Kimi’s team to be unveiled in August

As reported on homeofsport

The identity of Kimi Räikkönen’s next F1 employer will be unveiled in August, according to media reports. On Tuesday, ‘AS’ newspaper in Spain cited the information of the Finn’s manager, Steve Robertson, who supposedly told journalists at Magny Cours that they could expect to hear an announcement about 2007 next month.

A wait of few more days will do no harm for us after waiting and speculation for such a long time. Let’s hope to end the speculation [and the suspence] once and for all.

TAGS: Formula 1 . F1 . Kimi Raikkonen . Magny Cours

Michelin begin F1 decline

As reported on FeedMeF1

Tyre supplier Michelin’s total formula one withdrawal in a little over three months could be starting to affect the outcome of the 2006 world championship fight.

‘AS’ newspaper in Spain reports that Gerald Brussoz, formerly in charge of tyre development at Michelin, is now ensconced in a role at Ferrari. His job is to oversee the integration of the red chassis with its Bridgestone tyres, and was responsible for a rear suspension system that was fitted to Michael Schumacher’s victorious car at Magny Cours.

Moreover, it is understood that Francois Xavier Gibert no longer attends grands prix for Michelin, which is pulling out of the sport in protest of the FIA’s ‘control tyre’ rule of 2008 and beyond.

This is really bad news specially for Renault and for other Michelin-prod teams as well. Renault definitely have the Championships on line and if Michelin didn’t bring their act together, it’s doomed for Renault. Though I think that Michelin will act more professional and would definitely like to go out of F1 on a winning note.

TAGS: Formula 1 . F1 . FIA . Ferrari . Renault . tyres . Michelin . Bridgestone . chasis . Magny Cours . Michael Schumacher

Todt says Ferrari back on track for both titles

As reported on motoring.co.za

“Both championships are still up for grabs,” Ferrari’s Formula 1 team chief Jean Todt said after Schumacher won Sunday’s French GP here. “There are seven races remaining this season and, as we have always said, we will do all we can to meet our targets.”

Okay .. I take my words back that Indianapolis was a flash-in-the-pan from Ferrari. Given the French GP, Ferrari & Bridgestone has really taken a few steps ahead of Renault and undoubtly are looking strong. As for Schumacher, his chances of winning World Championships are more possible if Massa starts finishing above Alonso.

But all said, I think most of the people [including me] does downplayed Ferrari’s pace in Indianapolis & majorly miscalculated the pace of development they have put up [thus putting a very good use of $27M extra they have got]. Well, that’s what happens when even the Ferrari chief downplays his team chances himself [or was he trying to mislead others ?].

TAGS: Formula 1 . F1 . Ferrari . Renault . Jean Todt . Michael Schumacher . Fernando Alonso . Felipe Massa . Indianapolis . Bridgestone

Ten-place penalty for Rosberg

As reported on HomefoSport

Before a single wheel even turned, Nico Rosberg’s first French grand prix at Magny Cours has got off to a unpleasant start. Whispers at the circuit suggest that Williams’ rookie driver will undergo an unscheduled engine change, resulting in a ten-grid penalty.

So much for a “Good Race Weekend” for Rosberg & Williams.

TAGS: Formula 1 . F1 . Nico Rosberg . Williams . Magny cours

Schumi says NASCAR is boring

As reported on f1racing.net

“What’s exciting about NASCAR?” Michael Schumacher asked. “I can’t see it, running around in ovals. I just don’t see the challenge in it for me. Personally I wouldn’t do it.”

On Ferrari’s chances of winning in Magny Cours

“I hope we can be as competitive here as in Indy,” began the German. “To be honest, it all depends on the tyres. We have a great car and if the tyres work then we look good, if they don’t then we don’t.”

It is the same fun that one gets while running all over the places, up & down, left & right inside a car where you can’t move your ass if you want to scratch it. But then, who is complaining ?

TAGS: Formula 1 . F1 . Michael Schumacher . Ferrari . Magny Cours . Indianapolis . NASCAR

Todt plays down Ferrari revival

As reported on dailyF1news

Jean Todt has played down media reports that Magny Cours will be the start of a rejuvenated push by Ferrari for the 2006 world title, with supposedly nearly $30m of extra funds.

”But I would not say the new parts can be defined as significant in terms of performance,” he insisted. Todt also expects Renault to re-join the battle on home territory. ”Here in France,” he explained, ”I think we will find that our main rivals will be more competitive once again.”

Even we agree that Indianapolis was more like a-flash-in-pan given the conservative strategy of Micheline. But Magny Cours is going to be a completely different ball game altogether. What good use the additional $27M will offer will be seen over couple of next races.

Related Article:

• Schu gets $26m title boost [Internal]

TAGS: Formula 1 . F1 . Ferrari . Renault . Jean Todt . Indianapolis . Magny Cours . Michelin

Yamamoto set for Hockenheim debut

As reported on HomeofSport

Magny Cours will ‘definitely’ be Franck Montagny’s last grand prix for now with Super Aguri…..Yamamoto, to re-complete an all-Japanese line-up, is sure to appear at Hockenheim, with Montagny saying: ‘I know this will be my last race. ‘From Hockenheim onwards I will certainly be the third driver.’

So we’ll have to see another banging-into-other-cars Japanese driver ? Once more the language-problem excuse for axing the driver ? Montagny at least kept his hands clean and stayed away from other cars [not that he could catch them]. But I can understand the pressure Aguri Suzuki might been feeling to have all-Japanese driver lineup, thanks to his Japanese sponsors.

TAGS: Formula 1 . F1 . Super Aguri . Aguri Suzuki . Franck Montagny . Sakon Yamamoto . Magny Cours . Hockenheim

BMW Twin Towers

As reported on tsn.ca

After being told to make changes to the rear-wing of their F1 car, BMW-Sauber are now preparing to unveil several new aerodynamic innovations on the F1.06 this weekend in France.

the team’s car will sport two new vertical fins which made an appearance at last week’s F1 test session in Jerez, Spain. The car will also sport the “viking horns” on the engine intake cover which has been a staple of the McLaren-Mercedes car the past few seasons. A source within the BMW-Sauber team says they have been given clearance by FIA to use the new aerodynamic parts following suggestions that they could be banned on safety grounds.

Seems BMW really took Lord of The Rings seriously. Or have they taken a setp back in past ? How much aerodynamic efficiency they’ll really get will be visible in Magny-Cours only.

TAGS: Formula 1 . F1 . BMW-Sauber . McLaren Mercedes . aerodynamics . FIA . Magny Cours