Make-up Session – Week No. 16
Monday, April 20th, here is all the F1 news from last week summarized in an article. On the agenda, the third Grand Prix of the 2009 season in China at the Shanghai International Circuit, but also the verdict of the FIA World Council on the legality of the diffusers of Brawn GP, Williams, and Toyota. […]
Monday, April 20th, here is all the F1 news from last week summarized in an article. On the agenda, the third Grand Prix of the 2009 season in China at the Shanghai International Circuit, but also the verdict of the FIA World Council on the legality of the diffusers of Brawn GP, Williams, and Toyota. So, allowed or not allowed? Scuderia Ferrari faces one of the worst crises in its history to the point that a reshuffle was necessary during the season.
A third Grand Prix in China once again surprising and innovative
This 2009 season will remain engraved in the annals no matter what. After the Brawn GP double in Australia, the red flag in Malaysia where a Brawn GP driver claims victory again, Red Bull makes history by winning in China. And in the most beautiful manner since the ‘miracle’ drink team achieves pole position on Saturday and a one-two finish in the race on Sunday. First victory for Red Bull but second trophy for Sebastian Vettel. Brawn GP secures its position as leader in the championship, McLaren is heading in the right direction. BMW, Renault, and especially Ferrari struggle under the Chinese rain.
See the full live coverage of the Chinese Grand Prix
The ‘double’ diffuser, aerodynamic feat, finally authorized
The case at the start of the 2009 season was finally concluded last Wednesday with the hearing of the FIA World Council. Unsurprisingly, the diffusers of Brawn, Toyota, and Williams are legal. It must be said that the opposing camp, made up of five teams, no longer had much hope. Seven teams must now urgently get to work to design this aerodynamic component and try to compete with Brawn GP.
Read the official announcement on the legalization of diffusers
‘Double’ diffuser: McLaren and Renault waste no time
Following this decision, two teams that previously did not have the ‘double’ diffuser introduced an interim element at the Chinese Grand Prix that was not as advanced as those of Brawn GP, Williams, or Toyota. These teams are McLaren and Renault, who were able to anticipate the FIA World Council’s verdict. Both teams are on the right track as Renault, with Alonso, set the second-best qualifying time, while McLaren left China with 7 points.
Read the announcement of Renault’s use of a new diffuser
Read the announcement about McLaren’s use of a new diffuser
A crisis settling in for the long term at Maranello?
The Scuderia Ferrari is experiencing dark times. In three races, it has not scored any points in the standings. It lacks a miracle diffuser and is floundering in the use of its KERS, not to mention reliability issues and team blunders. In short, all is not well within the Reds. Several crisis meetings have been conducted in Italy. The result is simple, a staff reshuffle and Michael Schumacher is out for the Chinese and Bahrain Grand Prix.
Read the announcement of the restructuring within Ferrari
Read the article announcing M. Schumacher’s absence in China and Bahrain
