South African motorsport's governing body would only support a bid to host a grand prix on the provision that part of the proceeds would be channeled in to the development of the country's racing infrastructure and help promote young and underprivileged home-grown talent.
Following on from the country's successful hosting of the World Cup this summer, the South African Motorsport association indicated that it was incumbant on F1's stakeholders to follow FIFA's example and help build up the grass roots infrastructure of the sport.
Bernie Ecclestone recently pointed to South Africa as one of several countries under consideration to host future rounds of the Formula One World Championship, suggesting that Cape Town would make a good potential venue.
But George Nyabadza, the chairman of the country's motorsport body Motorsport South Africa, said that while he supported the idea in principal, he needed to see tangible benefits.
"F1 enjoys very little support in countries where there is no representation," he said. "Only when we can wave our rainbow flag will there be public interest and national unity."
Nyabadza said he wanted to see very clear provisions of how much money would be generated for motorsport development, particularly in the female segment and the black youth segments of South Africa: "It would be irresponsible," he said, "to host an F1 race and not have the stakeholders invest a portion of the proceeds in these segments.
"There would be no legacy for the sport."
Nyabadza added that the government would need to conduct an economic impact study to weigh up the benefits against the 'substantial costs' involved.
The MSA's managing director Francois Pretorius said its governing body would only support hosting a grand prix if it provided concrete benefits to the grassroots development of motorsport, which would happen under the auspices of MSA.
According to a statement released by the MSA, Pretporius added that "the immediate socio-economic priorities in the country outweighed the possible long-term benefits of hosting the event unless a cogent and sustainable plan of sport development was provided for".
The MSA made it clear that it would seriously consider support for any bidders prepared to factor these provisions into their proposal.
South Africa last hosted a grand prix at Kyalami in 1993, which was won by Alain Prost in a Williams-Renault.
News from Formula One in the Formation Lap.
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Sunday, 18 July 2010
SA would support GP bid on conditions
South African motorsport's governing body would only support a bid to host a grand prix on the provision that part of the proceeds would be channeled in to the development of the country's racing infrastructure and help promote young and underprivileged home-grown talent.
Following on from the country's successful hosting of the World Cup this summer, the South African Motorsport association indicated that it was incumbant on F1's stakeholders to follow FIFA's example and help build up the grass roots infrastructure of the sport.
Bernie Ecclestone recently pointed to South Africa as one of several countries under consideration to host future rounds of the Formula One World Championship, suggesting that Cape Town would make a good potential venue.
But George Nyabadza, the chairman of the country's motorsport body Motorsport South Africa, said that while he supported the idea in principal, he needed to see tangible benefits.
"F1 enjoys very little support in countries where there is no representation," he said. "Only when we can wave our rainbow flag will there be public interest and national unity."
Nyabadza said he wanted to see very clear provisions of how much money would be generated for motorsport development, particularly in the female segment and the black youth segments of South Africa: "It would be irresponsible," he said, "to host an F1 race and not have the stakeholders invest a portion of the proceeds in these segments.
"There would be no legacy for the sport."
Nyabadza added that the government would need to conduct an economic impact study to weigh up the benefits against the 'substantial costs' involved.
The MSA's managing director Francois Pretorius said its governing body would only support hosting a grand prix if it provided concrete benefits to the grassroots development of motorsport, which would happen under the auspices of MSA.
According to a statement released by the MSA, Pretporius added that "the immediate socio-economic priorities in the country outweighed the possible long-term benefits of hosting the event unless a cogent and sustainable plan of sport development was provided for".
The MSA made it clear that it would seriously consider support for any bidders prepared to factor these provisions into their proposal.
South Africa last hosted a grand prix at Kyalami in 1993, which was won by Alain Prost in a Williams-Renault.
Following on from the country's successful hosting of the World Cup this summer, the South African Motorsport association indicated that it was incumbant on F1's stakeholders to follow FIFA's example and help build up the grass roots infrastructure of the sport.
Bernie Ecclestone recently pointed to South Africa as one of several countries under consideration to host future rounds of the Formula One World Championship, suggesting that Cape Town would make a good potential venue.
But George Nyabadza, the chairman of the country's motorsport body Motorsport South Africa, said that while he supported the idea in principal, he needed to see tangible benefits.
"F1 enjoys very little support in countries where there is no representation," he said. "Only when we can wave our rainbow flag will there be public interest and national unity."
Nyabadza said he wanted to see very clear provisions of how much money would be generated for motorsport development, particularly in the female segment and the black youth segments of South Africa: "It would be irresponsible," he said, "to host an F1 race and not have the stakeholders invest a portion of the proceeds in these segments.
"There would be no legacy for the sport."
Nyabadza added that the government would need to conduct an economic impact study to weigh up the benefits against the 'substantial costs' involved.
The MSA's managing director Francois Pretorius said its governing body would only support hosting a grand prix if it provided concrete benefits to the grassroots development of motorsport, which would happen under the auspices of MSA.
According to a statement released by the MSA, Pretporius added that "the immediate socio-economic priorities in the country outweighed the possible long-term benefits of hosting the event unless a cogent and sustainable plan of sport development was provided for".
The MSA made it clear that it would seriously consider support for any bidders prepared to factor these provisions into their proposal.
South Africa last hosted a grand prix at Kyalami in 1993, which was won by Alain Prost in a Williams-Renault.
Yamamoto replaces Chandhok at HRT
Karun Chandhok will not be racing at the German Grand Prix next weekend, his HRT team announced on Friday, and his place will be taken by Sakon Yamamoto.
The Japanese driver had replaced Bruno Senna for unknown reasons in the previous race at Silverstone, and the Brazilian will be back in action next week at Hockenheim.
Chandhok, however, will not be racing in Germany, the team said.
Hispania said that the Indian was still part of the team and that he was "likely" to be in the car later in the season.
"After Sakon Yamamoto gave a very positive performance in Silverstone, the team has decided to give the Japanese driver another opportunity to drive the car alongside Bruno Senna," said the team in a statement.
"Karun Chandhok is still part of the Hispania Racing, HRT F1 Team family and is likely to be in the car at some later races this season."
Yamamoto raced alongside Chandhok at the British Grand Prix, where the Japanese driver finished in 20th position behind the Indian.
The Japanese driver had replaced Bruno Senna for unknown reasons in the previous race at Silverstone, and the Brazilian will be back in action next week at Hockenheim.
Chandhok, however, will not be racing in Germany, the team said.
Hispania said that the Indian was still part of the team and that he was "likely" to be in the car later in the season.
"After Sakon Yamamoto gave a very positive performance in Silverstone, the team has decided to give the Japanese driver another opportunity to drive the car alongside Bruno Senna," said the team in a statement.
"Karun Chandhok is still part of the Hispania Racing, HRT F1 Team family and is likely to be in the car at some later races this season."
Yamamoto raced alongside Chandhok at the British Grand Prix, where the Japanese driver finished in 20th position behind the Indian.
Virgin hoping to retain Glock for 2011
Virgin technical director Nick Wirth is hopeful that Timo Glock will remain with the team next year.
The German has registered only four finishes in 10 races in 2010, with a best result of 18th.
But despite a difficult season, Wirth is confident that Glock is fully committed to the cause even though Renault is believed to be interested in his services for next year.
"We've got another year on the contract with Timo, but like anything in life everyone has got to want to carry on," Wirth told AUTOSPORT
"Timo understood that we were a new team and he wanted to be part of something that was growing going forward. That's why the Silverstone weekend was so important because it has hopefully shown him that we can do it."
Wirth added that being able to attract and keep hold of a driver who has three podium finishes to his name is a good sign of the team's long-term potential.
"We were so lucky to have a driver with his talent, ability and experience join us at his age," said Wirth. "It's up to us to try and deliver on that
Wirth also believes that Lucas di Grassi has been an impressive rookie this season despite only outqualifying Glock once in 10 attempts.
"I know I'm very biased, but I think he is looking good for rookie of the year if you look at his relative performance," said Wirth.
"He's coming into his own and doing a fantastic job. The disadvantage is that Lucas is naturally a bit heavier than Timo. For all of the new teams, weight is an issue so he's still got a disadvantage. It's to do with us and we're working very hard on it."
Wirth is hopeful that di Grassi will be able to run on the weight limit before the end of the European season with a raft of lightweight parts planned.
The German has registered only four finishes in 10 races in 2010, with a best result of 18th.
But despite a difficult season, Wirth is confident that Glock is fully committed to the cause even though Renault is believed to be interested in his services for next year.
"We've got another year on the contract with Timo, but like anything in life everyone has got to want to carry on," Wirth told AUTOSPORT
"Timo understood that we were a new team and he wanted to be part of something that was growing going forward. That's why the Silverstone weekend was so important because it has hopefully shown him that we can do it."
Wirth added that being able to attract and keep hold of a driver who has three podium finishes to his name is a good sign of the team's long-term potential.
"We were so lucky to have a driver with his talent, ability and experience join us at his age," said Wirth. "It's up to us to try and deliver on that
Wirth also believes that Lucas di Grassi has been an impressive rookie this season despite only outqualifying Glock once in 10 attempts.
"I know I'm very biased, but I think he is looking good for rookie of the year if you look at his relative performance," said Wirth.
"He's coming into his own and doing a fantastic job. The disadvantage is that Lucas is naturally a bit heavier than Timo. For all of the new teams, weight is an issue so he's still got a disadvantage. It's to do with us and we're working very hard on it."
Wirth is hopeful that di Grassi will be able to run on the weight limit before the end of the European season with a raft of lightweight parts planned.
Friday, 16 July 2010
Schumacher: Home GP will be emotional
Michael Schumacher says he is looking forward to an emotional German Grand Prix, in what will be his first home race since his return to racing.
It will also be the first time Schumacher races in Germany with Mercedes, having contested his home race with Ferrari since the 1996 season.
"There is one thing for sure; no matter how long you are around, it is always something special to race in front of your home crowd," said Schumacher in a team preview.
"At Hockenheim, I will definitely try my best for my fans who give me such a lot of support, especially over the race weekend. But the German Grand Prix is very special for any German driver. There are very few areas on any race circuit worldwide comparable to the Motodrom, and as a driver you feel that energetic atmosphere when entering.
"It will be the first time for me to come to Hockenheim as a Mercedes driver and I am very much looking forward to the experience. Driving in front of our Grandstand and in front of all the employees, members and friends of Mercedes-Benz will be an emotional moment.
"I will therefore be extra motivated to give them a weekend to remember. We will have some updates for our car which we hope will give us a step forward so we can look forward to an exciting race."
Team-mate Nico Rosberg is also fired up for what is also his home grand prix, the younger German bullish about his chances following his third place at Silverstone.
"There's always a great atmosphere at the German Grand Prix and the fans are very enthusiastic with the huge grandstands in the stadium section creating so much noise!
"It's fantastic to see their support for the German drivers. I love the track itself as it's quite challenging with some good overtaking opportunities and the races here can often be quite exciting.
"Going into one of the team's home weekends with the podium finish from Silverstone is a real boost for us, and we will be working hard to continue our improvement in performance and have a strong weekend."
McLaren: No room for complacency
McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh insists his team cannot afford to be complacent despite the positive results of the last races.
Although McLaren has not had the quickest car of the field, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have consolidated their position at the top of the standings thanks to strong races in Valencia and Britain.
The team, however, was forced to remove its rear blown diffuser at Silverstone, something that was a hit to its chances of matching Red Bull.
And despite its strong championship situation, Whitmarsh reckons the team has made it clear it is not ready to rest on its laurels.
"We've come off an extremely successful run of recent races, but we're nonetheless under no illusions that we need to bring further performance to the MP4-25 if we are to remain at the forefront of this championship battle," said Whitmarsh in a team preview.
"I think Silverstone showed that we were in no mood to be complacent - either in our aggressive push to put upgrades on the car or our decision to remove them and put our faith in an older iteration of the car, despite a lack of running compared with our rivals."
Whitmarsh said the team has run extensive testing of the floor in the factory, but a decision on whether it will be used will only be taken after Friday practice at Hockenheim.
"Of course, that final validation will only come at the circuit," he said. "So we're looking at undertaking a major test programme on Friday at Hockenheim. This will involve both drivers running back-to-back evaluations with the T2 and T3 floors.
"And, if these prove positive, we'll then look at the deployment of the new floor for the remainder of the race weekend. But that's a decision we'll only make after a thorough analysis of the inherent risks and benefits."
World champion Button said he is aiming to raise his game in qualifying, after two difficult sessions in Valencia and Silverstone.
"After two disappointments in qualifying at Valencia and Silverstone, my aim for this weekend must be to make life easier for myself on Saturday afternoon, so that I can maximise my performance on Sunday without needing to play catch-up during the race," he said.
"This will be another busy weekend for all of us as we spend Friday working through the changes we've made to optimise the blown diffuser. Hopefully, we'll have a positive test and will be able to see the benefits of the upgrades in the race for the first time. I'm looking forward to it."
Although McLaren has not had the quickest car of the field, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have consolidated their position at the top of the standings thanks to strong races in Valencia and Britain.
The team, however, was forced to remove its rear blown diffuser at Silverstone, something that was a hit to its chances of matching Red Bull.
And despite its strong championship situation, Whitmarsh reckons the team has made it clear it is not ready to rest on its laurels.
"We've come off an extremely successful run of recent races, but we're nonetheless under no illusions that we need to bring further performance to the MP4-25 if we are to remain at the forefront of this championship battle," said Whitmarsh in a team preview.
"I think Silverstone showed that we were in no mood to be complacent - either in our aggressive push to put upgrades on the car or our decision to remove them and put our faith in an older iteration of the car, despite a lack of running compared with our rivals."
Whitmarsh said the team has run extensive testing of the floor in the factory, but a decision on whether it will be used will only be taken after Friday practice at Hockenheim.
"Of course, that final validation will only come at the circuit," he said. "So we're looking at undertaking a major test programme on Friday at Hockenheim. This will involve both drivers running back-to-back evaluations with the T2 and T3 floors.
"And, if these prove positive, we'll then look at the deployment of the new floor for the remainder of the race weekend. But that's a decision we'll only make after a thorough analysis of the inherent risks and benefits."
World champion Button said he is aiming to raise his game in qualifying, after two difficult sessions in Valencia and Silverstone.
"After two disappointments in qualifying at Valencia and Silverstone, my aim for this weekend must be to make life easier for myself on Saturday afternoon, so that I can maximise my performance on Sunday without needing to play catch-up during the race," he said.
"This will be another busy weekend for all of us as we spend Friday working through the changes we've made to optimise the blown diffuser. Hopefully, we'll have a positive test and will be able to see the benefits of the upgrades in the race for the first time. I'm looking forward to it."
Buemi denies having signed STR deal
Sebastien Buemi has denied having committed to the Toro Rosso team for next year, despite claims from Franz Tost.
The team principal said on Thursday that both Buemi and team-mate Jaime Alguersuari would stay with the Faenza-based squad in 2010.
"I believe our drivers will be well prepared for 2011, which is why they are both confirmed for next year," said Tost.
"It is also logical, because one key role of Scuderia Toro Rosso is to bring on young drivers from the Red Bull Young Driver programme and at the ages of 21 and 20 respectively, both Seb and Jaime certainly still meet the right criteria."
Buemi, however, has denied having signed a contract with Toro Rosso and admitted he is still considering his options.
"I have not signed yet," Buemi was quoted as saying by Blick. "Also, there are some details that are missing, so the transfer market still open."
The team principal said on Thursday that both Buemi and team-mate Jaime Alguersuari would stay with the Faenza-based squad in 2010.
"I believe our drivers will be well prepared for 2011, which is why they are both confirmed for next year," said Tost.
"It is also logical, because one key role of Scuderia Toro Rosso is to bring on young drivers from the Red Bull Young Driver programme and at the ages of 21 and 20 respectively, both Seb and Jaime certainly still meet the right criteria."
Buemi, however, has denied having signed a contract with Toro Rosso and admitted he is still considering his options.
"I have not signed yet," Buemi was quoted as saying by Blick. "Also, there are some details that are missing, so the transfer market still open."
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Tavo Hellmund
Formula 1 will return to the United States in 2012 thanks to the deal struck with Austin earlier this year.
The task of living up to the hype will not be easy, but the Texan city is determined to make it a success.
AUTOSPORT talked exclusively with Tavo Hellmund, the man in charge of the project.
Q. At Silverstone you attended your first race since the announcement was made about the grand prix in Austin. How is progress going with the race?
Tavo HellmundTavo Hellmund: Everything is great. The Tilke guys are there pretty much non-stop and I think that we are on track right now. All the permitting with the waste water has been done and a lot of people are wanting to know about the land and its location.
Although I feel that that is nobody's business, I understand that we are going to have to release news about it soon, so we will do that. The design of the track is pretty much approved from us. The layout is awesome, better than I had hoped, and the FIA is going to be to get that submitted at the Circuit's Commission.
Q. When do you think you will release the layout plans for the circuit?
TH: We will have to check with the FIA to make sure that we are the first that can do that. I am not sure about that. I know the drawings have been done - and we made a personal modification for aesthetic reasons to Turns 1 and 3, but other than that it is pretty close. I think that in the next few weeks we should be fine.
Q. What can you tell us then about the layout? What sort of circuit will it be?
TH: It will be at least three miles long – and probably a bit longer. It is going to have a really fast section, which will have some pretty challenging corners. I am partial to a couple of sections that I've seen at Silverstone, so you could see those turn up too.
There is also going to be significant elevation – probably more than 100 feet of difference from top to bottom. There will be pretty views, and I think it will be a bit of a departure from the tracks that have been built recently for F1. So, in that regard, I am excited.
Americans will be proud of it – and it won't be a 'cookie cutter' track. I think people in Texas will be proud of it as well.
Q. So what sort of characteristic will it have – what current track has a similar feel?
TH: What we did was take maybe seven or eight of our favourite things from other tracks – some of them that are no longer in play in F1, but three or four of them are. And we said we want this corner on this track, and this corner on this track.
I would say that, hopefully, people will view it as a throwback to some of the older, traditional tracks – although obviously with the added safety features and requirements that the FIA has. It will be a track that the drivers will walk through and think: "Man, I have to be on my best game today!"
Q. So you want it to appeal to the drivers as well?
TH: Yes. When you really get down to it, the drivers should be your best endorsement. They are the ones that talk, and everyone wants to hear what they have to say. So I think between access, mobility, location and then obviously the asphalt within both fences, I think we're going to be good.
Q. I spoke to Bernie Ecclestone last week and he said that he was 100 per cent sure that the race was going to go ahead, even though the sceptics remain about getting the finances in place. What can you tell us about your funding situation?
TH: With all due respect, I think it is interesting – because it is nobody's business what my funding is. I can tell you this – the group we have together is world class. Some of them are well known individuals who will probably never appear publicly – which is for a reason because their privacy and anonymity is part of the deal.
But, I can tell you that Mr. Ecclestone would not have embarked on a deal if he was not pleased with the financial package. And the state of Texas would not have done what they have done without that either. And I want to be clear about what Texas have done because there are a lot of misconceptions there. They are not subsidising anything – the state of Texas has basically passed legislation, just like they did for the Superbowl, that allows for the contribution of incremental sales tax revenue that is created by that event. So, some of the liberal media in Texas have been trying to take shots at that, but that [the subsidy claim] is a fabrication.
We are excited, because it puts Texas on a platform with the great global events – the Olympics, the Superbowl and the World Cup. They would have not been doing it either if they thought it was a bit wishy-washy.
Q. You were in the paddock at Silverstone talking to people. What was the reception like from F1?
TH: Fortunately I knew a lot of the teams already, and I knew a lot of people at FOM and the FIA when I was a kid, and they have gone up through the ranks. So, it has been wonderful.
I know that F1 is a tough business. I've been around it my whole life, and I am not naive to think that it is going to be like this all the time. I am sure we will butt heads with teams and officials occasionally, but I think everyone knows that our objective is to be a great partner for F1, and to put it on a platform in America that really helps this sport.
I don't think too much traction needs to be had. There are a lot of fans that need to be given a reason to continue to be supportive to F1. Indianapolis proved that in its early stages, and you only have to look back to Watkins Glen to see what a success it was there. It is a shame that F1 outgrew the Glen at that time.
I am excited by the fact it is the first purpose-built facility for F1 in the US. Everyone has been very nice and hopefully we are going to do everything to keep it that way.
Q. Can the F1 teams do anything to help you and help make the event a success?
TH: Yeah. I think so. Some of the teams I spoke to at the weekend, and talked to before this, understand the need for activation and traction in the United States. It is not something that is done in a week. We have a lot of really cool things planned, starting in January, so that for 18 months we are just feeding the beast.
I think we are going to get a lot of help from some of the teams, and especially those that have partners that are American-based or at least with an American presence. So I couldn't ask for more.
Q. So what is your next step? Are you coming to more races this season?
TH: Here is the thing that I love: I don't really understand these promoters that go to a lot of races – because if you are doing your job at home, how do you have time? To me if there is a need or we have got a guest, or a partner that needs to come, or Mr. Ecclestone needs me to come, then I would be happy to. But more recently I am too busy building my track!
The task of living up to the hype will not be easy, but the Texan city is determined to make it a success.
AUTOSPORT talked exclusively with Tavo Hellmund, the man in charge of the project.
Q. At Silverstone you attended your first race since the announcement was made about the grand prix in Austin. How is progress going with the race?
Tavo HellmundTavo Hellmund: Everything is great. The Tilke guys are there pretty much non-stop and I think that we are on track right now. All the permitting with the waste water has been done and a lot of people are wanting to know about the land and its location.
Although I feel that that is nobody's business, I understand that we are going to have to release news about it soon, so we will do that. The design of the track is pretty much approved from us. The layout is awesome, better than I had hoped, and the FIA is going to be to get that submitted at the Circuit's Commission.
Q. When do you think you will release the layout plans for the circuit?
TH: We will have to check with the FIA to make sure that we are the first that can do that. I am not sure about that. I know the drawings have been done - and we made a personal modification for aesthetic reasons to Turns 1 and 3, but other than that it is pretty close. I think that in the next few weeks we should be fine.
Q. What can you tell us then about the layout? What sort of circuit will it be?
TH: It will be at least three miles long – and probably a bit longer. It is going to have a really fast section, which will have some pretty challenging corners. I am partial to a couple of sections that I've seen at Silverstone, so you could see those turn up too.
There is also going to be significant elevation – probably more than 100 feet of difference from top to bottom. There will be pretty views, and I think it will be a bit of a departure from the tracks that have been built recently for F1. So, in that regard, I am excited.
Americans will be proud of it – and it won't be a 'cookie cutter' track. I think people in Texas will be proud of it as well.
Q. So what sort of characteristic will it have – what current track has a similar feel?
TH: What we did was take maybe seven or eight of our favourite things from other tracks – some of them that are no longer in play in F1, but three or four of them are. And we said we want this corner on this track, and this corner on this track.
I would say that, hopefully, people will view it as a throwback to some of the older, traditional tracks – although obviously with the added safety features and requirements that the FIA has. It will be a track that the drivers will walk through and think: "Man, I have to be on my best game today!"
Q. So you want it to appeal to the drivers as well?
TH: Yes. When you really get down to it, the drivers should be your best endorsement. They are the ones that talk, and everyone wants to hear what they have to say. So I think between access, mobility, location and then obviously the asphalt within both fences, I think we're going to be good.
Q. I spoke to Bernie Ecclestone last week and he said that he was 100 per cent sure that the race was going to go ahead, even though the sceptics remain about getting the finances in place. What can you tell us about your funding situation?
TH: With all due respect, I think it is interesting – because it is nobody's business what my funding is. I can tell you this – the group we have together is world class. Some of them are well known individuals who will probably never appear publicly – which is for a reason because their privacy and anonymity is part of the deal.
But, I can tell you that Mr. Ecclestone would not have embarked on a deal if he was not pleased with the financial package. And the state of Texas would not have done what they have done without that either. And I want to be clear about what Texas have done because there are a lot of misconceptions there. They are not subsidising anything – the state of Texas has basically passed legislation, just like they did for the Superbowl, that allows for the contribution of incremental sales tax revenue that is created by that event. So, some of the liberal media in Texas have been trying to take shots at that, but that [the subsidy claim] is a fabrication.
We are excited, because it puts Texas on a platform with the great global events – the Olympics, the Superbowl and the World Cup. They would have not been doing it either if they thought it was a bit wishy-washy.
Q. You were in the paddock at Silverstone talking to people. What was the reception like from F1?
TH: Fortunately I knew a lot of the teams already, and I knew a lot of people at FOM and the FIA when I was a kid, and they have gone up through the ranks. So, it has been wonderful.
I know that F1 is a tough business. I've been around it my whole life, and I am not naive to think that it is going to be like this all the time. I am sure we will butt heads with teams and officials occasionally, but I think everyone knows that our objective is to be a great partner for F1, and to put it on a platform in America that really helps this sport.
I don't think too much traction needs to be had. There are a lot of fans that need to be given a reason to continue to be supportive to F1. Indianapolis proved that in its early stages, and you only have to look back to Watkins Glen to see what a success it was there. It is a shame that F1 outgrew the Glen at that time.
I am excited by the fact it is the first purpose-built facility for F1 in the US. Everyone has been very nice and hopefully we are going to do everything to keep it that way.
Q. Can the F1 teams do anything to help you and help make the event a success?
TH: Yeah. I think so. Some of the teams I spoke to at the weekend, and talked to before this, understand the need for activation and traction in the United States. It is not something that is done in a week. We have a lot of really cool things planned, starting in January, so that for 18 months we are just feeding the beast.
I think we are going to get a lot of help from some of the teams, and especially those that have partners that are American-based or at least with an American presence. So I couldn't ask for more.
Q. So what is your next step? Are you coming to more races this season?
TH: Here is the thing that I love: I don't really understand these promoters that go to a lot of races – because if you are doing your job at home, how do you have time? To me if there is a need or we have got a guest, or a partner that needs to come, or Mr. Ecclestone needs me to come, then I would be happy to. But more recently I am too busy building my track!
Austin promises unique F1 circuit
Formula 1 fans and drivers have been promised that the new United States Grand Prix track in Austin will be one of the most challenging and spectacular in the world.
Tavo Hellmund, the promoter of the Austin event that is scheduled to hold its first race in 2012, has revealed that the circuit will be a break from the norm of modern F1 venues and is set to feature a selection of the very best sequences from other tracks around the world.
"I would say that, hopefully, people will view it as a throwback to some of the older, traditional tracks - although obviously with the added safety features and requirements that the FIA has," Hellmund told AUTOSPORT during a visit to the British Grand Prix.
"It will be a track that the drivers will walk through and think: 'Man, I have to be on my best game today!'"
Hellmund said that final details of the location of the track will be released imminently, and that the actual layout should be made public in the next few weeks. He said he was excited by what he had seen from the plans, being put together by F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke.
"It is going to have a really fast section, which will have some pretty challenging corners," he said. "I am partial to a couple of sections that I've seen at Silverstone, so you could see those turn up too.
"There is also going to be significant elevation – probably more than 100 feet of difference from top to bottom. There will be pretty views, and I think it will be a bit of a departure from the tracks that have been built recently for F1. So, in that regard, I am excited.
"Americans will be proud of it – and it won't be a 'cookie cutter' track. I think people in Texas will be proud of it as well."
Hellmund said one of his priorities was to make sure the drivers liked the venue – because that would help ensure the event became a hit.
"When you really get down to it, the drivers should be your best endorsement," he said. "They are the ones that talk, and everyone wants to hear what they have to say. So I think between access, mobility, location and then obviously the asphalt within both fences, I think we're going to be good."
Hellmund also echoed recent comments from Bernie Ecclestone, who said there were no doubts that the funding for the event was in place.
When asked about the financial situation, Hellmund said: "With all due respect, I think it is interesting – because it is nobody's business what my funding is. I can tell you this – the group we have together is world class.
"Some of them are well known individuals who will probably never appear publicly – which is for a reason because their privacy and anonymity is part of the deal.
"But, I can tell you that Mr. Ecclestone would not have embarked on a deal if he was not pleased with the financial package. And the state of Texas would not have done what they have done without that either.
"And I want to be clear about what Texas have done because there are a lot of misconceptions there. They are not subsidising anything – the state of Texas has basically passed legislation, just like they did for the Superbowl, that allows for the contribution of incremental sales tax revenue that is created by that event. So, some of the liberal media in Texas have been trying to take shots at that, but that [the subsidy claim] is a fabrication.
"We are excited, because it puts Texas on a platform with the great global events – the Olympics, the Superbowl and the World Cup. They would have not been doing it either if they thought it was a bit wishy-washy."
Tavo Hellmund, the promoter of the Austin event that is scheduled to hold its first race in 2012, has revealed that the circuit will be a break from the norm of modern F1 venues and is set to feature a selection of the very best sequences from other tracks around the world.
"I would say that, hopefully, people will view it as a throwback to some of the older, traditional tracks - although obviously with the added safety features and requirements that the FIA has," Hellmund told AUTOSPORT during a visit to the British Grand Prix.
"It will be a track that the drivers will walk through and think: 'Man, I have to be on my best game today!'"
Hellmund said that final details of the location of the track will be released imminently, and that the actual layout should be made public in the next few weeks. He said he was excited by what he had seen from the plans, being put together by F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke.
"It is going to have a really fast section, which will have some pretty challenging corners," he said. "I am partial to a couple of sections that I've seen at Silverstone, so you could see those turn up too.
"There is also going to be significant elevation – probably more than 100 feet of difference from top to bottom. There will be pretty views, and I think it will be a bit of a departure from the tracks that have been built recently for F1. So, in that regard, I am excited.
"Americans will be proud of it – and it won't be a 'cookie cutter' track. I think people in Texas will be proud of it as well."
Hellmund said one of his priorities was to make sure the drivers liked the venue – because that would help ensure the event became a hit.
"When you really get down to it, the drivers should be your best endorsement," he said. "They are the ones that talk, and everyone wants to hear what they have to say. So I think between access, mobility, location and then obviously the asphalt within both fences, I think we're going to be good."
Hellmund also echoed recent comments from Bernie Ecclestone, who said there were no doubts that the funding for the event was in place.
When asked about the financial situation, Hellmund said: "With all due respect, I think it is interesting – because it is nobody's business what my funding is. I can tell you this – the group we have together is world class.
"Some of them are well known individuals who will probably never appear publicly – which is for a reason because their privacy and anonymity is part of the deal.
"But, I can tell you that Mr. Ecclestone would not have embarked on a deal if he was not pleased with the financial package. And the state of Texas would not have done what they have done without that either.
"And I want to be clear about what Texas have done because there are a lot of misconceptions there. They are not subsidising anything – the state of Texas has basically passed legislation, just like they did for the Superbowl, that allows for the contribution of incremental sales tax revenue that is created by that event. So, some of the liberal media in Texas have been trying to take shots at that, but that [the subsidy claim] is a fabrication.
"We are excited, because it puts Texas on a platform with the great global events – the Olympics, the Superbowl and the World Cup. They would have not been doing it either if they thought it was a bit wishy-washy."
Toro Rosso to retain Buemi, Alguersuari
Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi will stay on at Scuderia Toro Rosso next year, team boss Franz Tost said on Thursday.
"I believe our drivers will be well prepared for 2011, which is why they are both confirmed for next year," said Tost in a statement.
"It is also logical, because one key role of Scuderia Toro Rosso is to bring on young drivers from the Red Bull Young Driver programme and at the ages of 21 and 20 respectively, both Seb and Jaime certainly still meet the right criteria."
Twenty year-old Alguersuari joined Toro Rosso in the middle of the 2009 season, becoming the youngest ever driver to take part in a grand prix.
Team-mate Buemi, 21, has been with the team since the start of last year.
"I believe our drivers will be well prepared for 2011, which is why they are both confirmed for next year," said Tost in a statement.
"It is also logical, because one key role of Scuderia Toro Rosso is to bring on young drivers from the Red Bull Young Driver programme and at the ages of 21 and 20 respectively, both Seb and Jaime certainly still meet the right criteria."
Twenty year-old Alguersuari joined Toro Rosso in the middle of the 2009 season, becoming the youngest ever driver to take part in a grand prix.
Team-mate Buemi, 21, has been with the team since the start of last year.
Fry: Schumacher must 'plug away'
Michael Schumacher has been urged to keep 'plugging away' with his Formula 1 comeback, despite having not yet delivered the results that he or his team were hoping for this season.
That is the view of Mercedes GP CEO Nick Fry, who reckons that Schumacher is continuing to improve on his readjustment to F1 - and says the outfit is not losing faith in the German even though he has yet to finish on the podium.
"I think Michael has just to plug away at it," Fry told AUTOSPORT. "It is not coming together clearly. We have fits and starts and last weekend had some good points - like the second part of qualifying - but then the final part of qualifying was a bit disappointing.
"During the race there were points where we thought we could put in a better result here, but it didn't quite work out at the end.
"Clearly everyone expects the best of Michael Schumacher because he is seven-time world champion, but on the other hand you've got to say he is still a top ten driver which, on a global scale, is pretty impressive.
"He is still learning and we have still got confidence in him and he has confidence in himself. So I am quite optimistic."
Schumacher himself reckons there was reason to feel more bullish about his chances for the rest of the season after his Mercedes GP team made a step forward in performance at Silverstone last weekend.
"Certainly the car was working more true to its normal car/tyre combination, because I think that a lot of the problems in some of the events are down to some tyre issues that we haven't understood," said Schumacher.
"Clearly in Valencia we made mistakes with the car that we didn't do at Silverstone, and therefore we performed on normal levels."
That is the view of Mercedes GP CEO Nick Fry, who reckons that Schumacher is continuing to improve on his readjustment to F1 - and says the outfit is not losing faith in the German even though he has yet to finish on the podium.
"I think Michael has just to plug away at it," Fry told AUTOSPORT. "It is not coming together clearly. We have fits and starts and last weekend had some good points - like the second part of qualifying - but then the final part of qualifying was a bit disappointing.
"During the race there were points where we thought we could put in a better result here, but it didn't quite work out at the end.
"Clearly everyone expects the best of Michael Schumacher because he is seven-time world champion, but on the other hand you've got to say he is still a top ten driver which, on a global scale, is pretty impressive.
"He is still learning and we have still got confidence in him and he has confidence in himself. So I am quite optimistic."
Schumacher himself reckons there was reason to feel more bullish about his chances for the rest of the season after his Mercedes GP team made a step forward in performance at Silverstone last weekend.
"Certainly the car was working more true to its normal car/tyre combination, because I think that a lot of the problems in some of the events are down to some tyre issues that we haven't understood," said Schumacher.
"Clearly in Valencia we made mistakes with the car that we didn't do at Silverstone, and therefore we performed on normal levels."
F1 teams agree to tweak testing rules
Formula 1 teams have agreed a tweak to the sport's testing regulations to prevent anyone gaining a benefit from using 'filming days' to try out new parts, AUTOSPORT has learned.
The strict in-season testing ban means outfits are not meant to try out new parts away from a grand prix weekend.
However, some teams - including Mercedes GP with its new engine cover design and Ferrari with its blown diffuser - have this year managed to complete some limiting testing under the guise of a 'filming' day.
Those runs caused some concern among rival outfits, and teams have spent the last few weeks trying to tidy up the regulations.
Sources have revealed that at last week's British Grand Prix teams got together to sign off a new testing agreement that will prevent teams from exploiting filming days.
AUTOSPORT understands that with immediate effect, teams will be banned during filming days from running any parts that have not been raced before.
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh confirmed the changes had taken place, and was pleased that everyone was now in agreement about what was and was not allowed.
"I personally did not feel there was any ambiguity, but others argued that there was," he said. "But that is pressure, and when people are under pressure they try and take a different view.
"It is now clear that, if you are doing a demo run, then you must use components that have been raced before - and it has to be a legitimate demo run."
Although the filming loophole was still open ahead of Silverstone, Whitmarsh revealed that he ruled out his team making use of it for its new blown diffuser, despite some pressure from team members.
"The engineers here said others have done it, why can't we?" he said. "My view, as someone trying to hold FOTA together, was that I felt we could not take that advantage."
The strict in-season testing ban means outfits are not meant to try out new parts away from a grand prix weekend.
However, some teams - including Mercedes GP with its new engine cover design and Ferrari with its blown diffuser - have this year managed to complete some limiting testing under the guise of a 'filming' day.
Those runs caused some concern among rival outfits, and teams have spent the last few weeks trying to tidy up the regulations.
Sources have revealed that at last week's British Grand Prix teams got together to sign off a new testing agreement that will prevent teams from exploiting filming days.
AUTOSPORT understands that with immediate effect, teams will be banned during filming days from running any parts that have not been raced before.
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh confirmed the changes had taken place, and was pleased that everyone was now in agreement about what was and was not allowed.
"I personally did not feel there was any ambiguity, but others argued that there was," he said. "But that is pressure, and when people are under pressure they try and take a different view.
"It is now clear that, if you are doing a demo run, then you must use components that have been raced before - and it has to be a legitimate demo run."
Although the filming loophole was still open ahead of Silverstone, Whitmarsh revealed that he ruled out his team making use of it for its new blown diffuser, despite some pressure from team members.
"The engineers here said others have done it, why can't we?" he said. "My view, as someone trying to hold FOTA together, was that I felt we could not take that advantage."
Sauber on 40 years in motorsport
The German Grand Prix will mark 40 years of Sauber in motorsport. Ahead of the event, Peter Sauber reflected on his time in the business.
Peter SauberQ. Why did you decide, four decades ago, to go into business building racing sports cars? Switzerland isn't exactly the most popular place to set up this kind of company.
Peter Sauber: My occasional amateur races in a VW Beetle and the work I used to do on the car brought me into contact with the motor sport community in Switzerland. Within these circles I met a likeminded enthusiast, and together we developed the project for building two-seater racing sports cars.
If we'd looked into the economic wisdom of building and selling racing sports cars in Switzerland, there's no way it would have made sense. But luckily the sensible approach doesn't always win the day.
Q. Was it possible to earn enough money in this business?
PS: No, it wasn't. Between 1970 and 1978 we built a total of 13 examples of the C1 to C5 models. But that just didn't prove to be economically viable. Building and selling the cars was nowhere near enough. However, we were able to make money by running the cars for wealthy clients.
Q. Were there moments when you were tempted to throw in the towel?
PS: Oh yes, there were a lot of those! The first ten years were especially difficult, as we weren't just lacking the financial resources but also the people we needed. We were pushing our limits physically as well. There were many occasions when we worked late into the night. The Le Mans 24-hour race was particularly gruelling; with all the preparations for the race, you barely slept for a week.
If you then had to watch the cars drop out mid-way through the race, it would finish you off both physically and mentally. More than once I called my wife from Le Mans and said to her: That's it, I've had enough now.
Q. That idea never lasted for long, though...
PS: No, we always kept going. I was aware from the outset that it was extremely difficult - for a whole variety of reasons – to make a living from building racing cars in Switzerland. What always drove me on, though, was the determination not to concede defeat in the face of an almost insurmountable challenge.
Q. How did you work in those days? Who designed the cars and who built them?
PS: We started out as a two-man operation. With the C1, which we built in the cellar of my parents' house, we started out with a pretty good idea. The basis for this racing car was a Brabham Formula 3 machine, including the engine and gearbox, for which we designed a new two-seater chassis and bodywork. The C1 was much better than the cars it was racing against. That was how I managed to win the Swiss sports car championship in 1970. I certainly wasn't a particularly talented driver.
Q. How did things go from there?
PS: The C2 was created according to the same principle, but for the C3 we designed every part ourselves. Like its two predecessors, it was based on a tubular frame. By then there were four of us working together, one of whom was a friend from school who was studying engineering at the time. He was responsible for the design and I did the soldering and welding.
With the C4 and C5 we used an aluminium monocoque – which we also made ourselves – for the first time. From the C3 onwards Paucoplast were responsible for building the body, and the company is still doing work for us today. It was a very intense time.
Q. And then the partnership with Mercedes-Benz gradually took shape.
PS: Yes, it began in 1984 and was a very delicate matter to start with. Motor sport was still a taboo subject at Mercedes back then, with the serious accident at Le Mans in 1955 still weighing heavily. So a dedicated group of Mercedes engineers helped us out in their free time until we became the official works team of Mercedes-Benz in 1988.
Q. Professor Werner Niefer played a particularly prominent role here.
PS: Professor Niefer was Chairman of the Board at the time and a real old-school businessman – of the sort you struggle to find in large companies nowadays. Back then I worked with Mercedes without a contract; I shook hands with Professor Niefer, and that was worth more than any piece of paper with signatures scrawled on it.
Q. What was the story with the Silver Arrows?
PS: In March 1989 the Sauber-Mercedes C9 cars, with their dark blue paintwork, were all ready for their first race at Suzuka. Professor Niefer wanted the cars painted silver, but there was a lot of resistance among his colleagues on the Board, for whom our prospects of success were too uncertain. Professor Niefer asked me to paint a model car silver and bring it to the Geneva Motor Show, where the key meeting was due to take place.
Things were not moving very fast, but then he suddenly put his arm around my shoulder, took me aside and said: "They're all such scaredy-cats. Change the colour!" The cars were duly repainted, but it was all very cloak-and-dagger. This was the rebirth of the Silver Arrows. We celebrated a one-two at Suzuka, won the Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles in the World Sports Car Championship and crossed the line first and second at Le Mans as well. So we repaid his faith in us.
Q. What would you say has been the best period you've had over the 40 years?
PS: Off the top of my head I'm tempted to say the successful time with Mercedes. But when I think back now, the 18 years in Formula One are right up there, of course. I don't really want to single out any particular period of time; the whole 40 years have been amazing, and the difficult moments are all part of that.
Q. You brought Mercedes-Benz back into motor sport and provided BMW with the platform to line up as a works team in Formula One. Are you proud of what
you've achieved?
PS: Yes, definitely. I'm also proud that I achieved this from Switzerland. After all, these are two big German companies with long histories. In 2005 the German automobile association, the ADAC, presented me with an award in recognition of my achievements, so it isn't as if it went totally unnoticed.
Q. What have been the sporting highlights of your career?
PS: In the 'old days' I would certainly say winning the Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles in the World Sports Car Championship in 1989 and the one-two in the Le Mans 24 Hours. More recently, the highlight would have to be Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld's one-two in the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
Q. And the low points?
PS: Without doubt the serious accident suffered by Karl Wendlinger in Monaco in 1994, which left him in a coma for 19 days, and Robert Kubica's horrific crash in Montreal in 2007. In the end, both accidents had a happy ending. Robert is still competing in Formula One, of course, and Karl continues to race GT sports cars. I'm very thankful that they are able to do so.
Q. How do you hope the future will work out?
PS: I'd like to lead the team back into a secure position and establish it at a good level from a racing point of view. If I can manage that, it will be a case of mission accomplished for me.
Peter SauberQ. Why did you decide, four decades ago, to go into business building racing sports cars? Switzerland isn't exactly the most popular place to set up this kind of company.
Peter Sauber: My occasional amateur races in a VW Beetle and the work I used to do on the car brought me into contact with the motor sport community in Switzerland. Within these circles I met a likeminded enthusiast, and together we developed the project for building two-seater racing sports cars.
If we'd looked into the economic wisdom of building and selling racing sports cars in Switzerland, there's no way it would have made sense. But luckily the sensible approach doesn't always win the day.
Q. Was it possible to earn enough money in this business?
PS: No, it wasn't. Between 1970 and 1978 we built a total of 13 examples of the C1 to C5 models. But that just didn't prove to be economically viable. Building and selling the cars was nowhere near enough. However, we were able to make money by running the cars for wealthy clients.
Q. Were there moments when you were tempted to throw in the towel?
PS: Oh yes, there were a lot of those! The first ten years were especially difficult, as we weren't just lacking the financial resources but also the people we needed. We were pushing our limits physically as well. There were many occasions when we worked late into the night. The Le Mans 24-hour race was particularly gruelling; with all the preparations for the race, you barely slept for a week.
If you then had to watch the cars drop out mid-way through the race, it would finish you off both physically and mentally. More than once I called my wife from Le Mans and said to her: That's it, I've had enough now.
Q. That idea never lasted for long, though...
PS: No, we always kept going. I was aware from the outset that it was extremely difficult - for a whole variety of reasons – to make a living from building racing cars in Switzerland. What always drove me on, though, was the determination not to concede defeat in the face of an almost insurmountable challenge.
Q. How did you work in those days? Who designed the cars and who built them?
PS: We started out as a two-man operation. With the C1, which we built in the cellar of my parents' house, we started out with a pretty good idea. The basis for this racing car was a Brabham Formula 3 machine, including the engine and gearbox, for which we designed a new two-seater chassis and bodywork. The C1 was much better than the cars it was racing against. That was how I managed to win the Swiss sports car championship in 1970. I certainly wasn't a particularly talented driver.
Q. How did things go from there?
PS: The C2 was created according to the same principle, but for the C3 we designed every part ourselves. Like its two predecessors, it was based on a tubular frame. By then there were four of us working together, one of whom was a friend from school who was studying engineering at the time. He was responsible for the design and I did the soldering and welding.
With the C4 and C5 we used an aluminium monocoque – which we also made ourselves – for the first time. From the C3 onwards Paucoplast were responsible for building the body, and the company is still doing work for us today. It was a very intense time.
Q. And then the partnership with Mercedes-Benz gradually took shape.
PS: Yes, it began in 1984 and was a very delicate matter to start with. Motor sport was still a taboo subject at Mercedes back then, with the serious accident at Le Mans in 1955 still weighing heavily. So a dedicated group of Mercedes engineers helped us out in their free time until we became the official works team of Mercedes-Benz in 1988.
Q. Professor Werner Niefer played a particularly prominent role here.
PS: Professor Niefer was Chairman of the Board at the time and a real old-school businessman – of the sort you struggle to find in large companies nowadays. Back then I worked with Mercedes without a contract; I shook hands with Professor Niefer, and that was worth more than any piece of paper with signatures scrawled on it.
Q. What was the story with the Silver Arrows?
PS: In March 1989 the Sauber-Mercedes C9 cars, with their dark blue paintwork, were all ready for their first race at Suzuka. Professor Niefer wanted the cars painted silver, but there was a lot of resistance among his colleagues on the Board, for whom our prospects of success were too uncertain. Professor Niefer asked me to paint a model car silver and bring it to the Geneva Motor Show, where the key meeting was due to take place.
Things were not moving very fast, but then he suddenly put his arm around my shoulder, took me aside and said: "They're all such scaredy-cats. Change the colour!" The cars were duly repainted, but it was all very cloak-and-dagger. This was the rebirth of the Silver Arrows. We celebrated a one-two at Suzuka, won the Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles in the World Sports Car Championship and crossed the line first and second at Le Mans as well. So we repaid his faith in us.
Q. What would you say has been the best period you've had over the 40 years?
PS: Off the top of my head I'm tempted to say the successful time with Mercedes. But when I think back now, the 18 years in Formula One are right up there, of course. I don't really want to single out any particular period of time; the whole 40 years have been amazing, and the difficult moments are all part of that.
Q. You brought Mercedes-Benz back into motor sport and provided BMW with the platform to line up as a works team in Formula One. Are you proud of what
you've achieved?
PS: Yes, definitely. I'm also proud that I achieved this from Switzerland. After all, these are two big German companies with long histories. In 2005 the German automobile association, the ADAC, presented me with an award in recognition of my achievements, so it isn't as if it went totally unnoticed.
Q. What have been the sporting highlights of your career?
PS: In the 'old days' I would certainly say winning the Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles in the World Sports Car Championship in 1989 and the one-two in the Le Mans 24 Hours. More recently, the highlight would have to be Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld's one-two in the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
Q. And the low points?
PS: Without doubt the serious accident suffered by Karl Wendlinger in Monaco in 1994, which left him in a coma for 19 days, and Robert Kubica's horrific crash in Montreal in 2007. In the end, both accidents had a happy ending. Robert is still competing in Formula One, of course, and Karl continues to race GT sports cars. I'm very thankful that they are able to do so.
Q. How do you hope the future will work out?
PS: I'd like to lead the team back into a secure position and establish it at a good level from a racing point of view. If I can manage that, it will be a case of mission accomplished for me.
Lewis Hamilton
Q. Another second place, and 86 points from a possible 100 in the last four races. It's not going too badly, is it?
Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamilton: "Wow, 86 points from 100? That's 86 per cent - I'd have loved those marks when I was at school! Haha! When you look at it like that, it does sound good, yeah, absolutely. I've said it before, but I think I'm able to get those kinds of results because our car is just so fantastic to drive. My car in 2008 was fantastic, but, even though we're not quite as quick as the Red Bull, this year's car is still the best Formula 1 car I've ever driven.
"You can just plant it, particularly throught the high-speed stuff, and the car will just go where you tell it. And, as a driver, that gives you so much confidence, so you're not worrying about the car, you're just focusing on the racing. On Sunday at Silverstone, I just raced my heart out; I knew our car wasn't as quick as Mark's, but I just gave it all I had. I really enjoyed the race.
"And when you're having fun out there, the results just come. So I'm just incredibly happy at the moment. Eighty six points out of 100 – I still can't believe that!"
Q. You said that you'd never seen crowds like it a grand prix before, just how unique was this year's Santander British Grand Prix?
LH: "It was incredible, it really was. If you've only been to Silverstone, then maybe it's hard to understand. Silverstone is just one of those places that really comes alive for the race, and the atmosphere was just intense. I absolutely loved it. I love it every year, but this year just felt more charged and more exciting than ever.
"Every day, I'd go out onto the pitwall just to wave at the fans, and I couldn't believe how much support they were giving our team. Hopefully, they had a fantastic weekend – the weather was perfect, the racing was great, and we got a great result.
"Hopefully, next year, Jenson and I can come back and deliver a one-two – which I think would just blow the roof off the whole place. Wouldn't that be amazing?"
Q. A lot's been said about the change back to the regular floor after trialing the blown diffuser on Friday – how much did that upset your preparations for the race?
LH: "Well, obviously, it meant we lost a day's running compared to everybody else. But we didn't really waste it, because we learnt a lot about the new floor, and we'll hopefully be able to put that to good use sooner rather than later.
"And you'd probably say we started from zero on Saturday morning, except that we didn't, because Gary and the team did their homework in the simulator on Friday night. Those guys did a fantastic job, and they really made our race, because when we got in the car on Saturday morning, we hit the ground running because we had a lot of confidence in their data. That was a great example of the team really pulling it out of the bag, and it helped us get a result that, on paper, shouldn't really have been possible.
"Now, we need to spend the next 10 days really digging deep to get the T3 floor back on the cars and make sure it has a positive impact at the next race in Germany. The guys back at the factory are already working hard at it, and I'm sure we can get it to work soon."
Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamilton: "Wow, 86 points from 100? That's 86 per cent - I'd have loved those marks when I was at school! Haha! When you look at it like that, it does sound good, yeah, absolutely. I've said it before, but I think I'm able to get those kinds of results because our car is just so fantastic to drive. My car in 2008 was fantastic, but, even though we're not quite as quick as the Red Bull, this year's car is still the best Formula 1 car I've ever driven.
"You can just plant it, particularly throught the high-speed stuff, and the car will just go where you tell it. And, as a driver, that gives you so much confidence, so you're not worrying about the car, you're just focusing on the racing. On Sunday at Silverstone, I just raced my heart out; I knew our car wasn't as quick as Mark's, but I just gave it all I had. I really enjoyed the race.
"And when you're having fun out there, the results just come. So I'm just incredibly happy at the moment. Eighty six points out of 100 – I still can't believe that!"
Q. You said that you'd never seen crowds like it a grand prix before, just how unique was this year's Santander British Grand Prix?
LH: "It was incredible, it really was. If you've only been to Silverstone, then maybe it's hard to understand. Silverstone is just one of those places that really comes alive for the race, and the atmosphere was just intense. I absolutely loved it. I love it every year, but this year just felt more charged and more exciting than ever.
"Every day, I'd go out onto the pitwall just to wave at the fans, and I couldn't believe how much support they were giving our team. Hopefully, they had a fantastic weekend – the weather was perfect, the racing was great, and we got a great result.
"Hopefully, next year, Jenson and I can come back and deliver a one-two – which I think would just blow the roof off the whole place. Wouldn't that be amazing?"
Q. A lot's been said about the change back to the regular floor after trialing the blown diffuser on Friday – how much did that upset your preparations for the race?
LH: "Well, obviously, it meant we lost a day's running compared to everybody else. But we didn't really waste it, because we learnt a lot about the new floor, and we'll hopefully be able to put that to good use sooner rather than later.
"And you'd probably say we started from zero on Saturday morning, except that we didn't, because Gary and the team did their homework in the simulator on Friday night. Those guys did a fantastic job, and they really made our race, because when we got in the car on Saturday morning, we hit the ground running because we had a lot of confidence in their data. That was a great example of the team really pulling it out of the bag, and it helped us get a result that, on paper, shouldn't really have been possible.
"Now, we need to spend the next 10 days really digging deep to get the T3 floor back on the cars and make sure it has a positive impact at the next race in Germany. The guys back at the factory are already working hard at it, and I'm sure we can get it to work soon."
Webber draws line under front wing row
Mark Webber says he and Red Bull Racing have now cleared the air over the British Grand Prix wing row, following sit down talks at the Milton Keynes factory on Wednesday.
The Australian was furious at Silverstone that the team had removed a new wing design from his car and put it on team-mate Sebastian Vettel's shortly before qualifying.
He claimed after the race that he would never have re-signed a deal with the team for 2010 if he knew that was how he was going to get treated.
However, with the emotions of the weekend having now cooled a little, Webber is much calmer about the situation after finally meeting with team principal Christian Horner to discuss the matter.
In a statement that was issued on his own website on Wednesday night, Webber said all the issues of the weekend had been discussed and that there no lasting tension going forward.
"My disappointment on Saturday after qualifying spilled over into Sunday but it was simply due to the fact that I, along with every other driver on the grid, wanted the best possible chance of success," wrote Webber.
"Sebastian received the newer front wing for reasons which were not clearly explained to me until Saturday late afternoon. Obviously I can see why a team may at certain points have to favour a driver with more points in the championship, if there are only enough resources to fully support one of us.
"We've already debriefed the race weekend at the factory and have cleared the air. It's now understood that, should we face this unlikely dilemma again, preference will go to the championship points leader."
Webber also conceded that his 'not bad for a number two' comment made on the radio straight after the race was probably not the best thing to have said.
"Of course things get said in the heat of the moment which, with hindsight goggles on, probably shouldn't have been said. Formula 1 is a highly charged and fiercely competitive arena where emotions and adrenalin do run high from time to time like in many sports and my comment on the radio after the race was an example of Australian sarcasm - either at its best or worst depending on how you choose to take it.
"But rest assured, under the helmet I was massively rapped about winning one of the most prestigious events on the F1 calendar and Red Bull Racing's local race. It's a home race of sorts for me; I only live 40 minutes down the road and the UK and Buckinghamshire in particular has been home to me for the past 15 years so Silverstone and the British GP are both very special to me."
Webber also made it clear that his working relationships with both Horner and Vettel had not been soured by the events of the Silverstone weekend.
"Christian Horner and I have known each other for many years; we're friends and have a strong mutual respect which continues and extends to other activities, such as our GP3 team and interest in finding and nurturing young racing talent," he said.
"The team has produced an awesome car and has come a long way in a short space of time. There are more than 500 people at the Red Bull Racing factory at Milton Keynes and I know that each and every one of them share the highs and lows that Sebastian and I experience during the season.
"The support we both enjoy is phenomenal and on Sunday evening many of them joined us at Christian's annual post-race party and celebrated our win in style."
He added: "The respect within the team extends to the drivers. I know I have a very good driver as a team-mate and I wouldn't want it any other way. We share information freely in team meetings and contribute to the development and improvement of our cars.
"Seb and I are not enemies, we're just two drivers that are pushing hard and want to do the best for ourselves and the team, it's as simple as that.
"The British Grand Prix was a wonderful result for myself and the team; however time moves fast and looking in the mirror for too long doesn't prepare us for Germany. We've moved on."
The Australian was furious at Silverstone that the team had removed a new wing design from his car and put it on team-mate Sebastian Vettel's shortly before qualifying.
He claimed after the race that he would never have re-signed a deal with the team for 2010 if he knew that was how he was going to get treated.
However, with the emotions of the weekend having now cooled a little, Webber is much calmer about the situation after finally meeting with team principal Christian Horner to discuss the matter.
In a statement that was issued on his own website on Wednesday night, Webber said all the issues of the weekend had been discussed and that there no lasting tension going forward.
"My disappointment on Saturday after qualifying spilled over into Sunday but it was simply due to the fact that I, along with every other driver on the grid, wanted the best possible chance of success," wrote Webber.
"Sebastian received the newer front wing for reasons which were not clearly explained to me until Saturday late afternoon. Obviously I can see why a team may at certain points have to favour a driver with more points in the championship, if there are only enough resources to fully support one of us.
"We've already debriefed the race weekend at the factory and have cleared the air. It's now understood that, should we face this unlikely dilemma again, preference will go to the championship points leader."
Webber also conceded that his 'not bad for a number two' comment made on the radio straight after the race was probably not the best thing to have said.
"Of course things get said in the heat of the moment which, with hindsight goggles on, probably shouldn't have been said. Formula 1 is a highly charged and fiercely competitive arena where emotions and adrenalin do run high from time to time like in many sports and my comment on the radio after the race was an example of Australian sarcasm - either at its best or worst depending on how you choose to take it.
"But rest assured, under the helmet I was massively rapped about winning one of the most prestigious events on the F1 calendar and Red Bull Racing's local race. It's a home race of sorts for me; I only live 40 minutes down the road and the UK and Buckinghamshire in particular has been home to me for the past 15 years so Silverstone and the British GP are both very special to me."
Webber also made it clear that his working relationships with both Horner and Vettel had not been soured by the events of the Silverstone weekend.
"Christian Horner and I have known each other for many years; we're friends and have a strong mutual respect which continues and extends to other activities, such as our GP3 team and interest in finding and nurturing young racing talent," he said.
"The team has produced an awesome car and has come a long way in a short space of time. There are more than 500 people at the Red Bull Racing factory at Milton Keynes and I know that each and every one of them share the highs and lows that Sebastian and I experience during the season.
"The support we both enjoy is phenomenal and on Sunday evening many of them joined us at Christian's annual post-race party and celebrated our win in style."
He added: "The respect within the team extends to the drivers. I know I have a very good driver as a team-mate and I wouldn't want it any other way. We share information freely in team meetings and contribute to the development and improvement of our cars.
"Seb and I are not enemies, we're just two drivers that are pushing hard and want to do the best for ourselves and the team, it's as simple as that.
"The British Grand Prix was a wonderful result for myself and the team; however time moves fast and looking in the mirror for too long doesn't prepare us for Germany. We've moved on."
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Exclusive with Red Bull’s Christian Horner
It’s easy to forget that just a few years ago the Red Bull team was but a twinkle in an Austrian billionaire’s eyes. In 2009 they established themselves as frontrunners, whilst this season they are unquestionably the team to beat - having scored nine pole positions and five victories. Although there’s been a fair few hiccups along the way, for team principal Christian Horner, challenging the ‘establishment’ is a source of immense pride. He talks 2010, upgrades, Pirelli and drivers...
Q: This year Red Bull have stepped up to rival the establishment - has the pressure got to you and the team? Do you think some of the more established teams underestimated you?
CH: Last year we finished second in the drivers’ and constructors’ championship and won six races, and some people thought the bigger guys were sleeping that year with teams like McLaren and Ferrari being that much further back. I think we demonstrated that we are a front-running team. We have come an awfully long way in a very short period of time, against some huge and iconic opponents. I’m very pleased with the progress we’ve managed to make over the last couple of years to cement Red Bull’s position as a genuine frontrunner.
Q: You’ve had a fair share of reliability issues this season, but the innovative RB6 has consistently been the car to beat. Having pushed development to its extremes, did you expect a few growing pains?
CH: Inevitably when you push the boundaries there are a few issues, and unfortunately we’ve had a couple of issues. We had a spark-plug failure at the first Grand Prix that unfortunately prevented Sebastian from winning that race. We had a wheel-nut issue that also both Mercedes and McLaren have had failures at different Grands Prix. We had a brake issue in Barcelona but Sebastian still managed to finish in third. So in terms of absolute showstoppers we’ve only had one mechanical DNF. We’ve had no more, or less, than our competitors.
Q: Suddenly in Valencia recently everyone was talking about teams introducing low exhausts and blown rear diffusers. You’ve had these solutions since the start of the season. Why has it taken the others so long to catch on? Does it make you proud that you are influencing other teams’ developments?
CH: It’s always flattering when teams copy designs like the lower exhaust exits. As with all these things it’s very difficult to cherry pick items for cars. It has to be incorporated within your own package to exploit genuine benefit. It’s not just the exhaust that makes the car go quickly. So it’s been interesting to see how it’s been copied, but it’s happened before with engine covers or diffusers. It’s the way Formula One works.
Q: You now have the F-duct on the car and it’s working well. Are there any more major developments coming?
CH: We try to get something onto the car at every Grand Prix which we’ve managed to do so far this year. We are managing to add performance to the car at every race and the guys are doing an incredible job in maintaining a very rapid development process against bigger teams. Let’s not forget that both McLaren and Ferrari have considerably more resource than we do, so it means we have to think smarter and more innovatively to make sure we get the most performance possible from the car.
Q: When will the team switch their development focus solely to 2011? How far along is next year’s car?
CH: The 2011 car will inevitably be an evolution of this year’s car so I’m sure we’ll be pushing development late into the year as we did last year.
Q: You’ll keep the same drivers next year. How important do you think a stable line-up is to the success of a team?
CH: I think it’s very important. I think both drivers are well known to the team and they are a very competitive line-up. They push each other very hard and extract the best out of each other, so from a team point of view it’s a very positive partnership and we’re delighted they’ll be going into a third season together.
Q: If Vettel and Webber were suddenly unavailable, which drivers would you be trying to sign?
CH: Gosh, that’s an interesting question. I’d be hoping they both wouldn’t suddenly become unavailable. I can’t think of any other guys we would want to have than the two we do have, so I’m not going to go near that question.
Q: The new teams have come in for some flack about their pace - or lack of it - and some critics would argue that Webber’s crash with Kovalainen in Valencia proved their point. What’s your take on this, and do you think the 107 percent rule next year will change things?
CH: You must never underestimate the challenge of Formula One and the new teams are making progress, particularly Lotus, and it was great shame what happened. Mark’s never found himself actually racing one of those cars previously - he’s just seen them moving out of the way to be lapped. So I think it would be wrong to place blame on a team that’s in its first year. What happened happened. I think Heikki’s (Kovalainen’s) braking point took Mark completely by surprise and Heikki wasn’t totally sure whether he was moving to the left or the right. But I think it’s wrong to blame the drivers or teams. I doubt we’ll see Mark Webber following a Lotus that closely again this year.
Q: Regarding next year, are you pleased with the choice of Pirelli as the new sole tyre supplier. Do you have any concerns about the amount of testing and development you will be able to do ahead of the 2011 season?
CH: I think it’s great a brand like Pirelli has come back into Formula One. They obviously have a great motorsport heritage and it’s fantastic to retain a common supplier for all the teams. They have enough racing experience and have a big enough competition department to deal with the challenges of Formula One. The most important thing will be that it is the same for everyone, so we’re delighted Pirelli have decided to come into Formula One. I’m sure they’ll do a very good job.
Q: There has been mixed reaction to the moveable rear wings the FIA plan for next year. Combined with KERS, don’t you think we are introducing too many artificial elements to the driver experience? Surely Formula One is meant to be motor racing at its purest…
CH: We need to be a bit careful we don’t create a WWF scenario. It’s important that all these changes are carefully considered. I think the racing this year has been excellent. Since Bahrain we’ve had some really exciting Grands Prix. It’s important we don’t mess around too much with the DNA of what is Formula One.
Q: Do you think they’ll be more effective than the arguably negligible success of the adjustable front wings?
CH: Potentially it’s a very powerful tool. It’s also quite dangerous if it was to fail in any way, so it is important that all things are taken into consideration.
Q: There’s been talk of Renault supplying more teams next season. Good or bad for Red Bull?
CH: Renault are a great partner of ours. Obviously it doesn’t affect the potential relationship we’ll have with them in 2011. They’ve demonstrated that they are a very capable supplier. I’m sure if they don’t overstretch themselves, I can’t see an issue.
Q: Would Red Bull be interested in fielding a third car?
CH: Well Red Bull of course field four cars, as they have two teams. There are 12 teams currently in Formula One, with one open slot, so I don’t think the need will be there to run a third car.
Q: And finally, are the titles still yours for the taking, or are you worried about McLaren?
CH: I think there’s a long way to go in the championship. It’s going to be a fascinating second half to the season. And I don’t think anyone could with any confidence say we
Q: This year Red Bull have stepped up to rival the establishment - has the pressure got to you and the team? Do you think some of the more established teams underestimated you?
CH: Last year we finished second in the drivers’ and constructors’ championship and won six races, and some people thought the bigger guys were sleeping that year with teams like McLaren and Ferrari being that much further back. I think we demonstrated that we are a front-running team. We have come an awfully long way in a very short period of time, against some huge and iconic opponents. I’m very pleased with the progress we’ve managed to make over the last couple of years to cement Red Bull’s position as a genuine frontrunner.
Q: You’ve had a fair share of reliability issues this season, but the innovative RB6 has consistently been the car to beat. Having pushed development to its extremes, did you expect a few growing pains?
CH: Inevitably when you push the boundaries there are a few issues, and unfortunately we’ve had a couple of issues. We had a spark-plug failure at the first Grand Prix that unfortunately prevented Sebastian from winning that race. We had a wheel-nut issue that also both Mercedes and McLaren have had failures at different Grands Prix. We had a brake issue in Barcelona but Sebastian still managed to finish in third. So in terms of absolute showstoppers we’ve only had one mechanical DNF. We’ve had no more, or less, than our competitors.
Q: Suddenly in Valencia recently everyone was talking about teams introducing low exhausts and blown rear diffusers. You’ve had these solutions since the start of the season. Why has it taken the others so long to catch on? Does it make you proud that you are influencing other teams’ developments?
CH: It’s always flattering when teams copy designs like the lower exhaust exits. As with all these things it’s very difficult to cherry pick items for cars. It has to be incorporated within your own package to exploit genuine benefit. It’s not just the exhaust that makes the car go quickly. So it’s been interesting to see how it’s been copied, but it’s happened before with engine covers or diffusers. It’s the way Formula One works.
Q: You now have the F-duct on the car and it’s working well. Are there any more major developments coming?
CH: We try to get something onto the car at every Grand Prix which we’ve managed to do so far this year. We are managing to add performance to the car at every race and the guys are doing an incredible job in maintaining a very rapid development process against bigger teams. Let’s not forget that both McLaren and Ferrari have considerably more resource than we do, so it means we have to think smarter and more innovatively to make sure we get the most performance possible from the car.
Q: When will the team switch their development focus solely to 2011? How far along is next year’s car?
CH: The 2011 car will inevitably be an evolution of this year’s car so I’m sure we’ll be pushing development late into the year as we did last year.
Q: You’ll keep the same drivers next year. How important do you think a stable line-up is to the success of a team?
CH: I think it’s very important. I think both drivers are well known to the team and they are a very competitive line-up. They push each other very hard and extract the best out of each other, so from a team point of view it’s a very positive partnership and we’re delighted they’ll be going into a third season together.
Q: If Vettel and Webber were suddenly unavailable, which drivers would you be trying to sign?
CH: Gosh, that’s an interesting question. I’d be hoping they both wouldn’t suddenly become unavailable. I can’t think of any other guys we would want to have than the two we do have, so I’m not going to go near that question.
Q: The new teams have come in for some flack about their pace - or lack of it - and some critics would argue that Webber’s crash with Kovalainen in Valencia proved their point. What’s your take on this, and do you think the 107 percent rule next year will change things?
CH: You must never underestimate the challenge of Formula One and the new teams are making progress, particularly Lotus, and it was great shame what happened. Mark’s never found himself actually racing one of those cars previously - he’s just seen them moving out of the way to be lapped. So I think it would be wrong to place blame on a team that’s in its first year. What happened happened. I think Heikki’s (Kovalainen’s) braking point took Mark completely by surprise and Heikki wasn’t totally sure whether he was moving to the left or the right. But I think it’s wrong to blame the drivers or teams. I doubt we’ll see Mark Webber following a Lotus that closely again this year.
Q: Regarding next year, are you pleased with the choice of Pirelli as the new sole tyre supplier. Do you have any concerns about the amount of testing and development you will be able to do ahead of the 2011 season?
CH: I think it’s great a brand like Pirelli has come back into Formula One. They obviously have a great motorsport heritage and it’s fantastic to retain a common supplier for all the teams. They have enough racing experience and have a big enough competition department to deal with the challenges of Formula One. The most important thing will be that it is the same for everyone, so we’re delighted Pirelli have decided to come into Formula One. I’m sure they’ll do a very good job.
Q: There has been mixed reaction to the moveable rear wings the FIA plan for next year. Combined with KERS, don’t you think we are introducing too many artificial elements to the driver experience? Surely Formula One is meant to be motor racing at its purest…
CH: We need to be a bit careful we don’t create a WWF scenario. It’s important that all these changes are carefully considered. I think the racing this year has been excellent. Since Bahrain we’ve had some really exciting Grands Prix. It’s important we don’t mess around too much with the DNA of what is Formula One.
Q: Do you think they’ll be more effective than the arguably negligible success of the adjustable front wings?
CH: Potentially it’s a very powerful tool. It’s also quite dangerous if it was to fail in any way, so it is important that all things are taken into consideration.
Q: There’s been talk of Renault supplying more teams next season. Good or bad for Red Bull?
CH: Renault are a great partner of ours. Obviously it doesn’t affect the potential relationship we’ll have with them in 2011. They’ve demonstrated that they are a very capable supplier. I’m sure if they don’t overstretch themselves, I can’t see an issue.
Q: Would Red Bull be interested in fielding a third car?
CH: Well Red Bull of course field four cars, as they have two teams. There are 12 teams currently in Formula One, with one open slot, so I don’t think the need will be there to run a third car.
Q: And finally, are the titles still yours for the taking, or are you worried about McLaren?
CH: I think there’s a long way to go in the championship. It’s going to be a fascinating second half to the season. And I don’t think anyone could with any confidence say we
Renault targets Spa for F-duct debut
Renault plans to introduce its version of the F-duct at the Belgian Grand Prix.
The team is currently the only front running outfit not to have run the aero device, but team boss Eric Boullier says it is working on an example which he hopes will be used for the first time at Spa.
"We have a two-step F-duct coming," Boullier said. "It depends on the schedule, Budapest is a high downforce track so we don't need to have it for that. Maybe we'll get it before, or very likely right after."
Chief race engineer Alan Permane defended the team's decision to delay its F-duct development much longer than its rivals.
"We've concentrated on other bits and bobs and put an awful lot of downforce on the car, so I still think it was the right strategic decision to not do one immediately like the other teams did," he said.
But Permane admitted that Renault has fallen back behind Mercedes and believes the F-duct will help the team challenge for fourth place in the constructors' championship.
"We should be fighting with the Ferraris and Mercedes," he said. "Realistically we're just at the back of that group at the moment. We had edged ahead of Mercedes but they've done a very good job - they were very quick at Silverstone and they're ahead of us again now.
"We need a little bit more and when we get our F-duct online that should help. That won't be for another couple of races, but that's all we're missing compared to other people.
"I think we've overperformed, honestly. We've made the most of the car and made the most of the opportunities presented to us in races, and I hope we can carry on doing that for the rest of the year. In the absence of winning, our goal is to beat Mercedes and be fourth quickest."
Renault: Petrov's future in his hands
Renault says Vitaly Petrov's future at the team is in his own hands, in the wake of rumours linking Kimi Raikkonen to a Formula 1 return with the outfit in 2011.
Robert Kubica recently signed a two-year deal with Renault. The second seat for next season remains open with Raikkonen mooted as a possible replacement for Petrov should he decide to leave the World Rally Championship after one year.
Renault team boss Eric Boullier says he has been pleased with Petrov's performances so far in his rookie season, but is looking for the Russian to improve his consistency and help Renault challenge Mercedes for fourth place in the constructors' championship.
"His future is in his hands," Boullier said in this week's Renault team podcast. "We have not been disappointed by him - he clearly is the best rookie in the paddock.
"He did some very amazing jobs sometimes [but] he's clearly today lacking some consistency to get the points he deserves. We definitely need to have both cars scoring points, so that's obviously creating some rumours surrounding his race seat.
"But we are totally committed to him. We are happy to have him on board and we will do everyhting we can to help him take the final step to where we want him to be."
Renaut is currently 37 points behind fourth-placed Mercedes, with Kubica having scored 83 of its 89 points so far.
Robert Kubica recently signed a two-year deal with Renault. The second seat for next season remains open with Raikkonen mooted as a possible replacement for Petrov should he decide to leave the World Rally Championship after one year.
Renault team boss Eric Boullier says he has been pleased with Petrov's performances so far in his rookie season, but is looking for the Russian to improve his consistency and help Renault challenge Mercedes for fourth place in the constructors' championship.
"His future is in his hands," Boullier said in this week's Renault team podcast. "We have not been disappointed by him - he clearly is the best rookie in the paddock.
"He did some very amazing jobs sometimes [but] he's clearly today lacking some consistency to get the points he deserves. We definitely need to have both cars scoring points, so that's obviously creating some rumours surrounding his race seat.
"But we are totally committed to him. We are happy to have him on board and we will do everyhting we can to help him take the final step to where we want him to be."
Renaut is currently 37 points behind fourth-placed Mercedes, with Kubica having scored 83 of its 89 points so far.
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Button: Red Bull row will help McLaren
World champion Jenson Button has no doubts that his McLaren team is going to benefit from the internal troubles at Red Bull Racing.
On the back of the front wing controversy that overshadowed Mark Webber's victory at the British Grand Prix, Button is convinced that Red Bull Racing is going to suffer from the distraction of needing to gets its house in order.
Speaking after his fourth placed finish at Silverstone helped him maintain his second spot in the drivers' championship behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton, Button said he reckoned divisions in Red Bull's camp were positive for McLaren.
"Yes," he said. "It means they're going to be busy discussing where they're going to go from here. We've got a good relationship here. However much people take the Mickey out of how well Lewis and I get on, it works well with our team and it means the guys back in the factory are not worrying about us and how we are with each other.
"They can focus on making our car quicker. We're not quick enough. We're not as quick as the Red Bulls and we need to focus. But we can concentrate 100 per cent on making our car go quicker and not worry about politics on the circuit between the two drivers."
Button admitted that he had some sympathy for Webber, after the Australian was left fuming that Red Bull Racing took a new front wing off his car and gave it to team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
"I'm proud of the guy," said Button. "He did a good job. Whether the front wing made a difference or not, it was blown up and it's difficult for a driver to go into a race knowing that he doesn't have the same car as his team-mate.
"Even if it didn't make his team-mate go any quicker, he knows that they chose to put it on his team-mate's car and not his. Even if the car's no quicker it still hurts, mentally, so it was a great job from him and he deserved that victory. He did a good job."
Lewis Hamilton has echoed Button's feelings of warmth towards Webber - and said he would never wish to be in the situation that his title rival found himself in.
"I can imagine how he feels," he said. "I wouldn't want to be ... if that was me, sjeez… I asked him earlier and he said don't worry I'm pushing. He's just doing a job. He's doing the talking on the track. And that's what I would do. But it's not nice.
"When you're in a team that you love, people around you, all you want to do is be loved back. I don't know what's going on in the team, or whether we're blowing it all out of proportion. We don't know exactly what's going on. He did say it wasn't right. But he still did the job and that's great for him."
And Hamilton says that the internal trouble at Red Bull has simply served to make him happier about the positive atmosphere he has found inside McLaren.
"It [the Red Bull situation] is not encouraging, it just makes us more proud as a team to see that we're doing a solid job - and that the harmony in our team is good.
"The guys that we're mainly competing with, it seems that we have more harmony in our team and that's why we're leading both championships."
On the back of the front wing controversy that overshadowed Mark Webber's victory at the British Grand Prix, Button is convinced that Red Bull Racing is going to suffer from the distraction of needing to gets its house in order.
Speaking after his fourth placed finish at Silverstone helped him maintain his second spot in the drivers' championship behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton, Button said he reckoned divisions in Red Bull's camp were positive for McLaren.
"Yes," he said. "It means they're going to be busy discussing where they're going to go from here. We've got a good relationship here. However much people take the Mickey out of how well Lewis and I get on, it works well with our team and it means the guys back in the factory are not worrying about us and how we are with each other.
"They can focus on making our car quicker. We're not quick enough. We're not as quick as the Red Bulls and we need to focus. But we can concentrate 100 per cent on making our car go quicker and not worry about politics on the circuit between the two drivers."
Button admitted that he had some sympathy for Webber, after the Australian was left fuming that Red Bull Racing took a new front wing off his car and gave it to team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
"I'm proud of the guy," said Button. "He did a good job. Whether the front wing made a difference or not, it was blown up and it's difficult for a driver to go into a race knowing that he doesn't have the same car as his team-mate.
"Even if it didn't make his team-mate go any quicker, he knows that they chose to put it on his team-mate's car and not his. Even if the car's no quicker it still hurts, mentally, so it was a great job from him and he deserved that victory. He did a good job."
Lewis Hamilton has echoed Button's feelings of warmth towards Webber - and said he would never wish to be in the situation that his title rival found himself in.
"I can imagine how he feels," he said. "I wouldn't want to be ... if that was me, sjeez… I asked him earlier and he said don't worry I'm pushing. He's just doing a job. He's doing the talking on the track. And that's what I would do. But it's not nice.
"When you're in a team that you love, people around you, all you want to do is be loved back. I don't know what's going on in the team, or whether we're blowing it all out of proportion. We don't know exactly what's going on. He did say it wasn't right. But he still did the job and that's great for him."
And Hamilton says that the internal trouble at Red Bull has simply served to make him happier about the positive atmosphere he has found inside McLaren.
"It [the Red Bull situation] is not encouraging, it just makes us more proud as a team to see that we're doing a solid job - and that the harmony in our team is good.
"The guys that we're mainly competing with, it seems that we have more harmony in our team and that's why we're leading both championships."
Ferrari was advised to let Kubica through
Ferrari was told three times that Fernando Alonso should have let Robert Kubica through during the British Grand Prix, according to the FIA race director Charlie Whiting.
Alonso was given a drive-through at Silverstone after overtaking Renault's Kubica by going off track.
The penalty, which Ferrari felt was too harsh, ruined Alonso's chances of a good result, the Spaniard finishing down in 14th position.
Although the penalty was given nine laps after Alonso passed Kubica, Whiting said Ferrari was advised to let Kubica through immediately, but that the team decided against it.
"We told Ferrari three times that in my opinion they should give the position back to Kubica," Whiting was quoted as saying by Autosprint magazine.
"And we told them that immediately, right after the overtaking manoeuvre. On the radio, I suggested to them that if they exchange position again, there would be no need for the stewards to intervene.
"But they didn't do that and on the third communication they said that Kubica was by then too far back to let him regain the position.
"It's not true at all that the stewards took too long to decide. For us the facts were clear immediately: Alonso had gained an advantage by cutting the track."
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said the team did not ask Alonso to let Kubica through because it did not feel the Spaniard has gained an advantage.
"He tried to be aggressive to overtake, and we complained the drivers not to be aggressive and we complain about the lack of overtaking, and so at that stage, we felt as we normally do at that moment that we need to go on the radio with race control to check what is the position," Domenicali said.
"And normally, we take the right time to discuss with race control to make the judgement, and the moment when race control give us the instruction to give back the position to Robert, it was clear that Robert had already lost a lot of time - effectively he had a problem and he came back. That is the situation we analysed.
"You can have a situation where immediately there is a possibility to give back the position to a driver if you feel that there is really an advantage that you gain. On our side we felt that was not the case otherwise we would have done it."
Domenicali said that by the time the stewards told them Alonso should let Kubica by, the Pole was already too far behind.
Kubica retired from the race moments later with mechanical problems.
"As soon as we received the information that in the opinion of the stewards, Fernando should have given back the position to Robert, Robert was already very far behind and Robert was really slowing down because he had a problem."
Alonso was given a drive-through at Silverstone after overtaking Renault's Kubica by going off track.
The penalty, which Ferrari felt was too harsh, ruined Alonso's chances of a good result, the Spaniard finishing down in 14th position.
Although the penalty was given nine laps after Alonso passed Kubica, Whiting said Ferrari was advised to let Kubica through immediately, but that the team decided against it.
"We told Ferrari three times that in my opinion they should give the position back to Kubica," Whiting was quoted as saying by Autosprint magazine.
"And we told them that immediately, right after the overtaking manoeuvre. On the radio, I suggested to them that if they exchange position again, there would be no need for the stewards to intervene.
"But they didn't do that and on the third communication they said that Kubica was by then too far back to let him regain the position.
"It's not true at all that the stewards took too long to decide. For us the facts were clear immediately: Alonso had gained an advantage by cutting the track."
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said the team did not ask Alonso to let Kubica through because it did not feel the Spaniard has gained an advantage.
"He tried to be aggressive to overtake, and we complained the drivers not to be aggressive and we complain about the lack of overtaking, and so at that stage, we felt as we normally do at that moment that we need to go on the radio with race control to check what is the position," Domenicali said.
"And normally, we take the right time to discuss with race control to make the judgement, and the moment when race control give us the instruction to give back the position to Robert, it was clear that Robert had already lost a lot of time - effectively he had a problem and he came back. That is the situation we analysed.
"You can have a situation where immediately there is a possibility to give back the position to a driver if you feel that there is really an advantage that you gain. On our side we felt that was not the case otherwise we would have done it."
Domenicali said that by the time the stewards told them Alonso should let Kubica by, the Pole was already too far behind.
Kubica retired from the race moments later with mechanical problems.
"As soon as we received the information that in the opinion of the stewards, Fernando should have given back the position to Robert, Robert was already very far behind and Robert was really slowing down because he had a problem."
Hamilton says McLaren 'over-delivering'
Lewis Hamilton says his 'over-delivering' McLaren team will be on terms with Red Bull Racing in the next two races - as he seeks to prevent his title rivals taking a hat-trick of wins.
The Briton was able to extend his championship lead at Silverstone with a second-placed finish to Mark Webber - and reckons that with slower circuits coming up, plus McLaren working hard on getting its blown diffuser back on the car, he will be back fighting for wins.
"We're really happy with the result," said Hamilton about his performance at Silverstone. "Overall we're doing a damn solid job with what we have. We're not the quickest but the car is good. But we're over-delivering with the package we have. We're definitely over-delivering.
"Red Bull are still the quickest. They were over a second quicker in qualifying. I just managed to bring it down to nine tenths, which is huge. And then in the race it was over half a second. We've still got a huge amount of time to find in the car.
"But on the lower speed circuits we will be a bit closer to them. Maybe two tenths. But when it's a high-speed circuit, like this, like Spa maybe, they have a big advantage at the moment. But hopefully in the next race, in the next two races, we should be able to get our upgrades working and we will be with them."
Hamilton currently has a 12-points advantage over team-mate Jenson Button, while Red Bull Racing's best-placed driver Mark Webber is a further five points adrift.
The Briton was able to extend his championship lead at Silverstone with a second-placed finish to Mark Webber - and reckons that with slower circuits coming up, plus McLaren working hard on getting its blown diffuser back on the car, he will be back fighting for wins.
"We're really happy with the result," said Hamilton about his performance at Silverstone. "Overall we're doing a damn solid job with what we have. We're not the quickest but the car is good. But we're over-delivering with the package we have. We're definitely over-delivering.
"Red Bull are still the quickest. They were over a second quicker in qualifying. I just managed to bring it down to nine tenths, which is huge. And then in the race it was over half a second. We've still got a huge amount of time to find in the car.
"But on the lower speed circuits we will be a bit closer to them. Maybe two tenths. But when it's a high-speed circuit, like this, like Spa maybe, they have a big advantage at the moment. But hopefully in the next race, in the next two races, we should be able to get our upgrades working and we will be with them."
Hamilton currently has a 12-points advantage over team-mate Jenson Button, while Red Bull Racing's best-placed driver Mark Webber is a further five points adrift.
Barrichello trusts he'll stay at Williams
Rubens Barrichello is confident he will stay at Williams in 2011, claiming it would be wrong for the team to let him go.
"I hope so. I think it would the natural thing," Barrichello said of staying at the team.
"Obviously I haven't signed any contract just yet. I am not talking to anybody else.
"As I said I think Williams would be doing the wrong thing if they were thinking of something else because they already put into the programme of next year so it would be a waste not to be driving."
When asked when he was hoping to sort his future, he said: "Before the break, I hope."
The veteran Brazilian joined Williams from Brawn GP this year.
Despite a difficult first part of the season, Barrichello has shone in the last two races, having finished fourth at Valencia and fifth at Silverstone.
The Williams driver sees no reason why his team would not renew his contract, as he believes he is driving at his best.
"Right now it is almost a waste of time not to have me in the car and driving," he said. "In terms of speed I am performing better than ever and I think this positiveness is just making such a change.
"And people say well, you are not winning races, how can you be so positive? Well it's because as a team you have got to believe as a team we'll produce something that will put us back to the podium area, and then maybe next year make a good car that can effectively bring the first place.
"We went through a 'getting used to' time. It was almost a fun time. One time the engineer said to me, 'How can you know that?' - 'Cos I'm f****** good!' It was an honest answer but it was meant in fun. I never had arrogance in my comment.
"I never wanted to be better than anyone, but what I believe that what I am saying is a good feeling for the car. So then the team went on and proved that it was the right correction in the tunnel. So it's harmony between what I tell the engineers now, so it's a really nice working environment to improve."
Barrichello is also hopeful that Williams will have a winning car next year, but he admits it's impossible to predict.
"After all those 18 years in Formula 1, you can almost say anything can happen. You would never have said that the Brawn would be such a winning team last year.
"There are no need for a lot of changes to make this thing win. We need a little bit on the engine side, and we need a little on the aerodynamic side.
"We need to change the characteristic of the car still to have a bit more downforce on some areas that I need. We need to work with the tyres – it's going to be a different tyre. It just needs a little bit of something to make a winning car."
"I hope so. I think it would the natural thing," Barrichello said of staying at the team.
"Obviously I haven't signed any contract just yet. I am not talking to anybody else.
"As I said I think Williams would be doing the wrong thing if they were thinking of something else because they already put into the programme of next year so it would be a waste not to be driving."
When asked when he was hoping to sort his future, he said: "Before the break, I hope."
The veteran Brazilian joined Williams from Brawn GP this year.
Despite a difficult first part of the season, Barrichello has shone in the last two races, having finished fourth at Valencia and fifth at Silverstone.
The Williams driver sees no reason why his team would not renew his contract, as he believes he is driving at his best.
"Right now it is almost a waste of time not to have me in the car and driving," he said. "In terms of speed I am performing better than ever and I think this positiveness is just making such a change.
"And people say well, you are not winning races, how can you be so positive? Well it's because as a team you have got to believe as a team we'll produce something that will put us back to the podium area, and then maybe next year make a good car that can effectively bring the first place.
"We went through a 'getting used to' time. It was almost a fun time. One time the engineer said to me, 'How can you know that?' - 'Cos I'm f****** good!' It was an honest answer but it was meant in fun. I never had arrogance in my comment.
"I never wanted to be better than anyone, but what I believe that what I am saying is a good feeling for the car. So then the team went on and proved that it was the right correction in the tunnel. So it's harmony between what I tell the engineers now, so it's a really nice working environment to improve."
Barrichello is also hopeful that Williams will have a winning car next year, but he admits it's impossible to predict.
"After all those 18 years in Formula 1, you can almost say anything can happen. You would never have said that the Brawn would be such a winning team last year.
"There are no need for a lot of changes to make this thing win. We need a little bit on the engine side, and we need a little on the aerodynamic side.
"We need to change the characteristic of the car still to have a bit more downforce on some areas that I need. We need to work with the tyres – it's going to be a different tyre. It just needs a little bit of something to make a winning car."
Red Bull told to get act together quick
Red Bull Racing needs to act quickly to work out where it is going wrong, rather than keep 'shooting itself in the foot', if the team is to have a chance of winning the world championship this year.
That is the view of Mercedes GP CEO Nick Fry, who reckons that the favouritism row that erupted at last weekend's British Grand Prix over a wing swap is perfect evidence of how Red Bull Racing continues to be its own worst enemy.
Despite having had the quickest car this season, reliability problems, a collision between its drivers in Turkey and the row over swapping a front wing at Silverstone has left the door open for rivals McLaren to lead both championships.
And Fry, who has first hand experience of the trials that come from fighting for a title after helping guide Brawn GP to the crown last year, has told AUTOSPORT he thinks the management of Red Bull Racing needs to get a grip of the situation quickly.
"I do sympathise on the one hand with them," said Fry, who faced similar favouritism tensions last year when Rubens Barrichello hit out at the team over some race strategies.
"But one of the main points is to stop shooting yourself in the foot. Just looking at it from the outside, there seems to be a case of Red Bull causing more problems than they need to.
"They have clearly got the fastest car by quite a margin, and they should be way ahead of the rest of us, and they are not. So they do need to look at themselves and try and work out what they are doing wrong.
"They are beating themselves - which is very satisfying for the rest of us but it should not be what they are up to."
Fry thinks the time has come for Red Bull to get all it management levels together to go through where it has gone wrong, and make sure it can steer its path to title glory.
"I don't know what is going on inside the team, but clearly they need a good discussion between drivers and the three levels of team management - because there is the technical side, the team management and the Red Bull side. They have got to work out how to rectify their issues if they are going to beat McLaren.
"McLaren are clearly the big threat. They are immensely well organised, they are a brilliant team and they have won lots of championships - so beating them is a very tall order. Red Bull have to get their act together quick, because they should be much further ahead than they are."
Fry also believes Red Bull Racing chiefs need to get better control over their drivers - and stop them stirring up the controversies in the first place.
"I think with any management issue, and that is really what it is, you have to nip these things in the bud," he said. "If it is allowed to fester then it can quickly get out of hand.
"When we have had issues in the past, we've had a headmaster's study discussion very quickly and we've made very clear our view on things. And, at the end of the day, we run the team not the drivers. They are an unbelievably important part of the team but they are not the team: and that needs to be very clear. As soon as the lunatics start running the asylum, then you have got big problems."
Fry also reckoned that behaviour like Webber's, who said after the race that he would never have re-signed for Red Bull Racing is he knew he would be treated how he was at Silverstone, needed clamping down on.
"I would consider that something that would warrant a severe discussion behind closed doors," he said. "That is the type of discussion that should be had behind closed doors; it is not a public discussion.
"I think Red Bull have got two brilliant drivers and are both great guys as individuals. They are both very competitive and they have the best car, so they should be able to win."
That is the view of Mercedes GP CEO Nick Fry, who reckons that the favouritism row that erupted at last weekend's British Grand Prix over a wing swap is perfect evidence of how Red Bull Racing continues to be its own worst enemy.
Despite having had the quickest car this season, reliability problems, a collision between its drivers in Turkey and the row over swapping a front wing at Silverstone has left the door open for rivals McLaren to lead both championships.
And Fry, who has first hand experience of the trials that come from fighting for a title after helping guide Brawn GP to the crown last year, has told AUTOSPORT he thinks the management of Red Bull Racing needs to get a grip of the situation quickly.
"I do sympathise on the one hand with them," said Fry, who faced similar favouritism tensions last year when Rubens Barrichello hit out at the team over some race strategies.
"But one of the main points is to stop shooting yourself in the foot. Just looking at it from the outside, there seems to be a case of Red Bull causing more problems than they need to.
"They have clearly got the fastest car by quite a margin, and they should be way ahead of the rest of us, and they are not. So they do need to look at themselves and try and work out what they are doing wrong.
"They are beating themselves - which is very satisfying for the rest of us but it should not be what they are up to."
Fry thinks the time has come for Red Bull to get all it management levels together to go through where it has gone wrong, and make sure it can steer its path to title glory.
"I don't know what is going on inside the team, but clearly they need a good discussion between drivers and the three levels of team management - because there is the technical side, the team management and the Red Bull side. They have got to work out how to rectify their issues if they are going to beat McLaren.
"McLaren are clearly the big threat. They are immensely well organised, they are a brilliant team and they have won lots of championships - so beating them is a very tall order. Red Bull have to get their act together quick, because they should be much further ahead than they are."
Fry also believes Red Bull Racing chiefs need to get better control over their drivers - and stop them stirring up the controversies in the first place.
"I think with any management issue, and that is really what it is, you have to nip these things in the bud," he said. "If it is allowed to fester then it can quickly get out of hand.
"When we have had issues in the past, we've had a headmaster's study discussion very quickly and we've made very clear our view on things. And, at the end of the day, we run the team not the drivers. They are an unbelievably important part of the team but they are not the team: and that needs to be very clear. As soon as the lunatics start running the asylum, then you have got big problems."
Fry also reckoned that behaviour like Webber's, who said after the race that he would never have re-signed for Red Bull Racing is he knew he would be treated how he was at Silverstone, needed clamping down on.
"I would consider that something that would warrant a severe discussion behind closed doors," he said. "That is the type of discussion that should be had behind closed doors; it is not a public discussion.
"I think Red Bull have got two brilliant drivers and are both great guys as individuals. They are both very competitive and they have the best car, so they should be able to win."
Horner regrets not speaking to Webber
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner wishes he had spoken to Mark Webber before the controversial wing swap took place ahead of qualifying for last weekend's British Grand Prix.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit has found itself plunged into a fresh favouritism row in the wake of it taking a new front wing off Webber's car and handing it to team-mate Sebastian Vettel at Silverstone.
Webber was left furious at what happened and, after winning the race on Sunday, he said he would never have re-signed for the team for 2010 if he knew that was how he was going to be treated. He also said on Monday that the victory had tasted 'sweeter' because of the situation.
Horner has moved to try and play down talk of a rift in Red Bull Racing's ranks - pointing out that Webber joined a post-race party with himself and Vettel on Sunday night - but has conceded for the first time that could have handled the matter better for it not to have blown up the way it has.
But he made it clear that he was not simply acting on the wishes of Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz and his motorsport advisor Helmut Marko - who have long been suspected of favouring Vettel.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Horner said: "There has never been any pressure from Red Bull to favour one driver over the other.
"I didn't have a conversation with Helmut or anyone from Red Bull regarding the decision to give Sebastian the wing. It was purely a technical decision, which I discussed with Adrian [Newey].
"My one regret is that I didn't have time to discuss the issue with Mark personally prior to qualifying as I'm sure that would have given him a more balanced understanding."
Horner is due to meet Webber later this week to go through the events of Silverstone and discuss how to move forward - with the Australian making it clear on Sunday that he did not want to be treated like a number two again.
And despite newspaper reports of Webber's mechanics taunting Vettel's after the race on Sunday - which Webber described as 'an appointment with Karma' - Horner insisted there was no rift at garage level.
"It's ridiculous," he said. "Our mechanics are completely for each other, irrelevant of the car crew. That's why we have some of the fastest pit stops in Formula 1.
"There is one team of mechanics for both drivers and all championship bonuses are based on team position rather than driver so there is no favouritism at all."
The Milton Keynes-based outfit has found itself plunged into a fresh favouritism row in the wake of it taking a new front wing off Webber's car and handing it to team-mate Sebastian Vettel at Silverstone.
Webber was left furious at what happened and, after winning the race on Sunday, he said he would never have re-signed for the team for 2010 if he knew that was how he was going to be treated. He also said on Monday that the victory had tasted 'sweeter' because of the situation.
Horner has moved to try and play down talk of a rift in Red Bull Racing's ranks - pointing out that Webber joined a post-race party with himself and Vettel on Sunday night - but has conceded for the first time that could have handled the matter better for it not to have blown up the way it has.
But he made it clear that he was not simply acting on the wishes of Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz and his motorsport advisor Helmut Marko - who have long been suspected of favouring Vettel.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Horner said: "There has never been any pressure from Red Bull to favour one driver over the other.
"I didn't have a conversation with Helmut or anyone from Red Bull regarding the decision to give Sebastian the wing. It was purely a technical decision, which I discussed with Adrian [Newey].
"My one regret is that I didn't have time to discuss the issue with Mark personally prior to qualifying as I'm sure that would have given him a more balanced understanding."
Horner is due to meet Webber later this week to go through the events of Silverstone and discuss how to move forward - with the Australian making it clear on Sunday that he did not want to be treated like a number two again.
And despite newspaper reports of Webber's mechanics taunting Vettel's after the race on Sunday - which Webber described as 'an appointment with Karma' - Horner insisted there was no rift at garage level.
"It's ridiculous," he said. "Our mechanics are completely for each other, irrelevant of the car crew. That's why we have some of the fastest pit stops in Formula 1.
"There is one team of mechanics for both drivers and all championship bonuses are based on team position rather than driver so there is no favouritism at all."
Monday, 12 July 2010
Q and A with Sam Michael
Conducted and provided by Williams's press office.
Q. The team introduced a blown diffuser at the British Grand Prix. What performance benefits did it bring and did you have any reliability issues with it?
Sam MichaelSam Michael: Using the exhaust to blow the diffuser improves downforce during on-throttle conditions. Besides some minor work on heat shielding, we had no reliability issues with it.
Q. The FW32 also featured other upgrades, such as a new rear wing. How did they perform?
SM: All the other parts worked as expected and improved the downforce of the car.
Q. The drivers followed different tyre strategies in the race, with Nico staying on the option tyre until lap 27. In what state were his tyres at the end of the stint?
SM: Nico's tyres were fine. He could perhaps have stayed out even longer, but his lap times were starting to level off. Combined with the debris on the Hangar Straight threatening the release of the safety car, we decided to pit. It was the correct decision because the safety car was released just one lap later.
Q. What was your feeling about the new layout at Silverstone? Was it more or less of an engineering challenge than the old configuration?
SM: The new layout was very bumpy. That improved as rubber was laid during the race, but it's something that needs to be addressed for 2011. On a positive note, I was impressed by how the new layout seemed to promote overtaking during the race.
Q. Rubens had another good weekend, coming home fifth. How much is the team benefitting from his speed and experience?
SM: Rubens is doing a great job driving our development programme as well as delivering strong qualifying performances and race results. We are very satisfied with his contribution to the team as a whole and specifically with the role he is playing when it comes to which direction we take with the car.
Q. The team introduced a blown diffuser at the British Grand Prix. What performance benefits did it bring and did you have any reliability issues with it?
Sam MichaelSam Michael: Using the exhaust to blow the diffuser improves downforce during on-throttle conditions. Besides some minor work on heat shielding, we had no reliability issues with it.
Q. The FW32 also featured other upgrades, such as a new rear wing. How did they perform?
SM: All the other parts worked as expected and improved the downforce of the car.
Q. The drivers followed different tyre strategies in the race, with Nico staying on the option tyre until lap 27. In what state were his tyres at the end of the stint?
SM: Nico's tyres were fine. He could perhaps have stayed out even longer, but his lap times were starting to level off. Combined with the debris on the Hangar Straight threatening the release of the safety car, we decided to pit. It was the correct decision because the safety car was released just one lap later.
Q. What was your feeling about the new layout at Silverstone? Was it more or less of an engineering challenge than the old configuration?
SM: The new layout was very bumpy. That improved as rubber was laid during the race, but it's something that needs to be addressed for 2011. On a positive note, I was impressed by how the new layout seemed to promote overtaking during the race.
Q. Rubens had another good weekend, coming home fifth. How much is the team benefitting from his speed and experience?
SM: Rubens is doing a great job driving our development programme as well as delivering strong qualifying performances and race results. We are very satisfied with his contribution to the team as a whole and specifically with the role he is playing when it comes to which direction we take with the car.
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