Jacques Villeneuve made an outspoken attack on Lewis Hamilton two weeks ago. His words were widely criticised by many drivers, and were probably no more than Villeneuve looking for a bit of attention ahead of his Le Mans 24 Hours debut. But perhaps they also concealed a hint of envy at Hamilton’s stellar debut, which … Continue reading Hamilton’s debut trumps Villeneuve’s
Suzuka Circuit articles archive
Suzuka Circuit
2008 F1 calendar may have 20 races
Posted onBernie Ecclestone’s goal of having 20 races could be recognised as early as next year. The F1 calendar is set for more upheaval as the series continues to look to new venues beyond its European heartland. France is set to lose its race and there are question marks over the American and British rounds. Plus … Continue reading 2008 F1 calendar may have 20 races
McLaren cleared by FIA over Monaco ‘team orders’
Posted onThe FIA has cleared McLaren of any wrongdoing in the Monaco Grand Prix. The governing body stated that the team brought Hamilton into the pits earlier than necessary to avoid his race being compromised if the safety car had come out. They agreed McLaren would have been “foolish” to do otherwise. But there are still … Continue reading McLaren cleared by FIA over Monaco ‘team orders’
1999 Malaysian Grand Prix flashback
Posted onThe Formula One circus arrived at an Asian Grand Prix venue outside of Japan for the first time in its history in 1999. It delivered a surprising race – if not exactly a vintage one. For a few days it even seemed to have settled the drivers’ championship in favour of Mika Hakkinen – before … Continue reading 1999 Malaysian Grand Prix flashback
Australian Grand Prix 2007 Statistics & facts
Posted onWhich team took their best ever qualifying position? Which rookie took his team-mate to the cleaners? And just how far ahead are Ferrari. All the stats and facts from the first race of the year are here.
The Ben Evans Column – A crucial year
Posted on2007 could be F1’s most important season for decades. With a revitalised driver market and no prospect of Michael Schumacher dominating, F1 has the opportunity to win over new fans, and bring back those that switched off in the years of Ferrari dominance. At the same time there is a sense that the sport is … Continue reading The Ben Evans Column – A crucial year
F1 2007 Preview: Out with the old…
Posted onThe 2007 season is all about change – brand new drivers in top-ranking teams, three vintage circuits dropped from the calendar. And, of course, one long-time great of the sport finally stepping down. Here are the big names that have left in 2007.
F1 2007 Preview: Toyota
Posted onWhich problem do you think angers Toyota’s management more: Their complete failure to deliver on the enormous investment pumped into the team for six years – or the fact that no-one cares? For Toyota are not only one of the least successful teams compared to the amount spent on their F1 campaign – they are … Continue reading F1 2007 Preview: Toyota
F1 2007 Preview: The defecting champion
Posted onFormula 1 in 2007 is all about change – and the change that I find most fascinating of all is Fernando Alonso’s defection to McLaren. It’s a very rare thing indeed to see a reigning champion switch teams. In the last three decades Alonso is only the fifth champion to make such a change. The … Continue reading F1 2007 Preview: The defecting champion
F1 2007 Preview: The Raikkonen conundrum
Posted onKimi Raikkonen: party animal, or apathetic mumbler? Brutally quick race winner, or over-rated car breaker? Heir to Michael Schumacher’s mantle, or, in the words of Jacques Villeneuve, an, “over-rated driver package,” who, “really doesn’t care?” 2007 world drivers’ champion, or three-times runner-up?
F1 2007 Preview: The circuits
Posted onIn four weeks’ time the first official practice session of 2007 will begin. And so we kick off our countdown to the racing year with our 2007 season preview. First up: the tracks. With a brand-new venue on the schedule, chopping and changing elsewhere and a couple of unusually long gaps in the calendar, there … Continue reading F1 2007 Preview: The circuits
Video: Great F1 press conference moments (part 2)
Posted onFormula 1 press conferences are usually rigidly boring. Drivers usually stick to their PR scripts, try to get their sponsors and watch suppliers into the camera shot, and refuse even to speculate, never mind criticise or joke. But they’re always worth watching, because every now and then something actually interesting happens. Here’s a few more … Continue reading Video: Great F1 press conference moments (part 2)
Video: Great F1 press conference moments (part 1)
Posted onControversy, comedy, and water fights. Formula 1 press conferences have proved the unlikely venues for all manner of hi-jinxs. Today we take a look at some of the funniest moments in F1 press conferences captured on video – and a few of the arguments that erupted in front of the press. And we’ll have a … Continue reading Video: Great F1 press conference moments (part 1)
How do you solve a problem like Toyota?
Posted onAre you a passionate, devoted fan of Panasonic Toyota Racing? Did you heart beat with anticipation during the unveiling of the TF107 last week? Will you tune in to the Australian Grand Prix in eight weeks’ time, praying for an all red-and-white front row? Probably not. According to last year’s FIA survey Toyota were the … Continue reading How do you solve a problem like Toyota?
Video: Top 50 F1 Passes – Part V
Posted onThe final ten of the greatest overtaking moves ever. And are any of these ten really all that much better than each other? Not by very much. By its very nature the history of Formula One is littered with exceptional racers doing exceptional things. And although it’s true that, today, aerodynamics, refuelling, team orders and … Continue reading Video: Top 50 F1 Passes – Part V
Video: Top 50 F1 Passes – Part IV
Posted onTen more passes that made us blink is disbelief: including two moves on Alan Jones by Gilles Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher’s greatest overtaking move. The final top ten will be revealed tomorrow – don’t miss it!
Video: Top 50 F1 Passes – Part I
Posted onSo, the arrival of aerodynamics killed racing did it? Not a bit of it. F1Fanatic counts down the 50 greatest overtaking moves of the last 30 years, featuring such past pass masters as Gilles Villeneuve, Nigel Mansell, Juan Pablo Montoya and many more. The first ten videos are below – check back over the next … Continue reading Video: Top 50 F1 Passes – Part I
F1 in the news 19
Posted onIn the F1 news this week India and Portugal are bidding to host a Grand Prix – and Suzuka are hoping to get theirs back. Plus Jarno Trulli hails the GPDA and Adrian Sutil does the same for Lewis Hamilton. Read on for these and more.
So, who won?
Posted onToday is the annual FIA Gala when the top drivers and teams of the year have an enormous bash and all the prizes are handed out. Including, of course, the FIA Formula One World Drivers’ Championship and the FIA Formula One World Constructors’ Championship trophies. It begs an obvious question – why on earth is … Continue reading So, who won?
Why the 2007 calendar is too short
Posted onWe all have a few writers whose opinions we tend to agree with – but isn’t it surprising when one of them comes out with something that’s totally at odds with your point of view? So it was for me last week reading Damien Smith’s latest The Observer column on Autosport.com. He agrees with Max … Continue reading Why the 2007 calendar is too short