I had a few thoughts on how Formula One and NASCAR stack up against each other a few days ago. One thing I overlooked was the popularity of accidents. One effect of the NASCAR regulations – possibly intentional, possibly not – is that the tightly bunched fields inevitably lead to more crashes. And there’s no … Continue reading F1 vs NASCAR: One more thing…
Month: July 2006 articles archive
German Grand Prix 2006 Media Review
Posted onThe British newspapers marked the continuation of Michael Schumacher’s title assault – and the resurgence of Jenson Button. Find out more in our media review. Tags: f1 / formula one / grand prix / motor sport
Schumacher storms to Hockenheim win
2006 German Grand Prix review
Posted onIt was a Bridgestone day. The Ferraris cruised to an easy win, never even needing to approach the stunning pace they hinted at in qualifying. The only reason they didn’t lock out the front row of the grid was that McLaren inexplicably gave Kimi Raikkonen only ten laps’ worth of fuel. But even with half … Continue reading Schumacher storms to Hockenheim win
Germany: Starts and Stops
Posted onHow the top ten lined up at the Hockenheimring, how much fuel they were allocated after qualifying part three, and when they made their first stops. Position Driver Lap of first pit stop Fuel allocation (laps) 1 Kimi Raikkonen 10 10 2 Michael Schumacher 20 12 3 Felipe Massa 19 12 4 Jenson Button 15 … Continue reading Germany: Starts and Stops
GP2 in the limelight
Posted onDuring the French Grand Prix Formula One team owners and the governing body fired accusations back and forth about the future supply and regulation of engines in Formula One. Renault even issued a press release during the race, which certainly provided more interest than what was going on on-track. This has become a talking point … Continue reading GP2 in the limelight
Bernie gives Suzuka the boot
Posted onThe Suzuka circuit, gave us esily the best race of last year – if not the decade – voted second best circuit in Formula One by the fans in 2005, will not be in the Formula One calendar next year. The first details of the 2007 calendar that came out today indicated that when the … Continue reading Bernie gives Suzuka the boot
Why F1 needs PR
Posted onBernie Ecclestone has admitted he’s considering appointing a public relations company to assist with the promotion of Formula One. This is something F1 has badly needed for years, thought die-hard fans may struggle to understand why. There are many challenges to projecting a positive image of a sport that is perceived to be environmentally unfriendly, … Continue reading Why F1 needs PR
2007 calendar takes shape
Posted onThe 2006 calendar saw only two major changes – Bahrain promoted to the first round of the season ahead of Melbourne, and Spa dropped for one year. But Bernie Ecclestone looks to have a few more changes up his sleeve for 2007. Let’s take a look at them.
Raikkonen told to be “smart”
Posted onMercedes’ Norbert Haug has told Kimi Raikkonen that staying at McLaren would be the “smart” thing to do. But that is not as self-evident for Raikkonen as it might be for Haug. In 88 races for McLaren Raikkonen has beenforced to retire from 21 of them because of car failure. And that doesn’t include the … Continue reading Raikkonen told to be “smart”
Superstars with super names
Posted onIn American racing the names Andretti and Rahal command instant respect. So it’s no surprise that Marco Andretti and Graham Rahal – teenagers both – are being touted as the next two drivers that could make it all the way to F1. Have they got what it takes?
Trackside: Justin Wilson
Posted onA fine win by ex-Minardi and Jaguar F1 races Justin Wilson is the subject of this week’s Trackside. Related links Autotrader.co.uk: Trackside – Racing’s “Peter Crouch” walk tall (external) Tags: f1 / formula one / grand prix / motor sport
German Grand Prix 2006 Preview
Posted onMichael Schumacher is putting on a championship charge but he’s running out of time – there’s only seven races to go. He needs to do more than just beat Fernando Alonso to first place – he needs his Renault rival to drop some serious points. But fortune is on his side – Bridgestone have a … Continue reading German Grand Prix 2006 Preview
Willis and the wind tunnel shunt
Posted onWas Geoff Willis dropped by Honda because of a 200 mph windtunnel crash? When I read the story in this month’s BusinessF1 I was sceptical – after all, they’ve got a history of ‘forming the wrong impression’. But F1 Racing also reported this month that an RA106 was destroyed in Honda’s new wind tunnel at … Continue reading Willis and the wind tunnel shunt
F1 vs NASCAR
Posted onJuan Pablo Montoya shocked the F1 world by leaving the series for NASCAR. 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneueve praised the move and is rumoured to be thinking of following him if he cannot hold onto his BMW seat. NASCAR boasts gigantic audiences in the United States and dominates the US motor racing scene with vastly … Continue reading F1 vs NASCAR
2007: Who goes where part 1
Posted onWith no word still on Michael Schumacher’s destination for 2007 paddock speculation is rife. The latest rumour emblazoned across the front of this month’s F1 Racing has Schuey in a BMW in 2008 in a deal worth $1bn to the German superstar. Let’s take a look at how the grid may line up next year:
2006 Stats Update: France
Posted onHow has the Bridgestone resurgence affected the title battles? Take a closer look at the championship situation with our detailed statistical analysis of the season so far. Tags: f1 / formula one / grand prix / motor sport
Grands Prix getting worse
Posted onThe latest results from the F1Fanatic race popularity surveys continued the downward trend seen since the start of the season. Although the Canadian Grand Prix ranked as the third best (narrowly beating Monaco) The British and United States Grands Prix both had average scores less than five out of ten. The British Grand Prix came … Continue reading Grands Prix getting worse
Ecclestone’s Academy bid
Posted onBernie-watchers may be interested to learn that the Don of Formula One recently tried to become the sponsor of one of the government’s controversial new ‘academy’ schools. The details of his application were revealed in documents released under the Freedom of Information Act. In the House of Lords, Baroness Williams of Crosby (Liberal Democrat) said: … Continue reading Ecclestone’s Academy bid
Trackside: Montoya and NASCAR
Posted onThis week’s Trackside was on the story that dominated motor sport news last week – Juan pablo Montoya’s defection to NASCAR. Related links Autotrader.co.uk: Trackside – Montoya dumps F1 for NASCAR (external) Tags: f1 / formula one / grand prix / motor sport / juan pablo montoya / nascar
Damon Hill interview
Posted onDamon Hill speaks about Formula One technology, test driving the Williams-Renault FW14B, how to improve Formula One cars and much more. He’s not a fan of grooved tyres… This is the full transcript of an interview that was published in Trackside on Auto Trader two weeks ago (see below). Read on for the full interview.