BlogF1

Spanish drivers Fernando Alonso and Pedro De La Rosa claim they knew nothing of the FIA’s planned launch of their anti-racism campaign, EveryRace. When asked by the press at Circuit de Catalunya, host of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, both drivers appeared bemused by new FIA initiative. The website features photographs and quotes from members of the teams competing in Formula One, designed to show how diverse the sport is. However, while drivers like Heikki Kovalainen were shown, and quotes from David Coulthard featured, it was noticeable that the two drivers from Spain (where the initial incident sparked the campaign) were absent. Continue Reading

Pedro De La Rosa and wife Maria have just become parents to their third child. Luna was born in Zurich with Pedro taking time off from his testing duties with McLaren to be with his wife and family. Luna is the De La Rosa’s third daughter, becoming sister to Georgina and Olivia. Continue Reading

Some eagle-eyed readers may have noticeed that McLaren’s preview post, this very entry you’re reading, is out of sync with the previous. The previews were published in the reverse order of their constructor’s finishing place in 2007, which would mean McLaren should have been dealt with a long time ago. But as the Woking squad looked good, up until the Belgian Grand Prix at any rate, to finish in either first or second, I’ve chosen to post their entry as the penultimate in the series. And as the McLaren MP4-23 looks good to challenge for the 2008 title, it only seems right that they should be surrounded by the other top teams. So here, perhaps slightly late, is how I think McLaren’s title campaign is going to go this year. Continue Reading

Continue Reading

Below are some more photographs from the launch of the new McLaren MP4-23 that will campaign for the 2008 world titles. The quality of the images isn’t great (maybe they were taken by one of those mobile phones they all seem to be holding?) but it does show the car from a couple of different angles. Interestingly, both Ferrari and McLaren seem cagey about showing the rear end of their cars, with both launches limiting photos to top, front and side. Never the less, the cars will be taking to the circuits soon so I’m sure some new images won’t take too long to filter around the web. For now though, I’ll let you play the game, Why is Bernie at the McLaren launch? Continue Reading

Even though Fernando Alonso has now officially announced his allegiance to Renault for the 2008 season, the driver market is still not complete with some teams yet to decide on their pilots. Force India are still mulling over their drivers trying to decide between Giancarlo Fisichella, Christian Klien, Franck Montagny and the plethora of test drivers they have on their books. Toyota are still to absolutely confirm Jarno Trulli for the seat alongside Timo Glock, and McLaren are hesitating while they choose from Heikki Kovalainen, Pedro De La Rosa or Gary Paffett. And of course, each team could still throw a spanner in the works and sign another young charger not yet mentioned. Continue Reading

Before I begin, just a short note to say that if things look a bit lop-sided at the moment, it is likely because I have moved BlogF1 over to a new server with a new hosting company, Media Temple. I’ll try my best to make sure everything works, but it is a case of learning as I go!

Anyway, on with the post: Who should drive the second McLaren next year? Continue Reading