The following is are excerpts from a report on Autosport.com. I have been burned once already thinking Super Aguri was going to be saved but then their world fell to pieces, so we will wait until ink is to paper.
Honda Racing are in talks with four potential buyers including wealthy Mexican businessman Carlos Slim, autosport.com has learned, but no deal has yet been completed. Reports emerging out of South America on Saturday suggested that Slim, ranked as the world's second richest man behind American investor Warren Buffett, had actually finalised a contract to take over Honda.
Italian newspaper La Stampa also wrote that Slim had agreed a deal that would see the team line-up on the grid in 2009 with Jenson Button and Bruno Senna as their drivers.
Sources have told autosport.com that there are four parties considering getting involved - with Slim believed to be heading the running at the moment. Although the identity of the buyers has not been confirmed, it is believed that apart from Slim they are Prodrive boss David Richards with the Kuwait-based Investment Dar Company (TID), Greek shipping magnate Achilleas Kallakis and an unidentified Swiss group.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72581
As mentioned in a previous post, the purchase of Honda by prospective buyer David Richards of Prodrive would be rather ironic. Richards was the team principal of the previous iteration, BAR (British American Racing) from 2001 to 2004. Given that earlier this month Suburu has pulled out of the World Rally Championship it leaves some Prodrive employees looking for work within the company or elsewhere. Richards has stated that he will redeploy his WRC workforce. Suburu's decision has certainly freed up technical and intellectual resources at Prodrive that would make a Prodrive entry very logical provided there is money available from the Kuwait-based backers/partners. I wonder if Ferrari would still be looking to secure another engine deal or if Mercedes would look to revive a failed prospective deal with a previous Prodrive attempt in get into F1.
However, all signs point to Carlos Slim being the new owner of a Formula One team which is what was needed to save this race ready and experienced team from being liquidated.
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Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
2009 Pre-Season Testing: Teams at Jerez & Algarve
Team were active in Portugal and Spain as Formula One made its official testing debut at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, where Ferrari and McLaren kicked off their final test of the year and Red Bull, BMW and Williams continued their work at Jerez. McLaren's Gary Paffett and Ferrari's Felipe Massa were on hand at Algarve was Paffett was the fast man with a 1:31.788 and Sebastien Buemi continued to be the man at Jerez once again topping the timesheets with a 1:17.704. This time he was at the wheel of a Red Bull chassis instead of the Toro Rosso chassis he had been using.
Jerez Test Times
1. Buemi 1.17.704
2. Heidfeld 1.19.223
3. Hartley 1.19.586
4. Klien 1.19.655
5. Hulkenberg 1.20.704
Algarve Test Times
1. Paffett 1.31.788
2. Massa 1.32.926
Jerez Test Times
1. Buemi 1.17.704
2. Heidfeld 1.19.223
3. Hartley 1.19.586
4. Klien 1.19.655
5. Hulkenberg 1.20.704
Algarve Test Times
1. Paffett 1.31.788
2. Massa 1.32.926
Friday, December 12, 2008
Formula One makes deep, tough cuts
Formula One's slash and burn tactics to reduce costs continues to evolve and solidify. Some of the steps that Formula One is prepared to undertake are a total ban on in-season testing, major changes to engine rules and dramatic cuts in aerodynamic development are the main pillars of F1's cost cutting program.
Following a meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council in Monaco on Friday, the FIA announced a host of measures that have been agreed with the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) and will be put in place over the next few years that will cut budgets by at least one third from next year.
Below is the full list of cuts from the FIA press release:
The following measures to reduce costs in Formula One have been agreed by the World Motor Sport Council. These proposed changes have the unanimous agreement of the Formula One teams, who have played a major role in their development. The FIA is grateful to the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) and its Chairman Luca di Montezemolo for their incisive contribution.
2009
Engine
Aerodynamic research
No wind tunnel exceeding 60% scale and 50 metres/sec to be used after 1 January 2009. A formula to balance wind tunnel-based research against CFD research, if agreed between the teams, will be proposed to the FIA.
Factory activity
Factory closures for six weeks per year, to accord with local laws.
Race weekend
Manpower to be reduced by means of a number of measures, including sharing information on tyres and fuel to eliminate the need for "spotters".
Sporting spectacle
Market research is being conducted to gauge the public reaction to a number of new ideas, including possible changes to qualifying and a proposal for the substitution of medals for points for the drivers. Proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the results of the market research are known.
Note: It is estimated that these changes for 2009 will save the manufacturer teams approximately 30% of their budgets compared to 2008, while the savings for independent teams will be even greater.
2010
Power train
Engines will be available to the independent teams for less than €5 million per team per season. These will either come from an independent supplier or be supplied by the manufacturer teams backed by guarantees of continuity. If an independent supplier, the deal will be signed no later than 20 December 2008. This same engine will continue to be used in 2011 and 2012 (thus no new engine for 2011). Subject to confirmation of practicability, the same transmission will be used by all teams.
Factory activity
-Further restrictions on aerodynamic research.
-Ban on tyre force rigs (other than vertical force rigs).
-Full analysis of factory facilities with a view to proposing further restrictions on facilities.
Longer term
The FIA and FOTA will study the possibility of an entirely new power train for 2013 based on energy efficiency (obtaining more work from less energy consumed). Rules to be framed so as to ensure that research and development of such a power train would make a real contribution to energy-efficient road transport. An enhanced Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) system is likely to be a very significant element of an energy-efficient power train in the future. In the short term, KERS is part of the 2009 regulations, but is not compulsory. For 2010 FOTA is considering proposals for a standard KERS system. The FIA awaits proposals. A number of further amendments were adopted for the 2009 and 2010 Sporting and Technical Regulations.
http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/wmsc08/Pages/wmsc_121208.aspx
Following a meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council in Monaco on Friday, the FIA announced a host of measures that have been agreed with the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) and will be put in place over the next few years that will cut budgets by at least one third from next year.
Below is the full list of cuts from the FIA press release:
The following measures to reduce costs in Formula One have been agreed by the World Motor Sport Council. These proposed changes have the unanimous agreement of the Formula One teams, who have played a major role in their development. The FIA is grateful to the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) and its Chairman Luca di Montezemolo for their incisive contribution.
2009
Engine
-Engine life to be doubled. Each driver will use a maximum of eight engines for the season plus four for testing (thus 20 per team)
-Limit of 18,000 rpm.
-No internal re-tuning.
-Adjustment to trumpets and injectors only.
-The three-race rule voted on 5 November remains in force.
-Cost of engines to independent teams will be approximately 50% of 2008 prices.
-Unanimous agreement was reached on a list of proposed changes to the Renault engine for 2009; all other engines will remain unchanged. Comparative testing will not be necessary.
Testing
No in-season testing except during race weekend during scheduled practice.
Aerodynamic research
No wind tunnel exceeding 60% scale and 50 metres/sec to be used after 1 January 2009. A formula to balance wind tunnel-based research against CFD research, if agreed between the teams, will be proposed to the FIA.
Factory activity
Factory closures for six weeks per year, to accord with local laws.
Race weekend
Manpower to be reduced by means of a number of measures, including sharing information on tyres and fuel to eliminate the need for "spotters".
Sporting spectacle
Market research is being conducted to gauge the public reaction to a number of new ideas, including possible changes to qualifying and a proposal for the substitution of medals for points for the drivers. Proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the results of the market research are known.
Note: It is estimated that these changes for 2009 will save the manufacturer teams approximately 30% of their budgets compared to 2008, while the savings for independent teams will be even greater.
2010
Power train
Engines will be available to the independent teams for less than €5 million per team per season. These will either come from an independent supplier or be supplied by the manufacturer teams backed by guarantees of continuity. If an independent supplier, the deal will be signed no later than 20 December 2008. This same engine will continue to be used in 2011 and 2012 (thus no new engine for 2011). Subject to confirmation of practicability, the same transmission will be used by all teams.
Chassis
-A list of all elements of the chassis will be prepared and a decision taken in respect of each element as to whether or not it will remain a performance differentiator (competitive element).
-Some elements which remain performance differentiators will be homologated for the season.
-Some elements will remain performance differentiators, but use inexpensive materials.
-Elements which are not performance differentiators will be prescriptive and be obtained or manufactured in the most economical possible way.
Race weekend
-Standardised radio and telemetry systems.
-Ban on tyre warmers.
-Ban on mechanical purging of tyres.
-Ban on refueling.
-Possible reduction in race distance or duration (proposal to follow market research).
Factory activity
-Further restrictions on aerodynamic research.
-Ban on tyre force rigs (other than vertical force rigs).
-Full analysis of factory facilities with a view to proposing further restrictions on facilities.
Longer term
The FIA and FOTA will study the possibility of an entirely new power train for 2013 based on energy efficiency (obtaining more work from less energy consumed). Rules to be framed so as to ensure that research and development of such a power train would make a real contribution to energy-efficient road transport. An enhanced Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) system is likely to be a very significant element of an energy-efficient power train in the future. In the short term, KERS is part of the 2009 regulations, but is not compulsory. For 2010 FOTA is considering proposals for a standard KERS system. The FIA awaits proposals. A number of further amendments were adopted for the 2009 and 2010 Sporting and Technical Regulations.
http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/wmsc08/Pages/wmsc_121208.aspx
2009 Pre-Season Testing: Jerez Summary
Toro Rosso hopeful Sebastien Buemi ended the 3 day Jerez on top once again and the swept the top spot for all 3 days as he looks to secure a ride for 2009. Below is test summary for the participant teams.
McLaren- On day 1, McLaren test driver Gary Paffett set the third quickest time as he focused on KERS development. Pedro de la Rosa concentrated on set-up evaluation. On Day 2, Pedro de la Rosa was fourth quickest as he worked for the first time with a 2009 front wing fitted to the heavily revised MP4-23A car. The KERS equipped car is the MP4-23K. He was joined by Finn Heikki Kovalainen, who drove a MP4-23K. On Day 3, Kovalainen switched to the MP4-23A and spent the final day successfully running through tire work and aero mapping. Pedro stepped back into the MP4-23K but mileage was limited by a number of small issues with the device.
Ferrari- On day 1, Kimi Raikkonen returned to the cockpit for the first time since his demonstration run at the World Finals at Mugello last month to set the fifth quickest time. He worked on set-up and long distance evaluation of the Ferrari engine. He continued work On Day 2 investigating various set-ups on the F2008, fitted with slick tires and reduced aerodynamic downforce, as well as experimenting with a few new components aimed at next season, all this while continuing with an engine endurance program. Felipe Massa was also on hand and completed 27 laps. Third and final day of testing saw both Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa on track continuing to work on finding the best set-up for the F2008, fitted with slick tires and new development components aimed at next season. Kimi also carried on with the endurance testing of the engine.
BMW-Sauber- Nick Heidfeld focused on set-up work with the suspension, as well as aerodynamic development progress for BMW Sauber on Day 1. Klien worked on KERS development. On Day 2, Robert Kubica joined testing duties and drove the car fitted with KERS for the first time. Nick Heidfeld concentrated on development work on the F1.08B-03 fitted with the conventional engine. He worked on the set-up of the car, collecting more data on the slick tires as well as the revised bodywork. On Day 3, the team continued its development work in preparation for next season. Robert Kubica and Christian Klien who replaced Heidfeld for the day worked on the mechanical set-up of the F1.08B. Both drivers also did tire evaluations for the different compounds.
Renault- On day 1, Nelson Piquet was at the wheel and continued its evaluation of the slick tires while simulating a 2009 car set-up. The team was also able to put some mileage on the engine in preparation for the three race engine rule for 2009. On Day 2, Fernando Alonso put some work in and continued with the team's program and add further miles to the car. Fernando also sampled slick tires with a car set up to best simulate 2009 settings. On Day 3, the team got through a trouble-free technical program in which Fernando Alonso concentrated on further familiarizing himself to the 2009 slick Bridgestone tires as the team evaluated some suspension
set-up options and added further mileage to various components.
Scuderia Toro Roso- Scuderia Toro Rosso continued its preparation for the 2009 season where it ran two cars and three drivers over the three day session. Both cars went out on track in the same configuration as at the previous Barcelona test, with downforce levels replicating those expected from the new aero rules for next year. Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastien Buemi concentrated on set-up work, with Buemi additionally assessing various aero options. On Day 2, all 3 prospective STR drivers, Bourdais, Buemi and Super Aguri refugee Takuma Sato were on hand which shaped up to be a STR speed show with all 3 drivers claiming the top 3 slots. On Day 3, it was only Buemi and Sato on hand and they were tasked with finding a good set-up on the 2009 slick tires. In addition, Buemi did some work on the braking system.
Williams- Williams F1 was at Jerez a day earlier then the other teams and they ran Dani Clos in the FW30B interim car. The team concentrated on development work of the KERS and general chassis set-up work. Kazuki Nakajima was on duty the following day ('Day 1' for the other teams) and he continued set-up work on the interim FW30B chassis. Nico Rosberg was on hand on 'Day 2' continuing 2009 development and car set-up. The FW30B modified chassis covered 540 kilometres without encountering any problems. 'Day 3' saw Williams continue its work on set-up changes, slick tires and understanding the new aerodynamic rules with Nico Rosberg.
1. Buemi 1:17.258
2. Sato 1:17.520
3. Kovalainen 1:18.049
4. Raikkonen 1:18.782
5. Massa 1:19.050
6. Alonso 1:19.319
7. Rosberg 1:19.388
8. de la Rosa 1:19.499
9. Kubica 1:19.559
10. Klien 1:19.738
McLaren- On day 1, McLaren test driver Gary Paffett set the third quickest time as he focused on KERS development. Pedro de la Rosa concentrated on set-up evaluation. On Day 2, Pedro de la Rosa was fourth quickest as he worked for the first time with a 2009 front wing fitted to the heavily revised MP4-23A car. The KERS equipped car is the MP4-23K. He was joined by Finn Heikki Kovalainen, who drove a MP4-23K. On Day 3, Kovalainen switched to the MP4-23A and spent the final day successfully running through tire work and aero mapping. Pedro stepped back into the MP4-23K but mileage was limited by a number of small issues with the device.
Ferrari- On day 1, Kimi Raikkonen returned to the cockpit for the first time since his demonstration run at the World Finals at Mugello last month to set the fifth quickest time. He worked on set-up and long distance evaluation of the Ferrari engine. He continued work On Day 2 investigating various set-ups on the F2008, fitted with slick tires and reduced aerodynamic downforce, as well as experimenting with a few new components aimed at next season, all this while continuing with an engine endurance program. Felipe Massa was also on hand and completed 27 laps. Third and final day of testing saw both Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa on track continuing to work on finding the best set-up for the F2008, fitted with slick tires and new development components aimed at next season. Kimi also carried on with the endurance testing of the engine.
BMW-Sauber- Nick Heidfeld focused on set-up work with the suspension, as well as aerodynamic development progress for BMW Sauber on Day 1. Klien worked on KERS development. On Day 2, Robert Kubica joined testing duties and drove the car fitted with KERS for the first time. Nick Heidfeld concentrated on development work on the F1.08B-03 fitted with the conventional engine. He worked on the set-up of the car, collecting more data on the slick tires as well as the revised bodywork. On Day 3, the team continued its development work in preparation for next season. Robert Kubica and Christian Klien who replaced Heidfeld for the day worked on the mechanical set-up of the F1.08B. Both drivers also did tire evaluations for the different compounds.
Renault- On day 1, Nelson Piquet was at the wheel and continued its evaluation of the slick tires while simulating a 2009 car set-up. The team was also able to put some mileage on the engine in preparation for the three race engine rule for 2009. On Day 2, Fernando Alonso put some work in and continued with the team's program and add further miles to the car. Fernando also sampled slick tires with a car set up to best simulate 2009 settings. On Day 3, the team got through a trouble-free technical program in which Fernando Alonso concentrated on further familiarizing himself to the 2009 slick Bridgestone tires as the team evaluated some suspension
set-up options and added further mileage to various components.
Scuderia Toro Roso- Scuderia Toro Rosso continued its preparation for the 2009 season where it ran two cars and three drivers over the three day session. Both cars went out on track in the same configuration as at the previous Barcelona test, with downforce levels replicating those expected from the new aero rules for next year. Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastien Buemi concentrated on set-up work, with Buemi additionally assessing various aero options. On Day 2, all 3 prospective STR drivers, Bourdais, Buemi and Super Aguri refugee Takuma Sato were on hand which shaped up to be a STR speed show with all 3 drivers claiming the top 3 slots. On Day 3, it was only Buemi and Sato on hand and they were tasked with finding a good set-up on the 2009 slick tires. In addition, Buemi did some work on the braking system.
Williams- Williams F1 was at Jerez a day earlier then the other teams and they ran Dani Clos in the FW30B interim car. The team concentrated on development work of the KERS and general chassis set-up work. Kazuki Nakajima was on duty the following day ('Day 1' for the other teams) and he continued set-up work on the interim FW30B chassis. Nico Rosberg was on hand on 'Day 2' continuing 2009 development and car set-up. The FW30B modified chassis covered 540 kilometres without encountering any problems. 'Day 3' saw Williams continue its work on set-up changes, slick tires and understanding the new aerodynamic rules with Nico Rosberg.
1. Buemi 1:17.258
2. Sato 1:17.520
3. Kovalainen 1:18.049
4. Raikkonen 1:18.782
5. Massa 1:19.050
6. Alonso 1:19.319
7. Rosberg 1:19.388
8. de la Rosa 1:19.499
9. Kubica 1:19.559
10. Klien 1:19.738
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
2009 Pre-Season Testing: Buemi still on top
Sebastien Buemi continued to top the time sheets at Jerez. The Swiss driver was over half a second clear of Takuma Sato in a Scuderia Toro Roso car. Both drivers were clear of STR incumbant, Sebastien Bourdais. who was 3rd. All 3 drivers were in STR cars and are fighting for 2 race seats within the team.
1. Buemi 1:18.073
2. Sato 1:18.601
3. Bourdais 1:18.673
4. De la Rosa 1:19.032
5. Raikkonen 1:19.334
6. Kovalainen 1:19.631
7. Alonso 1:19.907
8. Rosberg 1:20.309
9. Heidfeld 1:20.365
10. Massa 1:20.490
11. Kubica 1:20.954
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
2009 Pre-Season Testing: Buemi leads on Day 1 at Jerez
Six teams kicked off the 2nd round of pre-season testing at Jerez. Scuderia Toro Rosso's Sebastian Buemi was the fastest man on track. Full test summary will be available at the end of the Jerez test.
1. Sebastien Buemi 1:18.742
2. Sebastien Bourdais 1:19.288
3. Gary Paffett 1:20.134
4. Pedro de la Rosa 1:20.164
5. Kimi Raikkonen 1:20.261
6. Nick Heidfeld 1:20.678
7. Kazuki Nakajima 1:21.338
8. Nelson Piquet 1:21.547
9. Christian Klien 1:22.098
1. Sebastien Buemi 1:18.742
2. Sebastien Bourdais 1:19.288
3. Gary Paffett 1:20.134
4. Pedro de la Rosa 1:20.164
5. Kimi Raikkonen 1:20.261
6. Nick Heidfeld 1:20.678
7. Kazuki Nakajima 1:21.338
8. Nelson Piquet 1:21.547
9. Christian Klien 1:22.098
Friday, December 5, 2008
Honda is out of F1 effective immediately
Honda have announced their immediate withdrawal from Formula One, the Japanese manufacturer's president and CEO Takeo Fukui confirmed on Friday morning.
After a night of frenzied speculation about the future of the Honda Racing team, Fukui told a hastily called press conference in Tokyo that difficult financial conditions had forced the company to make the decision.
"Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount," he said. "A recovery is expected to take some time. "Under these circumstances, Honda has taken swift and flexible measures to counter this sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas. However, in recognition of the need to optimize the allocation of management resources, including investment regarding the future, we have decided to withdraw from Formula One participation. We will enter into consultation with the associates of Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale."
Autosport.com understands that Honda Racing team principal Ross Brawn and CEO Nick Fry are due to fly to Tokyo on Monday for talks with the Japanese chiefs about the future.
Sources suggest that Honda chiefs have been told that the team will be funded only until March - giving them three months to find a new buyer before they are shut down. It is understood staff have been told that potential buyers have already been lined up, with Brawn already focused on securing an engine supply deal with Ferrari to try and keep the team in F1. Fukui admitted that the withdrawal decision had been a hard one to take - especially as Honda had taken a victory as a car maker in 2006 and had already invested a huge amount of money in bidding to return to the top under the leadership of Brawn.
He added: "In its third era of Formula One activities, Honda has been participating in Formula One races from the 2000 season, initially with BAR, by adopting a new format of jointly developing racing machines. Subsequently, in a move to meet the changing environment surrounding Formula One, we switched to running a 100% Honda-owned team commencing with the 2006 season. Surmounting many challenges, the Honda Team achieved a grand prix victory in 2006, enabling Honda to receive overwhelming support from Honda fans around the world that were looking forward to greater success. It, therefore, has been an extremely difficult decision for us to come to this conclusion without having been able to fully meet the expectations of our fans. By making the best of what we have learned during these times of economic turmoil, coupled with the spirit of challenge gained through active participation in racing, we intend to continue with our commitment in meeting new challenges. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our fans and all those who have supported Honda's Formula One efforts, including everyone in the world of Formula One."
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72322
This is a major blow to Formula One and cements the impact of the financial crisis on the sport. Although it pains me to say it, Max Mosley and his slash and burn cost cutting measures seem to be a truly necessary 'evil'. This may be a temporary fall in the economy, it looks very necessary to do these cost cutting measures to ensure there is an F1 when the economy picks back up.
As mentioned in the story, it is possible for the remnants of the team will be on the grid, it will be very difficult. The question is who will buy the team? It would be ironic if Prodrive and its chairman, David Richards would be interested with some afore mentioned assistance from Ferrari.
After a night of frenzied speculation about the future of the Honda Racing team, Fukui told a hastily called press conference in Tokyo that difficult financial conditions had forced the company to make the decision.
"Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount," he said. "A recovery is expected to take some time. "Under these circumstances, Honda has taken swift and flexible measures to counter this sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas. However, in recognition of the need to optimize the allocation of management resources, including investment regarding the future, we have decided to withdraw from Formula One participation. We will enter into consultation with the associates of Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale."
Autosport.com understands that Honda Racing team principal Ross Brawn and CEO Nick Fry are due to fly to Tokyo on Monday for talks with the Japanese chiefs about the future.
Sources suggest that Honda chiefs have been told that the team will be funded only until March - giving them three months to find a new buyer before they are shut down. It is understood staff have been told that potential buyers have already been lined up, with Brawn already focused on securing an engine supply deal with Ferrari to try and keep the team in F1. Fukui admitted that the withdrawal decision had been a hard one to take - especially as Honda had taken a victory as a car maker in 2006 and had already invested a huge amount of money in bidding to return to the top under the leadership of Brawn.
He added: "In its third era of Formula One activities, Honda has been participating in Formula One races from the 2000 season, initially with BAR, by adopting a new format of jointly developing racing machines. Subsequently, in a move to meet the changing environment surrounding Formula One, we switched to running a 100% Honda-owned team commencing with the 2006 season. Surmounting many challenges, the Honda Team achieved a grand prix victory in 2006, enabling Honda to receive overwhelming support from Honda fans around the world that were looking forward to greater success. It, therefore, has been an extremely difficult decision for us to come to this conclusion without having been able to fully meet the expectations of our fans. By making the best of what we have learned during these times of economic turmoil, coupled with the spirit of challenge gained through active participation in racing, we intend to continue with our commitment in meeting new challenges. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our fans and all those who have supported Honda's Formula One efforts, including everyone in the world of Formula One."
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72322
This is a major blow to Formula One and cements the impact of the financial crisis on the sport. Although it pains me to say it, Max Mosley and his slash and burn cost cutting measures seem to be a truly necessary 'evil'. This may be a temporary fall in the economy, it looks very necessary to do these cost cutting measures to ensure there is an F1 when the economy picks back up.
As mentioned in the story, it is possible for the remnants of the team will be on the grid, it will be very difficult. The question is who will buy the team? It would be ironic if Prodrive and its chairman, David Richards would be interested with some afore mentioned assistance from Ferrari.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Prost wants F1 test for son
It just would not seem right if we had a Senna on the F1 grid and not have a Prost in the near future. 4 times F1 Champion Alain Prost is hoping that his son Nicolas gets a future opportunity. The following is a story from Autosport.com:
Four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost is hoping his son Nicolas can test a grand prix car after winning the Euroseries 3000 title. Nicolas secured the title at the Magione circuit on Sunday despite scoring just a seventh place finish in the second race, having retired from the first one. Prost said he was pleased with his son's progress.
"I'm happy: Nicolas started racing late, but in the last two years he's made exceptional progress," Prost was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. "He drives with his head and enjoys knowing the cars' technical details. "Now I'd like him to do an F1 test. After this title the time is right. With Ferrari? I have a good relationship with them, so I'm hoping a bit for it."
The four-time champion admitted he was not sure about Nicolas's motivation when he started his career. "I wasn't convinced of his motivation," he told Autosprint. "At the beginning he was very busy: with school, golfing, skiing. As for me I had the team in F1 and I didn't have much time to do anything else. So it wasn't the right time to support him full time.
"Now many things have changed: I see him focused, motivated, and supplied with good talent. Even though at 27, it's clear that it will be very difficult for him to get to F1, which remains his obsession. "He added: "He is extremely focused in his mission. He programs his career the way an engineer would, and that could also bring negative aspects. He is also demonstrating a fine progression and an impressive maturity, especially considering that he started racing late, without doing karting."
Nicolas, currently racing for A1GP Team France, said GP2 was too costly for him.
"My future? GP2 is too expensive. In A1 you don't pay and that makes a difference. However, between a bank's desk and a racing seat, I certainly prefer my future in motor racing."
http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/72286
Four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost is hoping his son Nicolas can test a grand prix car after winning the Euroseries 3000 title. Nicolas secured the title at the Magione circuit on Sunday despite scoring just a seventh place finish in the second race, having retired from the first one. Prost said he was pleased with his son's progress.
"I'm happy: Nicolas started racing late, but in the last two years he's made exceptional progress," Prost was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. "He drives with his head and enjoys knowing the cars' technical details. "Now I'd like him to do an F1 test. After this title the time is right. With Ferrari? I have a good relationship with them, so I'm hoping a bit for it."
The four-time champion admitted he was not sure about Nicolas's motivation when he started his career. "I wasn't convinced of his motivation," he told Autosprint. "At the beginning he was very busy: with school, golfing, skiing. As for me I had the team in F1 and I didn't have much time to do anything else. So it wasn't the right time to support him full time.
"Now many things have changed: I see him focused, motivated, and supplied with good talent. Even though at 27, it's clear that it will be very difficult for him to get to F1, which remains his obsession. "He added: "He is extremely focused in his mission. He programs his career the way an engineer would, and that could also bring negative aspects. He is also demonstrating a fine progression and an impressive maturity, especially considering that he started racing late, without doing karting."
Nicolas, currently racing for A1GP Team France, said GP2 was too costly for him.
"My future? GP2 is too expensive. In A1 you don't pay and that makes a difference. However, between a bank's desk and a racing seat, I certainly prefer my future in motor racing."
http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/72286
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