FIA WEC – Davide Rigon flies to Austin for the 6 Hours

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Davide Rigon is ready to get back at the wheel of his Ferrari 458 #71, for the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. After three months from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the World Championship par excellence in the Endurance category is preparing to turn on the engines and get to the heart, reaching the turning point of the season.

The stage is one of the important one. After England, Belgium and France, the Circus is ready to fly overseas, landing in Texas, in the brand new “Circuit of the Americas” of Austin – scene of Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2012 – for the 6 Hours.

This will be the debut for the test driver of Ferrari, along the  5.513 meters in which the German architect, Mr. Tilke, has designed twenty curves among the great differences in height; these curves together with the long straight of 1km will give several ideas for overtaking.

“Finally back on track. It will be a circuit to be discovered, as well as my first race overseas in the World Championship and with these cars. I started to discover the layout on the simulator. Austin is a very demanding circuit, especially the first part, with many blind corners“, Davide Rigon comments. “The goals are important, because we want to confirm our position at the top Constructors and Team PRO ranking“. After the first three appointments, Ferrari and AF Corse respectively lead the Constructors ranking – with 135 points and before the opponents, Porsche and Aston Martin  – and the Team ranking. “The weather will be a variable to take into account. It will be our first real “hot” race, where resistance is put to the test, as well as car and tyres”, the driver of Minardi Management, Davide Rigon, concludes.

F.4 – At Vallelunga more points for Joao Vieira

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Solid weekend for Joao Vieira at “Piero Taruffi” Racing Circuit of Vallelunga, which has been the scene of the fifth round of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth.

The 16-year-old Brazilian from Gurupi confirms the growth, closing all races in the score-zone, winning a total rewarding result of 23 points, consolidating both a seventh place in the general ranking and his position as reference pilot for Antonelli Motorsport. The weekend started very well right from the beginning, with Joao that reached the top positions, closing the free practice sessions in fifth and third place, a handful of tenths off the top, touching the pole-position. Even in a demanding track such as Campagnano, the level of championship turned out to be very selective, with even nine and thirteen cars within a range of just 1” in the two Qualifying sessions.

Despite some inaccuracies at the start, in the three races that characterize every weekend of the newborn series – two rounds of 28′ + 1 lap and one race of 18′ + 1 lap – the driver managed by Minardi Management became the author of amazing battles, being consistently among the fastest drivers in the lot.

“It was a definitely positive weekend and I’m happy with the gained results. Unfortunately, a small mistake in Qualifying denied me the first pole-position and at the start I lost a few positions, skidding the wheels. My race speed was good, and I have no longer made any mistakes. Now I prepare for Monza“, the driver of Minardi Management, Joao Vieira, says.

“I’m very satisfied with what has been collected from Joao here in Vallelunga. Since the free practice sessions, he was with the best of the championship, although the regret still remains for the pole-position lost in the last corner and for the not yet perfect starts, which made him lose some positions. In all races he did very well to recover, struggling with a knife between his teeth, without making mistakes and taking a pace close to the first drivers. Now, we go on two tracks, Monza and Imola, where it will be easier to overtake“, the manager Giovanni Minardi comments.

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“.

F.4 – Joao Vieira at Vallelunga, thinking about a new podium

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After a day of test last week, this weekend Joao Vieira will continue from “Piero Taruffi” Racing Circuit of Vallelunga his way in the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth, which is now in its fifth appointment. The newborn series brought on track by ACI and promoted by WSK actually enters its final part. After the weekend on track of the capital circuit, the Circus will move first to Monza (27th – 28th September) and later to Imola (11th – 12th October) for the “grand finale”.

The 16-year-old Brazilian from Gurupi is ready to get back at the wheel of the Tatuus F.4 #28, with the aim of continuing the positive streak of results, after the podium at Mugello and the points won between Adria and Magione that led him to the seventh place in ranking, with 43 points. The bearer of Antonelli Motorsport will take advantage of the experience gained during the two days of test on track of Campagnano, in order to look for an exciting new result.

“I could take a first contact with the layout of Vallelunga and I really like the track. Thanks to the programs carried out in the two days of test, since Friday’s tests I’ll be able to focus more on car’s development, both for Qualifying and race. The goal is always the podium, especially after seeing it first-hand at Mugello, even if it won’t be easy. The championship is really very selective and every mistake is paid immediately“, the pilot of the Minardi Management, Joao Vieira, analyses.

“I’ve been positively impressed by Joao’s outcomes during the last tests and this gives me hope in view of the weekend’s race. Since the beginning of the year, he’s steadily improved and, coming from karting, this is the most important thing. We’re getting closer to the top. We must continue to work, growing step by step. The podium on a selective and demanding track like Mugello is an important proof of Joao’s qualities“, Giovanni Minardi comments.

The engines will switch on on Friday 12th September, with the two turns of free practice sessions, in preparation for Qualifying (5:50pm and 6:15pm), which will determine the starting grid of the two rounds of the race (28′ + 1 Lap), starting on Saturday at 4:20pmand Sunday at 5.10pm. In the middle, starting at 9:35am, the sprint race (18′ + 1 Lap).

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.

F.4 – Joao Vieira prepares the new challenge at “Piero Taruffi” circuit

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Intense day of work at Vallelunga circuit for Joao Vieira, that is at the wheel of his #28 Tatuus, preparing the next round of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth, scheduled for the weekend of September 13th and 14th exactly in the track of Campagnano.

In fact, “Piero Taruffi” circuit will be the stage of the fifth of seven rounds on the calendar of the newborn category commissioned by FIA, supported and brought to the track by ACI and promoted by WSK. The 16-year-old Brazilian from Gurupi continued the work started in July, on the occasion of his debut on the 4,085 meters of the demanding capital’s racetrack, completing over 100 rounds with excellent chronometric results, together with the staff of Antonelli Motorsport.

“I’m really happy with this day of work and with the lap time. I could make the most of the work started before the last race of Magione, completing many rounds, getting close to Maisano’s time. I like the circuit a lot and now I can’t wait to get on track this weekend“, Joao Vieira says.

“A very profitable day, even kissed by a beautiful sun. Joao has put together more than 400 km without making mistakes, scoring constantly very interesting chronometric results. Now, we have just to complete the training for the race, in order to get to the weekend prepared and determined to win another important result”, the manager Giovanni Minardi comments.

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

Planning the future, looking to the past

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Beyond the criticism that can be done to Red Bull for the debut next year of a just 17-years-old boy, the case of Max Verstappen has certainly our approval and it led me to think about Formula 1 and its evolution. Of course, the DNA of rumours is to focus on young people, being their “market” as a brand. Then, having the possibility to rely on a satellite team like Toro Rosso is a greater incentive.

As already pointed out in previous weeks, TR could espouse a very “green” cause (with all the consequences of the case), adding the Spanish Carlos Sainz Jr to the 20-years-old Verstappen, thus trying to grow the two young pilots, in order to promoting them later in Red Bull Racing, as it happened with Vettel, Ricciardo and, perhaps, Kvyat. The Australian can be considered effectively a number 1. Therefore, now Vettel’s departure would become meaningless.

The media “tam-tam” of Verstappen-Toro Rosso led me to think aloud about the different problems of Formula 1. For example, the average age of fans is rising. This means that the “Circus” does not thrill the younger generation anymore. I see this reflection as an important alarm bell, that can’t be overlooked. How to intervene?

CIRCUIT LIKE A COUNTRY OUTING: the race weekend have to be turned into a country outing with friends and relatives. An opportunity to have fun, to party and to amuse, enjoying an amazing race with wurstel, sausage and beer. I remember that in the ’85-’86-’87 years, the appointment of Imola was prepared by “Minardi Club Faenza” since Monday, with the installation of trailers with music, watching the race together and eating “Piadina” (typical flat bread of Romagna). 2014 Spa, Silverstone and Austria were beautiful sceneries, with fields crowded again by fans. There is a return to the past, that is necessary to ride.

FINDING NEW PILOTS OF INTERNATIONAL INTEREST: it’s necessary to promote young people. The public wants to know his favourites. It might focus on tests for young pilots or dedicating them the Friday morning. Red Bull has already hit the mark with Verstappen, since the team has managed to direct all the attention on itself. In Holland, they go all crazy. A new name, perhaps still unknown to the public, is ready to make his entrance, coming directly from the International F.3. Almost as it happened in the past. It would be nice if this project were followed also by other teams, thus providing more space for talented young people. Do not forget that we are, in fact, talking about a guy who is second in raking, who fights on the track with colleagues that are equal to him. I am of course thinking about our Fuoco and Giovinazzi or about the leader, Ocon. In the past, Monte Carlo was the fixed appointment of all teams’ managers, on the occasion of F.3 race. All the best drivers confronted themselves with a demanding track. Who stood out among the narrow streets of the Principality was taken into account.

PLANNING THE CHAMPIONSHIPS: having so many categories is negative, because values are lost. In the past, the pyramid was composed by F.3-F.2-F.1 with natural selection. In these last two years, International Formula 3 has once again become the benchmark of pilots, exactly as it was in the past. Now we need an Intermediate Formula to get to F.1. The current GP2 is not reaching its goals, because of its high costs. FIA is making a great effort to rebuild a road to the “Olympus” of motor sport, starting from the new Formula 4.

I don’t want to pass as who wants to impose his own rules, but I just want to give some advice, as enthusiast and fan of this sport. We are talking about the Top category and it is not admissible to have empty or uncrowded stands. I have the feeling that people are falling out of love with Formula 1.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Belgian GP – Drivers’ Scorecard

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After the Belgian Grand Prix and awaiting the arrival of Monza circuit, it’s time to give some votes. The top of the class is certainly the winner, Daniel Ricciardo.

Daniel Ricciardo – 9 Perfect race, master of his car and excellent harmony with the Team. Now he’s to be trusted, also in view of the future

Valtteri Bottas – 8 With four podiums, he’s becoming the most interesting pilot of the new generation. He doesn’t make mistakes and might soon climb further steps of the podium

Kimi Raikkonen – 7.5 He deserves encouragement. Finally, he showed that the world title was not a case, gaining his best world ranking

Fernando Alonso – 7 For fighting with a car which is not yet up to the top ones and because of problems with Power-Unit. In addition, the inconvenience on the start row cost him 5″ penalty, decisive for the final result

Nico Rosberg – 6.5 With the car that he’s in his hands, he should certainly do a lot more. I think that the contact with Hamilton is the result of a race’s mistake, but he had to be more cautious. Such carelessness should not be done during the second lap

Daniil Kvyat – 6.5 Good competition for the young pilot of Toro Rosso. The Russian confirms that age is not a limit

Jenson Button and Felipe Massa – 5 The gap with the teammates is too wide. They have to think about it

Jules Bianchi – 6 Good Qualifying for the French, that shows a steady growth

Sebastian Vettel – 5 He makes mistakes which are not as World Champion and he loses another challenge with his teammate. 50″ of gap are too much. Maybe it’s time to find new ideas and challenges

Kevin Magnussen – 5 He’s too aggressive in the fights, taking excessive risks for himself and his rivals

At Lotus’, both drivers and team will have to ponder, because they seem to drift a bit. They have to change their course immediately

Gian Carlo Minardi “Games in F1. Unleashed Honda on the hunt for a Top Driver”

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The media “tam-tam” around the announcement of Max Verstappen continues to monopolize the conversation, diverting the attention both from the results on the track and from the great manoeuvres behind the scenes. The move of Red Bull, ‘teacher in marketing’, that has in fact attracted all the attention on itself creating a real media event, denied the undisputed leaders of this championship the front pages of newspapers and networks. “With this move, Red Bull has been able to convey the attention on itself, distracting those in the know from the results on the track or from the manoeuvers related to the drivers’ market. In these last days, it has spoken predominantly about the lightning passage of the young Max Verstappen in Toro Rosso, blurring the unbelievable result in qualifying, that highlighted two Mercedes fobbing off two world champions as Sebastian Vettel (3rd) and Fernando Alonso (4th) with even 2″ in qualifying. These performances have reaffirmed in Race, demonstrating an incredible superiority in overall level (chassis – Power Unit – electronics), although undermined by Pilots’ mistakes”, analyzes Gian Carlo Minardi on www.minardi.it.

Red Bull opened the games, but in these days great manoeuvres are expected. “After the significant investments within McLaren, Honda is looking for a Top Driver. The recent statements of loyalty by Fernando Alonso at Ferrari have effectively removed one of the ‘unhappy’. Therefore, Vettel and Hamilton remain into play. From Japan, a very strong manoeuvre is suggested to me; it has been played in the last days by Honda, in order to win the pair Newey/Vettel. Exactly at Spa-Francorchamps, Bernie Ecclestone approached Sebastian Vettel. As happened on other occasions, driven by the various actors, Mr. E might have tried to put his own, in order to convince the German champion to accept this new challenge without involving Newey. Even to Ecclestone would be convenient to see a top-driver in the recovered McLaren-Honda pair”.

The involvement of the Japanese manufacturer against Sebastian Vettel would get back into the game the landing of Carlos Sainz Jr. in Formula 1. Gian Carlo Minardi hopes for Toro Rosso in very “Young” version, with Verstappen-Sainz Jr. and the Russian Kvyat, promoted in Red Bull Racing alongside Daniel Ricciardo. As already mentioned a few days ago: “On the basis of these news, the mosaic begins to take shape. By signing the young Max, Red Bull (a brand strongly aimed at young people) accomplished an important marketing action, as well as acquiring a new potential talent. Moreover, it might also realize the task that practically everyone took for granted: Carlos Sainz Jr. in F1, Toro Rosso side. At this point, it comes easy to think about a promotion for the young Russian Kvyat alongside Ricciardo, in case the transition of Sebastian Vettel to Honda will materialize“.

“Hamilton’s enigma still remains. Unhappy more than ever after the ‘close contact’ with Rosberg, he has been defended for the first time firmly and peremptorily by Team Principal Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda. Is a new scenario emerging, changing the future strategies of Mercedes? Does a new pretender loom on the horizon … Valtteri Bottas? A young man who showed his value on track and we should not forget that he has a remarkable manager: Toto Wolff!“, concludes Gian Carlo Minardi.

The games are getting to the heart and in Monza we will know what developments will materialize for many of these movements behind the scenes.

Gian Carlo Minardi “Point on the Verstappen-Sainz pair in Toro Rosso 2015”

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After Ricciardo, Kvyat, Vettel, Alguersuari, Vergne… the new gamble in Red Bull is called Max Verstappen. The young son of the ex-Formula 1 driver Jos has joined the Red Bull family, which promptly turned him to Toro Rosso team for a lightning-debut already in 2015, when he will be just 17-years-old and will have no more than thirty-three races in an open-wheel behind him.

This year, the Dutch highlighted himself in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, creating amazing battles with our two leaders, Antonio Fuoco and Antonio Giovinazzi, in force in Prema and Carlin teams. With this manoeuver at the last moment, and maybe even a bit risky, Red Bull has managed to scoop Mercedes’ competition, which set his eyes for a long time on the young driver. “The guy was watched by Toto Wolff and Red Bull has gambled, guaranteeing him a record that is unlikely to be beaten in a short time and bringing him to a worldwide debut already in the next year. According to rumours, the program is certainly not free from criticism, because I believe many young people have been set aside prematurely, without the opportunity to express themselves 100%. With Ricciardo and Kvyat things are working very well and we’ll see how they will behave with the young Max. Previously, they made several mistakes, but practice makes perfect”, says Gian Carlo Minardi on the website www.minardi.it.

Even if the press release issued by the team from Faenza speaks about a 2015 line-up consisting of Kvyat-Verstappen, the manager of Faenza is not so convinced that the games are over. “This operation surprised me, as it might cause problems for Carlos Sainz J., who is part of the RB family from several years. For this reason, I see a different scene, with an extremely young Toro Rosso formed by Verstappen-Sainz J. and Daniil Kvyat towards Red Bull, in place of Sebastian Vettel“. The announcement could start the dance to new sceneries in regard to 2015 and traditionally Spa and Monza circuits are the stages of the new ads. The timer is about to shoot. “Do not forget that we have Honda determined to aim for a super-top driver for its return to the Circus and, to this day, we certainly have the first three guides unhappy with their situation: Alonso, Hamilton, Vettel. In addition, the Red Bull Racing is a brand turned to a young audience and the arrival of the new face of Kvyat alongside Ricciardo could be a very interesting marketing move. For some time, I contend that the time has come for the four-times World Champion to abdicate and accept new challenges. We are close to several changes, in a domino-style. We expect the first move and then all the others will arrive as a result“, continues the manager of Faenza.

Gian Carlo Minardi, who built his career in Formula 1 working with the very young drivers, supports the politics aimed at enhancing young people and he even hopes for a greater commitment on the part of the other teams. “Recently, with the young people we haven’t witnessed to disasters and I hope that the others will follow RB footsteps“, warns the ex-constructor. “My thoughts go out to our guys Fuoco and Giovinazzi, who are fighting on a par with Verstappen, alternating the lead. The two leaders are second to none. I hope that the FDA would put corrective measures to encourage their growth. All the top teams should have a team of reference with which growing young people. Otherwise, it is useless to have a nursery“, concludes Gian Carlo Minardi.

Belgian GP – PREVIEW

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Set aside the three-week of summer break, this weekend Formula 1 is ready to get back on track, on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, after some controversies, cut and thrust among the various teams.

Therefore, we are back on track with two tough appointments like Spa and Monza, two authentic circuits, in which the Mercedes (despite some problems of reliability) and their PU start certainly as favourite. Williams, however, could be the outsider, ready to create confusion in the first row. It will be interesting to see what innovations will be brought on track, because, in spite of summer break, the brilliant minds of the technicians have continued to think and work out, in terms of the end of the Championship and of the upcoming season.

In fact, we enter in the final part of the Championship, that promises to be very “hot”, as we have already mentioned in the previous appointments, with great movements behind the scenes. Belgium and Italy have traditionally been two intense weekends and we will see which negotiations will come to an end and which will remain locked in teams’ drawns. I have my own personal memories of 2005-Spa circuit, which marked the passage of my team in the hands of Dietrich Mateschitz.

For example, after the large investments with McLaren, we have Honda on the hunt for a super-top driver to place alongside the young Kevin Magnussen. They want to make a return in great style, to start as best they can. Consequently, Button should no longer fall within the McLaren plans. In Mercedes, at the moment, only Nico Rosberg has signed the contract extension and it is not taken for granted the permanence of Sebastian Vettel in Red Bull. Considering Ferrari, there should not be big movements, with Fernando Alonso mainly interested in receiving more guarantees on the technical front. But in life, and especially in F1, you can never say never. In these days, the vent of Marmorini is synonymous with great nervousness and, therefore, Marco Mattiacci must first of all bring serenity within the team.

Red Bull has started itself to shake up the market, putting under contract Max Verstappen, who has followed in his father’s footsteps – Jos Verstappen – and who ran with me in 2003; he’s doing very well in Formula 3, as well as our Antonio Fuoco and Antonio Giovinazzi. In the next season, the Dutch will be the new driver for Toro Rosso team, alongside Kvyat. The games have started.

We come from very interesting races, that have been able to give us back that show so claimed from the beginning of the season, proving that this F1 is not to reject, being in front of such an epochal change. The engineers and technicians have been able to make giant steps, such as at Renault, allowing Daniel Ricciardo to conquer the only two victories so far not marked Rosberg and Hamilton. And  exactly Ricciardo will be awarded in Brisighella with the Bandini Trophy on August 31st, an award that has always been a good auspice to its winners (from Schumacher to Vettel, passing through Rosberg, Alonso and many others), who brought home extremely interesting results.

Note: Article updated upon confirmation of Verstappen in Toro Rosso.

Gian Carlo Minardi: Midsummer thoughts…

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All F1 teams are on holiday: after eleven GPs all the workers, as the Regulations state, must take a well-deserved rest to recharge the batteries and get ready to tackle the next eight appointments that will lead us to the end of the World Championship 2014. Obviously Factories are under the control of FIA and no employee or worker may enter the factory (excepting the systems maintenance teams); nothing escapes the supervisors, even the e-mail traffic of teams can be controlled.

At the resumption of works, it will be a hot Autumn: the run-up to the supremacy of Mercedes makes me forecast large movements regarding the Teams’ workforce. Ferrari has already begun, but what they did seems not enough, so other changes are in the air. McLaren is also forced to work in such a way to ensure Honda a technical return on the investments they are doing in F1, not to mention Lotus, that is once again making big changes at the corporate and technical levels to switch from Renault to Mercedes engines. However, no team will be free from revolutions, that will either regard the technical side or the pilots, or even changes of Team Principal and Managing Director (this could be one of the reasons that led Bernie to postpone the meeting in London to find new solutions together with Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren).

F1 is increasingly split into two groups, with some teams who work to achieve leadership while others are struggling to survive. These two groups will have to match their different interests, with the sole aim to relaunch F1 attracting new fans, particularly among young people, being more effective in promotional and media terms for new sponsors.

To achieve this, there will probably be the need to rewrite the Rules, to make them clear and understandable to all.

Now let’s go on holiday… With so many doubts and perplexities, curious to see what will happen since after Monza, an historical step for certain changes.

Happy holidays!


 
 
 
 
Picture: BlogF1.it