Nigel mansell

Formula 1's inaugural visit to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in 1980 began an unbroken 27-year run on the calendar for Italy's 'other' circuit, before it dropped off the schedule in 2006. But the onset of the COVID pandemic and an increased demand for European venues to meet F1's required quota of events for 2020 prompted a return, with Imola proving a popular addition to the calendar for a generation of drivers that largely missed out on it first time around. The tragic events of 1994, when Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna lost their lives, are indelibly sketched into Imola's history as the circuit was changed significantly in the aftermath to improve safety. That also changed the character of the track, which previously featured a long flat out blast down to the first braking zone at Tosa - now interrupted by two chicanes. But both before and after the changes, Imola yielded some entertaining races - perhaps most famously of all in 1982 when Ferrari team-mates Gilles … [Read more...] about Motorsport.com writers’ favourite Imola Grands Prix

The FIAs decision to reinstate personal numbers in Formula One has been met with Universal approval, and this week the numbers that will be associated with the current crop of drivers until their final race have been announced. The decision to bring back permanent race numbers was made in order to create more personality around the driver as well as increasing marketing potential. Numbers such as the ‘Red 5’ of Nigel Mansell and #27 of Gilles Villeneuve are still remembered today, however a check of the previous year’s Constructor standings is required to find what number Fernando Alonso won his 2005 World Championship under. And behind each decision is a back-story, many laced with sentimentality and childhood memories. Sebastian Vettel will use #1 due to winning last year’s Championship, but has secured #5 - his first number as a youth in karting - as his permanent number should he not make it five in a row. The same is true for Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, … [Read more...] about A look into F1 drivers’ new permanent Race Numbers

In the round-up: The Russian Grand Prix contract has been extended until 2025. Links Your daily digest of F1 news, views, features and more from hundreds of sites across the web: Sochi race deal extended to 2025 (BBC) "The Russian Grand Prix is to remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2025, according to the country's deputy prime minister." Ross Brawn ready to change Formula 1 (Sky) "A non-championship race would enable us to vary the format and try something different - and evolve it." FIA warns teams over trick suspension (Autosport) "The document adds that if a team fails to satisfy the technical delegate that the primary purpose of a suspension system is to insulate the chassis and the driver from undulations in the road surface, if asked to do so, the FIA may ask for the system to be removed or disabled." Ferrari boss breaks media silence in staggering admission about 2017 title hopes (Daily Express) "The new Ferrari SF70H, is more powerful … [Read more...] about Russian Grand Prix gets five more years · RaceFans

Martin Brundle is used to getting into tight spots on his grid walks, but had a nice moment with Hollywood royalty ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. Brundle was carrying out his usual pre-race grid walk at the Spanish Grand Prix, when he encountered famous Hollywood couple and award-winning actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. As Brundle approached the couple for a quick interview, Douglas interrupted the experienced broadcaster to get a point across live on television. “Can I just stop you for a second to say what an excellent job you do, weekend in, week out” Douglas commented into Brundle’s microphone. “I’m so impressed, both here in the pits and your colour commentary. You’re amazing!” Brundle, who is far more used to dealing with reluctant and uninterested (if not occasionally outright hostile!) guests, was clearly taken aback by the extent of Douglas’ genuine admiration and said: “I really appreciate it, you’ve made my day. Thank you very much! Turning to … [Read more...] about Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones make surprise Martin Brundle comments

Jenson Button has won the 2009 F1 drivers’ championship. He climbed from 14th to fifth in the Brazilian Grand Prix thanks to a combination of a crash at the start of the race and several bold passes by the Brawn driver. He was already in a position to win the title when fortune dealt another blow to his team mate. Lewis Hamilton passed Rubens Barrichello for third with ten laps to go and clipped the Brawn’s left-rear tyre in the process. Barrichello was forced to make an extra pit stop, and fell to eighth. It’s a remarkable turnaround for Button’s career. He spent the last two seasons in the doldrums as Honda produced two woefully uncompetitive cars. The Japanese manufacturer quit F1 at the end of last season. But Button stayed with the newly-formed Brawn team, taking a pay cut as 40% of the staff were laid off to cut costs. His loyalty was rewarded as the team’s 2009 car proved a triumph. He won six of the first seven rounds, giving him a 26-point lead over team … [Read more...] about Jenson Button is F1 world champion · RaceFans

When the newly-built Circuit de Catalunya was added to the Formula 1 calendar in 1991 it was widely held to have one ingredient which could be relied upon to produce overtaking: A quick corner leading onto a long straight followed by a slow corner. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free As it happened that inaugural race also benefitted from the other variable which usually produces action: rain. The race which followed produced one of the most memorable overtakes ever seen – championship contenders Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell racing to turn one, their cars separated by millimetres, sparks flying. Over the years which followed F1 cars evolved and so did views about what kind of track layout was needed to create passes: specifically, even longer straights bookended by tight corners. These were duly created in a swathe of ‘Tilkedromes’ – new circuits designed by former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone’s preferred track designer Hermann Tilke – through the noughties … [Read more...] about F1 drivers didn’t miss Catalunya’s chicane, but did they find overtaking easier? · RaceFans

The Grand Tour Eurocrash special will take former Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May across former Soviet countries in Central Europe in some absolutely absurd cars. The new trailer offers a great glimpse of the automotive action and antics. The show premieres Friday, June 16. The theme for the hosts' cars for this special appears to be picking the weirdest vehicle possible. Clarkson has a Mitsuoka Le-Seyde , which is a particularly baroque-looking automobile with underpinnings from an S13 Nissan Silvia. Hammond has a Chevrolet SSR, which is a retro-modern combination of a pickup and a roadster. Finally, May has a Crosely convertible, which he admits he bought while drunk. Gallery: The Grand Tour: Eurocrash 3 Photos The stunts this time include driving these vehicles onto a cargo plane while the aircraft is speeding down the runway. They also check out some Soviet-era open-wheel race … [Read more...] about Clarkson, Hammond, And May Drive Notoriously Ugly Cars In New Grand Tour Trailer

Formula 1 drivers have a high reputation for being extravagant with their purse strings when off the racetrack and over the years, F1 drivers have purchased some outrageously expensive items. Below, PlanetF1.com looks at some of the most extravagant purchases made. 1. Lewis Hamilton: Bombardier Challenger 605: $29 million One of the most famous purchases by an F1 driver to date was Lewis Hamilton’s private jet which was estimated at a cost of $29 million. The jet was a Bombardier Challenger 605, a popular choice among jet owners. The jet was a luxurious, high-performance business jet accommodating 12 passengers, and perfectly suited to Hamilton’s lifestyle. The purchase was short-lived, however, and we can confirm the star no longer owns it, with the Mercedes driver selling it over concerns over its environmental impact. 2. Daniel Ricciardo: Aston Martin Valkyrie: $3 million Daniel Ricciardo is well known for his love of cars and has purchased quite a few over the years, … [Read more...] about Revealed: 10 of the most outrageous purchases made by F1 drivers

With Robert Kubica winning the first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix for Poland there’s a bumper crop of facts and statistics following yesterday’s Canadian Grand Prix. Nick Heidfeld is now the driver with the most second places and no wins, Kimi Raikkonen set yet another fastest lap, and McLaren & Ferrari’s domination of the top step of the podium came to an end. Read on for more and post any other interesting stats you find below. Plus the championship standings in full. Robert Kubica scored his first Grand Prix victory in his 29th F1 start. He is the first Polish driver to win an F1 race, making Poland the 20th nation to produce an F1 race-winning driver. A further win for Kubica will put them level with Mexico on two. It was the second consecutive maiden victory for a driver at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve . Kubica is the 99th Grand Prix winner and joins Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button as active drivers with a single Grand Prix win. There are now ten active Grand … [Read more...] about 2008 Canadian GP facts & stats · RaceFans