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  • Bahrain GP officially struck off the 2011 F1 calendar

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    It’s official. The Bahrain GP has been struck off the 2011 F1 calendar, again. The Middle East race was originally scheduled as the 2011 season opener, but civil unrest in the country forced the sport’s authorities to postpone the race. Earlier this month, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) reinstated the race following a satisfactory assessment by FIA VP Carlos Gracia.

    FIA gave Bahrain the October 30 slot of the inaugural Indian GP, pushing the new race to be the season finale in December. Then came the protests, from uneasy drivers to vocal human rights groups. The Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA) umbrella body then rejected the race, and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone also raised his concerns.

    The loud chorus forced FIA to reconsider its decision, and the following WMSC fax vote lead to the latest development. India will get back its original October 30 date and the season will end in Brazil on November 27. Bahrain will be back next year to host the 2012 season opener.

     

  • GE comes onboard as Premium Partner of Team Lotus

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    Team Lotus has announced that American giant GE is the team’s latest sponsor. GE, a leading global technology and infrastructure company that operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people, joins the Malaysian owned team as a Premium Partner. GE branding will be seen on the team’s T128 F1 cars and entire race and factory structure from this July’s British GP.

    “On behalf of the whole team I am very proud to welcome GE into the Team Lotus family. It is a resounding endorsement of the remarkable development of our team that we have unveiled a partnership of this significance with one of the world’s most eminent organisations,” gushed Team Lotus boss Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.

    “We are already exploring a number of initiatives that will bring the GE/Team Lotus relationship to life across the spectrum of GE’s interests, from future automotive electrification technologies, materials sciences, design processes and core engineering competencies to the showcasing of GE’s world class e-infrastructure capabilities throughout the global business and government communities in race and non-race markets alike,” he elaborated.

    “We are excited to sponsor Team Lotus and continue our relationship with Tony Fernandes. We have worked with Tony for many years and know his commitment to the aviation business. The global appeal and popularity of Formula 1 provides a unique opportunity for GE and we look forward to great things from Tony again as we become part of his team,” said Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO of GE.

    Last month, AirAsia X signed a USD 600mil deal with GE Aviation that will see the latter supply engines for its three new Airbus A330-200s, with an option to outfit two more planes. The long-haul budget carrier also made a 20-year on-point solutions agreement with GE for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the CF6-80E1 engines.

    I scratch your back, you scratch mine!

     

  • Ferraris are fast in Canada, but Vettel is on pole once again

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    Formula 1 moves to Canada for its only North American race in the calendar, and yesterday’s qualifying session at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve saw reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel race to his sixth pole position in seven races this year. Hot on the heels of the Red Bull man was the Ferrari duo of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, who will line up second and third on the grid.

    The young German’s 1m13.014s lap was 0.185s faster than Alonso’s best effort and 0.203 faster than Massa’s. This is the best Saturday for the Scuderia so far this season, and their legions of fans will be hoping that it translates to good results later in the race.

    Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber is fourth, and Lewis Hamilton will line up alongside Mercedes GP Petronas’ Nico Rosberg on the third row in fifth and sixth respectively. McLaren’s other English champion, Jenson Button, is seventh. The rest of the top ten spots will be filled by Michael Schumacher (8th), Nick Heidfeld (9th) and Vitaly Petrov (10th). Lotus Renault GP would be happy to see two black/gold cars in Q3.

    Further down the grid, Toro Rosso’s Jaime Alguersuari is the midfielder to join the usual six cars to fall out in Q1. Team Lotus’ Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen should now be able to drive to their usual 19th and 20th spots on the grid blindfolded, as they’ve made it their own. Behind them are the HRTs and Virgins. The latter’s Jerome d’Ambrosio qualified almost half a second off the 107% time, so his race is in the stewards’ hands.

    Click here to see the full timing sheet. For those staying up late to watch the race, we wish you good recovery and a decently productive Monday!

     

  • Bahrain concedes defeat in 2011 F1 race controversy

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    It has been one week since FIA announced the reinstatement of the Bahrain GP, which will take the October 30 slot of the Indian GP, pushing the inaugural race to be the 2011 season finale. But instead of welcoming cheers, the World Motor Sport Council decision attracted plenty of flak from the paddock, human rights groups and commentators alike. You can read their views here and here.

    As criticism grew by the day, including an unwilling FOTA and a doubtful Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA has been left with little option but to backtrack and apologise. No such move, yet, but FIA president Jean Todt has asked Bernie to resubmit a calendar, which would likely revert India to October 30, ending the season in Brazil on November 27. The Bahrain GP organiser meanwhile, has all but given up hope.

    “Whilst Bahrain would have been delighted to see the grand prix progress on October 30th in-line with the World Motor Sport Council’s decision, it has been made clear that this fixture cannot progress and we fully respect that decision,” Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani said in a statement.

    “Bahrain has always sought to play a positive role in the continued development of Formula 1, from pioneering F1 racing in the Middle East, to helping other countries in facilitating their own races in new territories, as well as providing our own unique experience and universal welcome to grand prix supporters.

    “Bahrain has absolutely no desire to see a race which would further extend the calendar season [and] detract from the enjoyment of F1 for either drivers, teams or supporters. We want our role in Formula 1 to continue to be as positive and constructive as it has always been, therefore, in the best interest of the sport, we will not pursue the rescheduling of a race this season,” he added.

     

  • Formula One Teams’ Association rejects Bahrain GP

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    Yesterday, we posted about the dissatisfaction some had with the FIA’s decision to reinstate the Bahrain GP, moving the inaugural Indian GP to be the season finale in the process. The likes of Red Bull’s Mark Webber and ex-FIA boss Max Mosley warned against F1 playing a part in Bahrain’s social unrest, which has claimed injuries and lives.

    Now, the teams have collectively voiced their concern via the Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA) umbrella body. FOTA has written to the sport’s guardians and stated that its members do not want to race in Bahrain on October 30, Autosport reported. FOTA did not release a public statement, but the report says that a letter has been delivered to the FIA, Formula One Management and the Bahrain GP organisers.

    After discussing the issue over the past 36 hours, it is understood that FOTA’s stand is as per above, and that it wants the Indian GP be changed back to its original October 30 date. However, FOTA has apparently not ruled out a return of the Bahrain GP at some point. It is believed that they prefer this to happen in 2012, not this season.

    Even Bernie Ecclestone is not 100% for the FIA decision. “The way things are at the moment, we have no idea what is going to happen. Better that we move Bahrain to the end of the season and, if things are safe and well, then that is fine, we can go. If they are not, then we don’t go and there are no problems,” the F1 supremo was quoted as saying.

     

  • Bahrain’s return to F1 calendar faces growing backlash

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    The FIA’s decision to reinstate the Bahrain GP is receiving plenty of criticism and apprehension from the teams and drivers. Some are worried about the safety situation, others are concerned about the issue of human rights. Faced with protests, the government has been reported to use heavy handed tactics to break up protests, injuring and killing protesters.

    Red Bull’s Mark Webber was one of the first to voice his concerns. “When people in a country are being hurt, the issues are bigger than sport. Let’s hope the right decision is made,” he tweeted on the eve of FIA’s meeting to decide the outcome.

    “In my personal opinion, the sport should have taken a much firmer stance earlier this year rather than constantly delaying its decision in hope of being able to re-schedule it in 2011. It would have sent a very clear message about F1′s position on something as fundamental as human rights and how it deals with moral issues,” he added on his website.

    “As a competitor I do not feel at all comfortable going there to compete in an event when, despite reassurances to the contrary, it seems inevitable that it will cause more tension for the people of that country. I don’t understand why my sport wishes to place itself in a position to be a catalyst for that,” the Aussie said.

    Rubens Barrichello, head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, focused on safety. “I would like to make it clear that I love the track and the event itself. Therefore, I want to be sure that we will be safe there. In the GPDA meetings, all of the drivers showed concern and demanded safety to race in Bahrain. For us, the drivers, what really matters is safety. The rest is not important.”

    Like Webber, ex-FIA president Max Mosley warns that by racing in Bahrain, F1 is supporting the violence. “Surely the line has to be drawn when a sporting event is not mere entertainment in a less-than-perfect country, but is being used by an oppressive regime to camouflage its actions,” Mosley wrote in the his Daily Telegraph column. “If a sport accepts this role, it becomes a tool of government. If F1 allows itself to be used in this way in Bahrain, it will share the regime’s guilt as surely as if it went out and helped brutalise unarmed protesters,” he warned.

     

  • Bahrain is back in 2011 F1 calendar, India is now last race

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    The 2011 Bahrain GP has been reinstated and will take place on October 30, FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) announced on Friday. In the original F1 calendar, that date was scheduled for the first ever Indian GP, which will now be the season finale on December 11 and venue of the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize-Giving Gala.

    If you remember, Bahrain was supposed to be this season’s opening race on March 13, but the wave of civil unrest and uprising the hit the Arab world saw it being postponed. The on/off decision was to be made early May, but the island state asked for a later deadline from the FIA.

    “Following a fact-finding mission undertaken at the request of FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Vice President Carlos Gracia visited Bahrain on 31 May 2011 to assess the situation in the country,” read an FIA statement.

    “Meetings were conducted with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Bahrain Motor Federation and Bahrain International Circuit, as well as other national and international organisations including Mr. Tariq Al Saffar at the National Institute of Human Rights. It should be noted that the recent announcement by the King of Bahrain has established a political dialogue and reconciliation process.

    “This decision reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain, which is evident from the strong support the race receives from the Government and all major parties in Bahrain, including the largest opposition group, all of whom endorse the Formula One Grand Prix and motor sport in the country.

    “The WMSC feels that reinstating the Grand Prix is a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward, and also recognises the commitment made by the Formula One teams, their employees and families, and personnel associated with the Championship including the local team of volunteers who are so vital to the event,” it added.

    The decision to reinstate Bahrain means that this season’s F1 calendar will have an unprecedented 20 rounds and will end on December 11. The teams aren’t happy with it, as are human rights activists.

     

  • Eric Boullier on Heidfeld: Good, but not good enough

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    Nick Heidfeld was signed by Lotus Renault GP as an experienced stand in to main driver Robert Kubica, who was seriously injured in a rally accident before the season started. He’s supposed to lead the line, but the past few races have been disappointing for Quick Nick, who is now getting a hurry up from his boss.

    The German started the season outside of the points, but bounced back strongly in Sepang with a podium finish. However, the following four races saw him pick up less points than the 15 he got in Malaysia. He has also struggled to match the pace of teammate Vitaly Petrov in qualifying, damaging his chances of better results on Sunday. His head-to-head qualifying score against Petrov is 1-5.

    When asked by Autosport what Heidfeld needed to do, team boss Eric Boullier said: “I don’t know. I need to sit down with him and understand his concerns and to have a fair understanding of the situation. It needs to be from practice one to be at least on Vitaly’s pace and it looks like there is always a delay, and qualifying if you are not ready car wise, balance wise and confidence wise then you cannot deliver on one single lap.”

    On Heidfeld’s season so far, he said: “Let’s say good, but not good enough. Sunday is okay. Sunday’s pace is good, it is very good, but obviously the higher we qualify on the grid, the better the chance we have to score more points.”

    Looks like Quick Nick will have to live up to his nickname quickly, especially on Saturdays. The next race is the Canadian GP from 10-12 June in Montreal.

     

  • Petrov Monaco crash: No swelling and no broken bones

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    One of the big moments in yesterday’s Monaco GP was when the leading trio of Vettel, Alonso and Button caught up with a group of cars fighting among themselves on lap 68. They were Maldonado, Sutil, Hamilton, Petrov and Alguersuari. They all came together at the Swimming Pool, where Sutil and Hamilton damaged their cars while Petrov and Alguersuari crashed out. The leaders scrambled past the melee.

    While Toro Rosso’s young Spaniard walked away immediately unhurt, Vitaly Petrov was clearly hurt in his Lotus Renault R31. The safety car was out, and the ambulance too, which drove the Russian to Princess Grace hospital. While Vitaly complained about his left ankle to the medical crew, no fracture had been diagnosed at the circuit and further checks in the hospital revealed no swelling or broken bones.

    When asked, the LRGP driver said: “I’m fine, thank you. It’s been a big crash but I’m ok. First of all, I would like to thank all my fans for all their well wishes, the medical teams at the circuit, the hospital for their efficient and friendly assistance, and the team for their concern.

    “After the impact, I could not feel my legs very well. I thought it was best for the medical team to assist with removing me from the car as it was difficult for me to move and my legs were trapped in the cockpit. I did not lose consciousness but I was in quite a lot of pain when I was inside the car,” he explained.

    Good to hear that he’s fine. The crashes over the weekend is a testament to the safety of today’s F1 cars.

     

  • Angry Lewis Hamilton blasts stewards and fellow drivers

    In Formula 1, Motorsports / By / / 69 comments

    Wasn’t yesterday’s race the most eventful Monaco GP we’ve seen in recent times? Lewis Hamilton contributed generously to the cause and was punished by the stewards for his efforts. The McLaren man was given a drive-through penalty for causing an avoidable incident with Felipe Massa while the pair fought for 10th place. He later collided with Williams’ Pastor Maldonado, denying the rookie his first points of the season.

    The very angry man blasted the stewards when the TV cameras ambushed him after the race. “Out of six races, I’ve been to the stewards five times. It’s a joke. It’s an absolute frickin’ joke,” he told the BBC. When asked why he thought stewards had been paying attention to his driving this year, he joked: “Maybe it’s because I’m black. That’s what Ali G says. I don’t know.”

    “I was quite a lot quicker than Massa. I went up the inside, and the guy turned so early and just turned into me. So I tried to go over the kerb to avoid him and we were stuck together. And of course I get the penalty, which is usual. He held me up in qualifying and I got the penalty. He turned into me, and I got the penalty,” Lewis added. Can you feel the anger?

    There’s more. Here’s his piece of mind about the Maldonado incident: “I went up the inside of Maldonado and you can see on the screen that he turned in a good car length too early to stop me overtaking him and he crashed into me. It’s just ridiculous. These drivers are absolutely frickin’ ridiculous. Just stupid,” Lewis blasted.

    “People want to see my racing, want to see overtaking and [then] you get done for trying to overtake. You get done trying to put on a show. You get done trying to make a move. Fair play, if I really feel that I’ve gone too late and hit someone, I’ll put my hand up and realise [that] I really have caused an incident and I’ve been the stupid one, but it is not the case [today],” he ended.

    This has to be THE outburst of the season so far. Can you feel the anger?

     
 
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