On December 1st, the Grande Brasile set out upon its four week Ocean voyage across the Atlantic, carrying the precious cargo of the European Rally Teams taking part in the upcoming 2010 DAKAR Rally; being contested in Argentina and Chile for the second consecutive year, running from January 2-16, 2010; look for Robby “Dirtman” Gordon and his Monster Hummer to be giving the VW Touareg’s a run for their money…
Volkswagen Team ships to south America
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Silverstone finally awarded British GP
Although Uncle Bernaughty has been most intent upon reeking havoc upon his loathed BRDC operators of the Silverstone circuit, when some 18 months ago he dropped the Bombshell during the 2008 British Grand Prix weekend that the races future home had been awarded to Donnington under George Gillette’s leadership; who’s since missed several Ecclestone imposed deadlines before ultimately filing for Administration…
Thus its very good news that Emperor Bernardo and the British Racing Drivers Club have amicably come to a compromise that enables the British GP to remain at Silverstone for the foreseeable future, as Silverstone has secured the F1 race In a 17yr deal, with the British GP potentially staying at BLOODY ‘OL Silverstone thru 2026…
Green light for British GP at Silverstone
HURRAH!
Thus its very good news that Emperor Bernardo and the British Racing Drivers Club have amicably come to a compromise that enables the British GP to remain at Silverstone for the foreseeable future, as Silverstone has secured the F1 race In a 17yr deal, with the British GP potentially staying at BLOODY ‘OL Silverstone thru 2026…
Green light for British GP at Silverstone
HURRAH!
Japan says Sayonara to Motorsports
As Y’all know, most likely from your Primary Schooling, today is “A Day of Infamy.” As countless reports tell us how the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour at 7:55AM Sunday morning, some 68 years ago…
Recently I received some flak for calling BMW AG’s decision to hastily withdraw from Formula 1 a Knee-jerk reaction, in lieu of our current economic climate… To which was some light weight 40mm AA Flak and I managed to avoid the ensuing shrapnel, but I digress…
As we’ve already learned, we’ve now had a total of three Auto manufacturers pull out of Formula 1 in the past twelve months, while Renault’s future is somewhat cloudy.
And as we all know, it was Honda who set the dominoes falling, as they simply couldn’t stomach being such a back marker anymore, while BMW suddenly decided to Quit after having one bad season, before Toyota decided it was also time to “Punt” as the red ink steadily flowed from Toyota’s books…
Having indeed decided to withdraw from Formula 1, they’ve (Toyota) just laid off a massive 500 employees from the Team’s Cologne HQ, leaving a staff of 150 for other various projects; perhaps an Hybrid “Sin-ergy” attack upon Du Circuit de la Sarthe?
Not to mention Japanese Rubber Giant Bridgestone withdrawing from Formula 1 at the end of the 2010 season, while Japanese Auto manufactures Mitsubishi, Subaru and Suzuki all walked away from the World of Rallying at the beginning of this year.
Yet my claim to BMW’s Knee-jerk reaction was made over the fact that BMW AG’s Board of Directors saw the perfect opportunity to cut costs on a suddenly losing proposition, since they’re still heavily advertising on Television, sponsoring Non-racing Sporting events and planning to compete in GT & WTCC Championships next year, along with the continuation of their Formula BMW Series…
While all of the above Japanese manufacturers with the exception of Mitsubishi also decided to “Save Face” by cancelling their poorly performing Motorsports activities under the guise of financial difficulties…
As let’s examine the following: Honda didn’t have a sponsor for two dreadful seasons under their “Planet earth” scheme, as they had a grand total of one victory during their third “Official” foray into Formula One. (BAR-Honda 2000-05; Honda F1 2006-08) Even being outperformed by the supposed “B” Team of “Super Best Friends,” (Super Aguri) not to mention their two race Ban for running illegal fuel tanks at the San Marino GP in 2005.
Meanwhile Toyota, who’s NEVER won a Grand Prix during its eight seasons in F1, was reputedly spending $500+ million per season, and having suffered the first ever Operating loss in the Companies 71yr history, upon reporting a $2.5 Billion loss in the winter of 2008, followed up by more losses, it decided the potential $150 million fine from failing to show-up for the 2010 Formula One season was far less expensive; (even including the 500 employees severance packages…) i.e.; ten times less then the projected budget to fulfill its Concorde obligations thru 2012. Yet notice how they’re still in RASSCAR, eh? ) Where they continue winning… As recall how Toyota bolted from the Indy Racing League after getting their ARSES kicked by rival Japanese auto manufacturer Honda)
And both Subaru and (especially) Suzuki have been getting their ARSES kicked in the World Rally Championship (WRC) by Sebastian Loeb in his Citroen for the past six seasons, while I’m guessing “Mr. Bitchy” (Mitsubishi) simply decided it was better to walk away from the DAKAR after multiple wins and facing increased pressure from Volkswagen, a la Audi who quit racing in the American Le Mans Series as there simply wasn’t any competition for them to compete against.
So, while yes, the Economy is at its WORST since the Great Depression, possibly worse since it’s a Global dilemma, I still suggest that these manufacturers simply walked away from the table in order to Save Face while trying to improve their bottom line, as after all, one of the first things cut during a Recession is Entertainment, which ultimately Motorsports is…
Another Racing Team Bites the Dust
Recently I received some flak for calling BMW AG’s decision to hastily withdraw from Formula 1 a Knee-jerk reaction, in lieu of our current economic climate… To which was some light weight 40mm AA Flak and I managed to avoid the ensuing shrapnel, but I digress…
As we’ve already learned, we’ve now had a total of three Auto manufacturers pull out of Formula 1 in the past twelve months, while Renault’s future is somewhat cloudy.
And as we all know, it was Honda who set the dominoes falling, as they simply couldn’t stomach being such a back marker anymore, while BMW suddenly decided to Quit after having one bad season, before Toyota decided it was also time to “Punt” as the red ink steadily flowed from Toyota’s books…
Having indeed decided to withdraw from Formula 1, they’ve (Toyota) just laid off a massive 500 employees from the Team’s Cologne HQ, leaving a staff of 150 for other various projects; perhaps an Hybrid “Sin-ergy” attack upon Du Circuit de la Sarthe?
Not to mention Japanese Rubber Giant Bridgestone withdrawing from Formula 1 at the end of the 2010 season, while Japanese Auto manufactures Mitsubishi, Subaru and Suzuki all walked away from the World of Rallying at the beginning of this year.
Yet my claim to BMW’s Knee-jerk reaction was made over the fact that BMW AG’s Board of Directors saw the perfect opportunity to cut costs on a suddenly losing proposition, since they’re still heavily advertising on Television, sponsoring Non-racing Sporting events and planning to compete in GT & WTCC Championships next year, along with the continuation of their Formula BMW Series…
While all of the above Japanese manufacturers with the exception of Mitsubishi also decided to “Save Face” by cancelling their poorly performing Motorsports activities under the guise of financial difficulties…
As let’s examine the following: Honda didn’t have a sponsor for two dreadful seasons under their “Planet earth” scheme, as they had a grand total of one victory during their third “Official” foray into Formula One. (BAR-Honda 2000-05; Honda F1 2006-08) Even being outperformed by the supposed “B” Team of “Super Best Friends,” (Super Aguri) not to mention their two race Ban for running illegal fuel tanks at the San Marino GP in 2005.
Meanwhile Toyota, who’s NEVER won a Grand Prix during its eight seasons in F1, was reputedly spending $500+ million per season, and having suffered the first ever Operating loss in the Companies 71yr history, upon reporting a $2.5 Billion loss in the winter of 2008, followed up by more losses, it decided the potential $150 million fine from failing to show-up for the 2010 Formula One season was far less expensive; (even including the 500 employees severance packages…) i.e.; ten times less then the projected budget to fulfill its Concorde obligations thru 2012. Yet notice how they’re still in RASSCAR, eh? ) Where they continue winning… As recall how Toyota bolted from the Indy Racing League after getting their ARSES kicked by rival Japanese auto manufacturer Honda)
And both Subaru and (especially) Suzuki have been getting their ARSES kicked in the World Rally Championship (WRC) by Sebastian Loeb in his Citroen for the past six seasons, while I’m guessing “Mr. Bitchy” (Mitsubishi) simply decided it was better to walk away from the DAKAR after multiple wins and facing increased pressure from Volkswagen, a la Audi who quit racing in the American Le Mans Series as there simply wasn’t any competition for them to compete against.
So, while yes, the Economy is at its WORST since the Great Depression, possibly worse since it’s a Global dilemma, I still suggest that these manufacturers simply walked away from the table in order to Save Face while trying to improve their bottom line, as after all, one of the first things cut during a Recession is Entertainment, which ultimately Motorsports is…
Another Racing Team Bites the Dust
Friday, December 4, 2009
Paul Tracy and Edmonton need your Help
Just finished listening to my second ever Planet IRL Podcast; the very first being with Crash Gladys a little while ago, as I’m ‘Juan ‘O duh Freaks who listens to them on a regular basis.
The new Podcast features a nice interview with Mr. Chrome Horn, a.k.a. Paul Tracy, also known as the Thrill from the West Hill; for all uze Hosers lookings to satisfy your PT “Fix,” this should due the trick, as Tracy answers all of the questions and still needs your input on his shout Out section of his Athlete Profile on Monster.com…
An interview with Paul Tracy
Also needing some assistance; “Get Over it Y’all Ovalheads!” Any Open Wheel Racing is a GOOD thing… The only thing better would be MORE IndyCar races on the calendar; including Portland!
But apparently there’s some grumblingsgoing on ‘bout the City’s lost revenue for holding the race, which reminds me sort of Cleveland… As I’d suggest the Citizens of Edmonton take a look at what Montreal just did… And overlook the financial costs, as Montreal was desperate to get the F1 race back for the chance to improve Tourism, along with all of the other financial rewards having a major Motor Race has; Hotels, Dining, Transportation, etc. Since once there gone… They very rarely come back!
The new Podcast features a nice interview with Mr. Chrome Horn, a.k.a. Paul Tracy, also known as the Thrill from the West Hill; for all uze Hosers lookings to satisfy your PT “Fix,” this should due the trick, as Tracy answers all of the questions and still needs your input on his shout Out section of his Athlete Profile on Monster.com…
An interview with Paul Tracy
Also needing some assistance; “Get Over it Y’all Ovalheads!” Any Open Wheel Racing is a GOOD thing… The only thing better would be MORE IndyCar races on the calendar; including Portland!
But apparently there’s some grumblingsgoing on ‘bout the City’s lost revenue for holding the race, which reminds me sort of Cleveland… As I’d suggest the Citizens of Edmonton take a look at what Montreal just did… And overlook the financial costs, as Montreal was desperate to get the F1 race back for the chance to improve Tourism, along with all of the other financial rewards having a major Motor Race has; Hotels, Dining, Transportation, etc. Since once there gone… They very rarely come back!
Watch out for ‘dem Trees Kimi!
Insert Tarzan theme music here…
Otay, I found much amusement in the title above, which Joe Saward mused about today, as its now official; Kimi Räikkönen has been confirmed at Citroen’s “Junior” Rally Team for the 2010 WRC season, in which appears to be the final season of the “REAL WRC!” As sadly, the World Rally Championship will regress to its lower Formulae Super (“Dooper?”) 2000 specs as its top flight Rally category beginning in 2011; CRIKEYS!
And it’s a shame that the WRC is no longer aired on SPEED, as I for one will be most intrigued to see how the “Monotone Man” prevails in his Rookie campaign, while there was NO word on whether or not the Finn showed up in his Monkey costume for the Press Release…
It’s Official: Raikkonen to WRC in 2010
So watch out for that tree, Kimi!
Otay, I found much amusement in the title above, which Joe Saward mused about today, as its now official; Kimi Räikkönen has been confirmed at Citroen’s “Junior” Rally Team for the 2010 WRC season, in which appears to be the final season of the “REAL WRC!” As sadly, the World Rally Championship will regress to its lower Formulae Super (“Dooper?”) 2000 specs as its top flight Rally category beginning in 2011; CRIKEYS!
And it’s a shame that the WRC is no longer aired on SPEED, as I for one will be most intrigued to see how the “Monotone Man” prevails in his Rookie campaign, while there was NO word on whether or not the Finn showed up in his Monkey costume for the Press Release…
It’s Official: Raikkonen to WRC in 2010
So watch out for that tree, Kimi!
Bianchi inked to long term Ferrari contract
During this week’s Young Driver’s “Kindergarten F1: testing session, one promising “Young gun” by the name of Jules Bianchi not only got the Lion’s share of testing duty for one of the Sport’s most revered establishments - Scuderia Ferrari; the 20yr old Frenchman also was given a long-term contract with Ferrari, potentially leading to a future drive at Maranello a la Massa?
The deal is reportedly for 3yrs with extensions, a la “Fredrico suave”, (F. Alonso) albeit at a fraction of the $25m per year the Spaniard is reputed to earn, with Jules base salary rumoured to be $500,000 per year to begin with…
And it’s worth noting that Bianchi’s Manager is Nicolas Todt; son of Messer Jean Todt, Owner of the ART GP2 Team and Felipe Massa’s Manager… As Bianchi will race for ART in the 2010 GP2 Series season and I’d expect to see the Frenchman graduate to Sauber F1 in 2011 if all goes according to plan.
As I’d guess you’d have to say this is a Ferrari insurance plan in case either Massa or Alonso doesn’t pan out next year, leaving the Scuderia in another horrid lurch? As neither Giancarlo Fisichella nor Luca Badoer exactly bailed out Ferrari in 2009, (which the current testing ban didn’t exactly help) while I believe the last French driver to race for Ferrari was someone named Jean Alesi…
The deal is reportedly for 3yrs with extensions, a la “Fredrico suave”, (F. Alonso) albeit at a fraction of the $25m per year the Spaniard is reputed to earn, with Jules base salary rumoured to be $500,000 per year to begin with…
And it’s worth noting that Bianchi’s Manager is Nicolas Todt; son of Messer Jean Todt, Owner of the ART GP2 Team and Felipe Massa’s Manager… As Bianchi will race for ART in the 2010 GP2 Series season and I’d expect to see the Frenchman graduate to Sauber F1 in 2011 if all goes according to plan.
As I’d guess you’d have to say this is a Ferrari insurance plan in case either Massa or Alonso doesn’t pan out next year, leaving the Scuderia in another horrid lurch? As neither Giancarlo Fisichella nor Luca Badoer exactly bailed out Ferrari in 2009, (which the current testing ban didn’t exactly help) while I believe the last French driver to race for Ferrari was someone named Jean Alesi…
BMW sells its Formula 1 Team again
After having sold it’s soon to be defunct Formula 1 Team to the mysterious Swiss based QADBAK Foundation, which has since come under much scrutiny, including a rogue financier… BMW AG has pulled the plug on the planned sale and has henceforth sold the faltering Team to its original Founder Peter Sauber.
Sauber, I couldn’t let Team Die
Early speculation suggested that perhaps a group of American backers may have been inline to safe the F1 Constructor, before it was announced that 66yr old Peter Sauber would step-in to rescue his beloved Organization, although the deal being contingent upon Sauber being granted the 13th and final 2010 Grid Slot, which was somewhat uncertain since Toyota held the rights to this position until midweek, while speculation suggested that perhaps the Japanese Giant might due a deal with the little known Serbian based Stefan GP?
Although BMW’s decision to sell back Peter his Team is very good news, unfortunately as part of the restructuring, approx. 35% of the existing Staff has been given their Walking papers, shrinking the 388 employees to a modest 250 personnel.
Yet fortunately, the FIA wisely confirmed Peter Sauber’s reborn Sauber F1 entity as the sports 13th & Final Constructor for the 2010 season, contingent upon BMW AG signing the Concorde Agreement, which as a signatory gives them the right to sell the team and thus life goes on!
And I’m sure that the fact that Peter Sauber had already re-established his links with Ferrari; the motivating factor in the Petronas blue 2010 C29 chassis was surely helpful in Sauber’s bid, along with the fact that the new FIA Boss, a one Mr. Jean Todt was a mainstay at the Scuderia thru the Schumacher Dynasty…
But this is a good thing for the Sport as Sauber has always been a true competitor along with a haven for extending Grand Prix Piloto’s careers and spotting new talent, plus it’ll give us a little more diversity in the Engine Department, eh?
Sauber, I couldn’t let Team Die
Early speculation suggested that perhaps a group of American backers may have been inline to safe the F1 Constructor, before it was announced that 66yr old Peter Sauber would step-in to rescue his beloved Organization, although the deal being contingent upon Sauber being granted the 13th and final 2010 Grid Slot, which was somewhat uncertain since Toyota held the rights to this position until midweek, while speculation suggested that perhaps the Japanese Giant might due a deal with the little known Serbian based Stefan GP?
Although BMW’s decision to sell back Peter his Team is very good news, unfortunately as part of the restructuring, approx. 35% of the existing Staff has been given their Walking papers, shrinking the 388 employees to a modest 250 personnel.
Yet fortunately, the FIA wisely confirmed Peter Sauber’s reborn Sauber F1 entity as the sports 13th & Final Constructor for the 2010 season, contingent upon BMW AG signing the Concorde Agreement, which as a signatory gives them the right to sell the team and thus life goes on!
And I’m sure that the fact that Peter Sauber had already re-established his links with Ferrari; the motivating factor in the Petronas blue 2010 C29 chassis was surely helpful in Sauber’s bid, along with the fact that the new FIA Boss, a one Mr. Jean Todt was a mainstay at the Scuderia thru the Schumacher Dynasty…
But this is a good thing for the Sport as Sauber has always been a true competitor along with a haven for extending Grand Prix Piloto’s careers and spotting new talent, plus it’ll give us a little more diversity in the Engine Department, eh?
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