F1 links: Kubica didn’t expect BMW to quit

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Here’s a round-up of F1 news and other interesting links I’ve found today.

If you’ve spotted a hot news story, interesting new website or just something funny from the world of F1, please share your links in the comments below.

Manager says Kubica now on the market

Robert Kubica's manager Daniele Morelli: "There was no sign inside the team that something like this could happen."

Massa already thinking of racing again

"Reacting to the news that seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher would take his seat in the Ferrari while he was not able to drive again, Massa reportedly joked: 'We have to see if I will let him drive!'"

Make a Wish and get yourself an F1 2008 Signed Annual

F1 Badger are running an auction for the Make a Wish charity back by Jenson Button.

Closed cockpits

David Coulthard: "Nevertheless, there is no getting away from the fact that the head is still exposed to oncoming debris, which begs the question: should there be some sort of screen to deflect flying objects? I heard Ross Brawn saying that any sort of shield would be shattered by a metal spring weighing a kilo and travelling at 170mph, but what do they use on planes?"

Michael Schumacher risks his reputation for a return to the adrenaline rush

"Michael Schumacher's decision to make a comeback as Felipe Massa's temporary replacement at Ferrari smacks of a 40-year-old superstar who has become bored."

On Any Sunday, These Days

F1 blog by American fan Victoria, definitely worth a read.

BMW – Bizarre Manufacturer Withdrawal

"It is highly unlike BMW, and especially Mario Theissen, to make positive statements if they cannot back it up with evidence. Yet that was what they appeared to do when they said they knew what their problems were, while still qualifying 16th and 19th in a grid of twenty cars."

Schumacher Fastest?

"Kubica recently hosted a charity karting competition for current and former F1 drivers. When asked in Hungary who was quickest in a kart his answer was – 'Michael'."

FIA sets date for Renault appeal hearing

"The FIA has announced that the International Court of Appeal will hear Renault's appeal against its suspension from the European Grand Prix on August 17." Added to the F1 Fanatic calendar.

Ralf hails Michael’s return as great

Ralf Schumacher: "Nothing better could have happened for Formula 1 than my brother coming back." And nothing worse could happen to F1 than… I'll let you finish that thought.

These are links I’ve bookmarked using Delicious. You can see my Delicious profile here.

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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16 comments on “F1 links: Kubica didn’t expect BMW to quit”

  1. Paige Michael-Shetley
    31st July 2009, 0:54

    Somewhere, Nico Rosberg is upset.

    1. Why? Because he doesn’t get a seat at BMW?

  2. It’s like Honda all over again… one day the future looks bright, then arrive the next morning and the doors are locked and the lights are out.

  3. Does anybody know if Hamilton, Raikkonen and Massa signatures are in the annual? It would fetch alot more if they where in it. Why are they not in it?
    I will be making a bid for it but I don’t think i’ll win though, but you never know. Wish me luck.

    1. Wish me luck.

      Make a wish..!!

  4. All this Schumacher talk could be moot if Massa is well enough to drive in Valencia. The four week break has fallen at the best point in the season for his recovery. I guess it will be medical oppinion whether he is up to driving an F1 car then – it’s better to be fully fit than risk making things worse.

    1. I’m reckon millions of F1 fans across the world would not have a problem if Massa stayed away from racing till the end of the season :)

      1. StrFerrari4Ever
        31st July 2009, 20:33

        Indeed thats what many are wishing see Schumi finishing off the season so Massa can be fully recovered for 2010.

  5. Firstly this is great news about Massa. There is one concern that the doctors may bring up, in the terrible event of any accident at the next event, are his fractures healed enough to not be an additional problem.

    With respect to closed cockpits these were studied in the past for aero reasons. The problems were visibility. Canopies that were suitable for aircraft had too much distortion for a car and after 10 laps the build up of dirt and grime on the canopy reduced visibility too much. I would not be surprised that the FIA revisits this but if something is done it cannot create new problems. This is a given as the people who will be looking at improvements have this at the top of their list. I absolutely expect a lot of attention to be given to visors. Photos would indicate that Massa’s visor became detached at the left and the question is if it had not would his injuries have been less severe and what was the failure mechanism and could the attachment point be improved.

    Nothing has come to light about Massa’s HANS device. It may have been damaged or may not have been 100% effective. I look to the two skull fractures, one obviously due to the spring immpact. The cause of the other may have been the impact with the barrier.

    I can’t say too much how great it is that Massa is strongly on the mend and wants to go racing.

    1. Massa was slumped forward already. Maybe that negated the function of the HANS?

      1. @Patrickl

        The onboard camera, BBC, didn’t show that. His head went very far forward on impact. Plus there were tyre marks from him applying the brakes on the pavement all the way to the barrier. Weak application but there was still a remarkable effort to halt the car.

  6. Manufacturers are too business orientated. F1 is just a means to a goal whereas for people like McLaren and Williams, F1 is their life.

    I say screw the manufacturers and bring back the small teams who really care about racing:
    McLaren, Williams, Benetton, Red Bull, Tyrell, Footwork, Minardi, Arrows, Brawn

    1. Red Bull? Really?

      And what about Ferrari, they been there since the beginning you know.

      1. Mussolini's Pet Cat
        3rd August 2009, 11:55

        Ok, from a historic point of view, Ferrari can stay ;)

  7. Mussolini's Pet Cat
    3rd August 2009, 11:52

    Excellent, thats another Car manufacturer out, fingers crossed Toyota go soon too.

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