BlogF1

The French motor sport federation (FFSA) have announced today that they will not be holding a French Grand Prix in 2009. Although the race has come under almost continuous scrutiny for the last few years, Bernie Ecclestone had announced earlier this year that the current contract Magny Cours has will be honoured. However, citing economic issues, the FFSA have pulled the plug early and consider their options for the future. Continue Reading

India has had its inaugural grand prix put back by twelve months, Bernie Ecclestone announced today. The Indian Olympic Committee had thought this may happen, and during the Singapore Grand Prix the rumour was spreading. But the increasingly developing country remained buoyant over its contract to hold a race, and apparently plans are being drawn up for the purpose-built permanent circuit on the outskirts of New Delhi. Continue Reading

There is little worse than losing Suzuka from the calendar every other year. There is little worse than the circuit, possibly the country which hosted the very first grand prix losing a place in the championship. And there is little worse than the pinnacle series in international motorsport not racing in the largest car market on the planet. But Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA have managed what I previously thought was impossible. The Canadian Grand Prix is apparently no more. Continue Reading

The fifty-sixth photograph to feature in BlogF1’s caption contest. You know the drill, think of something funny and witty to say and leave it as a comment below. I know, two Red Bull pictures in a row, but Mark Webber just produces some of the funniest facial expressions I cannot help myself. Here is Mark mid-discussion with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone. But what could the Australian possibly be saying to the diminutive Brit. Continue Reading

Over the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Bernie Ecclestone met with the team principals and discussed the possibility of reinstating the US Grand Prix to the calendar. It is hoped that Formula One can return to America from 2010 onwards; the 2009 calendar is pretty much confirmed now. However, Formula One’s relationship with the United States has been a little rocky to say the least, and it is unknown if Indianapolis would even be the host. Continue Reading

The fifty-fourth photograph to feature in BlogF1’s caption contest. You know the drill, think of something funny and witty to say and leave it as a comment below. I’ve always found this photo funny simply because Flavio Briatore looks as cool as he can be, relaxed while leaning up against the building. Bernie Ecclestone though, while mimicking Briatore, just can’t pull it off as well. Continue Reading

A little while ago, Sidepodcast wrote a series a of posts that looked at the way Formula One is presented online, specifically the teams’ and drivers’ official websites. Co-authors Christine and “me” looked at the sites from both a technical and fan perspective, and the series was an enjoyable read. But a recent conversation on Sidepodcast got me thinking; what about the general way Formula One is presented online? Is it enough? Does it even work? Is it worth the trouble? Continue Reading

Pitpass have an interesting article up this morning that mirrors a printed article in the Independent On Sunday from the same author. The article asks some pertinent questions relating to the Stepneygate saga, specifically the way the FIA handled the matter and the fine that was imposed on McLaren after they were found guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute. According to Pitpass’s Christopher Sylt and motor sport lawyers Jonathan Lux and Avnish Shah, Bernie Ecclestone and Jean Todt have no right to sit on the WMSC. Continue Reading

For months the future of the Australian Grand Prix has been in doubt with Bernie Ecclestone demanding more money and a night-time start for the Melbourne race. However it has been finally annnounced that Albert Park has been granted a five-year extension to its current contract which was due to expire in 2010. The new deal will see the State of Victoria host the Australian Grand Prix until at least 2015 at its lake-side circuit. Continue Reading

The FIA World Motor Sport Council have met in Paris today at their French headquarters on Place de la Concorde. Among the topics covered in the meeting was the 2009 Formula One calendar, which has been released as a provisional schedule (full details were posted earlier) and also discussed was the future direction of the sport. The FIA are to conduct a review of how Formula One is governed, only weeks after Bernie Ecclestone (through his companies) suggested he wanted more control over the sport. Continue Reading