Fernando Alonso has said he would not have agreed to Aston Martin’s offer of employment if he did not believe the team will be able to compete at the top level. On the surface, a move from Alpine, who finished P4 in 2022, to Aston Martin looks like a backwards step for the two-time World Champion but there are lofty ambitions at the Silverstone-based outfit. With the likes of former Red Bull head of aerodynamics Dan Fallows on board and with a new factory under construction, Alonso was right to be optimistic in the team’s future. At the age of 41, Aston Martin have gambled by handing the Spaniard a two-year deal but Alonso’s performances since his return suggest he is worth it. That is a mood the driver himself is in and said he would not continue if he did not believe the team had a chance. “No, I think I will not accept that and I will not continue if I don’t believe that we can have a chance,” Alonso said, as per Motorsport.com. “I don’t know if it’s one percent chance … [Read more...] about Fernando Alonso’s message: ‘I will not continue if I don’t believe that we can have a chance’
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Alonso “wouldn’t accept” continuing in F1 at less than 100%
Listen to this article Alonso returned to F1 with Alpine in 2021 after taking a two-year break to race in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Indy 500 and the Dakar Rally. Alonso's third stint at the Enstone outfit got off to a slow start but once he got back up to speed the Spaniard re-found his old form, frequently suggesting he was driving at his best-ever level in 2022, a season which was blighted by reliability issues. For 2023, Alonso jumped ship to Aston Martin, which struggled last year to finish seventh in the constructors' championship. While the team is a step down from Alpine in the short term, the Lawrence Stroll-led outfit managed to convince Alonso with its long-term project, answering to Alonso's desire to stay in F1 for years to come. And the 41-year-old says he wouldn't have accepted to continue if he didn't think he was still capable of performing at his peak, or if he wasn't convinced that Aston can close the gap while he is still around. … [Read more...] about Alonso “wouldn’t accept” continuing in F1 at less than 100%
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton kick off 2023 track action with tyre test
Mercedes have headed to Paul Ricard for a two-day test of Pirelli’s 2023 tyre compounds, with both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in action. Paul Ricard plays host to the first meaningful track action of the 2023 Formula 1 season, as Pirelli are carrying out the first of three planned tyre tests ahead of the start of official pre-season testing. As revealed in November 2022, Pirelli have worked with the FIA to put together some additional tyre testing for their 2023 compounds, having been unable to fit in enough sessions during the frantic second half of the 2022 schedule. All 10 F1 teams are offered the opportunity to carry out tests on behalf of Pirelli over the course of the season, with Mercedes carrying out a two-day test at Paul Ricard on February 1st and 2nd. George Russell will take the wheel of the Mercedes W13 for Wednesday’s track time, with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton getting the opportunity to blow off the winter cobwebs on Thursday. Pirelli’s … [Read more...] about George Russell and Lewis Hamilton kick off 2023 track action with tyre test
Former F1 engineer questions Nico Hulkenberg’s ‘really weird appointment’ at Haas
Former Force India and Red Bull Racing engineer Blake Hinsey has questioned Haas’ decision to bring in Nico Hulkenberg, calling it a “really weird appointment”. Haas announced on the eve of the 2022 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix they would not be renewing Mick Schumacher’s contract. Instead the team went with “solid, reliable racer” Hulkenberg. The German will partner Kevin Magnussen in an over-30 line-up, Hulkenberg at 35 years of age the third oldest driver on the grid. Although Hulkenberg hasn’t had a permanent race seat for three seasons, team boss Guenther Steiner firmly believes he’s the right man for the job, saying every team he has been with “always made a step forward” because he knows “exactly what needs to be done to make the team better”. But Hinsey, who worked with Hulkenberg at Force India, isn’t convinced. “I like Niko, because he was on the other car when I was at Force India,” he said as per GPFans . “He’s a good driver. “Is he going to be better … [Read more...] about Former F1 engineer questions Nico Hulkenberg’s ‘really weird appointment’ at Haas
Bizzarrini Giotto Debuts With Naturally Aspirated V12, Giugiaro Design
Bizzarrini was founded by former Ferrari and Alfa Romeo engineer Giotto Bizzarrini in the 1960s to build high-end, low-volume sports cars. Before going his own way, the talented man was directly involved in the development of iconic cars such as the 250 GTO and the 250 GT SWB "Breadvan." Not only that, he also worked on Lamborghini's first V12 engine through his engineering company Societa Autostar. He also worked for Iso Rivolta before founding Societa Prototipi Bizzarrini (Bizzarrini S.p.A) in 1964. Some 140 vehicles were assembled at a plant in Livorno before the company went bust in 1969. Fast forward to 2020, Pegasus Brands acquired the rights to the "Bizzarrini" name in a bid to revive the brand. The 5300GT was brought back to life as a continuation model for a limited production run of 24 units, and now, Bizzarrini is previewing an all-new car. Bizzarrini Giotto 7 Photos … [Read more...] about Bizzarrini Giotto Debuts With Naturally Aspirated V12, Giugiaro Design
Mick Schumacher to be reserve driver for McLaren too · RaceFans
Mercedes’ new reserve driver Mick Schumacher will also be made available to their customer team Mclaren this year as part of a long-running arrangement between the two. Schumacher, the 2020 Formula 2 champion, raced in Formula 1 for Haas over the past two seasons and scored two times. He lost his drive at the end of 2022, as well as his place in the Ferrari Driver Academy, and was then signed by Mercedes. Mercedes’ previous reserve drivers have been shared with their engine customers – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – over the past few seasons, and last year Nyck de Vries was called up to race for Williams for a race as a result of this arrangement. “McLaren will be able to call on Mick as a reserve driver during the 2023 F1 season as part of our arrangement with Mercedes. Welcome to the family, Mick,” McLaren posted on social media. “Full circle. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella worked closely with Mick’s father, the legendary Michael Schumacher, as his performance … [Read more...] about Mick Schumacher to be reserve driver for McLaren too · RaceFans
The F1 hopefuls who need big results in F2 this year · RaceFans
The 2023 Formula 2 field contains a wide array of experience. At one of the spectrum is Roy Nissany, who is entering his ninth year at this level, while nine others are new to the series. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free There’s one sixth-year driver who has actually only completed one full season, and even the third-year drivers are trying to prove they haven’t missed the F1 boat and can emulate last year’s champion Felipe Drugovich by using their experience to take the title. There’s a lot resting on the shoulders of several of this year’s competitors, but it’s an especially critical season for a handful of those seeking promotion to Formula 1 in 2024 . Theo Pourchaire The driver who needs a big season more than anyone else is actually the one who has already achieved the most in F2 from this year’s entry list. Theo Pourchaire went without a pole in 2022, but with three feature race wins he still did enough to be championship runner-up. However the … [Read more...] about The F1 hopefuls who need big results in F2 this year · RaceFans
Austin Moto3: Fenati denies Navarro maiden race victory
Listen to this article Fenati converted a second row grid slot into third at the end of the first lap, and made short work of poleman Phillip Oettl on the second tour before setting about closing on early leader Navarro. The Estrella Galicia man, who has yet to win a grand prix, had established a cushion of 1.6s after two laps, but was soon reeled in by Fenati as Oettl fell into the clutches of a fast-starting Fabio Quartararo further back. The decisive moment of the race arrived on lap 8, just shy of mid-distance, as Navarro ran wide at Turn 1 to allow Fenati into a lead he would never relinquish. By lap 13, the gap between the duo had grown to three seconds, Fenati going on to take his seventh race victory in Moto3 by 6.612s at the chequered flag. Leopard Racing's Quartararo had been on course for the final podium place before he was slowed by a late mechanical problem, meaning the fight for third was between Oettl and points leader Brad Binder (Red Bull Ajo KTM). … [Read more...] about Austin Moto3: Fenati denies Navarro maiden race victory
Arenas gets second Moto3 outing with Aspar Mahindra
Listen to this article The 19-year-old rider made his Moto3 world championship return in the fourth round at Jerez finishing a respectable 18th. Arenas gets a second wildcard run with the Indo-Spanish team alongside his CIV Moto3 Junior world championship commitments. "I am really looking forward to racing for the first time at my home track in a Grand Prix," an elated Arenas said. "After my debut at Jerez, where we had a really good weekend even though I didn't have much experience with the team or the bike, we now go to Montmelo with more racing experience behind me, which should help us to be more competitive." The Indian manufacturer is amidst its best start to its season with three podiums in six races, all courtesy VR46 academy rider Bagnaia. Thus the Italian is looking to take a step up on the podium but is cautious about the chances in a circuit which proved to be difficult for the team in 2015. "Last year we struggled to be fast there but this year the bike … [Read more...] about Arenas gets second Moto3 outing with Aspar Mahindra