There’s always talk of which Formula 1 junior driver will be next in line for a promotion at their respective team, whether that be to a test, reverse or race driver role. And there is also plenty of attention drawn whenever juniors are dropped or part ways from their backers too. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free Junior drivers don’t have to be realistic contenders for future F1 seats, they’re another tool in the marketing arsenal more than anything else (see Ferrari’s F1 struggles while their juniors swept everything before them). It’s only once you get to the highest level of junior single-seater racing when the expectation emerges to reward strong performances on track with F1 opportunities. Alpine have struggled in that regard with reigning Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri. His private F1 test programme initially happened only because a fellow junior driver’s finances enabled it, then his free practice debut was held back for so long that he’s now on his … [Read more...] about Academy outsiders – the best young drivers who lack F1 team backing · RaceFans
Schumacher 2012 monaco pole
F1 bosses plan to award a point for fastest lap in 2019 · RaceFans
An 11th-hour change to the sporting regulations for the 2019 F1 season could see drivers score a point for setting the fastest lap during a race. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free RaceFans understands that due to the limited time available before the opening round, a proposal outlining the rationale for the change will be presented during tomorrow’s FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Geneva, with approval in principal for the change being sought. Should the WMSC be in favour, then a majority vote from F1’s Strategy Group and unanimous F1 Commission approval will be sought via e-votes before the WMSC is requested to rubber-stamp the regulation change. According to sources, research undertaken by F1 commercial rights holder Liberty Media shows that fans favour such a change as it could potentially ‘spice up’ a race towards the end, particularly where front-runners have dropped out of contention. Awarding a point for pole position was also considered … [Read more...] about F1 bosses plan to award a point for fastest lap in 2019 · RaceFans
Rast announces shock departure from Audi Sport
The DTM finale at Hockenheim on 8-9 October will mark the German's last race with the team, having been active with it since 2011. Having made appearances in the DTM for the manufacturer in 2016, he was given a permanent seat for the 2017 season, taking the title in his rookie season. Within four years, Rast won the championship title three times with Audi Sport Team Rosberg, winning 24 races and taking 20 pole positions. After moving to Formula E for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, Rast made his DTM comeback this season with Team ABT Sportsline and is currently third in the standings as the best Audi driver. He said the decision came with "a heavy heart" but added he "still has a few goals in motorsport that I want to achieve." Rast said: "This decision was anything but easy for me. Audi has been my life over the past few years. We've worked fantastically together and celebrated many great successes. "I'll never forget these moments, nor the many great people who … [Read more...] about Rast announces shock departure from Audi Sport