In the round-up: F1 drivers want answers from the FIA over tyre failures during practice for the Belgian Grand Prix.
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Drivers demand answers after Spa punctures (Reuters)
“Pedro de la Rosa, who heads the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, told Reuters they had asked FIA race director Charlie Whiting for clarification at their regular Friday briefing.”
No repeat of British GP drama – Pirelli (Autosport)
Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery: “It is a worry for the sport because we have to go out and find what it is. There is not a lot we can do, but we will try our very best to identify it to give us an indication of what is causing it.”
Suzuka extends F1 contract to 2018 (BBC)
“The track, owned by Japanese car giant Honda, has signed a new five-year deal starting from 2014.”
2014 Grand Prix of America is off, says Bernie Ecclestone (CNN)
“Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that the inaugural Grand Prix of America in New Jersey will not take place as planned next year. saying the organisers have not raised enough money to fund it.”
Kimi ‘hasn’t heard from Bulls’ (Sky)
“I have had no answer from [Red Bull], you’ll have to ask them what they want to do – I don’t know any better than you guys. We hadn’t heard anything for a while and obviously that isn’t the ideal situation, but that’s how it is. You’ll have to go and ask them.”
Sauber verpflichtet 17-j?â?ñhrigen Sirotkin (Der Spiegel, German)
Der Spiegel claims Sergey Sirotkin, who turns 18 tomorrow, should drive for Sauber next year.
Lewis Hamilton says he will hunt down championship rivals one by one (The Guardian)
“The way I look at it, I am not second, I am fourth. So I have got to leapfrog Fernando [Alonso] and then Kimi [Raikkonen] – two other guys who have been massively consistent, particularly Kimi.”
Rosberg expects difficult weekend (ESPN)
“It’s looking a bit more difficult here than expected and especially Red Bull is looking very strong so it’s going to be difficult to beat them at the moment.”
Michael Schumacher rules out joining German prot?â?®g?â?® Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull (The Mirror)
“Michael Schumacher has ruled out creating the ultimate German dream team by returning to Formula 1 to partner protege Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull.”
Pat Symonds: “Formula One, I think, is guilty of far too often hiding its light under a bushel and a lot of the very great things we do as engineers in Formula One we like to keep to ourselves and I think it’s time for that to change. I think it’s time for the world to know what we are doing with Formula One powertrains in 2014 is really quite advanced. It really is something new, it really is the way of the future and therefore I think we can stop before it happens those who may wish to criticize Formula One and motor sport in general for carbon emissions, for use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are here to stay, let’s use them efficiently and I think Formula One is doing that, and I think we should be very proud of what we’re doing and we should tell the world what we’re doing.”
Q&A with Mercedes’ Ross Brawn (F1)
“We have always been supporters of a constraint on resources – either financial or physical resources. We have always tried to encourage that, but it has not come to pass. Be that a budget cap on the whole set of activities or be it a constraint on specific areas, it seems we have never managed to find a solution. I think through technical or sporting regulations you never manage to limit it – I have never seen it succeed in the 30-odd years I have been in racing. You change something from a regulatory point of view, you save some money, and the money you save goes into something else. I do believe that budget caps or resource restrictions – those types of initiatives – could have an effect and we need to try to pursue it.”
Formula One Takes the Slow Track to Russia (The New York Times)
“Signing a deal with Formula One is part of Putin’s effort to use sport to show off the country. This was also part of the thinking behind the Marussia car company’s buying a team.”
Rush exclusive featurette (Virgin)
Some more behind-the-scenes footage from the filming of Rush.
Roebuck’s legends: Carlos Reutemann (MotorSport)
“Why, one of the younger drivers asked, hadn’t Reutemann simply put Piquet in the wall? I argued that Carlos would never contemplate anything of the kind, that this was someone who had integrity. ‘Who’ll remember that?’ the brat scoffed. ‘Piquet had to get past him – all he had to do was put him off, and he was World Champion! No one could have proved anything.'”
Tweets
Pic handed a reprimand for "causing a dangerous situation when rejoining the track". It's his first of the year. #F1
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) August 23, 2013
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Comment of the day
@Alex-Bkk is rethinking Red Bull:
I’ve always been a bit negative towards Red Bull and Vettel. It’s perhaps because I saw both team and driver as upstarts in a series I’ve been following on and off since the sixties.
I know it really wasn’t, but I saw their success as being a bit too easy. It was so early (in the case of Vettel) and so late (in the case of Red Bull) on the scene.
I’ve had a change of thought and have had to unlearn my aforementioned bias. It’s an awesome combination between Vettel and Red Bull. I just hope that Red Bull will put a driver in Webber’s vacant seat that can challenge Vettel and bring out the best in both.
@Alex-Bkk
From the forum
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Andrew White, Hlahalasas and Lord Stig!
If you want a birthday shout-out tell us when yours is by emailling me, using Twitter or adding to the list here.
On this day in F1
Fernando Alonso claimed his first ever F1 win in the Hungarian Grand Prix ten years ago today. It made him the youngest ever grand prix winner at the time, a record now held by Sebastian Vettel>.
Kimi Raikkonen was second for McLaren followed by Juan Pablo Montoya’s Williams.
Images © Lotus/LAT, Sauber, Mercedes/Hoch Zwei
SoLiDG (@solidg)
24th August 2013, 0:12
Maybe the tire problems wont matter if the rain falls during the race, which is very possible!
Tom_ec1 (@tom_ec1)
24th August 2013, 0:18
That’s a real shame about the Grand Prix in New York getting cancelled. I hope they can revive it or something similar one day soon.
William (@william)
24th August 2013, 2:47
I am sure New Jersey could deal with Bernie from now up till December or this could mean Meixco is joining
soko (@soko)
24th August 2013, 3:43
It is a shame. But as a longtime New Jersey resident who is familiar with the area as well as the requirements for holding an F1 race, let’s just say I won a lot of bets… bets that were doubled down after 2013.
Even if they got the money, the residents would revolt, which would be the first of about a million problems.
TMF (@)
24th August 2013, 6:11
I was skeptical too. A race on a non-permanent track requires a lot of commitment and support from the community and local government just to organize it. If you’ve ever been to Singapore or Monaco on a race weekend you’ll know what I mean.
I think NJ won’t happen (at least not in the next few years) – with everything politicized no one will take on a vanity project like F1.
BasCB (@bascb)
24th August 2013, 8:29
Lets not think this is the end of the race. When Bernie makes a statement like that to a US news outlet, its because he wants it heard there. Didn’t he say almost the same about Texas (and other races) at a similar point in time?
William (@william)
24th August 2013, 9:29
True @bascb as that what Bernie says at this point in time
soko (@soko)
24th August 2013, 21:20
Yup, a fair point, this isn’t the death knell just yet. But that was a contract dispute after construction was well underway, whereas the NJ race has basically made zero progress, despite what the organizer would like you to believe…
Max Jacobson (@vettel1)
24th August 2013, 0:21
@Alex-Bkk well reasoned COTD. I hope the same that Red Bull put a competitive driver in the second seat and since it is all but inevitable Ricciardo will get it now, that pretty much constitutes him being more than simply a replacement for Webber!
Yappy
24th August 2013, 3:08
Dan is not getting the seat. He is ready to sign but hasn’t which tells me RB are looking elsewhere. My list of 3 are Kimmi, Schumacher and Kubica.
@HoHum (@hohum)
24th August 2013, 4:11
Why should RBR rush to confirm Dan, he’s not going anywhere.
Yappy
24th August 2013, 4:54
Ferrari could take Dan especially since RB seem interested in him.
BasCB (@bascb)
24th August 2013, 8:33
That really is a list of 1 then, as Schumi ruled out a comeback – see article in this roundup – and Kubica is not currently able to race in a single seater Yappy
Yappy
24th August 2013, 9:52
Of course Schumacher ruled it out he has only retired from the sport twice. Last time he retired he was in a team that wasn’t able to prove that he still has it. Now this Red Bull team I hear is doing well. Might be worth a comeback to rebuild his legend status. As for Kubica. He said he can’t comeback because the cockpit is too narrow. But if the min weight for the car increases then there are possibilities.
Jack (@jackisthestig)
24th August 2013, 10:56
Why not add Nigel Mansell to the shortlist? He has lots of experience of driving blue and yellow, Renault powered cars designed by Adrian Newey.
celeste (@celeste)
24th August 2013, 0:21
Wherey did they get the idea that Schumi could be at RBR? I mean talk about a silly season getting really silly
@HoHum (@hohum)
24th August 2013, 0:36
I nearly posted a comment on Horners statement “there are more options than you would believe” as putting Schumacher in the frame, now that it has been denied it seems even more likely.
John H (@john-h)
24th August 2013, 9:12
If Schumacher doesn’t sign, what does that make the old drivers programme look like?
celeste (@celeste)
24th August 2013, 14:35
hahahahaha
erix
24th August 2013, 4:12
Ultimate German dream team…would be banned under EU law anyway.
eros
24th August 2013, 4:14
Or no…That would be Schumacher-Ferrari-Bridgestone glorious era.
TMF (@)
24th August 2013, 5:32
Funny that nobody suggests Button will move to RBR. Yesterday I read an interview where he says there is no contract for next year between him and the team or at least not a signed one.
celeste (@celeste)
24th August 2013, 6:02
@tmf42 They were already articles today saying he wasn´t going to drive for RBR
John H (@john-h)
24th August 2013, 9:15
Button is far to comfortable at McLaren, and with the Honda deal he would never sign for Red Bull. I get the impression that winning isn’t everything for Jenson, that’s not a criticism just the way it is.
salcrich
24th August 2013, 9:36
You are all wrong they are going for experience – sources say it is Perry McCarthy!!
Lucas Wilson (@full-throttle-f1)
24th August 2013, 9:39
I’ve heard Juan Manuel Fangio is interested in a comeback ;-)
John H (@john-h)
24th August 2013, 9:51
Would certainly help with the weight distribution ballast wise. Having said that, the retired skeleton from the scotch tape adverts (re-record not fade away) would probably be cheaper.
Max Jacobson (@vettel1)
24th August 2013, 0:24
Why is Schumacher to Red Bull even a rumour‽ My my, the silly season truly has hit full swing!
@HoHum (@hohum)
24th August 2013, 0:41
Now all we need is a driver in a “Stig” outfit to run a couple of practice laps in a RedBull !
Michael (@dedischado)
24th August 2013, 2:58
That would be awesome, the interviews might be a little one-sided though…
MNM101 (@mnm101)
24th August 2013, 3:48
LOL!!!
^Mo^
24th August 2013, 10:40
No more than Kimi’s though…
Sankalp Sharma (@sankalp88)
24th August 2013, 0:45
Schumacher to RB would be a titanic fail. I’m a huge Schumacher fan, but let’s be honest here. The man is past well past it. Leave him alone and get RIC in the second seat.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
24th August 2013, 2:12
@vettel1 – I don’t think it was ever a rumour. A journalist obviously asked Schumacher if he was considering going to Red Bull, and then printed his response. Schumacher denied a rumour that never existed, retroactively implying that it did.
Cucamest (@kevincucamest)
24th August 2013, 0:28
Well this solves the problem of having too many races for 2014.
With Russia and Austria in and India and New Jersey out. It leaves us with 20 races again for 2014, this until India comes back in 2015.
William (@william)
24th August 2013, 2:57
I am in favour of Mexico joining next year, just to replace NJ but NJ has until December to get the money into Bernie and register to FOM to join in 2014. A lot of things can happen in a space of 3 months
Guilherme (@guilherme)
24th August 2013, 0:40
I feel kinda bad for clicking on that The Mirror story on Schumacher to Red Bull. Clearly all they wanted was a catchy headline to generate more hits for their page. It’s getting increasingly hard to turst these so-called reporters that publish every misheard whisper that reaches their ears – or in this case, completely made-up stories. I like a bit of driver market specualtion was much as the next guy, but this went from “silly season” to “let’s-publish-the-most-outrageous-stories-we-can-possibly-think-to-generate-media-interest-and-advertisement-revenue season”
celeste (@celeste)
24th August 2013, 14:37
@guilherme Nice avatar… Roy Mustang RULES!
Deej92 (@deej92)
24th August 2013, 0:50
From the moment New Jersey was delayed until this year, I just felt it would never happen. This news isn’t surprising really. It’s time to forget about it.
And as for the Schumacher to Red Bull “rumour” (if it deserves such a title) – whoever next? Chanoch Nissany?
Deej92 (@deej92)
24th August 2013, 0:50
*next year
William (@william)
24th August 2013, 2:58
Wasn’t there a 12 year deal in place that a billionaire signed with Bernie
Chris (@tophercheese21)
24th August 2013, 0:55
Can’t remember if Vettel was on the Option or Prime at the time, but if he was on the prime, then it probably would have been debris because the prime is exactly the same as last years tyre, both in compound and construction.
Mr Lance
24th August 2013, 2:06
@tophercheese21
If I’m not mistaken, the tyres brought here are of the 2012 construction with 2013 compound rubber.
I’m sure @Keith Collantine can confirm this
mantresx (@mantresx)
24th August 2013, 2:15
Indeed as @tophercheese21 said, this year’s hard would be last year’s medium compound, so with the old construction, is essentially the same tyre.
Chris (@tophercheese21)
24th August 2013, 2:23
They said in the commentary yesterday that the hard tyre was exactly the same compound and construction as last year.
It’s the only tyre that hasn’t changed, the rest have gotten softer.
Sri Harsha (@harsha)
24th August 2013, 3:33
At the Moment Vettel got Puncture? He was on the Medium Tire
David-A (@david-a)
24th August 2013, 0:56
Chanock Nissany rumoured for Red Bull second seat.
Breno (@austus)
24th August 2013, 1:08
So Kimi hasnt heard anything from RBR, got sick of waiting and decided to threaten them by going to Ferrari, to push for the seat.
@HoHum (@hohum)
24th August 2013, 1:17
That’s pretty much how it works.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
24th August 2013, 1:41
Or Raikkonen hasn’t heard anything from Red Bull, has written off the possibility of driving for them, and is now exploring other options. Raikkonen’s move to Red Bull was never a foregone conclusion.
TMF (@)
24th August 2013, 7:43
RIC doesn’t go anywhere so he is their insurance which gives them options.
Hülkenberg, DiResta, Massa, Grosjean, Räikkönen, Maldonado, Bottas and others have no contracts for next year. So I’m pretty sure that at least a few of their managers talked to Horner recently.
John H (@john-h)
24th August 2013, 9:19
Out of that list, I would love to see Hülkenberg in that car. Sure Kimi is great, but he’s 33 years old, and if Vettel does go to Ferrari in 2015/16 then getting a decent young driver bedded in should be a decent strategy. RIC is also a better option than Kimi IMHO because of this.
Hülkenberg should have replaced Massa by now, but instead Ferrari have lost Perez and I’d love to see them lose Hülkenberg too.
fisigp (@mrbubble424)
24th August 2013, 1:36
Schumacher to Red Bull? Well I suppose that is crazy enough to follow the much more ‘sensible’ rumor of Ferrari replacing Massa with Taki Inoue………..
mantresx (@mantresx)
24th August 2013, 2:10
I agree completely with Pat Symonds F1 teams should open up more to the fans and the general public, I can’t imagine anything more interesting than looking how engineers design a new F1 engine from scratch. Who knows maybe some tv company is making a documentary about it… but what are the odds right?
Spinmastermic (@spinmastermic)
24th August 2013, 6:36
You’ve given me a great idea, just need Gary Andersons number.
bull mello (@bullmello)
24th August 2013, 3:37
Next rumor – RBR are chatting with Sir Jackie and Nigel.
;-)
thatscienceguy
24th August 2013, 4:12
Taki Inoue mentioned a few times on twitter he was available and interested in driving for Red Bull, and then went quiet about it. I take that to mean that he’s in negotiations and can’t publicly discuss it anymore.
Spinmastermic (@spinmastermic)
24th August 2013, 6:37
RBR can’t afford Taki.
Latvian (@latvian)
24th August 2013, 7:13
who is Taki Inoue? never heard bout him.
Latvian (@latvian)
24th August 2013, 7:16
never mind. googled him :) this is the guy who wrestled with medical car.
Patrick (@paeschli)
24th August 2013, 19:14
I’m also available and interested :)
KaIIe (@kaiie)
24th August 2013, 9:36
Well, Nigel never officially retired (or when he did the first time(s), he came back pretty soon), so he’s definitely in the game still.
Wessel (@wessel-v1)
24th August 2013, 17:32
I heard Rubens Barrichello is also available as a second driver. And obviously never rule out Jacques Villeneuve. Sebastian Loeb could be an instant hit as well. Man, there are so many options for Red Bull.
R.J. O'Connell (@rjoconnell)
24th August 2013, 3:53
Screw it, I’ll just go to Montreal or Austin…
dragoll (@dragoll)
24th August 2013, 4:53
@Alex-Bkk I remember when VET came on the scene and was at Torro Rosso, he was a promising driver that was really friendly with the media and fans, and from what I have seen throughout his career, I haven’t seen any different. Bias obviously plays a role in all fans, and probably plays a little with my dislike of Hamilton.
John H (@john-h)
24th August 2013, 9:25
Off track Vettel is fantastic, a friendly chap that I really like. On track, Malaysia 2013 and the crazy disrespect gesture to Webber in Turkey 2010 spring to mind. Sure, that ruthlessness is what has got him so many wins, but I don’t like the guy.
Hamilton is probably the opposite. Off track pretty dislikeable. On track, actually quite respectful to the other drivers. I remember him asking if drivers are ok on the radio – that kind of thing. And apart from Monza 2008, he “always leava da space” :)
In summary then, I feel roughly the same about each!
Lucas Wilson (@full-throttle-f1)
24th August 2013, 9:53
@john-h
I agree with the first part. I’m sure he is OK off the track, but something really annoys me about Vettel, I’ve tried to like him but I just can’t. I think any hope of me having respect for him ended in Malaysia this year (please note i’m a huge Alonso fan and I don’t agree with Germany GP).
Also, i’m pretty sure that he is probably 99% better driver than i’ll ever be. But certain things about him don’t lend themselves to a 3 time WDC, like struggling to pass Button in Hungary this year. When under pressure (not just Canada 2011) Vettel cracks. If Fernando had won last year, no one would’ve talked about Vettel, because that fact is I don’t remember a single great drive from him last year. Whereas Fernando blew me away in 2012.
I know i’m probably get an argument out of this. But we are all Human Beings and you may like Vettel, I don’t. You may hate Alonso, I think its great. In the end we are all different.
Yappy
24th August 2013, 10:20
I found Alonso disappointing in 2012. Granted he drove well in the wet races and did a great over take on both McLarens on one straight. But the fact that he gained good position when leading cars either broke down, had blotched pitstops or had Massa let him through. That really does not reflect on great driving ability. Even more disappointing when he was jumping up and down about Vettel not being reported for overtaking under green flags in Brazil.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
24th August 2013, 10:30
Yes he had a little luck and yes he had some help from his team mate but to pretend he did no real overtaking last year is ludicrous. Alonso drove brilliantly last year.
Yappy
24th August 2013, 10:54
@keithcollantine
Never said he did no real overtaking. He was consistent which is why he was able to gain on opportunities. But a lot of those opportunities were not of his making. 2010 he drove better. Yes Alonso media driven to be the best driver of the year because he constantly downplayed his chances and surprise he almost won. Take that Red Bull you evil empire with Darth Vettel at the helm.
dodge5847 (@)
24th August 2013, 6:29
Just remember, Bernie has racing experience. Ferrari like an experienced driver, which means red bull may be interested in him also.
Lucas Wilson (@full-throttle-f1)
24th August 2013, 10:33
@dodge5847
Looks like Luca already wants Bernie to drive next year: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/886921/thumbs/o-ECCLESTONE-570.jpg?6
dodge5847 (@)
24th August 2013, 11:17
@full-throttle-f1 great find, love it.
Nickpkr21
24th August 2013, 9:13
It looks that only way russian deal for sauber went was to confirm the boy is driving next year no matter what.
Hope gets them enough sources to get a podium this year, last chance !
John H (@john-h)
24th August 2013, 9:31
Piece of metal found in the kerb at turn 13 which would explain things. Having said that, it’s strange that 2013 is the first time this has happened at Spa. Have they replaced the kerbs or did Hembery sneak out last night and put some metal in there?! (please note: fiction)
AdrianMorse (@adrianmorse)
24th August 2013, 9:44
@john-h, not a bad conspiracy theory. I think the weather will save Pirelli today, though, and come Sunday they won’t quickly red-flag the race.
Dizzy
24th August 2013, 12:20
Michelin have thrown there hat in regarding tyre supply for next year,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/23824122
Patrick (@paeschli)
24th August 2013, 19:18
That would be great :D