Limejuice
Well-Known Member
Yes, he was reasonably cordial.
But I bet he want back to the team camp and relaunched the battle of Monte Casino.
F1 2020
- Thread starter 1%er
- Start date
But I bet he want back to the team camp and relaunched the battle of Monte Casino.
Ax^
Silly Rabbit
Seb has been poor this season but if he out there driving almost every week without any support for the team
i can understand a little why he not preforming to his latent abilities
he show a spark of what lead him to 4 world championships this afternoon
he is still a racer
Good to see but wtf are the Scudria doing with a 4 time world champion
i can understand a little why he not preforming to his latent abilities
he show a spark of what lead him to 4 world championships this afternoon
he is still a racer
Good to see but wtf are the Scudria doing with a 4 time world champion
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
Dunno. I remember Ted signed off his last appearance saying, "See you in a few weeks", but I don't know when he'll be back exactly.is ted back next week in spa?
and is Rosberg not going to be there
We could do with a weekend off from Nico Who. He dresses like a Miami drug baron, and talks like the living embodiment of the Dunning-Kruger effect.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Yes he did say a few weeks, I think Ted said he would be back for Italy, there are two races in Italy and I hope it will be the first one that he is back.
souljacker
innit
I don't watch the sky coverage but most comments on Reddit seem to like Nico. What has urban got against him?
Dull race though this week. Leclerc fucking up was the only real excitement.
Dull race though this week. Leclerc fucking up was the only real excitement.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Racing Point get another reprimand
The fact that the FIA sometimes makes it a bit difficult for itself might be called an understatement. For example, the case against Racing Point is still unresolved and the team gets another reprimand for the brake ducts. Two weeks ago it became clear that Racing Point would still be punished for taking over the dates from Mercedes their rear brakes. Racing Point would have to do this itself and for breaking the rules for this process, Racing Point got a hefty fine and also points deduction in the standings. However, this is not the end of it. That penalty was given for the first race where a protest was made by Renault, while the other races were reprimanded. A strange thing, because the FIA has already indicated that the brakes themselves are legal and the team is allowed to drive with them.
However, this reprimand has now gotten around Racing Point again, so it seems that this will continue until Racing Point replaces the brakes. However, there is another case above, because Racing Point and Renault/Ferrari have protested against the decision. So besides the reprimands we can expect a lot more news about this case. [This is bullshit and will replace 2020 pantomime season, The FIA have rules the car is legal, Racing Point have been fined and deducted points under the sporting regulations and the team was not told to replace the parts. The FIA should be playing the part of wishywashy].
Bottas loses 3kgs and blames black overalls
Valtteri Bottas says he lost three kilos during the Spanish GP and believes that the black overalls adopted by Mercedes for the 2020 Formula 1 season played a role. Early in the Barcelona race Bottas was heard telling his engineer on the radio “these black overalls are f**cking hot.” The move from white to black overalls was part of a pre-season rebranding exercise that saw the team also switch its car from traditional silver livery to black as part of its ongoing diversity message.
“It was really hot in the car,” Bottas said after the race. “This year, it's been even hotter in the car. Obviously, we had to change the colour of the overalls. And it's known that black colour takes more of the heat, especially when there's direct sun. I don't know any number or facts, how much actually black versus white is in terms of temperature difference, but this year, it's been really hot in the car. And also there's a new homologation this year for the overalls, so they are thicker, and the underwear is thicker, so I don't know how much effect that has. It was just so hot so I said, ‘Guys, you know that these overalls are way too hot.’ And for sure, white would be cooler in terms of temperature and today for example I lost three kilos in the race, which is quite a lot. And that's where it can start to affect performance. I know that from all drivers I'm one of the fittest if not the fittest, so I can take it, but it's never comfortable and there's always things that we can improve.”
Before the season there was speculation that the dark colour would have an impact on the cooling of the car, and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledged that the team had kept an eye on any potential issues. “At the end, the messaging and the marketing is very important, but if performance is being harmed, that’s obviously not great,” he said. However after the first race in Austria strategy director James Vowles denied that there was any impact. “Inside the engine cover there’s actually a silver lining, a heat resistant lining, and that is in place irrespective of the outside colour,” said Vowles. “But we can’t see any difference on our radiator temperatures or other temperatures of core systems within the car as the result of the paint colour externally. There’s a little bit more reflection that should exist really with a lighter colour, but the reality is, it has negligible effects or no effects on our system temperatures.”
The fact that the FIA sometimes makes it a bit difficult for itself might be called an understatement. For example, the case against Racing Point is still unresolved and the team gets another reprimand for the brake ducts. Two weeks ago it became clear that Racing Point would still be punished for taking over the dates from Mercedes their rear brakes. Racing Point would have to do this itself and for breaking the rules for this process, Racing Point got a hefty fine and also points deduction in the standings. However, this is not the end of it. That penalty was given for the first race where a protest was made by Renault, while the other races were reprimanded. A strange thing, because the FIA has already indicated that the brakes themselves are legal and the team is allowed to drive with them.
However, this reprimand has now gotten around Racing Point again, so it seems that this will continue until Racing Point replaces the brakes. However, there is another case above, because Racing Point and Renault/Ferrari have protested against the decision. So besides the reprimands we can expect a lot more news about this case. [This is bullshit and will replace 2020 pantomime season, The FIA have rules the car is legal, Racing Point have been fined and deducted points under the sporting regulations and the team was not told to replace the parts. The FIA should be playing the part of wishywashy].
Bottas loses 3kgs and blames black overalls
Valtteri Bottas says he lost three kilos during the Spanish GP and believes that the black overalls adopted by Mercedes for the 2020 Formula 1 season played a role. Early in the Barcelona race Bottas was heard telling his engineer on the radio “these black overalls are f**cking hot.” The move from white to black overalls was part of a pre-season rebranding exercise that saw the team also switch its car from traditional silver livery to black as part of its ongoing diversity message.
“It was really hot in the car,” Bottas said after the race. “This year, it's been even hotter in the car. Obviously, we had to change the colour of the overalls. And it's known that black colour takes more of the heat, especially when there's direct sun. I don't know any number or facts, how much actually black versus white is in terms of temperature difference, but this year, it's been really hot in the car. And also there's a new homologation this year for the overalls, so they are thicker, and the underwear is thicker, so I don't know how much effect that has. It was just so hot so I said, ‘Guys, you know that these overalls are way too hot.’ And for sure, white would be cooler in terms of temperature and today for example I lost three kilos in the race, which is quite a lot. And that's where it can start to affect performance. I know that from all drivers I'm one of the fittest if not the fittest, so I can take it, but it's never comfortable and there's always things that we can improve.”
Before the season there was speculation that the dark colour would have an impact on the cooling of the car, and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledged that the team had kept an eye on any potential issues. “At the end, the messaging and the marketing is very important, but if performance is being harmed, that’s obviously not great,” he said. However after the first race in Austria strategy director James Vowles denied that there was any impact. “Inside the engine cover there’s actually a silver lining, a heat resistant lining, and that is in place irrespective of the outside colour,” said Vowles. “But we can’t see any difference on our radiator temperatures or other temperatures of core systems within the car as the result of the paint colour externally. There’s a little bit more reflection that should exist really with a lighter colour, but the reality is, it has negligible effects or no effects on our system temperatures.”
beesonthewhatnow
going deaf for a living
Either way, it’s an insane amount to lose in less than 2 hours.
beesonthewhatnow
going deaf for a living
How to win in Formula One: is it the driver or the car?
Formula One, also known as F1 or the royal class of motor racing, has been around for 70 years. Before you watch another Grand Prix, let’s answer an old riddle: is it the driver or the machine that wins the race?
thecorrespondent.com
Some interesting number crunching...
MrCurry
right after this urgent rest
There’s a lot of crap written about F1, but rarely does it make me angry, but this one did.
www.racefans.net
Maybe because it’s “official” and backed by F1 sponsor AWS, or maybe because they haven’t explained a thing about their methodology, just put it out there and said ”there you go”. Mostly, I suppose, because it’s such utter bullshit and the truth is you can’t compare drivers from different eras in this way. That’s my intuitive view, anyway.
For example, where in their number crunching did they take account of the fragile tyres Hamilton has to drive on, which can only be pushed so far, even on a qualifying lap? And just because it comes from a computer, doesn’t mean it’s right. Am awful lot of the AWS insights they put on the TV graphics during races seem less well informed than an average 9 year old could tell you.
Rant over, sorry bout that...!
Edit, ok now I found the more complete article on F1 website
www.formula1.com
...and it appears the whole thing is based on relative speed against teammates. I still think it’s naive BS. For one thing, that ignores the fact that over time the average standard of driving in F1 has increased enormously, and you simply don’t have donkeys like Eddie Cheever having 1 second+ deficits to their team mates. Also ignores the possibility that a driver like Schumacher was able to get preferential treatment from their team or tyre supplier, as the whole thing is founded on the assumption the two team mates are in an exactly identical car, which is not a safe assumption.
Overall, a worthless study IMHO, but of course it’s all been done to make publicity/money for the sponsor.
Senna and Schumacher faster than Hamilton, official F1 study claims
A study comparing Formula 1 drivers across the past 37 years has determined Ayrton Senna to be the fastest of all time, ahead of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
www.racefans.net
Maybe because it’s “official” and backed by F1 sponsor AWS, or maybe because they haven’t explained a thing about their methodology, just put it out there and said ”there you go”. Mostly, I suppose, because it’s such utter bullshit and the truth is you can’t compare drivers from different eras in this way. That’s my intuitive view, anyway.
For example, where in their number crunching did they take account of the fragile tyres Hamilton has to drive on, which can only be pushed so far, even on a qualifying lap? And just because it comes from a computer, doesn’t mean it’s right. Am awful lot of the AWS insights they put on the TV graphics during races seem less well informed than an average 9 year old could tell you.
Rant over, sorry bout that...!
Edit, ok now I found the more complete article on F1 website
Hamilton? Schumacher? Senna? Machine learning reveals the fastest F1 driver of the past 40 years | Formula 1®
It’s the debate that’s raged in F1 since… well, since F1 started actually: who is the fastest driver of all? But now, machine learning may have gone some way to providing an answer...
www.formula1.com
...and it appears the whole thing is based on relative speed against teammates. I still think it’s naive BS. For one thing, that ignores the fact that over time the average standard of driving in F1 has increased enormously, and you simply don’t have donkeys like Eddie Cheever having 1 second+ deficits to their team mates. Also ignores the possibility that a driver like Schumacher was able to get preferential treatment from their team or tyre supplier, as the whole thing is founded on the assumption the two team mates are in an exactly identical car, which is not a safe assumption.
Overall, a worthless study IMHO, but of course it’s all been done to make publicity/money for the sponsor.
Last edited:
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
I must admit I find 'fastest F1 driver' pieces a bit pointless. It's like some idle pub chat about 'the best guitarist in the world'; or '10 groups that were better than the Beatles'; or 'why England would have won the third test if Lenny Henry had played at second slip'.
In my experience, they only get published because some hapless freelancer has sold the story to a desperate editor, who commissions the piece on the grounds it'll be contentious and get lots of reaction. In the twilight domain of publishing, reaction is conflated with engagement, and engagement is conflated with reader loyalty.
Adding the number crunching is to veneer the whole balloon of guff with a spurious appeal to authority. They're trying to hide a simple apples and oranges comparison behind a veil of numbers, and as we all know, numbers is science, innit.
Sorry - sometimes I can depress myself from a standing start.
In my experience, they only get published because some hapless freelancer has sold the story to a desperate editor, who commissions the piece on the grounds it'll be contentious and get lots of reaction. In the twilight domain of publishing, reaction is conflated with engagement, and engagement is conflated with reader loyalty.
Adding the number crunching is to veneer the whole balloon of guff with a spurious appeal to authority. They're trying to hide a simple apples and oranges comparison behind a veil of numbers, and as we all know, numbers is science, innit.
Sorry - sometimes I can depress myself from a standing start.
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
It says here, on that there BBC, that the teams have all signed a new concorde agreement up to 2025.
Formula 1: All teams sign up to sport's new Concorde Agreement
All 10 teams have signed up to the new Concorde Agreement which will govern Formula 1 from 2021 to 2025.
www.bbc.co.uk
Williams announce sale of F1 team to US investment company | Formula 1®
It’s the dawn of a new era for Williams after the Formula 1 team announced they have been acquired by American investment firm Dorilton Capital…
www.formula1.com
1%er
Well-Known Member
How long will Claire Williams remain as Deputy Team Principal? They must have been in a really bad state or one would have thought they could have stumbled on until the cap, where spending will be fixed. The new Concorde agreement spreads the money more evenly, so even at the back of the grid Williams will be getting more prize money.
Its interesting that after all ten teams signed the new Concorde agreement the share price of F1 didn't move. I think F1 will learn a great deal from Covid, not least that they can run triple headers and more double headers, thus fitting more races in, also teams will have seen that 100 trucks will do the same job as 350 trucks used to do and teams don't need those massive hospitality building they cart around the world with them. It will be very interesting to see how F1 gets on at the Imola race circuit, where I believe they will be having a two day even rather than 3 days. If this works well I can see them introducing this at other events, after all, F1 is no longer in a race to see which team can spend the most, nowadays its all about cutting cost, I can see some interesting times ahead.
Its interesting that after all ten teams signed the new Concorde agreement the share price of F1 didn't move. I think F1 will learn a great deal from Covid, not least that they can run triple headers and more double headers, thus fitting more races in, also teams will have seen that 100 trucks will do the same job as 350 trucks used to do and teams don't need those massive hospitality building they cart around the world with them. It will be very interesting to see how F1 gets on at the Imola race circuit, where I believe they will be having a two day even rather than 3 days. If this works well I can see them introducing this at other events, after all, F1 is no longer in a race to see which team can spend the most, nowadays its all about cutting cost, I can see some interesting times ahead.
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
I have some experience of the aftermath of private US investment takeovers.
It isn't pretty. Any verbal undertakings will be forgotten before the ink is dry on the contract.
They always say they plan to work with existing management, but they know those are the people who drove the company to the wall.
I'd expect to see Sir Frank in some sort of President Emeritus role by tea-time. They might give Clare a shot at running the show free from the crushing demands of the old man, but that type of owner is remorseless in converting their millions into bigger millions. Sentiment and tradition? If it can be capitalised, fine. If not, bye-bye.
MrCurry
right after this urgent rest
I doubt Frank is going to be part of the picture much longer. He’s already been the oldest living quadriplegic for many years and has dropped out of the public eye and had time in hospital in the last few years. And Clare, in the nicest possible way, would not have been running that team without the family connection.
I’d expect to see new management by the start of next season and tbh it’s probably part of what the team needs.
I’d expect to see new management by the start of next season and tbh it’s probably part of what the team needs.
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
Agreed.
The worst thing about Williams in recent years has been management by the Williams clan. Frank may well be the last of the autocrats, but that era has passed. You can't cobble together a race team with a Cortina engine and a can of Castrol, and chase the championship like Captain Ahab.
1%er
Well-Known Member
What does the new ownership mean for Williams F1
As news stories go this is a really big story for F1. Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited (WGPE) is a listed company on the German Stock Exchange, so a number of documents have been released to comply with their legal obligations in Germany. One of the most impotent statements for me is this "Sir Frank, who holds 52% of the shares, has given his “irrevocable support” to the transaction – with the Williams family set to no longer have a shareholding" (so Frank and family no longer hold any shares in the company, I wonder how long a Williams family member will be on the board in a place of influence).
Who owns Williams now
Over the last three months, Williams have met with a selection of potential investors as part of a formal sale process and subsequently reviewed submissions of interest. They opted to move forward with American private investment firm Dorilton Capital, whose portfolio includes companies in the industrial services, healthcare services and speciality manufacturing sectors. This is a complete buy-out. The sale is for Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited (WGPE), which consists of the F1 business (including their impressive heritage car collection and high-end headquarters at Grove) their minority stake in Williams Advanced Engineering, and all other trading assets and liabilities. According to documents released to the Stock Market, the “enterprise value” of the company is “€152 million and the net cash proceeds that have been received by the Company for the shares of WGPE, after repayment of all third party indebtedness and transaction expenses, are €112 million”.
Will the Williams name stay in F1
Yes, the iconic Williams name will remain in Formula 1, while the chassis designation FW will stay too. It is believed the new investors are committed to retaining the culture of the team and see the value of maintaining the brand which Sir Frank and his colleagues have spent more than 40 years building, (the name still holds a lot of value in F1, but for how long that will remain the case, who knows).
Will they remain a UK team
The new owners may be American, but they say they have no plans to move the team away from their long-held base at Grove in Oxfordshire. "We also recognise the world class facilities at Grove and confirm that there are no plans to relocate,” said Dorilton Chairman Matthew Savage.
Who will run the team
Dorilton use the term “partnership” when discussing their acquisitions, saying they “work actively with existing management teams recognising that long-term business success is the result of a team effort”. They also like “continuity”, adding “we partner with companies that are led by strong management teams and have a successful history and culture. We firmly believe in our companies continuing with the elements that have made them successful”. These are still very early days, with a lot to be worked out, but their statements above suggest that in the short-term, very little is set to change at the team, currently run by Claire. Long-term, though, it remains unclear, (I bet changes will come soon, with Covid I don;t expact anything to soon, their statement says "work actively with existing management teams recognising that long-term business success is the result of a team effort" but what success? Looking back over 40 years yes there has been success, but not over the last few years. I don't believe recently there has been "strong management" so I expect changes for the start of 2021, because of the new rules coming in 2022 I'd expect some continuity but after that I think Williams will look very different).
Will the team now have more money for development
In short, yes. But there’s some way to go before they get the chequebook out. As you’d expect, there is now a lot of paperwork and fine details to work through, but this moment does mark a significant shift in the direction of the team and a brand new chapter in their history, Dorilton will now work with Williams to carry out a detailed review of the business to “determine in which areas new investment should be directed”.
Crucially, the investment firm say they practise “patience” with their acquisitions and “prefer to create value over the longer term by reinvesting cash flow”. This is exactly what Williams need. They have a solid foundation, but need fresh and consistent investment in which to really challenge their rivals at the sharp end of the field. That investment can run across their facility, making sure that the departments which need to react to the new rules are well resourced and staffed, giving them a basis on which to add more development. With this deal being done in good time ahead of the incoming budget cap for 2021 and new technical regulations for 2022, Williams have a real opportunity now to capitalise and make a step forward, away from the rear of the grid.
Recent financial history
Reuters reported on 20 November 2009 that Williams and Patrick Head had sold a minority stake in the team to an investment company led by Austrian Toto Wolff who said that it was purely a commercial decision.
In February 2011, Williams F1 announced plans to raise capital through an initial public offering (IPO) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FWB) in March 2011, with Sir Frank Williams remaining the majority shareholder and team principal after the IPO.
As of December 2017, ownership is as follows: Frank Williams (51.3%); Brad Hollinger (11.7%); Patrick Head (9.3%); 24.1% on the public market place; and 3.6% is held by the trust fund employee.
In May 2020, Williams was put up for sale after posting a £13 million loss in the previous year.
On 21 August 2020, Williams was acquired by Dorilton Capital. They are still due to race under the Williams name.
Edited to add; this seems like a very good deal and price for Dorilton when you look at what they got for the money. They have brought the F1 business (including their impressive heritage car collection and high-end headquarters at Grove) plus their minority stake in Williams Advanced Engineering, and all other trading assets for a net price of €112 million (or have I missed something?) Lawrence stroll and his pals paid £105 million for just Force India racing team (£90 million plus assumption of £15 million in debt).
As news stories go this is a really big story for F1. Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited (WGPE) is a listed company on the German Stock Exchange, so a number of documents have been released to comply with their legal obligations in Germany. One of the most impotent statements for me is this "Sir Frank, who holds 52% of the shares, has given his “irrevocable support” to the transaction – with the Williams family set to no longer have a shareholding" (so Frank and family no longer hold any shares in the company, I wonder how long a Williams family member will be on the board in a place of influence).
Who owns Williams now
Over the last three months, Williams have met with a selection of potential investors as part of a formal sale process and subsequently reviewed submissions of interest. They opted to move forward with American private investment firm Dorilton Capital, whose portfolio includes companies in the industrial services, healthcare services and speciality manufacturing sectors. This is a complete buy-out. The sale is for Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited (WGPE), which consists of the F1 business (including their impressive heritage car collection and high-end headquarters at Grove) their minority stake in Williams Advanced Engineering, and all other trading assets and liabilities. According to documents released to the Stock Market, the “enterprise value” of the company is “€152 million and the net cash proceeds that have been received by the Company for the shares of WGPE, after repayment of all third party indebtedness and transaction expenses, are €112 million”.
Will the Williams name stay in F1
Yes, the iconic Williams name will remain in Formula 1, while the chassis designation FW will stay too. It is believed the new investors are committed to retaining the culture of the team and see the value of maintaining the brand which Sir Frank and his colleagues have spent more than 40 years building, (the name still holds a lot of value in F1, but for how long that will remain the case, who knows).
Will they remain a UK team
The new owners may be American, but they say they have no plans to move the team away from their long-held base at Grove in Oxfordshire. "We also recognise the world class facilities at Grove and confirm that there are no plans to relocate,” said Dorilton Chairman Matthew Savage.
Who will run the team
Dorilton use the term “partnership” when discussing their acquisitions, saying they “work actively with existing management teams recognising that long-term business success is the result of a team effort”. They also like “continuity”, adding “we partner with companies that are led by strong management teams and have a successful history and culture. We firmly believe in our companies continuing with the elements that have made them successful”. These are still very early days, with a lot to be worked out, but their statements above suggest that in the short-term, very little is set to change at the team, currently run by Claire. Long-term, though, it remains unclear, (I bet changes will come soon, with Covid I don;t expact anything to soon, their statement says "work actively with existing management teams recognising that long-term business success is the result of a team effort" but what success? Looking back over 40 years yes there has been success, but not over the last few years. I don't believe recently there has been "strong management" so I expect changes for the start of 2021, because of the new rules coming in 2022 I'd expect some continuity but after that I think Williams will look very different).
Will the team now have more money for development
In short, yes. But there’s some way to go before they get the chequebook out. As you’d expect, there is now a lot of paperwork and fine details to work through, but this moment does mark a significant shift in the direction of the team and a brand new chapter in their history, Dorilton will now work with Williams to carry out a detailed review of the business to “determine in which areas new investment should be directed”.
Crucially, the investment firm say they practise “patience” with their acquisitions and “prefer to create value over the longer term by reinvesting cash flow”. This is exactly what Williams need. They have a solid foundation, but need fresh and consistent investment in which to really challenge their rivals at the sharp end of the field. That investment can run across their facility, making sure that the departments which need to react to the new rules are well resourced and staffed, giving them a basis on which to add more development. With this deal being done in good time ahead of the incoming budget cap for 2021 and new technical regulations for 2022, Williams have a real opportunity now to capitalise and make a step forward, away from the rear of the grid.
Recent financial history
Reuters reported on 20 November 2009 that Williams and Patrick Head had sold a minority stake in the team to an investment company led by Austrian Toto Wolff who said that it was purely a commercial decision.
In February 2011, Williams F1 announced plans to raise capital through an initial public offering (IPO) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FWB) in March 2011, with Sir Frank Williams remaining the majority shareholder and team principal after the IPO.
As of December 2017, ownership is as follows: Frank Williams (51.3%); Brad Hollinger (11.7%); Patrick Head (9.3%); 24.1% on the public market place; and 3.6% is held by the trust fund employee.
In May 2020, Williams was put up for sale after posting a £13 million loss in the previous year.
On 21 August 2020, Williams was acquired by Dorilton Capital. They are still due to race under the Williams name.
Edited to add; this seems like a very good deal and price for Dorilton when you look at what they got for the money. They have brought the F1 business (including their impressive heritage car collection and high-end headquarters at Grove) plus their minority stake in Williams Advanced Engineering, and all other trading assets for a net price of €112 million (or have I missed something?) Lawrence stroll and his pals paid £105 million for just Force India racing team (£90 million plus assumption of £15 million in debt).
Last edited:
MrCurry
right after this urgent rest
It appears they paid €152 million, some of which went towards clearing debts, so the net received by the shareholders was €112 million. If the Dec 2017 shareholdings are still current, that’s around 57.5M euros to Sir Frank. Should be enough to fund his retirement.
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
Another three back-to-back GPs coming up, in Belgium and Italy. 
Timings are identical for all three - the regular European slots. For UK-ists. the times are:
Fri 28 Aug / 4 Sept / 11 Sept
FP1 - 10:00
FP2 - 14:00
Sat 29 Aug / 5 Sept / 12 Sept
FP3 - 11:00
Qual - 14:00
Sun 30 Aug / 6 Sept / 13 Sept
Race - 14:10
Fingers crossed for more Kravitz and less Rosberg on Sky.
Timings are identical for all three - the regular European slots. For UK-ists. the times are:
Fri 28 Aug / 4 Sept / 11 Sept
FP1 - 10:00
FP2 - 14:00
Sat 29 Aug / 5 Sept / 12 Sept
FP3 - 11:00
Qual - 14:00
Sun 30 Aug / 6 Sept / 13 Sept
Race - 14:10
Fingers crossed for more Kravitz and less Rosberg on Sky.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Imola wants fans at track
A third circuit on the 2020 calendar says it wants spectators to be able to attend this year. Earlier, we reported that some teams are nervous about Sochi and Portimao's plans to allow 30 000 and 50 000 spectators respectively to attend their races later this season. Imola has now joined them. Imola race promoter Uberto Selvatico Estense is quoted by Italy's Autosprint: "We expect the possibility to host the public. The (Emilia-Romagna) president (Stefano) Bonaccini has issued a provision to allow Misano to host up to 10 000 spectators, and we believe it is possible to confirm this capacity also for Imola at the end of October and beginning of November. "We are working to try to get something more, in total safety."
Keeping Grade 1 active
Imola's race is scheduled for 1 November, and it will be the former San Marino GP host's first grand prix since 2006. Enstone added: "Over the years we had the common sense to keep the Grade 1 homologation active and valid for Formula 1, implementing the safety levels that have been acknowledged by Michael Masi. I think it has made ours one of the tracks that is considered among the best in the world." Also at Imola on Monday was Valtteri Bottas, who drove a Mercedes road car around the famous layout. The Finn said: "I've never raced here so I took advantage of the opportunity to get to know the track. It's such an iconic circuit with so much history. I understand why the drivers love it."
A third circuit on the 2020 calendar says it wants spectators to be able to attend this year. Earlier, we reported that some teams are nervous about Sochi and Portimao's plans to allow 30 000 and 50 000 spectators respectively to attend their races later this season. Imola has now joined them. Imola race promoter Uberto Selvatico Estense is quoted by Italy's Autosprint: "We expect the possibility to host the public. The (Emilia-Romagna) president (Stefano) Bonaccini has issued a provision to allow Misano to host up to 10 000 spectators, and we believe it is possible to confirm this capacity also for Imola at the end of October and beginning of November. "We are working to try to get something more, in total safety."
Keeping Grade 1 active
Imola's race is scheduled for 1 November, and it will be the former San Marino GP host's first grand prix since 2006. Enstone added: "Over the years we had the common sense to keep the Grade 1 homologation active and valid for Formula 1, implementing the safety levels that have been acknowledged by Michael Masi. I think it has made ours one of the tracks that is considered among the best in the world." Also at Imola on Monday was Valtteri Bottas, who drove a Mercedes road car around the famous layout. The Finn said: "I've never raced here so I took advantage of the opportunity to get to know the track. It's such an iconic circuit with so much history. I understand why the drivers love it."
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Renault withdraws Racing Point appeal
Renault has opted to withdraw from the appeals process against the stewards' decisions regarding the legality of Racing Point's brake ducts. The team initially protested the parts on Racing Point's RP20 after the Styrian, Hungarian and British Grands Prix as the 'copying' controversy took hold. A stewards' hearing, held shortly before the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, resulted in Racing Point being docked 15 constructors' championship points and fined €400,000 after the team was found to be in breach of the FIA's sporting regulations relating to listed parts.
Racing Point avoided further potentially more stringent sanctions as it had not contravened the technical regulations, allowing it to retain the brake ducts for the remainder of this season on its cars. Five teams initially lodged an intention to appeal against the stewards' decision Renault, Ferrari, Williams and McLaren believing the penalty was too lenient, with Racing Point naturally taking an opposing view.
Only Renault, Ferrari and Racing Point, however, then pursued an appeal as Williams and McLaren withdrew. Now Renault has opted not to head for an International Court of Appeal hearing. Via a team statement issued on Tuesday evening, it said: "Renault DP World F1 Team confirms that it has requested to withdraw the appeals lodged against the stewards’ decisions in relation to BWT Racing Point F1 Team’s brake ducts. Beyond the decisions, the matters at issue were vital to the integrity of Formula One, both during the current season and in the future. However, intensive and constructive work between the FIA, Renault DP World F1 Team and all Formula One stakeholders has led to concrete progress in safeguarding the originality in the sport by way of amendments to the sporting and technical regulations planned for the 2021 racing season, confirming the requirements to qualify as a constructor. Reaching this strategic objective, in the context of the new Concorde Agreement, was our priority. The controversy of the start of this season should be put behind us, as we need to focus on the remainder of an intense and unique championship."
So that just leaves Ferrari, will the team who cheated last season and did a secret deal with the FIA and suffered no penalty also withdraw?
Flavio Briatore in hospital wit Covid
Former Formula One Renault team boss Flavio Briatore is in hospital after contracting Covid-19, but a statement from his staff claimed that the 70-year-old is in ’good and stable’ conditions. Briatore is believed to have been taken to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan after showing severe symptoms of the Covid-19 coronavirus. According to reports in Italy, Briatore was in a serious condition, though he is not is intensive care. Contradicting the earlier reports, the 70-year-old Italian’s staff communicated in a statement that he is in ’good and stable’ condition.
Briatore joined Formula 1 in 1988 as the commercial director of the Benetton team. He became later the team principal of the Luciano Benetton-founded outfit and later the Renault F1 Team. He achieved his most significant success with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. He helped the German secure his first two Formula One titles in 1994 and 1995 while he was the team boss of the Renault team when Fernando Alonso secured his two championship titles in 2005 and in the following year.
Renault has opted to withdraw from the appeals process against the stewards' decisions regarding the legality of Racing Point's brake ducts. The team initially protested the parts on Racing Point's RP20 after the Styrian, Hungarian and British Grands Prix as the 'copying' controversy took hold. A stewards' hearing, held shortly before the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, resulted in Racing Point being docked 15 constructors' championship points and fined €400,000 after the team was found to be in breach of the FIA's sporting regulations relating to listed parts.
Racing Point avoided further potentially more stringent sanctions as it had not contravened the technical regulations, allowing it to retain the brake ducts for the remainder of this season on its cars. Five teams initially lodged an intention to appeal against the stewards' decision Renault, Ferrari, Williams and McLaren believing the penalty was too lenient, with Racing Point naturally taking an opposing view.
Only Renault, Ferrari and Racing Point, however, then pursued an appeal as Williams and McLaren withdrew. Now Renault has opted not to head for an International Court of Appeal hearing. Via a team statement issued on Tuesday evening, it said: "Renault DP World F1 Team confirms that it has requested to withdraw the appeals lodged against the stewards’ decisions in relation to BWT Racing Point F1 Team’s brake ducts. Beyond the decisions, the matters at issue were vital to the integrity of Formula One, both during the current season and in the future. However, intensive and constructive work between the FIA, Renault DP World F1 Team and all Formula One stakeholders has led to concrete progress in safeguarding the originality in the sport by way of amendments to the sporting and technical regulations planned for the 2021 racing season, confirming the requirements to qualify as a constructor. Reaching this strategic objective, in the context of the new Concorde Agreement, was our priority. The controversy of the start of this season should be put behind us, as we need to focus on the remainder of an intense and unique championship."
So that just leaves Ferrari, will the team who cheated last season and did a secret deal with the FIA and suffered no penalty also withdraw?
Flavio Briatore in hospital wit Covid
Former Formula One Renault team boss Flavio Briatore is in hospital after contracting Covid-19, but a statement from his staff claimed that the 70-year-old is in ’good and stable’ conditions. Briatore is believed to have been taken to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan after showing severe symptoms of the Covid-19 coronavirus. According to reports in Italy, Briatore was in a serious condition, though he is not is intensive care. Contradicting the earlier reports, the 70-year-old Italian’s staff communicated in a statement that he is in ’good and stable’ condition.
Briatore joined Formula 1 in 1988 as the commercial director of the Benetton team. He became later the team principal of the Luciano Benetton-founded outfit and later the Renault F1 Team. He achieved his most significant success with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. He helped the German secure his first two Formula One titles in 1994 and 1995 while he was the team boss of the Renault team when Fernando Alonso secured his two championship titles in 2005 and in the following year.
