Detailed Practice start rules revealed ahead of the Eifel GP
The FIA has issued more detailed instructions around the practice start rules for the Eifel Grand Prix, two weeks after Lewis Hamilton’s controversial penalties in Russia
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Mercedes F1 team member tests positive for Covid-19
Mercedes have announced that one of their team members tested positive for Covid-19. This announcement comes ahead of the Eifel Grand Prix which will be held this weekend at the Nurburgring. As a part of regular screening for Covid-19 through all the completed Formula 1 events, all the paddock personnel and team members are required to undergo a test after every five days. Through a statement issued on Thursday by the Mercedes Formula 1 team, it was revealed that a member had contracted the disease ahead of the race weekend in Germany. “We can confirm that a team member has tested positive,” a spokesperson from Mercedes said. “This has been handled and is being handled in line with FIA protocols, working closely with the FIA. “We ask for your understanding that we won’t be offering additional details.” This marks the first known positive case for a member of a Formula 1 team as the race weekend approaches since Sergio Perez’s diagnosis for Covid-19 ahead of the British Grand Prix held in Silverstone back in July. There have been 26 reported cases since Formula 1 began the testing program for all team members and personnel back in June as the majority have been limited to to ancillary personnel not belonging to any team, F1 or FIA in that matter. There are close to 50,000 tests that have been done on the Formula 1 personnel over the same period as the next full update from FIA and Formula 1 regarding test numbers and cases is due on Friday as a part of its weekly reports. F1 has been operating under very strict protocols through the 2020 F1 season to prevent the spread of Covid-19, restricting the number of people that can attend the ‘closed events’ and also restricting movements within the race paddock. There are also guidelines and restrictions on what paddock personnel should do away from the track on race weekends and the time inbetween the race weekends. The protocols have given the FIA confidence that it is able to race anywhere with these protocols in place in the future, albeit facing limitations with various countries’ travel restrictions. The member of the Mercedes team who tested positive will now be required to isolate to prevent a spread of the virus, with further tracing due to be conducted in line with the FIA’s protocols.
Raikkonen to remain with Alfa Romeo in 2021
Kimi Raikonnen’s career in Formula 1 will be extending to 2021, this is after the finn received a contract extension to stay with Alfa Romeo, the official announcement will be made this weekend as sources say. Kimi Raikkonen will now be breaking Reuben Barrichello’s record of 322 race starts this weekend in the Eifel Grand Prix which will be held at the Nurburgring, sources say he took the option to remain with Alfa Romeo for the 2021 F1 season. The official confirmation of his extended tenure would come as early as Friday. Raikkonen joined the swiss-based outfit in 2019, as his previous team, Ferrari decided to replace him with Charles Leclerc. While Alfa Romeo has not been delivering the best of the car specs that Raikkonen would have hoped for, the 2007 World Champion is impressive enough to showcase his talent and motivation. His recent best was in the chaotic 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix when he finished in fourth place and helped Alfa Romeo to get the 8th position in the constructors championship. This season, however has been very difficult for Alfa Romeo as their cars driven by a Ferrari engine have not been performing quite as well. Raikkonen’s best performance in the 2020 season so far, was in the Tuscan Grand Prix held at Mugello last month, when he finished ninth. As Kimi Raikkonen is set to stay, Alfa Romeo has yet to make a decision on who will be his teammate for 2021 F1 season. Antonio Giovinazzi and Mick Schumacher are both in the run for the seat. The partnership of Alfa Romeo with Ferrari, the Maranello based team has the right to place one of its young drivers in an Alfa Romeo cockpit. Alfa Romeo is still evaluating whether to stick with Antonio Giovinazzi or promote Mick Schumacher from Formula 2. Schumacher will be having his first run with Alfa Romeo in Germany this weekend. Should Ferrari give a reprieve to Antonio Giovinazzi, Schumacher may also join the Haas team which has been also having very close ties with Ferrari. The Haas team is considering an all new driver line-up for 2021 and has been linked with one of the Ferrari junior drivers. It is giving Callum Illot, a Briton a run in the free practice at the Nurburgring this weekend. Another junior racer, Robert Shwartzman will also be running with either Haas or Alfa Romeo at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as an evaluation too
Factory Yamaha riders complete their official Portimao test
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP riders Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi were like kids in a candy store today at the Portimão MotoGP Official Test. The pair had a blast riding YZF-R1 bikes to get familiar with the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP test rider Jorge Lorenzo also attended today’s sessions, riding the YZR-M1. His mission is to collect valuable MotoGP data ahead of the Grande Prémio de Portugal, held from 20 – 22 November. Today’s Portimão MotoGP Official Test was a special outing for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP riders Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi. Both riding Yamaha YZF-R1s, the team-mates used two sessions from 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 to get familiar with the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. Their main goal today was to get acquainted with the unique lay-out of the Portuguese track, ahead of the Grande Prémio de Portugal, the final round of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship, held from 20-22 November. The circuit has 15 corners overall (nine right, six left) and is characterised by many elevation changes and is therefore often referred to as a ‘high-speed roller coaster’, which is both thrilling for the riders and a technical challenge for the mechanics. “The track is different from what we are used to, because of the changes in elevation, and most of the corners have blind entries.” Maverick Vinales said. “But overall I felt really good. It’s the kind of track that I like, because you need a lot of flow and corner speed. I already had a good feeling with my standard street bike and I think it will be even better when I’ll ride with the MotoGP bike, I’ll be even faster.” “The track looks amazing and it’s a lot of fun to ride. The biggest challenge here are wheelies.” “We will have to work hard on this because there’s a lot of changes in elevation and we need front contact, so we will have to change the bike a bit, for sure. The last corner here is amazing, I love it. I expected the track to be longer, it’s actually quite short, but I like it.” he added. “Riding here is very interesting, because the track is beautiful and technically quite difficult. It’s a very strange track because of the many elevation changes.” 9-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi said. “But it’s beautiful and the asphalt is good, it has good grip. You can enjoy it a lot when you’re riding here. It looked more difficult on television, a bit more tricky, but in real life it’s good.” “There are three or four points that are a bit scary, because you have big jumps. It will be difficult to keep a MotoGP bike in contact with the ground there, but in general it’s a very sweet track to ride, so I like it.” the 41-year-old added, “It was also a good day for a test here, because we had good conditions, which is important when you’re getting familiar with a new track.” Today the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP duo were joined on track by Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team’s Jorge Lorenzo, who was riding the YZR-M1. His mission is to collect MotoGP data for the Factory Team, so they can hit the ground running when they start the final MotoGP round on 20 November 2020. “Of course it’s not easy to start riding a MotoGP bike again after a nine-month break. Tomorrow we are going to play with the settings some more to see if we can improve and make a big step. The track is wonderful. It’s unique, compared to other tracks it has a lot of elevation changes, and that’s a lot of fun to ride. Hopefully tomorrow I will have a good feeling, and we can get more work done.” Lorenzo said. Lorenzo will continue his testing programme tomorrow on the second day of the Portimão MotoGP Official Test, whilst Viñales and Rossi will now travel to Le Mans for the Grand Prix de France, held this weekend.
Marquez and Bradl complete their first Repsol Honda test at Portimao
Stefan Bradl was joined by his teammate Alex Marquez in Portugal for the first MotoGP test at the Portimao circuit, both riders familiarizing themselves with the new track. The Algarve International Circuit will debut on the 2020 MotoGP World Championship calendar as the final round of the series, November 20 to 22. Ahead of its debut, MotoGP test riders are running across two days to sample the new circuit on MotoGP machines. Stefan Bradl has previous experience of the track, having raced the Honda CBR1000RR in World Superbikes there in 2017 but today offered a first chance to ride the Honda RC213V at the Portuguese venue. The test provided Bradl a chance to refresh his memory of the track and begin to work on finding a base setting for the RC213V ahead of the season finale. Stefan ended the day with a best time of 1’41.726. Alex Marquez joined Bradl on track, riding the Honda RC213V-S, to familiarize himself with the layout of the demanding circuit. The laps completed by Alex will help to give the rookie an initial direction to follow with bike setup and allow him to spend more time refining the setting of his Repsol Honda RC213V when the race weekend begins. After enjoying the dramatic elevation changes and a roller coaster layout of the track, Alex now turns his attention back to racing. “It was a good day, good weather at a nice track with a good layout and new tarmac – it was nice to try it. The Honda RC213V-S was really nice to ride, everything was nice!” Marquez said. “The layout is quite difficult, but I think the rider will be able to make a lot of difference here. I’m looking forward to returning here on the MotoGP bike at the end of the year, I think it will be an interesting race.” “But right now, my attention is back fully on Le Mans.” he added. Bradl will spend another day with the RC213V at the Portuguese track before heading to Le Mans for round 10 of the MotoGP World Championship. Alex is already on his way to Le Mans, motivated to continue adapting to the MotoGP class. “It was a great day today with the weather, pretty much perfect conditions,” Stefan Bradl said. “We followed our test plan after the track condition improved. This was an advantage to having a lot of riders there, the circuit was cleaned quite fast. The circuit is a great challenge, but you can really enjoy it with a MotoGP bike, the elevation changes are great,” he added. “We were fast and completed our test plan for today and have a few runs tomorrow before heading to Le Mans.”
Daniel Suarez joins new NASCAR Cup team Trackhouse for 2021
Daniel Suarez will be competing in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series with the new team entry in the Cup series, Trackhouse Racing. This comes through an announcement made by the organisation on Thursday. The team will be giving Suarez the chance to race in the Chevrolet car No.99 ZL1 1LE in the NASCAR Cup Series, and the team will debut in the Daytona 500 on February 14, 2021, the team was formed by Justin Marks who was a former NASCAR driver and formerly co-owned K&N Pro Series West team. The trackhouse team will partner technically with Richard Childress racing and will be using the ECR power units. “The formation of a top-level NASCAR Cup Series team has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Justin Marks told NASCAR.com. “A lot of hard work has transpired to get us to this point and I don’t think we could’ve ended up with better partners in RCR and Chevrolet and with a more passionate and committed driver than Daniel Suárez.” “Daniel’s drive and hunger to get to the top of this sport is palpable every time I am in his presence. We are building a team of winners and Daniel has delivered just about every time he’s sat in race winning equipment,” he added. “It’s my job now to put a car underneath him that will carry him to the highest echelon of the sport.” Suarez joins the Marks team after one season with Gaunt Brothers Racing. The former Xfinity Series champion has competed with three different teams in four seasons at the Cup Series level, earning 32 top-10 finishes. “I see in Trackhouse a great opportunity for me with a very strong group of people that share the same vision, commitment, and goals that I have,” said Suarez. “Justin has been involved in the racing world for over 20 years and understands the ins and outs of the sport both as a driver and from the business side. I have learned a lot in the last few years and have been very fortunate to be a part of very good organizations. “I have learned that this sport is about people, and I know we are going to work very hard to put together a talented team. Furthermore, getting the support from a strong manufacturer like Chevrolet will be a key to our success. My goal is simple, I want to win races.” Ty Norris will serve as president of racing operations for Trackhouse. Additional team personnel will be announced in the future. “I believe deeply in the direction NASCAR’s executive group is taking the sport,” Marks said. “There is a disruptive and courageous vision for the future taking place that is displayed by the incredible 2021 racing schedule and new ways of looking at a sustainable economic model culminating in the debut of the 2022 Next Gen car that, in my opinion, will lay the groundwork for a dramatic value proposition for future owners, media partners, stakeholders and sponsors for decades to come. “Everything Trackhouse will be doing in 2021 from a business development standpoint will be in the context of positioning ourselves to win races and championships as NASCAR embarks on a new chapter in 2022 and beyond.”
24 Hours of Spa to leave the plans for the 25 hour race
There were plans underway to change this month’s 24 Hours of Spa to 25 hours, but it now seems that the plans have been abandoned. It was also announced that the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup that will be holding double points will be held behind closed doors from October 24th to 25th. Laurent Gaudin who is the World Endurance race manager said that the Stephane Ratel Organisation believed to the end that it would be possible to allow a limited crowd to attend the race which had been rescheduled from its normal July period to this month due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “We tried everything to manoeuvre this huge event through the various protocols and very strict health constraints,” Gaudin explained. “After multiple proposals, with the requirements increasing and the volume of public authorised falling, we had to face facts and the whole team made the sad decision to lay down arms. We are truly sorry for all our fans and I have no doubt that we will face criticism, but SRO is not above the law.” It had also been announced that the 24 hour race would be extended by an hour to be the 25 Hours of Spa as Stephanie Ratel who is the series boss said that he wanted the event to be ‘a race to remember even in the years to come’. The change of the race duration to 25 hours, would have seen the change in the clock on the Sunday morning of the race. The addition of an extra hour would have the race start on 3:30pm on Saturday and end on 3:30pm on Sunday. Laurent Gaudin later explained the move to add an extra hour to the Spa race was part of a plan to give fresh impetus to the October edition. “We were optimistic and we thought, a little naively, that the disease would be behind us by this time of the year,” he said. “With this not being the case and with no fans able to join us, we have elected to revert to the original format.” The race now will follow its normal schedule, where it will be starting at 3:30pm on Saturday and end at 2:30pm on Sunday. The final entry list of the cars to be competing in the race is yet to be announced, as 50 cars took part in the last week’s official pe-event test at Spa.
Sebastian Vettel: There are fights I shouldn’t have picked at Ferrari
Four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel says that he has failed to win another championship since leaving Redbull because ‘there are fights maybe he shouldn’t have picked during his tenure at Ferrari. Earlier this year, Ferrari announced that, the 33-year-old who had joined them back in 2015, will be leaving at the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season. Vettel said later that he didnt have any regrets on his side but also admitted that he failed because he set himself the mission and the target to win the world championship with Ferrari. “There’s things that I should have done better, things that maybe I should have seen earlier, fights that maybe I shouldn’t have picked. But then again, I think everything that happened brought me to where I am now,” he said in an interview for the official F1 website. “I’m generally not talking about the stuff that happens on the track. Losing the car in Hockenheim in sort of half-wet, half-dry conditions – many people point that one out as a low point. But I’m not talking about things like that, I’m more talking about what’s been going on.” “So if I’m fair and harsh, then I have failed. Were there reasons? Probably, yes. But I don’t accept them as excuses so whatever happened also, I guess, put me on the next step forward and next level to focus on.” Sebastian Vettel said that he had picked fights that when looking back, they weren’t worth fighting, “But then again part of it is probably my nature and it was natural to do so. And I think I had a point as well in some of these some of these little fights and battles, whatever. But I think ultimately that’s how you mature and how you learn.” he added. After leaving Ferrari, Vettel will join Racing Point, which is to be rebranded as Aston Martin for the 2021 F1 season. He said team owner Lawrence Stroll convinced him to make the move. “I think the fact is that the team is growing, there’s a lot of factors. So I think those boxes were quite easy to tick in terms of the performance, the racing side of things. Where the team is, where the team might be, the potential and so on.” Vettel continued. “But more so, I think it was the mindset and the will to really do something good, bring something good together. And it sounds like a fun project and something that ultimately I decided I want to be part of. So it is very different to Ferrari.” “Obviously Racing Point as it stands today and in the future Aston Martin will be growing, there will be a lot of things happening for the first time. I think it’s an incredible, challenging journey for the whole team and me joining I hope I can contribute a lot of things and do good in the car and outside the car.” Vettel has stayed for sometime without getting a victory, having won his last race in Singapore over an year ago making it his 53rd win in his career. This makes him one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers of all times in terms of grand prix victories ranking third behind Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. However, Vettel said he is not sure if he is proud of the statistic. “It’s not fair if you compare to the past because they have way fewer races than us today,” Vettel explained. “So it’s a bit fake in my opinion. “They did a lot of races, probably in other categories. So you have to add those as well. But they’re not grands prix so I get the statistics.”
Eifel GP: Weather change a key consideration for the teams
The 11th round of the 2020 Formula 1 Season, the Eifel Grand Prix will be held at the Nurburgring in the coming weekend. Temperatures in the high 40s, good chance of rain makes for interesting Formula 1 weekend in Germany. From a fan’s perspective, the colder the merrier might just be the theme of Sunday’s F1 Eifel Grand Prix at the Nürburgring in Germany. With weather forecast calls for the chilliest temperatures of the F1 season with a little (maybe a lot) of rain mixed in, it could be anybody’s race in Germany. Temperatures are expected to be below 50 degrees during the race. Rain or no rain, keeping heat and grip in the tires on a cold day could be a challenge as Formula 1 returns to the Nürburgring this weekend for the first time since 2013. This means that the teams have to be fully prepared for any weather by making the proper calls as the weather might also change in the process of the race. “The Nürburgring is a really cool track and I raced there in Formula Renault and F3,” said Red Bull’s Alex Albon. “It’s got its own unique character with some really cool, high speed cambered corners which are always fun for a driver. “I think it’s going to be very quick this year but the weather will also be bad, so I will be surprised if it’s dry at all,” the Redbull driver continued “I think we should expect some really cold wet weather running so it will be important to get the laps in when we can. It’s going to be an interesting weekend and we’ll have to get the waterproofs out.” Albon’s teammate Max Verstappen is also looking forward to a little spice with this weekend’s race. “I haven’t raced at the Nürburgring since Formula 3, so I’m excited to go back there to see what a Formula 1 car can do,” Verstappen said. “It’s a very technical track, I like it. “The weather looks like it’s going to be a lot colder than the races we’ve had so far this year, and there may be a little bit of rain so hopefully that will make it an even more interesting race weekend.”
Hendrick Motorsports upgrades Alex Bowman as the new driver of No.48 in 2021
Hendrick Motorsports has decided to choose one of its drivers to replace Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Jimmie Johnson. Hendrick Motorsports made an announcement on Tuesday that Alex Bowman, who is currently driving No.88 Chevrolet for the team will move to the No.88 car for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Season. Bowman will be taking over Jimmie Johnson’s car and also his sponsor, Ally Financial. Johnson is set to retire completely from NASCAR at the end of 2020 season. Bowman will also be moving with Greg Ives, who is his current crew chief to the No.48 next year. Hendrick also mentioned that they will be naming the 2021 driver of the vacant No.88 Chevrolet seat at a later date. “We have tremendous faith in this team,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Every season Alex gets better. Not only do we see it in the statistics, but his confidence and leadership have truly blossomed. Today he’s a proven winner and playoff contender, and his best years are ahead.” “Greg has won championships and races, and he brings the No. 48 pedigree that’s invaluable. When you add in the amazing enthusiasm and support from Ally, it’s quite a combination. Their partnership makes it all possible, and we look forward to celebrating many successes together in the future.” 27-year-old Alex Bowman is enjoying his best season in the NASCAR Cup Series so far. There are only five races remaining in the 2020 NASCAR Cup Season at the Tucson and Arizona. Bowman is one of the 12 drivers remaining in the playoffs. He secured a victory earlier on in the season at the Auto Club speedway, and also by the help of his crew chief, Ives they have together qualified for the playoffs for three straight seasons. “I’ve worked my entire life to be in a situation like this,” Bowman said. “The opportunity to drive a legendary car like the ’48’ with incredible support from Ally, it truly can’t get any better. I’m excited to build on my relationship with Greg, who is a championship-caliber crew chief and knows first-hand what the No. 48 is all about.” “The pieces are in place, and I’m grateful to Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports and Ally. We’re ready to do it right,” he continued. “I can’t put my respect for Jimmie into words. To me, the No. 48 team’s legacy is about winning, but also how you go about your business. It’s leadership, confidence, work ethic, being a professional and holding yourself to a higher standard.” “No one will ever be Jimmie, and he’s given us a championship blueprint to follow.” Bowman concluded.
Renault declares its open to supply engines to Redbull from 2022
Renault’s boss Cyril Abiteboul says that they are ready to be Redbull’s engine supplier if need be, but on the other hand he is not expecting to be the team’s ‘plan A’. Both Redbull teams(Redbull Racing and AlphaTauri) are currently without an engine supplier from 2022 onwards after Honda made a shocking announcement last week that they will be leavin Formula 1 at the end of 2021. The situation currently is not very pleasant with the Redbull teams who have now to worry about finding an engine supplier that will supply power units that will help them to compete strongly as the Concorde Agreement will be seeking implementation from 2022, hence the start of a new regulation cycle. The timeframe is too narrow to opt for an external engine manufacturer, if there is even any interested to jump in and assist the team. This means that the engine supply might be done by one of the manufacturer in Formula 1, and the most probable candidate is Renault. The two entities(Renault and Redbull) had a relationship previously that broke up back in 2018, but now according to Redbull’s situation there are signs from both sides that they are willing to forget the sour period and focus into the future. Redbull’s team boss, Christian Horner said, “We already have to start thinking about the incorporation of the engine into the 2022 cars. Really, by the end of this year we need that clarity, we need that clarification so we have to consider all options, all possibilities, and ultimately it will be Mr Mateschitz’s decision what he wants to do.” “For us, it is important that we have the right power unit so that we can challenge Mercedes in the future years.” he added. Christian Horner had strongly criticised Renault during the hybrid era, but recently developed a soft spot for the team when asked about Renault as he pointed out the new leader of Renault, Luca de Meo has made changes since he took over. “Renault is different now to the Renault we left, with a new chairman, with the few changes he would bring moving forward,” Horner said. Renault team principal, Cyril Abiteboul has said that they will step out and supply Redbull with power units if needed as they are aware of the Sporting Regulation that binds them to do so. Renault do not have any customer teams from 2021, so the FIA can force them to do so and the Renault boss said they would have no problem in fulfilling that. “I can confirm there was absolutely no conversation to this point,” Abiteboul told Motorsport.com. “Being in the sport we are well aware of the regulation, and we have every intent to comply with the regulation and with our obligations.” “Obviously it’s a bit more detailed – we need to be requested, and we have not been requested yet, and secondly there are very specific circumstances, including timing, for this to happen. And we are still quite far from that window, which is not before the spring of next year. We know that in F1 lots of things can happen in a very limited amount of time, and spring 2021 is still very far. All sorts of things can happen. As I say we will comply with any obligation which may arise from this circumstance.” The Renault boss was also asked on whether their reunion with Redbull would be awkward given their shared history that did not end quite well, he said, “I think so, but we need obviously to look at the sport. And I think we are still very far away from having to possibly cross that bridge. I can’t imagine that Red Bull would not have some plan in the background.” “Clearly they must have been aware of this, and Helmut and Christian are full of moves and solutions. I don’t expect that we will be their Plan A.” Its very possible that Horner is currently working on the plan A, the reason he is rumoured to be in Austria this week is that he is securing a fund from Dietrich Mateschitz to turn Redbull to a power unit manufacturer and have its own rights, buying intellectual property from Honda to get started. The initial cost of all this would be offset in the medium term by the budget cap introduction next season. Honda’s managing director Masashi Yamamoto confirmed that Honda are amenable to helping Red Bull out with a continuation plan. “Honda is happy to talk to them if they need us in any way, not only about the power unit but about other things as well. To support AlphaTauri and Red Bull for their programme after 2021 in any way, we’re happy to cooperate.” Yamamoto said. “As Honda we had so many things from the teams, so we want to give it back somehow in a nice way for the future.” Asked specifically about whether Honda would help out with a continuation plan with their intellectual property to allow Red Bull to run rebadged engines from 2022, Yamamoto said: “If that kind of request is made from the team, I am ready to speak to Japan.” “I personally want to support [what Red Bull and AlphaTauri do] as much as possible.”
Environmental group opposes Rio F1 race plans
Formula 1 has agreed on a deal with FIA for organisation of the Brazilian Grand Prix which will happen in Rio, however the event faces fierce opposition from an environmental group. The agreement to hold the Brazilian GP in Rio comes at a perfect time that the F1 boss, Chase Carey can be keen to include the race in the provisional 2021 F1 calendar. Carey has been holding talks with a group in Rio for some time to alternate the race to Deodoro, at a military base that was utilised for some lowkey 2016 Olympic events including hockey, rugby sevens, shooting, BMX, mountain bikes, show jumps and modern pentathlon. The suggested circuit is located in Camboata forest and the commencement of its construction would involve felling of many trees. The circuit still remains in the planning stages and has to be approved as it faces opposition from environmental groups. Carey confirmed a deal to run the race has been signed with the promoter, in a letter sent to the acting governor of Rio Claudio Castro dated 14th September. Now the construction of the venue is only pending the grant of permission. “I am writing to update you that we have now finalised race agreements with Rio Motorsports LLC to host, stage and promote Formula 1 events in Rio de Janeiro.” Carey wrote. “These agreements are ready for execution and announcement by Formula 1 as soon as all necessary licences have been issued by the relevant authorities, INEA/CECA, in Brazil/Rio de Janeiro.” The State Institute of the Environment (INEA) is on the process of making preparations on the technical opinions in regard to the environmental impact of the circuit construction project. Once this step is complete, the opinion will be first submitted to the Attorney General’s office and later to the State Environmental Control Commission(CECA). The loss of the city’s last forested area has generated a lot of opposition in the form of petitions that the government should put in consideration. One of the environmental groups is using a hashtag #BrazilSaysNoToDeforestation which gained alot of momentum and popularity after Chase Carey’s letter became known to the public. However, Carey’s letter does not specify thst the race has to be held at Deodoro, so they may decide to move the race to yet another venue. The current deal to run the Brazilian Formula 1 race at Interlagos came to an end this year amidst a strained relationship between the Sao Paulo promoter and the current Formula 1 management. This comes after Liberty Media buys Formula 1 and later discovered that Brazil was not due to pay a fee for the last few years of the contract as a legacy of a deal agreed with former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone.
Carlos Sainz: Fans can laugh as much as they want about the 2021 Ferrari move
Current Mclaren driver Carlos Sainz says fans ‘can laugh as much as they want’ as they are making jokes about his Ferrari move for 2021 F1 season. He also adds that he is finding their ideas ‘pretty funny’. Carlos Sainz agreed to join Ferrari in 2021 on a two-year-deal back in May as he will be replacing four-time championship winner Sebastian Vettel. Ferrari is currently going through a very difficult season as they currently lie sixth in the constructor’s championship which is behind the leading mid-field teams. This is unlike for the team as it was the biggest rival to Mercedes back in 2019 and has always been at the top in the previous years. One of the midfield teams that have beaten Ferrari, is Mclaren which is Sainz’s current team and it seats third in the championship, 32 points ahead of Ferrari. This has lead to questions on Sainz’s transfer to Ferrari and a lot of memes have been circulating in the media ridiculing his move. But a defensive Sainz says he is laughing off the jokes that are put in his way and he always enjoys the humorous creations fans make about F1 drivers on social media. “Honestly, they can laugh as much as they want,” Sainz told Motorsport.com. “I think they are actually pretty funny, some of [the jokes]. “People have a lot of free time and they come up with these very funny ideas. And I actually laugh also. “When the jokes are about me or the jokes are about the drivers, I’m the first one to laugh and I actually enjoy them. “It doesn’t mean that they are right or wrong, it’s just they’re funny. I guess that’s what they pretend to be, so good on them.” Sainz has always expressed that he has no fear moving to Ferrari where he will be driving next to Charles Leclerc who is the two-time grand prix winner. Until the final race of the 2020 Formula 1 season, Carlos Sainz says that he is very commited to help Mclaren to win the midfield title at the third position in the constructors championship ahead of Racing Point and Renault teams. He has put his full focus on the team despite that he is yet to find a place to live in Italy when he moves to Ferrari. “My team mainly, more than me, is trying to find a place,” Sainz said. “As you know I’m still focused on my season this year. “But as soon as the season is over and I’m thinking to next year, I will move to Italy when I find it convenient.”
Lucas Mahias in Fores out for Pucceti Kawasaki 2021 line-up
Kawasaki Pucceti team has signed Lucas Mahias who is the 2017 World Supersport Champion for the 2021 World Superbike championship and he is to take Xavi Fores’ place. Mahias has been racing in the World Supersport since 2014 and he later on in 2017 went ahead to take the World Supersport championship with the GRT Yamaha team. He has also made selected Moto3 outings in the early parts of the last decade. The french rider moved to Pucceti Supersport team back in 2019, after losing last year’s title to Sandro Cortese and has enjoyed two supersport seasons with the team. He currently sits in the second position in the Supersport championship with only the Estoril run remaining to finalise the 2020 World Supersport season. Pucceti Kawaski have now decided to give the opportunity in the WorldSuperbike class for 2021, replacing Xavi Fores who had announced last week that he will be parting ways with the team just after one year. Fores was previously racing for Barni WSBK Ducatti from 2016-2018, but was asked to give way for Michael Reuben Rinaldi and spent a year out of WSBK before securing his seat with Pucceti for 2020 season. “I’m excited to be able to compete in WorldSBK,” Mahias said. “That was always my goal, and to move up with the Kawasaki and Puccetti Racing is absolutely fantastic. “I’ve competed in two Superbike races in the past and have ridden a 1000 in Superstock and in World Endurance, but I know that the ZX-10RR is a very powerful and competitive bike, and I can’t wait to get on it. “I had two aims in my sporting career, the first was to become WorldSSP champion and the second is to win the Superbike World Championship. “Having achieved the first, I’ll now do everything I can to obtain the second too. I know it’s a very tough championship, but I’ll have a great team and a competitive bike on my side. I want to thank Manuel Puccetti and Kawasaki for this amazing opportunity.” The Puccetti outfit has been struggling in the 2020 WSBK season as they only have one bike on the track. Fores has been able to make to the top 10 only twice in the 7 season openers. This results are contrary to last years results when Toprak Razgatlioglu who is currently Factory Yamaha rider scored two wins and ten podium finishes and helped the team score the indepedent title. “I’m pleased to announce that we have decided to promote Lucas Mahias from Supersport to Superbike next year,” team boss Manuel Puccetti said. “Supporting our riders from the Stock or Supersport classes right up to the top class is part of our team’s DNA and is something we have previously done with riders like Franco Morbidelli, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Randy Krummenacher and Toprak Razgatlioglu. “I’m convinced that Mahias is a real talent, a solid rider who is always highly motivated. Racing in Superbike has always been his dream and so I’m sure he’ll put in maximum effort to achieve the best results. “On our side, we’ll do all we can to help him adapt to the new bike and the new category, without applying any pressure. As soon as we have a 2021 calendar, we’ll schedule some tests so that we’re prepared for the new season.”
Marko reveals that one of the driver’s girlfriend had Corona virus
The Formula 1 2020 season is taking place as a global pandemic, Covid-19 is affecting the world, this means that very strict mearsures are being put in place to prevent the key players in Formula 1 from contracting the deadly disease. This includes the drivers and each team member who are tested multiple times on each race weekend. If anyone, including the drivers may turn out to be positive for Covid-19, they have to leave the race immediately and self isolate as they are getting proper medical care for quick recovery. This had happened to Racing Point driver, Sergio Perez who had to miss the two races in the Silverstone after testing positive for the disease. Helmut Marko, particularly was not impressed with the number of people who were not wearing masks during the Russian Grand Prix held at Sochi as he revealed that his two Redbull drivers were very lucky not to suffer the same fate as Sergio Perez. “There was great life there [in Sochi], good-humoured fans, great weather, just a good atmosphere in the city, [but] outside of the paddock there were very few walking around wearing masks,” he told speedweek.com. “It will not be able to continue like this with the restrictive measures. We had a driver whose girlfriend was infected and he wasn’t infected. Another was at a party where three infected people were present, and he was also negative.” Marko did not specify the names but he was obviously talking about Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon, this comes as there is a lot of speculation on how it will play out for Alexander’s seat as his struggles and unstable performance would see him off the Redbull team. Pierre Gasly, Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg have all been linked to the seat. Marko still insists that they prefer to be keeping Albon, he refused to rule anything out showing that all their options are still open. “If Alex Albon performs well, he stays. If not, there will be deliberation,” Marko added. “We would then see which drivers that are good are on the market. But that’s not an issue at the moment.” The 2021 driver options is not the only the only worry for the Redbull team, as Honda recently announced that they will be leaving Formula 1 at the end of 2021 season. They are the current engine suppliers for the Redbull team and they will have to look for another engine supplier. However Marko is not panicking as he and Dietrich Mateschitz had known long ago that Honda will be leaving even before Christian Horner, the Redbull boss. “We are working in all directions because we knew about Honda’s decision for a long time,” he said. “Mr Horner is a team principal, but not involved in strategic matters. Mr Mateschitz and I have known for a long time.” “There is an option to exit at the end of each year. This is not our priority. When we have the facts together, Mr Mateschitz will decide.”
Turkey goes back on its decision to host fans in F1 return
Turkish grand prix event organisers have been forced to ditch their plans to hold their Formula 1 return this year with attendance of the fans due to rising Covid-19 fears. The race which will be held at the Istanbul park from November 13th to 15th will still progress without the fans, behind closed doors following a statement issued by the the local Istanbul government. This comes after a recommendation was made by the pandemic committee which was in the approval of the sanitation committee. “Within the scope of the efforts to combat the coronavirus epidemic, and in accordance with the recommendation of the Istanbul Provincial Pandemic Committee, it has been decided by the Provincial Hygiene Committee, the Formula 1 DHL Turkish Grand Prix 2020 will be held without spectators.” the statement read. The event organisers were previously very ambitious as they had planned to host a crowd of over 100,000 fans over the three race days, as early tickets sales were rising to over 40,000 due to the low price they had stipulated at £3 per day. The overturned decision is very understandable given the circumstances but it will be a major blow to the organisers as they are welcoming back Formula 1 in their country for the first time in nine years. “Our season has been guided by a safety-first approach and that will continue to be our priority.” “In Turkey, we had hoped to welcome fans but the situation in the country means this is no longer possible and we fully understand and respect the decision.” an F1 spokesperson said in regards to the announcement. Looking back at the fan attendance in the previous races, Mugello was able to invite a limited number of fans as they were staging the Tuscan Grand Prix, while the Russian GP organisers had a plan to host 30,000 fans per day although the final numbers failed to reach their target. In the upcoming races, like this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix which will be held at the Nurburgring , followed by the races in Portimao and Imola will be held with a limited number of fans in attendance.