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Ecclestone: F1 to return to Bahrain ‘forever’Comments Off The calamitous Bahrain grand prix saga has not jeopardised the island Kingdom’s future on the F1 calendar. That is the strident claim of Bernie Ecclestone, after the F1 chief executive and FIA president Jean Todt displayed rare unity as they insisted the country’s civil and political problems would not affect the grand prix. But amid the bubbling Bahrain saga, Ecclestone had suggested that Bahrain might face trouble when it comes to negotiating a new contract, with the existing agreement only set to extend for three more years. However, when asked by Reuters if F1 is going to keep returning to Bahrain despite this year’s troubles, Ecclestone insisted on Sunday before leaving the Persian Gulf: “Absolutely. Forever. No problem.” Like Todt, he even played down the damage done to F1′s reputation this weekend. “I think it’s good because people talk about things, you know. You know what they say — there is no such thing as bad publicity,” said Ecclestone. In truth, reputation damage has undoubtedly been done. But Roger Benoit, the veteran correspondent for the Swiss newspaper Blick, admitted he is dismayed with how politics interfered with sport so strikingly this weekend. “On all continents, somewhere, all hell is breaking loose. And as a formula one reporter, you’re flying around this globe two or three times a year,” he wrote. “We go to countries that are politically explosive. Where human rights are violated, where poverty reigns. “But we hardly talk about it — not in China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore or Brazil. In 2014, we’re going to Russia. “Years ago, our circus happily danced around in apartheid South Africa, and the military dictatorship of Argentina. “Formula one is pure entertainment. Detached from the problems of the world. But here, in Bahrain, every reporter entered the political field, whether he liked to or not,” wrote Benoit. So that is why Ecclestone is unapologetic, after championing the Bahrain grand prix. “Because, basically, the problems they have in Bahrain have nothing to do with F1,” the 81-year-old told El Pais newspaper. “The relevant agencies gave the nod as far as security was concerned, and I think it is clear that they were not wrong.” He also sees no problem with F1 being used as a political tool. “Governments want to have an F1 race for the same reason as they want the Olympics. We come to agreements with the promoters and, if that’s good for the country, fine,” said Ecclestone. |
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Mercedes’ clever F-duct not easily copiedComments Off In the case of Sauber’s clever exhaust solution, Red Bull simply rolled out a copy in the days before the 2012 season. Writing in O Estado de S.Paulo, Brazilian correspondent Livio Oricchio said the Sauber philosophy makes ingenious use of something called the ‘Coanda effect’. In the wake of the FIA’s strict clampdown on blown exhaust technology for 2012, the C31 uses the Coanda effect – named after Romanian aerodynamics pioneer Henri Coanda – to legally entice the flow of exhaust to the diffuser. Ferrari is understood to be the next team set to follow suit. Red Bull, Ferrari and Lotus, however, have a vastly different attitude when it comes to Mercedes’ clever F-duct, which uses the existing DRS rules to redirect air from the rear of the W03 car to the front. The concept not only significantly boosts straight line speed but also improves handling. The FIA’s Charlie Whiting has declared that Sauber and Mercedes are doing nothing wrong. But the three aforementioned teams continue to rail against the F-duct, even leaving open the threat of protest ahead of the Chinese grand prix. Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko explains: “Lotus, who are very responsible, have discovered two ways in which the F-duct is not in accordance with the regulations.” So is the difference in attitude when it comes to the Sauber and Mercedes innovations actually about the ease in which they can be copied? Oricchio quotes Red Bull’s Adrian Newey as having said in Malaysia: “In regard to the aerodynamic (F) duct of the Mercedes, and sending the airflow from the back to the front, it is necessary to review the entire project.” |
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Coulthard to Schumi, It robs the new generation, however, that a placeComments Off After rather modest achievements of Mercedes-superstar Michael Schumacher rattled on the 41-year-old world champion last down a lot of criticism. The expectations of many fans and observers could meet the Schumacher after his return to the Formula 1 scene so far barely. Especially after the race in Canada was fulminated against the Germans. “Schumacher is a shadow of bygone days”, with David Coulthard said this had brought his view of things in the ‘BBC’ comment clearly. The Scot is now presenting in a video interview on the website of Red Bull still for once. The services of Schumacher are not in the foreground, but rather a principled position. |
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The future of the Turkish grand prix remains clouded.Comments Off
Jun.7 (GMM) One year ago, the boss of the country’s motor racing sanctioning body said it would not be “easy” to come to a new agreement with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone. The track, actually operated by 79-year-old Ecclestone’s company, is liked by the drivers but always very poorly attended. Attendance was better in 2010, but only because the price of tickets had been dramatically reduced. It emerged earlier this year that Ecclestone was threatening to almost double the promoter’s sanctioning fee to $26 million per year after 2011. The Briton played down the rumours at Istanbul Park last month, insisting he is in talks about a new ten-year deal. But a report in the local Zaman newspaper said Ecclestone is still pushing for the heavily inflated sanctioning fee increase. He reportedly met with officials on the Saturday of the recent Turkish GP, and is quoted as telling them: “I leave it up to you. India and Arab countries are all ready to take your place.” One Turkish official said the situation will be clearer in two months. “Turkey is definitely fond of hosting these races, and all this haggling is taking place for this,” said youth and sports director Yunus Akgul. “However, paying $26m for this organisation every year is a big burden. The figure is very high. “We’ve approached the deal from a different angle. Our last offer was that he relinquish the operating rights to Istanbul Park, and we guaranteed that the track would be reserved for the organisation for three weeks before and during the races. “In return, we wanted him to come up with a new offer,” he added, admitting that if Ecclestone does not propose a lower fee, Turkey will cease to appear on the F1 calendars. |
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FIA has ‘no concerns’ with Hamilton’s ear studsComments Off F1′s governing body on Friday insisted it has “no concerns” about the ear studs worn by Lewis Hamilton during free practice in Turkey. The 2008 world champion had his ears pierced last week, while in Los Angeles to see his girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger perform on a dance television show. But when he pulled his balaclava and helmet over the studs on Friday morning, some sections of the media recalled article 2.2.1 appendix L of the sporting regulations. The section prohibits drivers from wearing jewellery for safety reasons. “The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited,” reads the rule. (GMM) |
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Lotus designing 2011 car without KERSComments Off Lotus will not run a KERS system in 2011, despite the expected return to the grid of the energy-recovery technology for next year. Multiple sources are reporting that KERS will be back in formula one in 2011, but the new team Lotus has begun designing its next car with no plans to incorporate the boost-button concept. “We will not use KERS next year and we have good reasons for this decision,” team boss Tony Fernandes is quoted by Finland’s Turun Sanomat. “This year we had to buy nearly all the (car) parts from other suppliers but now we are in a position to build the entire car in our factory,” he explained. “So we are trying to take advantage of the experience we have collected with the current car and to make the project more effective. “If we were to have KERS, in accordance with the technical working group (decision), we would have to start everything again from zero in terms of weight distribution. “The big teams are in a different boat, already with solid experience of KERS from recent years. “What we saw last season is that it is not easy to get KERS to operate effectively and reliably; it took a lot of time, money and resources. At Lotus we are fully confident that we are going to cope without it (KERS),” added Fernandes. Currently, FOTA’s technical group is finalising the details of the KERS return, with Ferrari and Renault pushing for a 150 horse power boost for 10 seconds each lap. In 2009, the boost was about 80 horse power for less than 7 seconds. It is likely that KERS will remain voluntary in 2011 and 2012 until a new engine formula debuts in 2013. It is expected the return of KERS will be approved formally by the teams this weekend in Turkey, before the matter is referred to the FIA for inclusion in the technical regulations. |
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Fisichella tests Ferrari F-duct at VairanoComments Off
May 2 (GMM) Giancarlo Fisichella on Saturday tested a refined version of Ferrari’s own F-duct solution. The Italian team’s test and reserve driver was at Vairano, where what Ferrari described as the “management system for the blown rear wing” was run along with the entire Barcelona-spec package. Ferrari said that “depending on how things go in the two free practice sessions next Friday, a decision will be taken as to whether or not to use all the updates for qualifying and the race”. The updated F10 also features inboard rear mirrors, in accordance with the ban that kicks off in Spain next weekend. Fernando Alonso told Corriere della Sera newspaper that he thinks Ferrari can catch F1’s pacesetter. “Red Bull is stronger in qualifying and they are very fast, but we can catch up in the race. (And) McLaren knows how to develop its cars very fast, but we’re not joking either,” he said. Ferrari confirmed the test in a press release: Today, Italy and many other countries around the world have been celebrating May Day, but for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro there has been no respite in its efforts to prepare for the Spanish Grand Prix, the fifth round of the 2010 World Championship. After a very busy week of testing on the bench and in the wind tunnel, this morning saw the on-track baptism of the management system for the blown rear wing. It was tested at Vairano by Giancarlo Fisichella as part of the four days of aerodynamic testing allowed in the testing agreement, as defined by the twelve teams. This was not the only new element evaluated by the Scuderia’s third driver. The F10 was also fitted with the aero configuration that it is planned will be used at the Catalunya Circuit during next Friday’s free practice for the Barcelona race, including a new position for the rear view mirrors which must now be located on the chassis. The chassis itself is also new, going by the code number 284: as from the Spanish Grand Prix, it will be used by Felipe Massa. Track data acquired today will be analysed by the team over the next few days and then, also depending on how things go in the two free practice sessions next Friday, a decision will be taken as to whether or not to use all the updates for qualifying and the race. |
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China GP contract extension talks to be ‘fierce’ – reportComments Off Apr.30 (GMM) The extension of China’s formula one contract beyond 2010 may not be as simple as was recently suggested by Bernie Ecclestone. The F1 chief executive had been asked in Shanghai about rumours that the race could now drop off the calendar, despite it being a crucial market for carmakers and sponsors. “The contract is ongoing here. We renew every five years. It will go on,” said the Briton, blaming poor attendances on the local promoters but insisting that the government is “fully supportive”. Earlier, a government official had warned that an “assessment” of whether China should renew its F1 deal was taking place. And a Reuters media report on Friday predicted that contract negotiations will be “fierce”, after the event recorded “huge losses” over the last seven years. But race promoter Juss Events’ Leon Sun sounded confident that a deal will be struck. “It hasn’t been announced because there are still a few technical issues to be sorted out but we’re in good shape. “It looks good at the moment,” he said. “We’ve got until October this year to sort it out but I’m confident that we’ll have something before that.” |
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Brian France compared againComments Off On January and being at NASCAR’s Research and Development Center north of Charlotte, Brian France became annoyed at the implication that he has not been a good leader in his more than six years as NASCAR’s chief executive. Truth is, many of the stakeholders in the sport feel much the same way about the CEO wondering if he wants to do the job, and why he did not adjust his managerial approach to leading the sport sooner as NASCAR began to have economic difficulties. This problems included drops in attendance and TV ratings, both of which were falling before the recession hit. Brain France has only been NASCAR’s leader since 2003, but many changes have taken place since then. ”I’ve known Brian a long time, and I know he can do it. But he’s got to stand up and say, ‘I’m in charge, we’re doing this. We’re on the same page, and we’re going to get this done,’” said Ray Evernham, former crew chief for Jeff Gordon. In a brief interview -just before he ran from one meeting to another, talking to NASCAR owners and drivers, crew chiefs and marketers, track presidents and TV executives, as the start of a new season was just around the corner-, France stated, “I have to lead in a way that fits my style and approach. Not everybody is going to agree with that.” The thing is he has been compared to his father, Bill Jr. and to his grandfather, Big Bill. “If you’re going to compare me to somebody else, my father or whoever, I’m not going to be somebody else,” said a Brian, who has never been more active than in the months following the end of last season. France’s offseason mission: meet with every track operator, broadcast partner and team by his self-imposed deadline of this week’s Daytona 500. |
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The first MotoGP tests began in SepangComments Off The first official tests of MotoGP started together with the presentation of the motorcycles for the 2010 World Championship. The Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Ducati test pilots have started the first session of the pre-season testing without official times. The stars were the Japanese, Norihiko Fujiwara and Wataru Yoshikawa (Yamaha Factory), Kosuke Akiyoshi (Repsol Honda Team), Nobuatsu Aoki (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) and Vittoriano Guareschi (Ducati Marlboro Team). Their activity in the tracks was followed with much attention by many official riders who already where in ‘boxes’, among them: Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, Loris Capirossi, Nicky Hayden, as well as the debutants, Héctor Barberá, Álvaro Bautista and Hiroshi Aoyama. During this first day, no official times have been announced. Some said that in the Yamaha ‘box’ they assured their two pilots marked a better time of 2:07.34. The Honda test rider, Kosuke Akiyoshi, rode both, Andrea Dovizioso’s motorcycle and Dani Pedrosa’s to be sure of the good operation of the basic standards and that the new evolutions that the official riders will try out tomorrow are also ready. Ducati was the team with less attendance in the track. Vittoriano Guareschi, Sport Director of the official team, but also test rider of the Italian motorcycle, only rolled half of the day. In the afternoon, he met with the people who are responsible for the satellite ‘scuderias. |
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Second test day’s afternoon sessionComments Off The afternoon session began with comments in the paddock regarding the possibility of seeing Fernando Alonso testing the Ferrari F10. With a warmer weather and more grip on the tracks the single-seaters started to leave the boxes heading to the Valencian Ricardo Tormo Circuit’s racetrack in Cheste. With a lost Austrian –we say ‘lost” because we didn’t see him through all the morning (strange thing)-, Lewis Hamilton started by lowering his morning times, 1:12.256, but still far from Felipe Massa’s chronometer and his F10. That’s how the afternoon started. At 3:30 the pilot from Austria was seen around the box, and rumors spread with regards to his possible participation in today’s tests. Massa carried out many tyre tests –we assumed he was testing their performance-, explaining why the Brazilian entered the box continuously. The same as Ferrari, the rest of the ‘scuderias’ tested their performance, thus the morning times were not improved. The Renault improved only a bit. The Polish, Robert Kubica, wearing a completely black helmet, continued to average very high times ( 1:14 ). The R30 seems to have very little performance evolution compared to its predecessor, last year’s R29. Today was a hard working day for Nico Rosberg who commanding his Mercedes GP made all kinds of tests. Yesterday, his single-seater was very fast, but today it was slower marking 1:14. high times and running 25 lap periods to try the tyres out. The Ferrari engine Sabuer of Kobayashi, after completing a period of 30 laps started to lower its times, becoming one of the fastest of the afternoon ( 1:12.667 ). The Sauber is giving a good impression in these first tests. The first impressions of Barichello on his Williams FW32’s Cosworth engine, indicate less speed (point) than the rest. Specifically, around 8-12km/h (Mercedes and Ferrari). In a bit more than an hour the session will end. We’re walking towards the paddock to pick up some feelings. Today, the Valencian circuit has had around 7.000 spectators, according to the organization. A good number of people has gotten together to see the tests, so if climate conditions permit it, a higher number is expected for tomorrow with the attendance of Fernando Alonso in the racetrack. Best times of the day. 1º Massa (1:11.722) 2º Kobayashi (1:12.056) 3º Hamilton (1:12.056) 4º Rosberg (1:12. 899) 5º Barrichello (1:13.377) |
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End of second test day’s morning sessionComments Off The second day of official tests in the Valencia Ricardo Tormo Circuit have started. Today’s surprise was the attendance of ex-champion, Lewis Hamilton. Climate conditions are better than Monday’s. Massa and Kobayashi are leading the time table since early this morning, confirming yesterday’s good impression of the two single-seaters (Ferrari y Sauber). The morning session started as yesterday’s, Massa runs through the racetrack and in a little while stops the chronometer at 1:12.393, near the best time he got yesterday (1:12.547). After him, came Hamilton with 1:13.366. After this first period, Massa starts to ‘exploit’ his Ferrari, stopping the time at 1:11.722, and pulverizing yesterday’s times. The Brazilian pilot seems has adapted quite well to the F10. However, a little bit later, Kobayashi goes up to the second place in the time table with 1:12: 384, with a scarce difference of 662 from Massa. Yesterday’s story seems to repeat itself with the battle between Ferrari and Sauber. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) was the third fastest of the morning with a better lap of 1:12.508, even though, one who also improved yesterday’s time was Nico Rosberg with the Mercedes GP. The German managed a better lap of 1:12.899, almost a second faster than the one he got on the first day. Rubens Barrichello’s Williams (1:13.377), Kubica’s Renault (1:13.659) and the Swiss, Sebastien Buemi’s Toro Rosso (1:14. 826) were behind. The latter was the only one who improved yesterday’s times. Better conditions The improvement of, both weather and the asphalt atmosphere conditions, as well as the quantity of rubber in the racetrack helped to lower the times. All the ‘Scuderias’ tested the components and as yesterday, ran with different fuel amounts.
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Castroneves pursued by TreasuryComments Off The Brazilian, Helio Castroneves, two times champion of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race is facing in Miami tax evasion charges for 5,5 million dollars earned between 1999 and 2004. If he’s found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in jail. |
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Questions & Answers to Heikki Kovalainen for the 2010 seasonComments Off Last season Heikki Kovalainen stuck his way. Twin with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren for a second year, he struggled to get the most out of the MP4-24 and finished the championship 12th, 27 points adrift of his illustrious team mate. This season Kovalainen have a different challenge as he competes for one of 2010’s four new teams – Lotus. Following is the interview that the official F1 have done to Kovalainen.
source: formula1 |
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2×2 Prosperity Formula – Insider Info Reveals 2×2 Prosperity FormulaComments Off The 2×2 Prosperity Formula system has shown much success in its brief history, but insider information has revealed the truth about 2×2 Prosperity Formula. Many have stated it takes years of experience with internet marketing to be successful, but the 2×2 Prosperity Formula revolutionary system truly works for everyone. |
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