Catch-up Session – Week No. 18
Monday, May 4th, find exclusively on casinoenlignefrance.eu.com the article summarizing all the essential Formula 1 news from the past week. On the agenda, the much-anticipated verdict from the World Motor Sport Council in the McLaren lie affair in Australia, as well as reactions from Whitmarsh and Hamilton. The World Council, meeting midweek, also approved several […]
Monday, May 4th, find exclusively on casinoenlignefrance.eu.com the article summarizing all the essential Formula 1 news from the past week. On the agenda, the much-anticipated verdict from the World Motor Sport Council in the McLaren lie affair in Australia, as well as reactions from Whitmarsh and Hamilton. The World Council, meeting midweek, also approved several changes in the 2010 regulations, a season that already promises… Finally, the preparations for the Spanish Grand Prix that is taking place in a few days, during which Branson is expected to reveal his new sponsorship intentions with Brawn GP.
McLaren escapes race suspension
After lying to the governing body, the FIA, a few hours after the Australian Grand Prix, McLaren-Mercedes found itself in front of the World Council last week. Many were talking about a three-race exclusion from the championship for undermining the integrity of the sport. The Woking team got off lightly with a suspended penalty, meaning no infractions will be allowed over the next 12 months. Otherwise, the three-race suspension penalty will be applied.
Read the World Council’s verdict announcement in the McLaren case
Following this decision, McLaren’s team principal, Martin Whitmarsh, made a point of speaking out, especially since he was the only one summoned by the World Council. It is, in a way, thanks to him that his team is doing so well.
Read Whitmarsh’s reaction following the verdict
Another reaction, and this one much more unexpected, came from Lewis Hamilton. During the extraordinary hearing, the British driver revealed to the press that he felt betrayed by his team. Betrayed enough to consider a possible departure from McLaren. He ultimately won’t do it, being under contract for many years. The British team will thus have to ensure not to repeat this experience where Hamilton was somewhat manipulated.
Read Hamilton’s reaction on his intentions to leave F1
A 2010 season that already promises to be exciting
The FIA World Council, convened for the verdict in the McLaren case, took the opportunity to approve a number of changes for the next season. First of all, and it’s no surprise to anyone, the budget cap advocated by Max Mosley will be in effect. F1 teams will have 40 million pounds (44.8 million euros) at their disposal to complete a season. This measure is expected to help new teams establish themselves in the sport.
Read the confirmation of the existence of a budget cap in 2010
Another highly anticipated measure is the end of refueling from the Australian Grand Prix 2010. This will directly impact race strategies.
Read the article announcing the end of refueling in 2010
With the use of the KERS which will be mandatory next year, the minimum weight of the single-seaters has been increased by 15 Kg and thus rises to 620 Kg.
Read the article confirming an increase in the minimum weight of 2010 single-seaters
Finally, the Formula One Management led by Bernie Ecclestone announced financial assistance for all teams wishing to enter the F1 championship. Under these conditions, there is a good chance that 26 cars will be on the starting grids in 2010.
Read the announcement of financial aid for new teams
The H1N1 Flu Makes Headlines in Formula 1
A rather wild rumor circulated last week as the H1N1 flu spread worldwide. The Spanish Grand Prix might be held behind closed doors due to the significant risk of contamination, as 70,000 people are expected this weekend. This is likely to remain a rumor, but Spain is the most affected country in Europe, with 40 confirmed cases of this new strain of flu to date.
Read the article relaying the rumor of a Spanish GP behind closed doors
Richard Branson does not have the flu…
On the occasion of the Barcelona race this weekend, the head of Virgin is expected to announce his new intentions regarding the sponsorship deal with Brawn GP. The success is such that a very large contract should be signed between the two parties. The long-term goal is for Virgin to appear in the name of the Formula 1 team.
