Category Archives: Formula One

Formula One in the Middle East (Part 2)

14/03/2010 By in Business, Formula One Leave a comment

Talk of establishing Formula One in the Middle East has been going on for decades.

The first major event was in Dubai in December 1981 when British businessman Martin Hone organised a Grand Prix on a makeshift 1.6-mile track around the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Five events were held and considerable appearance money lured out an impressive array of VIPs. There was talk at the time of the track being extended but the Dubai GP never materialised. The Arab world became more interested in rallying with the highly-successful Middle Eastern Rally Championship.

In 1995 there was a brief flurry of excitement in the region when it was announced that there were plans for a race to be held in Qatar. A year later Abu Dhabi announced that it had similar plans. Neither materialised there either.

By 1997 there was talk of a race in the war-shattered Lebanese capital Beirut in an effort to restore the international image which the city had enjoyed in the 1950s when it was one of the most glamorous spots in the Mediterranean. In August 1998 Lebanese businessman Georges Boutegy announced that he has signed a draft agreement with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone to hold a Grand Prix in Beirut for 2003 and that Formula One’s Race Director Charlie Whiting had been to the Lebanon to inspect a proposed track.

The plan announced at the time was for a track to run through a part of the city that has been destroyed in the fighting, but being rebuilt by a company owned by the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Al-Hariri. This led to a dispute when another businessman, Khaled Altaki, announced that he was going to build a new circuit close to the sea outside the city.

Al-Hariri was replaced as Prime Minister and the new government announced that it was making major cutbacks. The Beirut GP has not been heard of since. During his state visit to Beirut just a few weeks later Prince Albert of Monaco announced that his principality would be willing to help organise an event. The rest, as they say, is history.

In 1999, however, Ecclestone visited both Dubai and Cairo to discuss races with the local authorities. The Egyptians were keen to discuss a Grand Prix in the desert, as a way of rebuilding the country’s tourist industry which had been virtually destroyed in November 1997 when Islamic extremists massacred 58 international tourists in Luxor. Dubai was also keen to promote tourist trade, using tourism as a means of replacing lost revenue as oil reserves dwindled.

In the end Bahrain beat them all.

Formula One in the Middle East (Part 1)

14/03/2010 By in Business, Formula One Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Just a few years ago Formula One – and motorsport in general – did not have any presence in the Middle East. Now the region wants to be associated with what Formula One represents – technological excellence, innovation, the future.

Bahrain has not only built a venue that is among the very best in the world and deservedly won acclaim for its Grand Prix, but it has also built foundations for the current growth of interest and investment in Formula One across the Middle East.

Bahrain International Circuit

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) staged its first Formula One event in April 2004, winning the FIA promoters’ trophy for that season. Commented the sport’s dealmaker extraordinaire, Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone at the time:

“It was a real pleasure to bring Formula One to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and I’m pleased to confirm that this relationship will continue into the future.”

Since its inaugural race, the Bahrain event has drawn widespread acclaim for its facilities and its impressive programme of pre-race events. In 2006, it was honoured with hosting the season opener when Melbourne, the traditional first-race venue, was busy with the Commonwealth Games. Said BIC Chairman, Talal Al Zain:

“The success of the Grand Prix has however reached even further than we dared hope when we embarked on this great adventure, and we are delighted to see both interest and involvement in the sport from fans, sponsors and other ventures around the region has blossomed from our achievements. Our new agreement with Mr Ecclestone ensures that Formula One will retain its home in the Middle East long into the next decade, and that the Kingdom will continue to host the world’s biggest sporting series.”

The news that Abu Dhabi would host a Grand Prix in 2009 on a new racing circuit on Yas Island was also greeted with much fanfare. Said Bernie Ecclestone:

“We are delighted to bring Formula One to Abu Dhabi. It was a mutual decision to have a second race in this economically fast-growing region and I have no doubts that Bahrain and Abu Dhabi can co-exist perfectly. There are five countries waiting at the moment to have a race and we have decided to come here – this should speak for itself.”

The Abu Dhabi government said it had invested $40 billion in the Yas Island development, so the cost of an annual Formula One race is relatively low by comparison given that the aim is to build up a huge tourist industry on the island. Abu Dhabi is also able to attract more local spectators to the event as it is the highest per capita city in the world, unlike Bahrain where wealth is much more restricted.

The development is all part of the plan to wean the economy off its dependence on oil. Abu Dhabi started its own airline, Etihad Airways, in 2003 in an effort to emulate its neighbour and rival Dubai as a tourist destination and spent a huge amount of money expanding the Abu Dhabi International Airport.

For Ecclestone such projects are a gift as he looks for ways to expand Formula One’s revenues in the future with a new generation of high-paying races to follow in the footsteps of Bahrain and Shanghai. These will probably replace some of the first generation events outside Europe which have not yet lived up to local expectations.

Bahrain may not originally have been a success in financial terms, with very small crowds, but the publicity generated has been good for the country. Bahrain’s plans to be a holiday destination have long lagged behind Dubai, and Abu Dhabi is now embarked on an aggressive programme to catch up and rival both.

A message from Sir Stirling Moss

09/03/2010 By in Formula One Tags: Leave a comment

The greatest F1 driver never to win the World Championship fell down the lift shaft in his Mayfair home last weekend. Pretty serious for a young man, but Stirling’s 80. Incredibly, he’s OK and true to his spirit has been complaining not about his two broken ankles and what might have happened, but the quality of his hospital brekkie.

Anyway, the great communicator has issued an epistle about the incident, which he describes in his usual way:

Dear all of you

The last few days have been quite fantastic and I’d like to thank each and every one of you for your kind thoughts, messages and other paraphernalia.

On Saturday evening, I was at home with Susie, Elliot and Helen and about to leave for a curry, for which we were running late. I asked Helen to join me in the lift to go downstairs, because Susie and Elliot were smart enough not to ride in my lift. I opened the door and stepped into the lift, with Helen ready to follow me, which she never did. That is because the lift had stopped on the floor above and incorrectly allowed the door beneath to open.

Still chatting to Helen, I stepped into the open doorway – and fell to the bottom of the lift shaft.

The ambulance was called and arrived at racing speed, whereupon they put me on to a series of about 10 stretchers! Having finally settled on what must have seemed a good one, I was taken, along with my family to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, where they used another batch of similar stretchers!

They did a good job of helping me, but were unable to do the requisite surgery. So, on the Sunday, I was moved to the Princess Grace, where a fantastically efficient, kind and amusing staff did all the jobs.

I am now in a lovely room, Number 222, and with the help of Elliot and the porter, am finally on the email. That does not mean that I will be able to actually send this to you, but I will try!

Now for the future… Which I can see with Susie, Helen and Elliot around me, is going to be a bloody struggle!

Sir Stirling and wife Susie (Getty Images)

As some of you may know, Susie and I are booked on a Seabourn Cruise for our 30th anniversary, next month. I have to cross the hurdle of getting the doctors, and family hangers-on, to allow me to thin my blood, in order to avoid any issues involving deep vein thrombosis. It will be six to eight weeks from Sunday before I will be able to put any load on my feet. Therefore I’m facing my sixth or seventh reduction to a wheelchair (Susie says she’s stopped counting) which I must admit, is rather boring. The good news is that I didn’t sell the wheelchair after the last shunt!

The whole thing is a real pain in the arse. If I had looked where I was going, I wouldn’t be here at all, so it’s my own damned fault.

I have been absolutely overwhelmed by your collective concern and kindness. I can tell you that currently I’m lying in hospital, taking deep breaths, lifting one arm with the other, raising my legs (with plasters on the end) and doing all I can do to keep myself as mobile as possible, but, having said that, I’m not yet winning the battle.

I’m not sure when I’ll be able to go home but the lift has to work, otherwise I’ll never be able to get upstairs in my wheelchair. Maybe I’ll go and stay with Helen and Elliot for a while…

This really has opened my eyes to how kind all my friends are, over an old ex-racing driver, flogging a faded image!

I look forward to seeing you soon, and many thanks for all of your thoughts.

Ciao

What a guy. We wish Sir Stirling a speedy recovery. In the meantime, the great man speaks from his hospital bed and via his site.

Dear, oh dear, oh dear!

03/03/2010 By in Formula One Tags: Leave a comment

A press release from the FIA just out this evening:

“The USF1 Team have indicated that they will not be in a position to participate in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship. Having considered the various options, the FIA confirms that it is not possible for a replacement team to be entered for the Championship at this late stage.”

So, that’s USF1 and Stefan GP of the supposed ‘new entries’ out for the coming season. Autosport.com is claiming an exclusive with USF1 boss Ken Anderson about what went wrong.

“In the coming days the FIA will announce details of a new selection process to identify candidates to fill any vacancies existing at the start of the 2011 season.”

What a mess. Why weren’t these ‘new entries’ vetted properly in the first place? There are major safety issues, as well as Formula One’s reputation on the world stage at stake here. Won’t someone get a grip – please!

Virgin Racing and Lotus are in of course. So is Campos Meta which has been renamed Hispania Racing Team, or HRT (no jokes please, they’ve been cracked already). Sauber will be known still as BMW Sauber.

HRT's new owner Jose Ramos Carabante

Formula One – new regs for 2010

25/02/2010 By in Formula One Tags: Leave a comment

You may not have realised it, but there are big changes afoot for the coming F1 season. Some good, some odd. Here’s a summary:

Refueling

For the first time since 1993, refueling will be banned, although drivers will still need to come into the pits to make a compulsory tyre change. The cars will be sporting a larger fuel tank of around 250 litres (70-95 litres was a typical fuel fill in 2009). This has led to a wider and longer chassis design to accommodate it. Coupled with a change to a smaller front tyre (reduced to 245mm width from 270mm), the cars will therefore run a different weight distribution.

Verdict: Never mind about saving money, removing refueling takes away some of the spectacle. Pit stops will be much quicker, with teams estimating between 3-4 seconds. The drivers and their engineers will have to carefully manage their tyres and brakes on heavy fuel loads.

New teams

It was 1995 when Formula One last had 26 cars taking part in a race, but with 13 teams entered for the 2010 season the grid will be larger than usual. To comply with a new Resource Restriction Agreement the number of trackside team personnel teams can have has been restricted. For Saturday’s qualifying session, eight drivers will be knocked out of both Q1 and Q2, leaving 10 drivers to fight for pole position in Q3.

Verdict: The more the merrier. Should add enormously to the racing and we might even get some overtaking. Imagine that! However, let’s see how many of these ‘new’ teams actually make it to the grid.

Points system

To take into account the increased numbers of cars, the points system has been amended. The previous system (10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) will change dramatically in 2010 with the race winner being awarded 25 points and the top ten drivers awarded points (25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1).

Verdict: I suppose the logic here is to encourage drivers to fight more for position. Going for the win, rather than, say, settling for second. Let’s see what happens in the first race.

Weight

The minimum weight of the car in 2010 will be 620kg compared to 605kg in 2009. This was introduced to offset the disadvantage faced by taller, heavier drivers in KERS-equipped cars. However, by mutual agreement, KERS will not be used in 2010.

Verdict: Shame KERS won’t be around. I thought it was a good thing. Anything that helps overtaking is fine with me. Of course the cars will be heavier because they’ll be carrying fuel for the full race distance. Tyre wear will therefore become an even bigger factor.

Testing

Only four pre-season winter tests were permitted with the ban on in-season testing remaining in place. The winter tests took place at Valencia (1 – 3 February), Jerez (10 – 13 February; 17 – 20 February), and Barcelona (25 – 28 February). One day of testing will be permitted by the FIA if a new driver is required to drive for a team during the season. To qualify, the driver should not have participated in an F1 race in the previous two years and the test will take place on an FIA-approved track not used for a Grand Prix.

Verdict: I’ve never understood why track testing was dropped. To me, it’s not just about the wealthier teams improving their performance, more about safety. After all, we don’t want bits coming off cars because they haven’t been tested in real-life conditions as thoroughly as they might have been, now do we? There’s a limit to how much you can achieve using CFD analysis and wind tunnel. Whatever data a team has they only find out how good their car is when they run it on a track. One day’s testing for a new driver is also not enough, by a long way. But, then again, what do I know?

Lotus Racing back on track – after 15 years

24/02/2010 By in Formula One Leave a comment
We were looking forward to watching four new teams earn their racing spurs in F1 this year. But the USF1 team is coming apart at the seams – or so it appears, Spain’s Campos Meta F1 is undergoing a major financial restructuring, and Serbia’s Stefan GP is still without an official Championship entry (it may end up using USF1’s if the team goes belly-up). Whoops – forgot Virgin Racing. More of them in a later post. However, it seems to be a very different story at Lotus F1 – now back where it belongs for the first time in over 15 years. Post testing the Type 127 (‘T’ 127 at the launch) in Jerez, on Monday Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister and one of Asia’s most influential political figures, Tun Dr. Mahathir, officially opened the team’s factory. The day after, HRH The Duke of York turned up for a tour of the facility.
Lotus Racing was officially born on 12 September 2009 when the FIA granted the new team its entry into the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship. Headed up by Team Principal Tony Fernandes, supported by Chief Technical Officer Mike Gascoyne and Chief Executive Riad Asmat, the team has made its base in Hingham, near to the home of Group Lotus just a few miles up the Norfolk roads in Hethel.

 

Prince Andrew is the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. Says Tony Fernandes:

“What is perhaps less well recognised is that the Duke was one of the primary catalysts behind our substantial capital investment here in Norfolk. Indeed it was thanks to the Duke’s advice in June of 2009 that we began another extraordinary partnership between Malaysia and the United Kingdom that has culminated in the successful entry and creation of the Lotus Racing T127.”

Interview with Eric Boullier, Renault F1

24/02/2010 By in Formula One Tags: , , , Leave a comment

The start of a new Formula One season is always a time of great anticipation. For Renault, this is particularly true in 2010 as it signals a new era for the team after the scandal of the previous one. With a new structure in place, new drivers, and new colours, the team feels there is a lot to be excited about and much to look forward to in the year ahead.

Eric, how’ve you been settling in as the new Team Principal of Renault F1?

“I’ve received a very warm welcome from everybody. Of course, the last four or so weeks have been very busy for the entire team, but I’ve been impressed with the motivation and work ethic of the factory.

“Now that the new season is approaching, we must keep focused and push hard to deliver a strong performance from the first race. For me, the human side of the job is by far the most important.”

Has everything gone smoothly with the new car build?

“On the whole the car build has gone to plan. Of course, there are always some issues to overcome during the winter, especially as the design office has taken some bold decisions with the design of the car. But, as I have said, everything has come together. We’ve hit our deadlines.”

The R30 features a classic yellow and black livery. Are you pleased to see the return of these iconic Renault colours?

“For me it’s definitely a good decision and I think the car looks stunning – it’s eye-catching and reminds people of Renault’s heritage in the sport. It reminds me of when I was a kid, watching Arnoux, Prost… It also sends out a clear message about Renault’s commitment to Formula One.”

Robert Kubica – what’s he like to work with?

“We are of course delighted to have Robert on board as he is clearly one of the best drivers on the grid. He’s extremely quick, experienced, and is a real fighter who never gives up, which fits well with our attitude at Renault. Robert’s approach is helping push the team forward because he’s just as hungry for success as we are.”

It’s early days in the season, but what objectives do you have in mind for 2010?

“We clearly want to be back at the front and capable of challenging for podiums as soon as possible. It would be too optimistic to say we want to be there from race one, but the progress and simulations we have seen over the winter are encouraging. We also have the resources at Enstone to deliver good development steps during the season so that we continue to improve from race to race. The aim, then, is to fight regularly for the podium in the last part of the season.”

Talk us through the resources that will support this aggressive development programme?

“Most importantly we have just completed a considerable upgrade to the wind tunnel. This will play a major role in our aero development throughout the year. We also have a modern CFD facility, which complements the work done in the wind tunnel (and vice-versa). It’s still a relatively new technology, but it’s now starting to reach a level of maturity and is giving us the results we always expected from it.

“There’s also the mechanical design team which has done an excellent job with the R30 and it will continue to feed upgrades to the car during the season.”

How do you feel about the first race of the season in Bahrain?

“It will be our first chance to see where we stand compared with our competitors in real racing conditions. We can go there safe in the knowledge that the entire team has put in an enormous effort over the winter and is determined to convert all that hard work into a strong performance on the racetrack.

“I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all the team members for their efforts over the last few months. I’m convinced that they’ll pay off on the racetrack.”

Jenson! What were you thinking, man?

18/11/2009 By in Formula One Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Don’t get me wrong. It’s fantastic to see two British F1 World Champions installed in one of our greatest British – well, sort of – racing teams. This hasn’t happened since 1968 when Jim Clark was partnered by Graham Hill. Hurrar!

It’s also a dream ticket for the sponsors. They’ll be cock-a-hoop.

That said, what must have been going on in those meetings for Brawn GP – and now Mercedes-Benz – to let the World Champion slip through their fingers, and Jenson abandon the safe haven that was Brawn to join forces with the enemy.

For those of us who follow such things, the whole saga defies logic. Drivers who really want to win world titles stay with the team that supports them the most – that provides them with the stability they crave.

Button has made a number of sacrifices over the last few years and behaved honourably. He deserves a pay rise. Then again, he couldn’t have won this year’s World Championship without Brawn’s team and a damned good car.

So, has Jenson lost his scruples overnight and decided to move for the money?

He and McLaren say no. Brawn GP says it offered Button’s negotiators what they was asking for, but it was they who upped the ante. We’re also being led to believe that Brawn GP’s management pocketed a great deal of money from the deal with Mercedes-Benz and perhaps Button’s negotiators felt Button was entitled to a share.

Who knows? Perhaps all will become clear over time.

What we do know though, is that McLaren is Hamilton’s turf and Jenson’s the new boy, World Champion or not. Jenson is facing an uphill battle to get his feet under the table.

The McLaren machine’s going to be hot at the start of next season. Wonder boy Hamilton is going to hit the floor running. Will Jenson?

I’m told that Hamilton used engines tuned by Jenson Button’s dad – John – to win one of his karting championships. Apparently, there’s a bit of history between both boys’ fathers. It will be interesting to see how the relationship between the racers develops.

More important to me than the Jenson saga

18/11/2009 By in Formula One Tags: , , Leave a comment

We’ll talk about the Jenson-McLaren development in a minute.

What saddened me more was news that Donington Park has gone into receivership today – and so soon after the passing of 87-year-old Tom Wheatcroft. This treasure of the sport did much to revive and then develop the circuit for world class racing. He also played an important part in the careers of many a GP driver.

In the early 1970s Donington Park was still in a dilapidated and neglected state following its use as a military vehicle depot during the war. Former racer Tom, now a successful builder, was in a position to buy the land upon which the circuit stood.

With amazing enterprise he upgraded and re-routed the circuit – to accommodate the required safety legislation – and a large number of hospitality suites were incorporated to enhance the circuit’s facilities for an ever growing leisure market. Racing eventually returned to Donington Park in 1977.

Tom also built up a unique collection of Vanwall, McLaren, Williams and BRM machines – the Donington Grand Prix Exhibition. The collection contains a pre-war AutoUnion built from the original plans and a perfect replica of Ettore Bugatti’s personal Royale.

I could go on, but Tom’s contribution to the sport has been immeasurable, and the word ‘legend’ hardly does justice to the man. It’s going to take someone with great vision to get Donington Park up and running again.

That’s not going to be easy. Tom’s a tough act to follow.

Overtaking in Formula One (Part 2)

13/11/2009 By in Formula One Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

I see that Formula One’s governing body – the FIA – was discussing the much debated subject of overtaking on Wednesday.

Among those present were circuit designers Hermann Tilke and Clive Bowen. Bearing in mind what I said on Tuesday, I’d love to have been a fly on the wall in that meeting!

Ditch Hermann and save F1

10/11/2009 By in Formula One Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment

The deliciously witty crew at grandprixdiary.com have, as usual, put their fingers right on it. The latest generation of F1 venue may be OK for supermodels and sundry celebs, but Hermann Tilke‘s circuit design has killed racing.

And why does this guy get all the business anyway?

The list of contracts he’s won is impressive but it begs the question whether it is good for the sport for one architect to maintain such a grip on circuit design.

Bring back the old style of circuit, we say. You don’t need all this plastic frippery when all that’s required for proper F1 racing is a nice bit of tarmac, handy thermos and, in the words of Clive Bowen – Founding Director of Apex Circuit Design – a track that builds in confidence and grip for drivers just where they need it the most to make a pass.

In response to F1 writer Joe Saward’s analysis of the subject, Bowen suggests how we can get around the problem.

His three ways make a great deal of sense.

Yes, he is worthy!

30/10/2009 By in Formula One Tags: , , Leave a comment

I don’t know. Yet another commentary, and yet another person asking the great and the good whether a certain J Button is a worthy champion.

Yes, he is. Now, can we move on please? Thank you. Even today’s Telegraph has finally conceded:

Unfailingly polite, refreshingly articulate and humble, Button is a hugely deserving world champion.

Abu Dhabi GP (Problem One)

28/10/2009 By in Formula One Tags: , , Leave a comment

Just been watching Senna driving out to the Yas Marina circuit. Everyone’s alluded to it, but that pitline exit has to be a major accident spot once the drivers start to put their foot down. Looks more like a car park. A very expensive one!

Jenson Button

28/10/2009 By in Formula One Tags: , , , , Leave a comment
Jenson Button 2009

JB's first UK press conference since Brazil

Looks like his Jenson-ship is going to get his money after all.

Thank goodness someone at Brawn has let it be known that the team is going to boost the wages of its new World Champion by the month end.

I think we’re all sick and tired of the endless speculation and non-stories being run in the popular press.