Enzo Ferrari’s son warns F1 must protect historic venues

F1 Fanatic round-up

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In the round-up: Piero Ferrari says F1 is a global sport but must not forget its European heritage.

Links

Top F1 links from the past 24 hours:

Piero Ferrari at Wrooom: “Nice to see the drivers getting on so well” (Ferrari)

“The future of Formula 1? First of all, I hope that it maintains the right balance between the number of races outside Europe and those held in the Old Continent itself: on the one hand, we must not forget this is a global sport, but on the other we must protect its historic birthplace with certain Grands Prix such as the one in France or the races at Silverstone, Spa and Monza, where we always witness some fantastic racing.”

I’d love to drive for Mercedes, admits Di Resta as British star targets F1 world title (Daily Mail)

“Right now I am a Force India Formula One driver so the focus is there. But in the future I want to be winning races and I’ll make my decisions based on that.”

Bruno Senna is the favourite to drive for Williams team (BBC)

“Veteran Italian Jarno Trulli’s tenure at Caterham – who raced as Lotus last year – is also believed to be insecure, but Russian Vitaly Petrov, who drove for Renault in 2010 and 2011, is tipped to get that seat.”

Daniel Ricciardo Q&A: I must deliver on Toro Rosso opportunity (F1)

“I have been working with [Helmut] Marko for four years now so I know very well that he has high expectations. It’s always been the case. I use it as motivation to get the best out of myself and push to the very limit. If this is achieved then that’s real success.”

Austin firm pushes to finish F1 track work (Austin-American Statesman)

“It turns out [Miro Rivera Architects] also designed the main grandstand, even though the other architects employed by the circuit include Tilke GmbH and HKS. The German firm Tilke designed the 3.4-mile circuit in Southeast Travis County and has built striking Formula One tracks and grandstands around the globe.”

‘Ugly’ Ferrari fails FIA test (Crash)

“Ferrari’s efforts to supplant Red Bull at the top of the F1 tree may have suffered a temporary setback amid reports that its 2012 car failed the mandatory FIA crash test.”

Sauber via Twitter

“Good news: Yesterday the C31 passed the rear crash test which was the final one missing. Now looking forward to the roll-out in Jerez.”

Bahrain fires tear gas, stun grenades to halt protesters (MSNBC)

“Protests in Bahrain appear to have picked up recently despite the findings released in November of a government-backed commission established to investigate abuses by the government and security forces, Mariwan Hama-Saeed of Human Rights Watch says.”

Patents in F1 explained

“The lack of patents in F1 is quite simple. It’s because if a team takes out a patent on a design, that then locks in an advantage the other teams cannot access. Therefore the other teams will simply vote it out through the FIA Technical Working Group process by the end of the season in question.”

McLaren’s 50 Greatest Drivers – No.12: Johnny Rutherford (McLaren)

“During 1974, not only did he post his first Indy 500 victory but also became the first driver ever to win two 500-mile races during the same season.”

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Comment of the day

As ever yesterday’s debate on DRS provoked a range of differing opinions. A recurring theme was the perception that DRS has gone from being a temporary fix to a long-term solution, which a lot of readers didn’t like:

What about the proposed return to limited ground effects in 2014? The whole argument towards bringing it back was the fact that the cars would be less dependant on downforce from the wings.

I mean, please correct me if I’m wrong, but the whole idea for DRS was as a stop gap measure until the new regulations came in, after which it would be scrapped. I would say I’m of a majority that doesn’t like DRS but could live with it as a temporary measure. Now its basically permanent I’m sick at the sight of it.
Banburyhammer1

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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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57 comments on “Enzo Ferrari’s son warns F1 must protect historic venues”

  1. What about the proposed return to limited ground effects in 2014? The whole argument towards bringing it back was the fact that the cars would be less dependant on downforce from the wings.

    It was rejected by the teams.

    1. @prisoner-monkeys I can never understand that. I loved that idea.

      1. The teams didn’t like it because ground effects were proposed for 2014, which means they would have to start using them at the same time as they had to adapt to the new engine regulations, and they thought that was asking too much.

        1. I think it was rather the sheer scope it offers for new things and the realisation that it would mean starting with completely fresh Ideas.

          That would probably mean it might upset the order, something especially the leasing teams would not be to happy with!

        2. Banburyhammer1
          14th January 2012, 13:09

          So why not just delay the change, rather than abandon it? This self interest is damaging.

  2. Honestly I’d keep Monaco, Spa, Silverstone, Monza and Suzuka on the calendar at all costs. Just as other sports have historic stadia and teams, F1 needs to keep its history intact also as a vital part of its identity.

    1. I feel for the current formula one cars and everyone wanting overtaking every second that Monaco is too small and boring for F1 to work properly on that circuit. I absolutely hate that Grand Prix for the reason that it literally is just cars following each other at a slower speed than usual. It is a waste of a calendar slot.

      All that needs to stay is Silverstone, Spa, Monza.

      1. @ JackHider

        See what your saying about Monaco but there just is so much history about the place and the greatest of drivers thrive there.

      2. I think there is more to Formula 1 than overtaking, especially at Monaco. While Monaco may not be a circuit that’s known for making overtaking easy, it makes for great battles that can quite easily drag on lap after lap.

        1. I agree with that @tmfox, Monaco is something completely different of a challenge for te drivers. Its not about sheer speed or overtaking. Instead its about going maximum speed through tight streets and corners and not bin it in a 2hr race.

      3. I would actually say that Monaco is generally one of the best GPs of the year. a) It has great history b) Qualifying is amazing at Monaco, it is down to skill, precision, and bravery (ex. Perez this year). c) Interesting Strategies d) Knock-down, drag out battles last for long periods of time. e) the overtakes you do see can be incredible f) One lapse of concentration, and someone is in the barriers. And just the spectacle of watching the cars fly through such close quarters

        1. Exactly. There is no other track like Monaco.

      4. Banburyhammer1
        14th January 2012, 13:14

        Monaco is truly like no other race on the calendar – its not full of overtaking, but it is 70 laps of the ultimate test of skil and concentration, where any mistake sees you crash out.

        Theres nothing more Formula One than that – forget the stuff happing around the track, youre watching the best drivers in the best race cars driving around the most unforgiving circuit in the whole world. Monaco is well worth its place.

      5. ******** HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT ABOUT MONACO!!!
        monaco has never not been exiting FULL STOP.!

      6. The Cicuit de Monaco is as important to the “legend” of F1 as Daytona is for NASCAR, or Indianapolis is for Indycar. It can’t go, ever. It’s the most important race, it simply can’t go

    2. I’d add Interlagos and Gilles-Villeneuve circuits to that list to make it perfect.

      1. Jack you’re missing the point, Monaco isn’t about a great race with loads of overtaking, it’s almost it’s own category of racing, it’s testing the drivers to their limit. You usually find that the truly great drivers win the Monaco Grand Prix at some point, it is a true test of a drivers skill. You also have to remember the history Monaco has, the glamour, Formula 1 wouldn’t be Formula 1 without the Monaco Grand Prix, it’s the only one the general public know of, it’s the famous one, it’s the trademark for the sport which we all here love and we must never lose it.

      2. @snowman Agreed, those two are classics and the calendar would be worse off without them!

        @jackhider I agree with the others. There may not be much overtaking, but it’s such a unique spectacle, and the only Grand Prix that the entire public knows of, it would be wrong not to include it. Plus this years race was great until the red flag robbed us of an enthralling finish.

        1. Yes, Monaco is a great track, has loads of history, and a real driver needs skill. But formula one has outgrown both the track and the place itself. I really dislike it. I don’t watch F1 for the overtaking, but many people do and Monaco just doesn’t give us that. In terms of track quality I’d rather see Istanbul Park on the calendar.

          1. I don’t watch F1 for the overtaking, but many people do

            A lot of people like that will also watch big-name events more than places like Istanbul. And the Monaco GP is one of the biggest events in motorsport, not just F1. And a lot of people who watch F1 for pretty much only overtaking actually also watch it for the crashes.

    3. Absolutely Colossal Squid, I would also include a German GP at either the Nurburgring or Hockenheim, a return of the French GP possibly being held in the Bugatti course at Le Mans, and return of the A1 Ring or Imola.

      Honorable mention…..Canadian GP at Montreal.

  3. I like the way the info on the Ferrari crash test is on crash.net

    1. hope in the comments on crash.net your saying you like things about f1fanatic.co.uk!!

      1. I guess @thezadak rather meant the nice synergy of news about a Ferrari failing the crash test is reported on a site called crash.net!

        1. yep BasCB, that does make sense!! dunno how I missed it!

      2. I think he’s trying to point out the “irony” of the crash test info being on crash.net – he’s not trying to advertise for them

  4. the statesman article mentions the new cowboys stadium, which is supposed to be all you could ask from a modern cathedral of sport, and more. the art on display in its halls and galleries is worth more than other entire teams :O

  5. As a fan i think i would rather see Williams pick Bruno Senna, if nothing else just to spice things up a bit, but if it was me making the decision i would stick with Rubens purely based on the fact Pastor Maldonado is driving the other car and personally i rank him as lower than any other driver on the grid at this moment in time.

    Also, i would love to see Vitaly replace Jarno at Caterham, i don’t think Petrov deserves to just be left out in the cold and forgotten about, sure he’s not been fantastic and he’s had a few scraps here and there but i think he’s pretty decent and i would welcome the decision if Caterham chose to do that.

    Finally, is there anything on Jaime Alguersuari’s plans for the future? Any roumers? Would be a shame for him to just disappear off the radar completely.

    1. According to Lotus F1’s ‘unofficial’ Twitter account (yes, I’m using Twitter – deal with it):

      Vitaly Petrov to replace Jarno at Caterham

      I’m told this guy is usually pretty accurate, but I only have somebody else’s word on that.

      It does, however, seem to tally nicely with a coulple of Russian commentators who said that an announcement on Petrov’s future will be made on the 20th, and a Spanish journalist who reported that Petrov had ruled out a drive at HRT. And then, of course, there was the way Jarno Trulli got stuck into Petrov’s 2011 performance – I still cannot think of a single reason for doing that other than Trulli feeling threatened by Petrov.

      Finally, is there anything on Jaime Alguersuari’s plans for the future? Any roumers?

      Nothing much, other than that he is looking for a test and reserve role with a front-running team. There was a rumour that he was angling to replace Gary Paffet at McLaren (possibly because the FIA was going to redefine “young driver”) but there hasn’t been anything since those reports about him rejecting a seat at HRT surfaced a week or so ago.

      1. If this happens does that mean you’ll support ‘team Fernandes then from now on? Who would have thought it.

    2. Well he is also on the radar at Mercedes AMG for a Test/Reserve role.

  6. Valencia want to have their cake and eat it, too – it’s been reported that they have rejected alternating the Spanish Grand Prix between Barcelona and Valencia.

    1. I’m surprised you’re even mentioning Twitter in a sentence let alone following it now.

      Trulli’s time has come I feel. Atleast Barrichello is usually cheerful, Trulli always just seems irrate and annoyed.

      1. I’m not actually following Twitter. Someone on another forum posted that update about Petrov, and I went looking for it. I checked out the rest of the feed to see how credible it was, but so far I haven’t found anything to prove or disprove its value.

        1. yes, I’m using Twitter – deal with it

          Using but not following… interesting ;)

        2. And yet a week ago you refused to read links in the round-up that had ‘twitter’ in the name :p

  7. I’m really looking forward to seeing the new pair at Toro Rosso race this season. Seems like the midfield battle this year is going to be very tight and full of young, ambitious well-to-do drivers which hopefully results in close quarters racing. I can’t wait!

  8. Beeb picked up Gary Anderson? God have mercy on us out here in Asia watching F1 on ESPN Star..Gary was the only person that was keeping the experience bareable! Congrats to Gary though..he’s pretty decent behind the mic

  9. Poor Felipe. Now they even say they have him around because of his accident.
    I really hope hè keeps up, or even beats Fernando. But I fear his accident and maybe becoming à father have ripped him of that extra little bit à driver needs to become champion.

  10. If F1 loses it’s great tracks, it’s losing part of itself.

  11. So in the two polls 27% & 18% of people chose the scrap drs option. pretty predictable which point of view got COTD then.

    1. I don’t think you read the COTD. They say they can live with it, but only as a temporary measure, which is the only reason it was ever introduced and the only reason a lot of people came to accept it. They aren’t calling for DRS to be scrapped for this year (which is what the poll was actually asking I believe)- that point of view did NOT get COTD.

    2. Banburyhammer1
      14th January 2012, 13:06

      I was trying to make the point that DRS is such a blunt force solution to the problem of overtaking. Its guesswork, and there seems to be no equilibrium struck between giving the opportunity and just breezing past.

      Ground effects would have been a much more satisfying solution all round, and DRS was fine as a stop gap measure. Its never going to be a permanent fix, the fact that people are disscussing a hypothetical complete overhaul of the way its used surely suggests it is in no way a permanent solution. Paddy Lowe must be deluded to think that it is.

  12. Why are we getting news about the protesters in Bahrain, on an F1 site?

    Surely if we’re going to go on “F1 goes to that country so we must do news on it”, then we should have a news item for every country F1 goes to. Surely there should be news about the protests in the USA and how the cops there used tear-gas and were beating and arresting those protesters? It all just seems very much like this site is trying to sway opinions using very selective news reporting.

    1. @infy
      It is F1 related news because the situation in Bahrain can change the race calender for 2012, a few protests in the united states won’t.

    2. Have you forgotten why last year’s race was cancelled already?

    3. The other day there was a ‘positive’ story about the circuit taking back employees fired for protesting.

      1. The only thing threatening the race is public perception of what is actually going on there.

        The situation in Bahrain has remained the same for around 18 months now.

        1. I see here we don’t disagree upon @infy

          The situation in Bahrain has remained the same for around 18 months now.

          Last year it was not a good idea to go to Bahrain, its not that much better an Idea currently then, if nothing much changed, eh.

        2. There hasn’t been an F1 race in Bahrain for (over) 18 months either…

  13. Caterham: Hire a Russian, sell Caterham’s in Russia.

    Solid enough business plan. Although it means the Marussia V Caterham rivalry is going to heat up! ;)

    1. Yup, sounds thoroughly logical. And given the fact that racing in Russia is centred a lot around old Lada touring car series, they might do well to introduce a caterham racing series for relatively low entry competition.

      I would say Marussia fishes in quite a different pond from that, as the cars they built are a factor 5-10 more expensive than what Caterham offers.

  14. Loved reading about the Ferrari drivers getting on and how Ferrari might owe Felipe. I thought that was nice. Arguably Felipe hasn’t been treated very well since 2010 but I think Ferrari genuinely have a lot of love for him.

    I’m not too fussed about the age of the venues just so long as they’re the best.

    1. Indeed. I think it must be difficult for Felipe. They know how much support the team gave him in his recovery period and he therefore must feel like he owes them quite a bit, otherwise I doubt he would have taken the way Ferrari have treated him (on the track) as well as he has done. He likes to let his emotions known but on the Fernando support role issue he’s had to tow the party line somewhat.

      I think there is a lot of frustration in him at the moment and it would definitely be nice to see him rediscover some of his ability that he clearly has, not least because it might put Fernando in a more uncomfortable position!

    2. @Steph Couldn’t agree more with that last sentence. I enjoy Istanbul Park as much as I do Monza.

  15. Unfortunately it seems that money will be the deciding factor in which races will be on the calendar in the future. I’m sick of the Valencia grand prix, so boring that it could be used as a cure for insomnia. Why it’s still there despite there being the conscensus that there shouldn’t be more than one grand prix in the same country can only be due to it having a defined length of contract, once the contract is up, it should be cut.

    I agree that it is a real shame that ground effects were rejected. I can see the argument that it may be too much to introduce it at the same time as the new engine regs, but I feel it should have been deferred rather than shunned altogether. It would basically reduce the how problematic “dirty air” is on overtaking and allow the drivers to show their skill. Surely if a smaller team were able to find performance with ground effects, it would be good for the sport as it would provide the opportunity to find performance without said performance being solely reliant on large amounts of money. If the big teams were off the pace to begin with, they’ll have the resources to get onto the pace and so there could be more cars that are more evenly matched in the end, the recipe for great racing. On the other side of the coin, i have started to take a great interest in the technical side of the sport (thanks scarbsf1) and if the underside of the car played the largest part in performance then I have some worry that I will miss out on being able to see visually what’s making the cars so fast.

  16. In addition to my comment above, I have to say that I think the advantage of ground effects far overrides the visual aspects. We’d just have to wait until a car crashed out and was craned off the track (a la mark webber last season) for us to see the magic that the underside of the car provides.

    As far as Ferrari and massa are concerned. Ferrari have made their stance clear in the press statement. They say they hope they can avoid the mistakes of 2011 so that they can deliver a car capable of giving fernando a chance of winning the championship. That’s not word for word but essentially what domenicalli said in a recent interview. They’ve essentially said to massa that they’ll try to make the car good but that their money is on alonso, and massa doing well would be a bonus. I for one would find it a shame if massa’s accident were to stop him from achieving his former pace. Even as a Lewis fan I’d like to see home back to his best (just with Lewis coming out on top). Come on felipe , prove them wrong.

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