Posted on April 18th, 2009 by Oliver White
Ever one to speak his mind and certainly not afraid to rock the establishment every now and then, Renault boss Flavio Briatore has voiced his disproval of the FIA International Court of Appeal’s decision that deems the ‘double-diffuser’ legal. While preparing for the Chinese Grand Prix on Thursday, Briatore hit out at Ross Brawn and his drivers, making crude comparisons and generally creating a fuss where others have simply accepted and moved on. Failing to get his way and having been criticised in the media, Briatore has proposed that Brawn’s entitlement to monetary benefits should instead be shared among the other competitors. Continue Reading
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Oliver White
Rubens Barrichello has become Formula One’s second driver this year to receive a penalty for having their gear box changed early. Lewis Hamilton was the first as his box had to be changed after qualifying last weekend, and now Barrichello has been given the standard five grid slot penalty after Brawn decided to replace their’s. The full reason for this action is yet to be announced by the team, and the car seemed to be running well in the practice sessions. Gear boxes must last 4 races in 2009. Continue Reading
Posted on March 29th, 2009 by Oliver White
Jenson Button has claimed his second career victory in an almost faultless drive from pole position at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Following Button across the line for second was team mate Rubens Barrichello who managed to come back after a start-line issue resulted in places lost for the Brazilian. Jarno Trulli came home in third after starting from the pitlane with fellow Toyota driver Timo Glock also scoring after making his way through the field. Continue Reading
Posted on March 20th, 2009 by Oliver White
The off-season for Brawn GP has certainly been a rollercoaster of doubt, excitement and speculation. For months we all waited to see what would happen to the Honda team after their announcement to withdraw from the Formula One championship, and just as everything appeared to be falling apart, a management buy-out saved the squad and kept the tally of ten teams on the grid. But will Brawn be fighting for survival in 2009, or will they be fighting for the championship? Continue Reading
Posted on March 15th, 2009 by Oliver White
So this is it, the final test session before the 2009 Formula One championship kicks off in Melbourne at the end of the month. Not all teams are present in Jerez, some deciding that they have done enough running beforehand. However, Williams, Renault and Brawn were in Spain, and Rubens Barrichello once again put his car at the top of the timing sheet, just ahead of Fernando Alonso in the Renault. Barrichello was also the busiest man of the day, completing 107 laps. Continue Reading
Posted on March 12th, 2009 by Oliver White
Brawn GP have once again topped the testing timing sheet, this time with Rubens Barrichello steering the new BGP 001. The Brazilian driver set an astonishing lap time that like Jenson’s the day previous, was well clear of the others. This is the last day of testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, and some teams have indicated they may squeeze in another run before sending the cars to Australia. Continue Reading
Posted on March 6th, 2009 by Oliver White
Given everything that has happened in the past few months regarding Honda and the subsequent stories of buyouts and takeover deals, today is a pretty momentous day. The photographs of Jenson Button driving a Formula One car around Silverstone are pleasing to the eye and undoubtedly it was an emotional day for Ross Brawn and all at Brackley. The team may have been reborn, and while Brawn says the biggest hurdle has been tackled, there will be many, many more. But for now, let’s rejoice in the fact that Formula One will have twenty drivers competing in 2009, made up of ten teams and millions of fans. Continue Reading
Posted on March 6th, 2009 by Oliver White
The headline says it all – Ross Brawn has been successful in taking over Honda’s Formula One team, saving the squad and ensuring there will be 10 teams and 20 drivers on the Melbourne grid at the end of the month. While speculation has been rife for the last three or four months, the news that the team has been saved will be welcomed the world over. Ross Brawn has released a statement that explains further and praises the efforts of those involved in the deal. Continue Reading
Posted on March 3rd, 2009 by Oliver White
Bruno Senna was, up until very recently, strongly linked with a drive for the Honda team in 2009, having tested for the squad back in November following the close of the 2008 world championship. Senna, who has driven well in GP2 and is considered a talent to watch out for in the future, was suggested as being Jenson Button’s team mate for 2009, but then it all went wrong. Honda withdrew, Barrichello went into hiding for a while, things started to move forward, Senna was considered to have the drive thanks to financial backing, and then Barrichello says he’s close to a deal. Continue Reading
Posted on March 3rd, 2009 by Oliver White
More news is filtering through this week on the future of Honda, and although little has been confirmed by the motor company itself, pace appears to be gathering towards a deal that will see the team on the grid in Melbourne. Reuters and Autosport are saying that negotiations are continuing, and that Rubens Barrichello is likely to remain with the team, partnered with Jenson Button and Ross Brawn will continue as team principal, at minimum. Continue Reading