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Dec 28
If Pastor Maldonado was the penalty king, then Fernando Alonso is the master of fair play in 2012.
That is the finding of Brazil’s Globo Esporte, having compiled a list of the official FIA penalties attracted by F1′s 24 drivers this year. Williams’ Maldonado tops the list with 15 penalties; almost double the tally of the penalty runner-up Sergio Perez, whose 8 penalties was also matched by world champion Sebastian Vettel’s official infractions.
Nov 20
On paper, Sebastian Vettel is the overwhelming favourite to seal his third consecutive drivers’ crown this weekend in Brazil.
His 13-point lead over Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso means he can steer his ultra-competitive Red Bull to just fourth place at Interlagos and still set off for his winter slumber with the title. “But Alonso still must win,” Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko is quoted by Speed Week. “He must take the risk. That’s the important thing.”
Aug 06
Pirelli chief Paul Hembery thinks it would be wrong for formula one to return to the ‘tyre war’ era.
Recent rumours hinted FIA president Jean Todt would like to see Michelin return to the sport, but the French marque has said it would only race in F1 again if it can compete with a rival manufacturer.
Aug 01
The technical concept known in the paddock this year as ‘double DRS’ looks set to be banned for 2013.
Mercedes debuted the controversial straightline speed-boosting concept earlier this year, moving Lotus to lodge an official protest. But instead of taking the FIA’s decision to allow Mercedes to keep the system to the international court of appeal, Lotus emerged with a new interpretation of ‘double DRS’ during practice at Hockenheim recently.
Jun 01
Bruno Senna has played down suggestions he is under pressure to match the achievements of his teammate Pastor Maldonado.
While Maldonado confounded his critics by winning from pole in Barcelona, Brazilian Senna has failed to similarly shine in 2012, scoring half as many points so far at the wheel of the sister Williams.
May 17
Last Sunday proved that Pastor Maldonado is no mere ‘pay driver’.
“If he was a fool, he would not be with us, no matter how much money he brings,” Sir Frank Williams is quoted by Brazil’s Globo Esporte. Venezuelan Maldonado, whose links to the state owned oil company PDVSA and president Hugo Chavez controversially deliver many millions to Williams’ Oxfordshire based team, became F1′s fifth different winner of 2012 last weekend in Spain.
Oct 14
Rubens Barrichello in Korea sounds desperate to extend his long formula one career into a twentieth consecutive season.
Williams has not yet decided whether to keep the veteran Brazilian alongside Pastor Maldonado in 2012. “I want to be here next year, whatever it takes for it, and wherever,” the 39-year-old is quoted by the German news agency SID.
Sep 23
Jenson Button has laughed at reports linking him with a move to Ferrari in 2012.
The speculation was triggered by the British driver’s protracted talks with McLaren over next year and beyond, and spurred on last week by a report in the Brazilian press. It is said Button wants to be contractually free at the end of next year so as to be available when Felipe Massa comes out of contract.
Sep 13
Vettel’s Ferrari interest ‘very good’ – Agnelli
Sebastian Vettel is likely to break an almost twenty year old formula one record this year. In 1992, Williams’ Nigel Mansell started from the front of the grid no fewer than 14 times, and Vettel has already won 10 poles in 2011 with six races left to run.
Sep 12
Renault has imposed a deadline for the finalisation of its driver lineup for 2012.
The Genii-owned team has left open a vacancy for Robert Kubica next year alongside the confirmed Russian driver Vitaly Petrov. But media reports in recent days have revealed that Kubica, recovering from his horror February rally crash, actually does not have a contract for 2012.
Sep 09
“I can not say anything” – Nasr
British F3 champion Felipe Nasr is hoping his new title, and well-connected manager Steve Robertson, open doors for him in formula one. Brazil’s Globo Esporte reports that McLaren and Ferrari are both interested in signing up the 19-year-old from Brasilia to their young driver programmes.
Aug 18
Renault team owner Gerard Lopez has admitted he is disappointed with Nick Heidfeld.
“We expected more from him,” the Genii Capital chief is quoted as saying by Brazil’s Globo Esporte. German veteran Heidfeld, 34, was signed by the Enstone based team at short notice this year to replace injured regular Robert Kubica.
