Posted on December 31st, 2007 by Oliver White
I think it is fair to say that Max Mosley’s tenure as president of Formula One’s governing body is coming to an end. Since 1993 the former team owner has ruled over the FIA, making decisions on behalf of the sports they govern in the hope of benefiting the spectacle for all involved. The FIA also raises awareness on related issues to the motor industry such as the environment, mobility and safety and are things Mosley has championed during his reign. But now at the grand age of 67, the former barrister is coming to the end of his fourth term (due in 2009) and will likely, and hopefully, be succeeded by a fresh face in the position. So who would fit the bill as Formula One’s governor? Let’s take a look at some of the popular and maybe not-so-popular candidates. Continue Reading…
Posted on December 29th, 2007 by Oliver White
The FIA recently announced a raft of rule changes for the 2008 Formula One season, mostly met with chortles of laughter and quizzical looks around the world. In order to continue his dumbing down of the sport, and to add to the grey that is known as the rule book, FIA president Max Mosley stated that wind tunnel usage would be now be limited and team personnel attending the races would be capped to name just two of the cost-cutting measures. On the face of it Mosley’s ideas aren’t ridiculous and they would see costs reduced for the participants, but quite how the FIA intend to police these regulations is anybodies guess. Continue Reading…
Posted on December 27th, 2007 by Oliver White
As I have stated in the past, I don’t really do season review posts as other bloggers do a much better job at these than me. But there is one retrospective question I do like asking, and thankfully it is a question with no real correct answer: Who, in your opinion, had the best looking car during 2007? I like asking this because, to me at least, Formula One is the pinnacle of international motor sport and thus, should be heading the tables in every aspect. Now I know F1 doesn’t always achieve this, but regarding the spectacle of the machines involved, it tends to not do too badly in this area. Continue Reading…
Posted on December 25th, 2007 by Oliver White
Posted on December 23rd, 2007 by Oliver White
To continue our tour of Formula One factories, we need to make a journey, both geographically and historically. Leaving the shores of the UK behind us, we need to venture into Italy and head towards the university city of Bologna. Once reached, we need to continue heading South East, through Imola and the venue of the San Marino Grand Prix and on to Faenza. Just North of this small town is the location of the Scuderia Toro Rosso team, formerly known as Minardi and considered by many as Italy’s second team. Continue Reading…
Posted on December 20th, 2007 by Oliver White
The final news round-up post of 2007 and a further three teams have announced when their 2008 challengers will be given the green light. Red Bull Racing, Honda and Ferrari have all confirmed dates and booked venues. Also in the news this week, Ferrari offer an unusual invitation to a photocopy shop employee and two pilots of the past are trying to remain with the sport they love. Continue Reading…
Posted on December 19th, 2007 by Oliver White
Posted on December 18th, 2007 by Oliver White
The hearing in to McLaren and the possible development of parts and systems inspired by the leaked Ferrari document has now been cancelled. Via a statement made on the FIA website today, the FIA announced that McLaren are free to prepare their car for the 2008 season without fear of punishment or reprimand. This news essentially ends the spy saga that has gripped Formula One since last summer. The apology from McLaren and the offering to freeze development on certain systems was enough of a catalyst for FIA president Max Mosley to seek a quicker route to closure. Continue Reading…
Posted on December 17th, 2007 by Oliver White
It’s one of those questions that occasionally refuses to be answered. It is subjective and unquantifiable. But in comparison to his team mate last season, one could presume Heikki Kovalainen is actually quite fast. Fast enough to beat Lewis Hamilton? Why not, after all, I don’t believe we’ve really seen the best of Kovalainen yet. To follow in the steps of Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen will be hard, being partnered to Hamilton will be harder still. But driving a McLaren competitively at the very sharp end of the grid? I guess the young Finn will either sink, or swim. Continue Reading…
Posted on December 16th, 2007 by Oliver White
Continuing our tour of the Formula One factories, this week we look at two of the sports most successful teams; Williams and Renault. Both squads are based in the beautiful countryside surrounding Oxford, and from these buildings have come many a championship and many a great car. Continue Reading…
