You don’t associate the Hungaroring with classic F1 races – but it was a thrilling Grand Prix at this very circuit that first got me hooked on Formula One back in 1989. Nigel Mansell stormed to victory in a Ferrari from 12th on the grid, passing rival after rival on a bone-dry track. He capped … Continue reading 1989 Hungarian Grand Prix Flashback
Since McLaren escaped last week’s World Motor Sports Council hearing without punishment last week, the war of words between Ferrari and McLaren has escalated profoundly. First Jean Todt attacked, saying that Ferrari would have been punished had they been in the same position, adding there was, “not even a sign of logic in this verdict.” … Continue reading Debate: Has F1 been brought into disrepute?
McLaren boss Ron Dennis has hit back at Ferrari in the escalating row over spying in Formula 1. In a letter to Luigi Macaluso, who successfully petitioned the FIA for an appeal against McLaren’s exoneration last week, Dennis accused Ferrari of: Winning the Australian Grand Prix with an illegal car Leaking portions of their memorandum … Continue reading Furious Dennis accuses Ferrari of cheating
There will be two new faces on the GP2 grid at the Hungaroring this weekend as Marcos Martinez and Markus Niemela replace two drivers in the championship. Spaniard Martinez will replace Ernesto Viso at Racing Engineering. Viso suffered an enormous crash in the GP2 race at Magny-Cours and returned at the Nurburgring two weeks ago. … Continue reading Martinez and Niemela join GP2
A1 Grand Prix has revealed the schedule for its 2007-08 season, the third ‘World Cup of Motorsport.’ The venues are largely similar to last year. There are 11 rounds (22 races), the same as last season, when 12 were planned but the Brazilian round was cancelled for the second year in succession. Once again there … Continue reading A1 Grand Prix 2007-08 calendar revealed
The three-week summer break follows the next Grand Prix in Hungary. If you’re heading off on holiday a stack of summer paperbacks is essential for those long days at the beach. Here’s a selection of five of my favourites from biographies to general topics. Plus you can pick them up at bargain prices from F1Fanatic’s … Continue reading Essential & cheap summer reads for F1 fans
A �25m plan to develop the Silverstone circuit has been approved by the circuit’s owners, the British Racing Drivers Club, in a meeting yesterday. The circuit will get new grandstands, new pit and paddock facilities, a science park, a test centre for car manufacturers, hotel and conference centre, and new homes nearby. Silverstone is fighting … Continue reading �25m plan for Silverstone approved
The McLaren-Ferrari spying row has opened a Pandora’s Box of allegations. Ferrari have now tried to hush up a former driver’s claims that they spied on other teams’ radio transmissions. But the fact that they admitted to it in the past makes that denial hard to swallow.
The McLaren-Ferrari espionage allegations have now been referred to the appeal court following last week’s exoneration of McLaren. As Ferrari were not allowed to file an appeal against the decision themselves, it seems they have called upon the assistance of an influential Italian ally. That ally also made plain his belief that McLaren were guilty … Continue reading Ferrari’s friend wins right to McLaren appeal
Sebastian Vettel has replaced Scott Speed at Toro Rosso team with immediate effect, following his release by the BMW team. BMW said: “The current testing rules mean that he barely gets a chance to drive for us. Now he has been offered the opportunity to get inside a Toro Rosso cockpit. Scott Speed’s future at … Continue reading Sebastian Vettel replaces Scott Speed at Toro Rosso
We’re having another one of those vintage seasons where McLaren and Ferrari are throwing everything they have at each other on and off the track. But the antagonism has reached a new high after McLaren escaped from the FIA hearing into espionage without punishment. The tight Hungaroring is ordinarily an overtaking-free zone, so qualifying will … Continue reading Hungarian Grand Prix 2007 preview & TV times
The Daily Telegraph picked footage of crashes that killed two people as the second best video on the internet. This morning’s Telegraph links to a Youtube compilation of F1 crashes that include footage of the incidents in which Paulo Ghislimberti and Garahm Beveridge were killed. Ghislimberti died after a multiple car crash at the start … Continue reading Daily Telegraph rates F1 death crashes ‘top video’ (updated)
With attention turning to the driver market for 2008, several of F1’s seasoned campaigners have already bagged contract extensions. Rubens Barrichello will stay with Honda – and should surpass Riccardo Patrese’s record number of career starts (256) early next year). David Coulthard is set for a fourth year at Red Bull – when many had … Continue reading Debate: Youth vs experience
Tom Onslow-Cole was gifted pole position for the third race at Snetterton – and converted it into his first BTCC win. But all the action went on behind him, with Fabrizio Giovanardi surviving an off-road collision to take third place off championship rival Jason Plato.
Damon Hill will be joining ITV’s commentary team for next week’s Hungarian Grand Prix. The ITV team made the announcement following their coverage of today’s British Touring Car races. He is expected to be joining James Allen in the commentary box in place of Martin Brundle, who usually misses the Hungarian race.
Fabrizio Giovanardi continued hit back from his Donington disappointment at Snetterton, winning the second of the day’s races. But championship leader Jason Plato kept the Italian in his sights, finishing third behind Matt Neal who impressively charge from 18th on the grid to finish on the podium.
Colin Turkington crossed the line first at the end of the first BTCC race at Snetterton – but was disqualified after post-race inspection revealed his car was 5kg underweight. That meant Team Halford’s Gordon Shedden inherited the win, ahead of Turkington’s team mate Tom Onslow-Cole and Vauxhall’s Tom Chilton.
Rickard Rydell sensationally – and surprisingly – won the second race at Anderstorp after passing team mates Alain Menu and Nicola Larini on the final lap. Rydell is not contesting the full championship this season, and Larini was unhappy that he had been allowed to take points off him. Rain once again made the race … Continue reading WTCC Anderstorp 2: Last-lap home win
Audi team orders forced Alexandre Premat to give up what would have been his first DTM win. Premat actually let team mate Martin Tomcyk pass him twice, the final time coming mere metres before the line on the final lap. Audi dominated the weekend, turning a 1-2-3-4-5 result in qualifying to 1-2-3-4 in the race.
Jonathan Kennard broke his victory race in very wet conditions at Spa-Francorchamps after only four laps’ racing. He started the race from pole and was aided by the race starting behind the safety car as the track was extremely wet and rain was continuing to fall. The race got underway after three laps and the … Continue reading British F3 Spa 2: Kennard’s first win