F1 Fanatic – The Formula 1 Blog

Montezemolo slams team order ban hypocrisy

“We will speak with Mosley; we must remove this hypocrisy,” Montezemolo told the Italy’s sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. The important thing is that you do not harm the others, but for the interests of the team, in a team sport, I think it is a beautiful thing.”

The only reason team orders were banned was because Montezemolo’s team brought F1 into disrepute by taking them to such cynical extremes during 2002.

Yes, the present team orders ban is un-enforcable. But having an explicit rule may at least prevent teams from using orders to even greater extremes DTM. The DTM banned team orders after competitors began using their drivers to deliberately block rivals and there were even claims that some drivers were told to push rivals off the track.

Negative tactics like that would be no good for F1 – especially with the possibility of more manufacturers having ‘B teams’ in the future, and potentially using three cars to protect one team leader.

The team orders ban isn’t perfect, but it has to stay.

Montreal Mayor: Canadian Grand Prix still possible for 2009

Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay: “We’ve had a constructive meeting. We have a better understanding of the issues. We still have a lot of work to do, to evaluate all the options, but it is still possible to hold the Grand Prix in Montreal in 2009 and in subsequent years.” More on the 2009 Formula 1 schedule: 2009 F1 calendar.

Di Resta happy with progress at McLaren

“Though the weather was very poor on the first day, we got a load of running 24 hours later and everybody within the team was happy with what we achieved. Personally I’m also satisfied that I’ve shown everyone again just what I can do in an F1 car.” Paul di resta did two more days’ testing for McLaren this week.

Ferrari: No regrets over Alonso

Luca di Montezemolo admits he could have signed Fernando Alonso: “That could have been the case four years ago, now I’m happy as we are.

“We are trying to win the title with a different driver from last year and both of them are winning the constructors’ for us. If there is one thing giving us no problems, that’s the drivers. Except for a non-elating second half of the season for Raikkonen, Massa has done an extraordinary season.”

Single engine would be reason to quit

Toyota’s John Howett says the Japanese manufacturer would have left F1 if Max Mosley had imposed standard engines: “For Toyota it would be a reason to leave Formula One.”

Alonso all set for Renault announcement

“In the interview Alonso seemed to hint that the reports of a renewed tenure at Renault are right.” More on the 2009 F1 driver line-up: 2009 F1 drivers and teams.

Vote Rigging and Ticket Scandals at FIFA

“If you look at the pyramid, Blatter sits at the top, the other federations such as America, England, Scotland, for example, I think it numbers 208, it’s like you look under the floor boards and find a nest of mice. They are all little mice, even here in England, and we invented football. We are the cradle of football but we don’t squeak because we like that our officials are on FIFA committees and they have a very good lifestyle.

“America is just as bad. Every country in the world should stand up and say stinking fish. So what you’ve got is each continental confederation, we are in UEFA in Europe, now headed by Blatter’s friend and protege, Platini, there is CONCACAF, covering North and Central America, Caribbean, Africa and Asia and so on. There are six confederations. Once you get to be a Confederation President, such as Jack Warner in CONCACAF, they are very happy, they are making good money in addition to the rackets. They can’t complain. They keep Blatter in power so that they can get rich.”

Perhaps FIFA and the FIA are not so different?