello, now the second place has arrived. It only remains to win the victory“, Joao Vieira says smiling. “At Imola, in fifteen days, I’ll try to get my revenge“.

Manager Giovanni Minardi, who follows Joao’s development and career, is of the same mind. “I have absolutely to congratulate Joao both for his second place and for the rhythm of the whole weekend, as well as the entire Antonelli Motorsport team. Certainly, there’s regret for having seen fade, not our fault, a podium in Race-2 and a great comeback. Passing from 20P to 3P in less than 18″ is not bad for a beginner. It’s a pity, because we could make a bigger jump in overall standings. We still lack 2-3 tenths that we’ll try to erode in view of Imola“, the manager of Minardi Management analyzes.

Joao Vieira greets the penultimate race on the calendar with the sixth place in overall standings, waiting for the last round at Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit, on 12th October.

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

/in /by

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?

FIA WEC – Points and podium rhythm for Davide Rigon at the 6 Hours of Austin

/in /by

In Texas the curtain fell on the 6 Hours of Austin, the fourth round of the FIA Endurance World Championship, in which the changeable weather conditions were an important variable during the whole weekend.

At the wheel of the Ferrari 458 #71, the talented Venetian driver Davide Rigon, together with his team-mate James Calado, signed his debut on another circuit of an international character, putting himself on test along its 5,513 meters. Heavy rain and high air temperatures made even more demanding the endurance race, in which, however, David emerged, showing himself with lap times like the top of the class.

After about an hour and a half from the start, a strong storm made landfall on the American circuit, making the track impassable and forcing the race director to raise the red flag and suspend temporarily the race. At that point, the Venetian driver came into action instead of his friend James, using Wet tyres, bringing the Ferrari of AF Corse near to the podium, before giving the wheel up for the final stint, in the last hour and twenty minutes. Only one problem, yet to be verified, denies the satisfaction of the first seasonal podium, ending with a fifth placement. “It’s been a really demanding weekend, from all points of view. The track is not easy, especially in the first part with many blind corners. In addition, the weather has done its part, with thunderstorms and an air temperature around 32°C“, Davide Rigon analyzes, on the way back from America. “During the free practice sessions, I studied the track, but discovering tricks only in race. I am very happy with my race rhythm, from podium like to the tops of the class, even in difficult wet conditions, in which we decided to take a risk with Wet compounds. I just regret for having missed out a podium in the last hour“, the Ferrari driver concludes. “Now my head is already to Japan“.

Next appointment is scheduled for the weekend of October 12th with the 6 Hours of Fuji, fifth round of the World Championship.

F.4 – Joao Vieira at Monza, thinking big

/in /by

The Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth is getting ready for the sixth and penultimate round of the season at Monza.

Took the first contact with the fast Monza circuit, Joao Vieira is ready to gain the first win of the season, after having touched the pole in the last race at “Piero Taruffi” in Vallelunga. Once again, it will be a debut in a weekend race for the Brazilian of Antonelli Motorsport, on a track that does not need any introduction, as part of the history of Motorsport, with the unknowns of the first chicane, the two curves of Lesmo and the famous parabolic curve.

In the first five rounds, the development of the Brazilian counts 66 points and the seventh place in general raking, with the podium at Mugello and other important placements. From here until the end of the season, the goal is the highest step of the podium. The challenge is issued.

“We arrive at Monza after the good results of Vallelunga and last weekend. Last week I had the opportunity to take the first contact with Monza. A really fast track, with several points to overtake. I can’t wait to be on track, but only on Friday we’ll understand what’s our potential“, Joao Vieira says.

“After the test of last week, that goes pretty well, I am very optimistic in view of the weekend race, where we can finally play for the top step of the podium. If weather will assist us, we can experience an amazing show. In this last month and a half, Joao has worked hard, making a great difference in quality. It’s time to collect the important results. Fingers crossed“, the manager Giovanni Minardi comments.

As scheduled, the weekend will start on Friday, with two turns of free practice sessions, followed by Qualifying on Saturday 27th (11:50 am and 12:30 pm), to determine the starting grid of the two races (28′ + 1 lap), scheduled at 5:35 pm and 4:05 pm (on Sunday 28th). In the middle, the sprint race with 23 drivers, competing for 18′ + 1 lap.

Singapore GP – DRIVERS' SCORECARD

/in /by

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.

 

F.4 – Joao Vieira studies the Temple of Speed

/in /by

Study day for Joao Vieira in Monza, which is scene of the sixth and penultimate round of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth. The Brazilian driver has returned to work on his Tatuus #28 to start gaining confidence with the fast track of Monza, that hosted the champions of Formula 1 only a few weeks ago.

After placings with good points in the last rounds, the bearer of Antonelli Motorsport began approaching the weekend of September 27th – 28th scoring important results on track, leaving the Autodromo Internazionale with positive feelings. “It was a really important test day, in which I completed the entire program developed by the Antonelli Motorsport staff. The track is really very fast and amazing, and the weather helped us, giving me the opportunity to do several tests of set-up, as well as studying the ideal trajectories”, Joao Vieira says. “After coming really close to the first pole-position of the season at Vallelunga, I’ll try again within a week, right here at Monza. The latest results have confirmed that I’m on the right road. The goal is the highest step of the podium by the end of the Championship. It’s no use denying it. Reaching the podium at Monza would be great”, the driver of Minardi Management concludes.

There’s satisfaction also in the words of the manager, Giovanni Minardi: “If a good beginning bodes well, then in Monza we expect another good result. After becoming familiar with the layout and its fast 5.793 meters, Joao scored consistently excellent results on track, in spite of used tyres, remaining a handful of tenths off the best performance scored with new compounds. The weather helped us, because we had the opportunity to work with an air temperature of 21°C. Only at the end of the day came a bit of rain. Unfortunately, we had no chance to drive in Qualifying set-up, with new tyres. The results of Vallelunga showed that we are lacking very little to make the big jump. We have the first row and the victory in our sights”, Minardi concludes.

Singapore GP – PREVIEW

/in /by

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