Sports - Formula One #32: Strength, Felipe - We're With You - Page 8

perrygraham · 08-11-2009, 11:52 AM

Now that's a shame. They should have checked Schumachers neck before he announced his comeback. Now I'm suddenly not looking forward to Valencia anymore.

***L i N d $ @ y*** · 08-12-2009, 04:13 AM

OMG, now i have to change my very excited signature welcoming Schumi back. i'm not looking forward to Valencia anymore. but hopefully, in the next few races, he will be back. damn that neck.

perrygraham · 08-12-2009, 01:28 PM

I watched Schumachers press conference today and wow his eyes were a bit teary. I think he really wanted to come back and he didn't answer the questions about him coming back next year with a "No". Makes me wonder if Ferrari really plans a third car.

Anyway, it's a pity I got excited.

-Supersonic- · 08-12-2009, 02:37 PM

I think these news come as a big disappointment for a lot of F1 fans. But I'm still looking forward to Valencia, I like this track. Last year, Felipe had an amazing win there.

thatsnotmyname-x · 08-12-2009, 03:05 PM

I was so shocked when i read the news yesterday, i had to do a double take when i read the headline

I'm not really a Schumacher fan but i just thought it would really make the races more interesting, i couldnt wait to see him racing the likes of Lewis, Jenson, Vettel, Raikonnen etc. I was actually quite looking forward to it, so i am quite disappointed actually.

goodnightboy · 08-13-2009, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Supersonic-

But they will probably ask Schumacher to return in Monza. Or maybe they'll get someone else...

But if his neck is so injured I don't see him returning any time soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by perrygraham

I watched Schumachers press conference today and wow his eyes were a bit teary. I think he really wanted to come back and he didn't answer the questions about him coming back next year with a "No". Makes me wonder if Ferrari really plans a third car.

I think he wanted to come back so badly he just overestimated his neck's ability to recover? He wouldn't be the first to do that. I don't think he'll be coming back permanently though, at most I see him stepping in for Massa in the last few races. I mean, he retired for a reason! And is the third car thing really true? I thought it was a lot of hot air/fanciful thinking by Ferrari.

***L i N d $ @ y*** · 08-15-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatsnotmyname-x (View Post)

I was so shocked when i read the news yesterday, i had to do a double take when i read the headline

I'm not really a Schumacher fan but i just thought it would really make the races more interesting, i couldnt wait to see him racing the likes of Lewis, Jenson, Vettel, Raikonnen etc. I was actually quite looking forward to it, so i am quite disappointed actually.

i'm not a Schumi fan too but i was looking forward to seeing him race again alongside Kimi. i'm still keeping my fingers crossed for the future races if he can't race in Valencia just yet.

david: this is OT but how are you? i miss you!

-Supersonic- · 08-15-2009, 08:06 AM

Lindsay: I'm good, how are you?! I miss you too!

Where have you been that disappeared from the Music OT thread?

I've heard rumours that the fact that Schummy won't race might make Felipe return earlier than expected, which makes sense as I don't think Ferrari would like Badoer to race too many GPs. It's been speculated that Felipe might return in the Japanese GP. Some even say that he would be ready for Singapore, but a night race wouldn't be the best scenario for a return after such a crash. Obviously it's all speculation for now, but Felipe has been doing really well and I do expect him to return before the Brazilian GP.

Also, I really hope Badoer scores his first points now. I mean, the guy has been in F1 for many many years and never scored a single point, he deserves to score at least a few points now that he has a decent car.

***L i N d $ @ y*** · 08-16-2009, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Supersonic- (View Post)

Lindsay: I'm good, how are you?! I miss you too!

Where have you been that disappeared from the Music OT thread?

just got really busy at work. i only have time to post on my board nowadays. so sad. i miss the OT threads i used to post at and there are lots! that's why i miss seeing old FF posters...

i'm still bummed that Schumi won't be racing anymore. i think its still a bit early for Felipe to come back but if his doctor says its good, then what can we do? let's see how Badoer will fare at next week's race.

Brucas4life · 08-17-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Renault cleared for European GP

Renault have been cleared to compete in this weekend's European Grand Prix in Valencia after winning an appeal against a one-race ban. The French team were punished after allowing Fernando Alonso to leave the pit lane with a loose wheel, which then came off, at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

However, Alonso will now be able to race at his home grand prix after the suspension was overturned on appeal. Motorsport's governing body (FIA) will instead fine Renault £30,000.

Alonso's right front wheel came off and bounced across the track at the race four weeks ago and race stewards ruled that the team's pit crew knew the wheel was not properly secured and failed to tell the driver.

But Renault team manager Steve Nielsen had said he was confident the team's suspension would be lifted. "I've been optimistic since we got the penalty. We feel it's unjust," he said.

The stewards said Renault's pit crew "knowingly released car number seven from the pit stop position without one of the retaining devices for the wheel-nuts being securely in position." They also determined that "being aware of this, Renault failed to take any action to prevent the car from leaving the pit lane... and failed to inform the driver of this problem or to advise him to take appropriate action given the circumstances, even though the driver contacted the team by radio believing he had a puncture."

However, Nielsen insisted his team did not realise there was a problem with Alonso's car. "We admit we did some stuff wrong, but we don't think that the penalty fits the crime," added Nielsen.

To argue their case Renault used comparative footage from races where drivers breached safety rules - but either went unpunished, or were punished less severely. One example was German driver Sebastian Vettel racing at the Australian Grand Prix in March with a loose wheel hanging by the side of his car after colliding with BMW's Robert Kubica.

Vettel was fined £30,000 - the maximum amount that race stewards can levy - for continuing on three wheels and Renault said their punishment - at worst - should be a similar fine. But Whiting said that incidents such as Vettel's had not occurred when leaving the pits, but during the race itself.

Renault were represented at the hearing by engineering director Pat Symonds and technical director Bob Bell, while F1 race director Charlie Whiting represented the FIA.

With the ban overturned Alonso will now race at his home grand prix while Renault test driver Romain Grosjean is likely to take Nelson Piquet Jr's seat. Frenchman Grosjean should be asked to step in after Piquet Jr was told by Renault he will not continue driving for them in F1 this season.

The decision to allow Alonso and his Renault team to race is also likely to delight the Spanish crowd. "The reason there are two races in Spain is largely because of Fernando's involvement," said Nielsen. "People in Spain were not so interested in F1 until he got involved, and now it's a big sport there."

The incident was particularly pertinent as it happened the day after Brazilian Felipe Massa was hospitalised with life-threatening injuries suffered while racing. The Ferrari driver was struck by an object dislodged from the Brawn GP car of Rubens Barrichello car during qualifying at the Hungaroring. Massa had surgery on his skull and is recovering. The previous week, 18-year-old F2 driver Henry Surtees - the son of former F1 champion John Surtees- was killed after losing consciousness and crashing into the barrier after a stray tyre hit him.

Personally I don't agree with the decision to allow them to race. Whilst yes it was a mistake and they happen to every team, it's about how you deal with them, and Renault not only made no attempt to stop him leaving the pit lane knowing all too well that the tyre was not secured, and then didn't even see fit to tell Alonso so he could adjust his driving accordingly. Although Alonso was not at fault in the slightest and it would have been very unfortunate for him to miss his home GP the team deserved to be punished, and I mean more than a fine, especially when you look at recent incidents, because we could have easily have had another one with that tyre bouncing around, and Alonso himself could have been severely injured.

Brucas4life · 08-21-2009, 07:27 AM

Sorry to double post but lots more news:

Quote:

Massa targets return at home GP

Felipe Massa has told Brazilian television he hopes to return to racing at the Brazilian Grand Prix on 18 October, Autosport magazine reports. The Ferrari driver, 28, is recovering at home after suffering severe head injuries in a crash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. "I cannot wait to race again, I hope I can do the Brazilian Grand Prix," he told television channel Globo. "But it's for the doctors to say. I have to show I can be ready."

Massa's accident, which occurred on 25 July, happened after a spring from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car hit his helmet.

Since then, Massa has made a good recovery and is now back home recuperating.
He will have to undergo a rigorous medical examination at the hands of the International Motorsport Federation (FIA) and also specialist eye check-up before he is allowed behind the wheel of an F1 car. "I think I am going to do some laps in a go-kart beforehand," Massa added. "Then I will go to the FIA to do the examinations and get the authorisation to come back to racing."

Source: BBC

Quote:

Rosberg targets switch to McLaren

Nico Rosberg has put himself forward as a potential team-mate for world champion Lewis Hamilton at McLaren next season if Heikki Kovalainen leaves. "I have been a team-mate with Lewis before so that wouldn't be a problem," said the Williams driver, who partnered the Briton in go-karts as a teenager.

"It would be fine and very tough also - a combination, sweet and sour." Rosberg, son of 1982 Formula One world champion Keke, is out of contract with Williams at the end of the season. Finn Kovalainen is also out of contract and under pressure at McLaren after failing to realise his early potential. Rosberg, who has scored all of his team's 25.5 points so far this year, was a target of Mercedes-powered McLaren two years ago when they were looking for a replacement for double world champion Fernando Alonso but he was bound by his existing contract.

The 24-year-old German had more recently been linked to BMW-Sauber, but that door was closed when BMW unexpectedly announced last month that they were pulling out of F1 at the end of the season. "It's one clear option less, that's pretty obvious, but I am still very pleased with my situation," said Rosberg. "I have various good options and at the moment I am still figuring out what the best way to go is. I am close to having a clear picture now of what the options are, I'm still gathering a few bits and pieces.

"I had a discussion with Williams last week to clarify what the situation is. I think sooner or later I'll be able to progress in a specific direction." Rosberg said Williams were keen to keep him but hinted he would leave. "I want to go further up," he said. "I've been finishing fourth and fifth and I want to be finishing first and second and third, which is the next step. It's a very important step and I need to judge where I am going to get the highest chance of getting that."

Source: BBC

Quote:

Theissen bids to save BMW F1 team

BMW Formula 1 boss Mario Theissen is trying to secure the future of the team after the German car manufacturer decided to quit the sport. BMW made its decision in July following a poor season and has decided to focus on furthering its work to create environmentally friendly road cars. The team have lodged an entry for F1 next year and Theissen said it was his "first priority" to find new owners.

"It's not easy, but there are opportunities," he said.

Team founder Peter Sauber, who has remained a minority shareholder since BMW bought the outfit in 2005, said earlier this month that the company's board rejected an offer he had made to take over the team. But Theissen said that he and Sauber were working together on finding a solution. "I am not working on my own, I do it together with Peter," Theissen said. "He is trying very hard to use his connections. I cannot tell you anything about the ongoing negotiations. There are several interested parties and we are just about to evaluate the individual proposals."

Theissen said that BMW's decision to quit F1 was not caused by the team's poor form this season. They scored their maiden victory last year with Robert Kubica at the Canadian Grand Prix, after which the Polish driver led the world championship, with BMW top of the constructors' standings. Both challenges ultimately faded, but BMW began this season expressing an ambition to mount a serious title challenge.
Instead, their car has been one of the most uncompetitive on the grid, although Theissen said he is optimistic the team could still make something of this season and perhaps emulate McLaren's achievement in recovering from a poor start to win the last race in Hungary.

"We are in a difficult situation we want to make the best out of it," he added. "There are still seven races to go and we can still achieve what McLaren achieved in Hungary after a difficult first half of the season. We are still pushing even harder than before and then we will see what the future brings. "It is unfinished business in that we have not won the championship. We have achieved a lot, but not the ultimate step."

Drivers Kubica and Nick Heidfeld, who both joined the team in 2006, said they were stunned by BMW's decision to quit Formula 1. The first Kubica knew of the decision was when he read the story on the internet three days after the Hungarian GP before receiving confirmation by email from the team. Heidfeld revealed Theissen had tried to break the news on the eve of the official announcement but had not been able to reach him. "It was definitely unexpected," he said. "From the feedback we had, I always thought we were safe and secure for the future. BMW pulling out is a bad decision for everybody involved, especially at the factories in Hinwil and Munich."

Kubica, 24, added: "It was quite a shock decision - at the Hungarian GP we knew nothing. I think everybody is still a bit worried about their future. Last year I was a bit upset because I felt like we didn't take our opportunity to fight for the championship. Now, at least in the near future, BMW never has the chance to be leading or fighting again."

While Theissen tries to guarantee the future of the team, Heidfeld and Kubica have turned their attention to finding a race seat for 2010. Kubica was contracted to BMW for next season but Heidfeld's deal was due to expire at the end of the 2009 campaign and he had already begun discussions with other teams. "Of course, those talks have become more intensive now over the last couple of weeks but I am confident for the future," said the 32-year-old German. I feel as confident as before. We are in talks with several teams and I think it is looking good."

Kubica, who is rated as one of the most talented drivers on the grid, is also determined to continue racing in F1 next season. The Pole has been linked with a move to Renault to replace Fernando Alonso, who is expected to go to Ferrari next season, and he said: "I am pretty confident that I will find the right place to be next year. It's difficult to know which car will be the best and where to go but hopefully I will be in a competitive car next season. I am quite open-minded. I think I have shown last year that once the car is quick I am able to give a bit more extra."

Source:BBC

Quote:

Vettel pens new Red Bull contract

Sebastian Vettel is to stay with Red Bull for at least another two years after negotiating a new contract. The 22-year-old, third in this year's world championship with seven races to go, has signed a new deal until the end of 2011, with an option for 2012. He will again partner Mark Webber at Red Bull next year after the Australian extended his contract last month. Vettel claimed Red Bull's first F1 victory this year in China, and added a second win at the British Grand Prix.

"He's been a member of the Red Bull junior team since the age of 12 and basically we've exercised some options that were available to us that secures his longer-term future," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

"It's great news for the team and it just moves to avoid any unnecessary speculation. It safeguards the future of the team with Sebastian, who is obviously very much an emerging talent. It's great to get that out of the way so early in the year. I think we've got one of the stronger driver pairings in Formula 1 We've got a great blend of youth and experience. I think there was a bit of interest [in Sebastian from other teams]."

Vettel sits third in the 2009 drivers' championship on 47 points with team-mate Webber 4.5 points ahead of him with Brawn GP's Jenson Button leading the way on 70 points.

Source: BBC

Quote:

Alonso 'will switch to Ferrari'

Fernando Alonso will move from Renault to Ferrari next year and spark a cascade of other driver changes, according to McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh. The double world champion's expected switch is an open secret in Formula 1, but Whitmarsh is the first senior figure publicly to acknowledge it.

"I think we all know that the Fernando-Ferrari move has a knock-on effect that ripples through the other teams," he said.

Ferrari said Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa were already contracted for 2010.
"He (Whitmarsh) can say what he wants, there is no 'Fernando-Ferrari move'" said a spokesman for the Italian team. Things can happen and not happen. But you cannot talk about any Fernando-Ferrari move. We have two drivers with a contract until the end of 2010. We are not under pressure to change anything."

Alonso, who denied last month that he had signed a contract with Ferrari, has ducked questions about his future since arriving in Valencia for this weekend's European Grand Prix.

Whitmarsh's remarks were made in an interview with BBC Sport in which he addressed rumours that McLaren will replace Heikki Kovalainen with Nico Rosberg as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate next year. "At the moment we have not and we are not in conversation with any other drivers and we will see in the future in reality there are some changes probably with Fernando and Ferrari and that frees up the driver market," he said. "Every year there are a number of pivotal points during the season which determine what is going to happen in the drivers market this year I think we all know that the Fernando-Ferrari move has a knock on and that ripples through the other teams, clearly the BMW withdrawal also has also had an impact."

"So I think we don't see a need at the moment to rush into it. I think we are concentrating on developing the car and making sure we are more competitive and I think we will be this weekend. Heikki is pushing hard he is a driver who can drive the car very quickly - if you look at his fuel corrected qualifying times he has been massively competitive but he hasn't performed quite as well as he and we would like him to in the races."

Ferrari are reported to be planning to partner Alonso with Massa and are said to be in negotiations with Raikkonen's management to pay off a proportion of the Finn's 2010 contract and have him move to another team. Brawn, Renault and Toyota have all been linked with the 29-year-old, who won the world championship in his first year with Ferrari in 2007. But the injury suffered by Massa at the Hungarian Grand Prix last month has complicated matters. He is recovering from the fractured skull and damaged eye he sustained after he was hit on the helmet by a spring that had become detached from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn, so there is some doubt about when and whether he will be able to make a return to F1.

In that context, Ferrari may wish to keep open the possibility of Raikkonen driving for the team in 2010 in the event that Massa fails to make a full recovery.
Massa, who is recuperating at home in Brazil, has targeted a return at his home Grand Prix on 18 October, and was visited last week by Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali.

But the Ferrari spokesman said it was too early to predict any comeback by Massa.
"We are all happy Felipe is getting better and better every day. But we are all - including Felipe - aware that we have to be patient. He is having another CT (brain) scan at the end of this month or the beginning of September and we will have a better picture after that. From the human point of view, he is already close to 100%. Then he has to complete a physical recovery process. Then he will have to start again his physical preparation because at the moment he cannot do anything (about improving his fitness).

"At the moment we are all happy he is recovering so quickly. We are pretty confident. For him and everyone it would be a dream if he could race in Brazil. But we know we have to face the reality and the reality is to take it step by step."
The driver market is wide open as F1 heads into its traditional 'silly season'.
BMW's decision to withdraw from F1 at the end of the season has also put their two drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld on the market.

Kubica, the more highly rated of the two, has been linked to a move to Williams in place of Rosberg on a one-year deal, but could also interest Renault, who would need a top-liner to replace Alonso assuming his move to Ferrari goes ahead.

Source: BBC

And

for finally getting back to racing this weekend.

***L i N d $ @ y*** · 08-21-2009, 09:18 AM

FINALLY! race weekend! it has been so long! i am gonna miss Schumi but if Massa is getting better, then he should be back...

any bets on who will win in Valencia? i'm hoping Button... *crosses fingers*

Brucas4life · 08-21-2009, 09:32 AM

I'm really hoping for a Hamilton win, no surprise there, but I think the Brawn cars are looking good for this weekend so if Lewis can get on the podium I'll be happy.

thatsnotmyname-x · 08-22-2009, 08:22 AM

I'm so happy for Lewis, he had such a great qualifying, i'm really hoping he can get back to back wins and get P1 tomorrow

I thought Kovalinen did really well too, it's a shame he had a bit of a wobble on the last corner, he might have got pole if he hadn't.
It's going to be interesting to see what happens with Vettel and Jenson in P4 and 5 as well seens as Webber's in 9th, i don't think the red bulls were quite on the money as usual because the circuit is a bit of a slower one.
Rubens did well to get 3rd, i hope he ends up in a good position tomorrow, and Jenson

I thought Grosjean did well to get to Q2, but with Badoer, there's not a lot to say really, he didn't have any pace and he's not really going to do well in a car that he doesn't know and hasn't tested, but i still can't help wonder what Schumacher would have done.

Full Throttle · 08-22-2009, 11:11 AM

Watching practice and they said 30,000 tickets still available out of 75,000.


Fan Forum > General Discussion > Sports > Formula One #32: Strength, Felipe - We're With You