Catch-up Session – Week No. 28
On this Monday, July 13, 2009, Motors Inside offers you a recap of last week’s essential F1 news. With this summary article, experience or relive what made headlines in the premier category of motorsports last week. On the agenda is the German Grand Prix, which saw another Red Bull one-two finish, the second in three […]
On this Monday, July 13, 2009, Motors Inside offers you a recap of last week’s essential F1 news. With this summary article, experience or relive what made headlines in the premier category of motorsports last week. On the agenda is the German Grand Prix, which saw another Red Bull one-two finish, the second in three weeks, as well as the Bourdais affair. The Frenchman was more notable for the rumors surrounding him than his result on the Nurburgring circuit. Last week, Toyota, owner of the Fuji Speedway, revealed that Formula 1 would no longer return to its grounds. Finally, and to be taken with caution, Motors Inside provides a roundup of the rumors shaking the F1 world.
Webber and the German GP, a love story now eternal
In mid-July, the first of two races scheduled for this month took place with the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, making its grand return (the track previously hosted the European GP). The region was well known to everyone, as were the weather conditions that can prevail there. Unsurprisingly, the weather made headlines at the start of the weekend with showers or ‘douches,’ 14°C in the air, just 20°C on the track. Under these conditions, it was Mark Webber who claimed pole position, the first of his career, ahead of the two Brawn drivers and his teammate Sebastian Vettel. In the race, the situation was a bit different as it started with sunshine but a 60% chance of rain. These figures did not scare Webber, nor did a drive-through penalty imposed on the driver in the early laps. The Australian fulfilled his dream by winning this race, the ninth round of the season. He thus reinvigorates his championship standings and proves to Vettel that he will be a contender. On the second step of the podium is Vettel, who minimizes the damage by taking eight points. Finally, Massa succeeded in making Ferrari smile by finishing third in the GP. Rosberg, starting from 15th position, delivered a fabulous race to secure 4th place, the best result for Williams since the start of the season. Knowing the names of the top four, one wonders what happened to the Brawn drivers! Well, they finished 5th and 6th with Button ahead of Barrichello. It was the team’s worst weekend in terms of positions and points. The last two places were taken by Alonso and Kovalainen, bringing their respective teams (Renault and McLaren) valuable points. The start was eventful as Hamilton ended up with a puncture and finished last in the GP. Bourdais and Räikkönen retired, bringing their cars back to their garages. In the standings, Barrichello dropped from 2nd to 4th place due to the benefit of the Red Bull drivers. Button still has a 21-point lead over Vettel. Brawn still maintains a certain margin in the Constructor’s championship compared to Red Bull.
See the Full Live of the German GP
The Bourdais Affair and His Memorable ‘You’re Pissing Me Off!’
Last week, the Frenchman Sébastien Bourdais was at the center of rumors. It all started on Friday when Toro Rosso allegedly issued an ultimatum to the driver from Le Mans: achieve good results in Germany or be fired on the spot! At this stage of the affair, it’s unclear how Bourdais could achieve good results knowing his STR4 for the German GP still lacked new aerodynamic elements such as the double diffuser. The situation was therefore poorly set up, but the person concerned denied the rumors while other voices rose, like that of Red Bull’s young recruit, Jaime Alguersuari, a possible replacement, or even Sébastien Loeb, who was rumored to be joining! Madness during the WRC season where he has to defend his five championship titles. How could Bourdais string together good laps with this media pressure? Impossible, and worse, he abandoned the race. His reaction on TF1’s microphone showed his mindset and irritation as he blurted out a « But you’re pissing me off with that! » In short, it’s been known for a long time, the Frenchman’s position is no longer worth much and whatever the date, it must be said: Bourdais will leave Toro Rosso!
Read Toro Rosso’s ultimatum regarding Bourdais
Read about Loeb’s interest in Bourdais’ seat
A circuit disappears from the calendar, Fuji
The information had been circulating for some time and it has not been denied: The Mount Fuji circuit cannot guarantee the organization of the Japanese Grand Prix in 2010. For several months, an alternating system has concerned the Land of the Rising Sun. Once Fuji and once Suzuka were involved in 2009. The problem arises for 2010 since Suzuka is not sure it can financially guarantee the race each year. The problem is also financial for Fuji, which no longer has the resources through its owner Toyota to host the event. The car manufacturer is expected to be in a large deficit for this year.
Read the announcement of the removal of the Mount Fuji circuit
Everything is a matter of rumors…
As if there weren’t enough with Sébastien Bourdais, last week unfolded with rumors and other speculations. For example, between Mercedes and Red Bull. It is rumored that the Austrian team would leave Renault to be powered by Mercedes, becoming the fourth client team. However, the German manufacturer only wants to supply three teams. A choice must be made between McLaren, Force India, Brawn, and Red Bull. Considering the current contracts, it seems obvious that the first three will be the lucky ones…
The beginning of the rumor between Mercedes and Red Bull
Read about Mercedes’ intentions to supply only three teams
Finally, the second consecutive week of rumors about Fernando Alonso leaving for Ferrari. The Italian and Spanish media insist while the person concerned denies it once again…
