Catch-up Session – Week No. 43
As the regular Formula 1 season is about to finish with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, casinoenlignefrance.eu.com is once again on hand this Monday, October 26, 2009, to offer you a comprehensive round-up of the past week’s F1 news. The main news of last week is the election of Jean Todt as FIA president. He […]
As the regular Formula 1 season is about to finish with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, casinoenlignefrance.eu.com is once again on hand this Monday, October 26, 2009, to offer you a comprehensive round-up of the past week’s F1 news. The main news of last week is the election of Jean Todt as FIA president. He succeeds Max Mosley for a four-year term. We will look at his reaction and that of the FOTA. As every week, we will review the transfer market with the possible presence or absence of certain drivers in Formula 1 in 2010.
A Frenchman at the Helm of the International Automobile Federation!
All of France can be proud of Jean Todt. The former Ferrari team principal has been elected president of the FIA for a term of four years. He succeeds Max Mosley and will attempt to bring F1 teams closer to the governing body. This comes after relations had soured last May with the introduction of budget caps. Todt was elected with a more than comfortable margin over Ari Vatanen, the other candidate for the presidency. The Frenchman had the support of the main players in Formula 1, and he now needs to ensure not to disappoint these individuals and get to work immediately. The FOTA also wanted to congratulate Jean Todt. Led by Luca di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari and Todt’s former boss, it can only be praise for the new president. John Howett agrees with his colleague, stating that the election of the Frenchman at the head of the FIA will allow for the creation of a new era in F1. Jean Todt also spoke after Friday’s results and is fully aware of the task he is asked to accomplish.
Jean Todt elected as president of the FIA
Transfers opening to other drivers…
Senna, Di Grassi, and Montagny, these are the names of the drivers who have stirred the transfer market. Rest assured, nothing official yet, but words and actions to remember in the coming weeks. Bruno Senna made headlines last week as he could test for the Renault team during the offseason, in addition to Luca di Grassi who already has a session planned with the French team. The nephew of the illustrious champion is sure to be present on the 2010 grids. With four new teams arriving, he will find a place (Campos and Manor at the forefront) and seems quite optimistic about his chances for 2010. As for Luca di Grassi, currently Renault’s third driver, he talks about a 70% chance of being present next year in the highest category of motorsports. Given his position, one might think his destiny would be Renault, but the team would like a second very experienced driver in addition to Kubica. The Brazilian could therefore end up at Manor. Renault is indeed at the center of attention as the second seat is highly coveted. Apart from Romain Grosjean, who is not in a strong position to keep it, many speak of Timo Glock or Adrian Sutil. Last week, a new name was added to the list, that of Franck Montagny. The Frenchman is reportedly in contact with Renault but does not wish to say more at this time. However, his F1 experience remains limited with only a few races contested but a significant number of kilometers covered with Toyota and Renault… Within these 2009/2010 transfers, Toyota would have made an offer to Kimi Räikkönen, who finds himself on the market after being thanked by Ferrari. It’s not certain that the Finn will go to McLaren with Hamilton still considered a priority. Toyota could be an alternative if Räikkönen decides to continue his career as the possibility of retirement is considered. Finally, on the eve of the 17th and last round of the season in Abu Dhabi, a confirmation has come, that of Sébastien Loeb’s absence. With a sixth WRC title in pocket, the Frenchman will not make an appearance in Formula 1 for Toro Rosso. He thinks the time frame is now too short! In any case, there will be 20 other drivers ready to go all out for a Grand Prix that promises to be unforgettable! Join us from Wednesday on casinoenlignefrance.eu.com for the first reactions from drivers and team managers and especially Friday morning for the first free practice sessions.
