Canadian completes Formula One Young Driver Tests strongly
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Daily Archive: November 18, 2011
Nov 18
Wickens shines again on return to Marussia Virgin Racing
Nov 18
Front row of the grid for Marco Wittmann and Roberto Merhi
58th Macau Grand Prix qualifying report
In second qualifying for the 58th Macau Grand Prix, that took place in dry conditions, Marco Wittmann (Signature, 2:12.790 minutes) came out on top. This year’s runner-up of the Formula 3 Euro Series only came to the fore in the final seconds of a thrilling qualifying session, toppling Euro Series’ champion Roberto Merhi (Prema Powerteam, 2:12.854 minutes), who ended up second. At the 6.12 kilometres long Guia Circuit in the former Portuguese colony, the two Formula 3 Euro Series’ drivers were separated by only 0.064 seconds.
Nov 18
Boullier admits contact with Raikkonen’s manager
“Yes, there has been contact (with Raikkonen)”
Reports that Kimi Raikkonen is also eyeing the Renault team for next season appear accurate, with Eric Boullier confirming contact with the 2007 world champion. Asked about the former McLaren and Ferrari race winner on Friday, Renault chief Boullier answered: “What about him? I have just explained how we want to go about our driver lineup for next season.”
Nov 18
Petrov apologised after slamming Renault team – manager
Vitaly Petrov has apologised for slamming his employer Lotus Renault GP in an interview, manager Oksana Kossatchenko said on Friday.
In the Russian interview with Rossiya 2, the 27-year-old hit out at the Enstone based team’s rate of development this season as well as its pitstops, race strategies and bosses, and admitted it is possible he will be ousted for “business” reasons despite having a signed contract for 2012.
Nov 18
US GP has one week to save 2012 race – Ecclestone
Organisers of the US grand prix have one week to rescue their event before it is scratched from next year’s calendar.
The deadline has been imposed by F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, according to the Associated Press. “If they want to come back to us, if it (a contract) is not signed before the end of next week, I suppose it won’t be on the calendar next year,” he said.
Nov 18
UK ‘fraud office’ considering Ecclestone probe
Bernie Ecclestone has refused to comment on reports he may be investigated by the UK’s serious fraud office (SFO).
The F1 chief executive testified recently at Gerhard Gribkowsky’s high profile corruption trial and may himself be charged by the Munich prosecutors for paying millions in alleged bribes.
Nov 18
Family prevented Ferrari switch for Newey
Adrian Newey has admitted that one of the only things that has held him back from switching to Ferrari is his family.
The Briton, who has also won titles with UK based McLaren and Williams, is regarded as the best technical mind in formula one and instrumental to Red Bull’s current run of dominance.
Nov 18
Webber wants DRS use to be limited
Mark Webber has renewed his call for the use of the moveable rear wing ‘DRS’ system to be limited during grand prix weekends.
In his latest column for the BBC, the Red Bull driver claimed that the free use of the overtaking aid during practice and qualifying sessions has contributed to several crashes in 2011.
Nov 18
Ferrari eyes Kubica for possible 2013 seat – rumour
Ferrari has expressed interest in linking up with Robert Kubica once the Pole is ready to return to formula one, according to reports.
The rumours follow speculation his relationship with Renault might be coming to an end, with the existing contract set to run out and the Lotus-sponsored team likely to pick between Vitaly Petrov, Romain Grosjean and Bruno Senna at least for its initial 2012 lineup.
Nov 18
Mother Viviane says Senna negotiating 2012 Renault deal
Bruno Senna’s mother insists her son is in negotiations to stay with the Renault team, which is set to become Lotus for the 2012 season.
Officially, the Brazilian as well as his current teammate Vitaly Petrov, Romain Grosjean and Robert Kubica are all in the running for the two race seats. But team boss Eric Boullier has hinted that Pole Kubica will not be ready to return early next season, while Petrov made an extraordinary rant in the Russian press this week that might have breached his contract.
Nov 18
Raikkonen also eyeing Williams co-ownership – report
According to Bild newspaper, the only missing piece in Kimi Raikkonen’s return to F1 with Williams in 2012 is an official announcement.
The German newspaper said a media statement could be forthcoming from the British team this week, which was pleasing news for his friend Sebastian Vettel. “He is a sensationally good racer and it would be great if he is coming back,” said the back to back world champion.
Nov 18
Late Bottas in dash from Abu Dhabi to Macau
Valtteri Bottas almost didn’t make it from Abu Dhabi to Macau ahead of this weekend’s prestigious F3 race.
The Finn, a test driver for Williams, was among the ‘young drivers’ at Yas Marina this week for some precious F1 running. But for the trip from the Middle East to China, time was tight ahead of F3 qualifying.
Nov 18
Ontario Formula Ford Championship Season Review
After 14 rounds, two new champions were crowned and youth prevailed with two teenage rookies taking the crowns.
Trent Hindman of Wayside New Jersey had an outstanding rookie campaign aboard his BGR Team Grote/Mazdaspeed Van Diemen to take the OFFC A Class title while Michael Adams from Bomanville just a few miles from Mosport, took top honours in the B Class driving his Flagship Racing Van Diemen.