2014 Open Wheel Racing Chat

[VictoriaGooner]

Kamui Kobayashi out at Caterham, Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer in, for this weekend at least.

Link

And Chilton is out for Marussia with American Alexander Rossi in the car.

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/21/alexander-rossi-to-make-grand-prix-debut-in-belgium-replaces-chilton/

And so begins the mid-season chop in F1...I feel bad for Chilton as he had finished every F1 race he had contested until the 2014 Canadian Grand Prix , which meant that he had finished 25 consecutive races, 19 of them in his rookie season. This is a record for most classified finishes in a rookie season. But Bianchi has been the better performer of the two Marussia's: 24 classified finishes out of 30 total F1 races, including the amazing 9th place finish in Monaco earlier this year (the first ever points for Marussia).

What's everyone's thoughts on Alexander Rossi joining Marussia, being the first American driver in F1 since Scott Speed driving for Red Bull Racing 2005-2006 and Scuderia Toro Rosso 2007?

[rvrdgsfn]

Sadly us Americans will have to wait for Rossi...

http://www.grandprix247.com/2014/08/22/marussia-chilton-will-race-at-spa-rossi-wont/

BBC reported during FP1: “Max Chilton will be back in their car [Marussia] for this afternoon’s second practice. Good news for Chilton, but spare a thought for poor Alexander Rossi. The 22-year-old American had got himself psyched up for this weekend, but may not make his race debut after all.”

The news of the American making his Formula 1 debut was reported around the globe by major media outlets, and reversing the decision is a major PR gaffe by Marussia management which paddock insiders see as an act of desperation by the financially fragile team.

It's a shame cause Rossi along with Connor Daly & Eddie Cheever's kids have potential. I'm still hoping with Haas coming in, we will get some American talent, but once again.... Money overcomes talent.... I loathe paid drivers....

[VictoriaGooner]

The Belgium GP qualifying session was a good viewing today from a fan point of view. The actual true talent of the drivers, cementing themselves as the top drivers in the world (except Maldonado, that man can't drive), with that wet qualifying session. Great to see Rosberg take the pole again, yet again Hamilton having trouble in qualifying playing second fiddle to his Mercedes team mate. But the driver of the session would have to be Jules Bianchi. He is getting better and better each race, here's hoping he can pickup a seat at a mid ranked team to really prove himself.

[rvrdgsfn]

From the Belgian Grand Prix:

1. Ricciardo

2. Rosberg

3. Bottas

4. Raikkonen

5. Vettel

6. Magnussen

7. Button

8. Alonso

9. Perez

10. Kyvat

It was a bad day to be Lewis after Rosberg hit him. What a race between Button, Magnussen, Alonso & Vettel. It's never a dull moment at Spa. Next up, Monza for the Italian Grand Prix.

[waltere]

The Mercedes hierarchy are VERY unhappy with Rosberg over that. Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff both unequivocally blaming him for the coming together

[VictoriaGooner]

Great drive by Ricciardo especially with Risberg pushing hard the last 10 laps making up 2-3 seconds a lap on the Australian. As for the Button-Magnusson-Vettel-Alonso mini race, loved it. That's why Spa is one of the best tracks in the world and F1 drivers are the best in the world.

As for Rosberg being blamed on the entire Hamilton flawed drive today. Yes the Mercedes hierarchy is pretty unhappy with Rosberg (Hamilton playing the poor old me sob story like usual). Yes Rosberg ran into Hamilton but Hamilton tried to cut him off on the exit of the turn forcing Rosberg in the runoff. But Rosberg tried to come off the throttle before the exit of the turn. From all the replays I have seen of the incident, it was a 50-50 fault with both drivers.

Can't wait for Monza and the flat out straight speeds. Red Bull should push Mercedes again.

[rvrdgsfn]

Results from Sonoma:

1. Dixon

2. Hunter-Reay

3. Pagenaud

4. Sato

5. Montoya

6. Newgarden

7. Aleshin

8. Andretti

9. Power

10. Wilson

That was a dumb move by Will, IMO, it wasn't worth the risk. We'll see if he gets penalized. Most of the cars ran out of gas on the last lap. Great racing by Scott & Ryan though. Onto the finale, in Fontana, to which it should be an interesting final race for the title.

SN: This is what Racer thinks will be Indy's 2015 schedule...

http://racer.com/indycar/item/107782-indycar-s-2015-schedule-bye-bye-houston-hello-mosport

RACER’S BEST GUESS AT 2015

FEBRUARY
Dubai (street circuit)

MARCH
Brasilia (road course)
St. Petersburg (street circuit)

APRIL
Long Beach (street)
Birmingham (road course)

MAY
Indianapolis (road course)
Indianapolis 500 (oval)

JUNE
Detroit (street, doubleheader)
Texas (oval)
Toronto (street) or Mosport (road course)

JULY
Iowa (oval)
Pocono (oval)
Fontana (oval)

AUGUST
Mid-Ohio (road course)
Milwaukee (oval)
Sonoma (road course)

SEPTEMBER
New Orleans (road course)

[VictoriaGooner]

Power is a complete twat IMO. That was reckless on the last couple turns to pull that stunt. Plus force Bourdais into the wall on the start finish straight. All for two points? Also, was it a yellow in the final corner or not?

[rvrdgsfn]

Once again, this is why I love the V8 Supercar series...

[rvrdgsfn]

Bumping for news...

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/26/could-cosworth-be-close-to-indy-engine-return-well-know-shortly/

MotorSportsTalk was first to report earlier this year that Cosworth is actively seeking a return to IndyCar by attempting to partner with an OEM, as part of the company’s growth plan and strategic development.

Per an update from the company’s CEO Hal Reisiger in a conversation last week, we’ll know within 30-60 days whether the company’s intentions can become a reality.

“We have had discussions take place with two OEMs, and we are obviously very committed to it,” Reisiger told MotorSportsTalk. “A number of the OEMS with new management and sponsors of IndyCar have been watching the positive changes to determine their level of interest.

“We’re hopeful that within the coming weeks, we can take it to the next level.”

Reisiger said Cosworth, which still maintains a regular presence in IndyCar from an electronics standpoint and also premiered the “Cosworth Live on Air” program earlier this season, would seek to align with an OEM to allow for technology transfer between both production cars and race cars. Cosworth is amping up its presence on production cars as we speak.

Regarding aero kits, which are set to be introduced this offseason and then make their race debut once the North American portion of the 2015 season premieres, Reisiger said Cosworth has partners who could work with them to make that happen.

“We have partners we could work with we’ve already lined up, which is something we have to take into account,” he said. “We have two pre-selected partners for the aero kits who could support our efforts immediately.”

Mclaren aiming for a big name...

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/28/report-mclaren-trying-for-vettel-or-alonso/

It’s no secret that McLaren would like a big name star to spearhead Honda’s return to F1 next year, and Eric Boullier is making both overtones and undertones that only a World Champion will do.

While both four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel and two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso are on the radar, prying either driver from their respective contracts at Red Bull (2015) and Ferrari (2016), respectively, could be difficult.

[rvrdgsfn]

BUMP for the IndyCar finale!

Results from Fontana:

1. Kanaan

2. Dixon

3. Carpenter

4. Montoya

5. Hinchcliffe

6. Sato

7. Briscoe

8. Munoz

9. Power

10. Newgarden

Looks like the 4th time was the charm, Will Power is your 2014 IndyCar Champion. Helio has to wait another year.

EDIT: How Will celebrates

*insert Mortal Kombat reference here*

[VictoriaGooner]

BUMP for the IndyCar finale!

Results from Fontana:

1. Kanaan

2. Dixon

3. Carpenter

4. Montoya

5. Hinchcliffe

6. Sato

7. Briscoe

8. Munoz

9. Power

10. Newgarden

Looks like the 4th time was the charm, Will Power is your 2014 IndyCar Champion. Helio has to wait another year.

EDIT: How Will celebrates

*insert Mortal Kombat reference here*

I have never been a fan of Will Power, never will be! But here's to 2015 and JPM taking the driver's title next season.

Now to important matters: Monza and the beautiful Italian GP!

[rvrdgsfn]

Only would this happen in Formula 1

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-exit-could-open-for-alonso-on-monday-report/

"There will be no announcement at Monza with regards to the drivers," Mattiacci is quoted by Italy's Autosprint, "because there's nothing to announce."

He says that is because Alonso and Raikkonen are already under contract for 2015.

Technically, that's true. But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport claims that September 1 could change everything.

Correspondent Michael Schmidt cited 'internal sources' as confirming that Alonso's contract contains a clause that opens the potential exit to the Spaniard if he is not within 25 points of the championship leader on September 1.

Prior to Monza, Alonso is actually closer to 100 points behind Mercedes' Nico Rosberg.

It doesn't mean Alonso will jump at the chance to leave, but Britain's Telegraph newspaper reports that - despite their history - McLaren chief Ron Dennis has made an astonishing offer of $32 million per year to Alonso.

The report said Dennis, although having spectacularly fallen out with Alonso in 2007, "has spoken with Alonso" about the Spaniard's return to Woking to head the new Honda-powered project.

[VictoriaGooner]

Only would this happen in Formula 1

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-exit-could-open-for-alonso-on-monday-report/

"There will be no announcement at Monza with regards to the drivers," Mattiacci is quoted by Italy's Autosprint, "because there's nothing to announce."

He says that is because Alonso and Raikkonen are already under contract for 2015.

Technically, that's true. But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport claims that September 1 could change everything.

Correspondent Michael Schmidt cited 'internal sources' as confirming that Alonso's contract contains a clause that opens the potential exit to the Spaniard if he is not within 25 points of the championship leader on September 1.

Prior to Monza, Alonso is actually closer to 100 points behind Mercedes' Nico Rosberg.

It doesn't mean Alonso will jump at the chance to leave, but Britain's Telegraph newspaper reports that - despite their history - McLaren chief Ron Dennis has made an astonishing offer of $32 million per year to Alonso.

The report said Dennis, although having spectacularly fallen out with Alonso in 2007, "has spoken with Alonso" about the Spaniard's return to Woking to head the new Honda-powered project.

But here I thought Alonso wanted to be in a competitive car. Yes Ferrari is battling Williams for third in the Constructors' Championship but McLaren is down at the lower half of the teams. The car itself is not competitive, not even Alonso could change that. But with the rumors swarming with him making the switch, does that mean the end of Button with McLaren?

[rvrdgsfn]

Courtesy of Racer.com

http://www.racer.com/pwc/item/108174-pwc-new-cadillac-ats-gt3-coupe-spied-in-chicago#!1908077_10152291697806361_7460518723149068966_n

The new car is not only built to global GT3 regulations, but also sports a shift from Cadillac's traditional rumbling V8 powerplant to a new twin-turbo V6 motor installed in the front-engined coupe.​

Meanwhile for Haas...

http://www.racer.com/f1/item/108165-haas-seals-ferrari-engine-deal

Ferrari has announced that it will be the engine supplier for Gene Haas' new American Formula 1 team when it joins the world championship field in 2016.

Ferrari has long been considered the favorite for the Haas deal. A commercial tie-up between the Italian marque and the Haas Automation business was announced in July, and Haas was hosted by Ferrari for most of his visit to the F1 paddock at the Canadian Grand Prix. The deal was confirmed by Ferrari chief Marco Mattiacci on the eve of the company's home race in Italy this weekend.

"We're delighted to announce this important strategic partnership with Haas F1 Team and to welcome an American player as a new entrant in Formula 1," said Mattiacci. "A few months ago we joined forces with Gene Haas on a commercial level and this is the natural next step of our growing relationship."

Last but not least...

[VictoriaGooner]

Courtesy of Racer.com

http://www.racer.com/pwc/item/108174-pwc-new-cadillac-ats-gt3-coupe-spied-in-chicago#!1908077_10152291697806361_7460518723149068966_n

The new car is not only built to global GT3 regulations, but also sports a shift from Cadillac's traditional rumbling V8 powerplant to a new twin-turbo V6 motor installed in the front-engined coupe.​

Meanwhile for Haas...

http://www.racer.com/f1/item/108165-haas-seals-ferrari-engine-deal

Ferrari has announced that it will be the engine supplier for Gene Haas' new American Formula 1 team when it joins the world championship field in 2016.

Ferrari has long been considered the favorite for the Haas deal. A commercial tie-up between the Italian marque and the Haas Automation business was announced in July, and Haas was hosted by Ferrari for most of his visit to the F1 paddock at the Canadian Grand Prix. The deal was confirmed by Ferrari chief Marco Mattiacci on the eve of the company's home race in Italy this weekend.

"We're delighted to announce this important strategic partnership with Haas F1 Team and to welcome an American player as a new entrant in Formula 1," said Mattiacci. "A few months ago we joined forces with Gene Haas on a commercial level and this is the natural next step of our growing relationship."

Last but not least...

It is good to see Haas going with Ferrari because of a well proven power plant within F1 which could translate to excellent results in 2016 ahead of Caterham, Marussia and maybe Sauber. I know it revolves mainly around the commercial rights but still a good pairing.

[rvrdgsfn]

It better, I want to see an American team do well, meanwhile.... Silly season isn't over just yet....

http://www.grandprix247.com/2014/09/04/vettel-seriously-considering-mclaren-honda-offer/

Quadruple and reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel is reportedly considering interest in his services expressed by McLaren to spearhead the team in their second Honda era beginning in 2015.

McLaren’s hopes might therefore be pinned now on Vettel, the reigning quadruple world champion, who has struggled at Red Bull this year as the champion team’s engine partner Renault faltered at the start of the new turbo V6 era.

But he has even failed to match his new teammate Daniel Ricciardo, with some believing Vettel may now be open to a change of stimulus as Red Bull plots its future with younger stars including Daniil Kvyat and Max Verstappen.

The specialist sources Italiaracing and Omnicorse report this week that McLaren-Honda’s interest in Vettel has definitely reached the 27-year-old German, with Italiaracing claiming he is likely to resist the call and stay at Red Bull in 2015.

Omnicorse, however, believes Vettel has responded to the noises from Woking by seeking “certain guarantees” about the new McLaren-Honda project, particularly about the likelihood of a package capable of taking on Mercedes in 2015.

Reports in Italy suggest that the Red Bull driver has asked for a period of reflection before giving his answer to McLaren.

Counting in McLaren’s favour is that a man central to Vettel’s success at Red Bull in recent years, aerodynamics chief Peter Prodromou, started work at Woking a few days ago.

[rvrdgsfn]

Bumping for the results of the Italian Grand Prix

1. Hamilton

2. Rosberg

3. Massa

4. Bottas

5. Ricciardo

6. Vettel

7. Perez

8. Button

9. Raikkonen

10. Magnussen

It was also a rough day for Alonso as well but the real battle seem to be between former teammates Button & Perez. With that race, the European circuit of the season is over, onto Singapore.

[VictoriaGooner]

Bumping for the results of the Italian Grand Prix

1. Hamilton

2. Rosberg

3. Massa

4. Bottas

5. Ricciardo

6. Vettel

7. Perez

8. Button

9. Raikkonen

10. Magnussen

It was also a rough day for Alonso as well but the real battle seem to be between former teammates Button & Perez. With that race, the European circuit of the season is over, onto Singapore.

The Italian GP was full of excitement from positions 1-11. Have to agree, the Button and Perez battle was very good to watch. So was seeing Bottas coming through the field twice, making mince meat of other Mercedes competition showing his young and budding talent. But I have to tip my hat to Ricciardo as he was making some excellent decisions throughout the race, making his way up the field in the second half of the race. I especially liked the dummy passes on both Vettel and Button in the last few laps of the race. He has a bright future ahead of him in F1.

I wish Hamilton supporters would stop booing Rosberg during his post-race interviews on the podium. It is getting a little old and childish. And really, Hamilton isn't totally innocent in all of this battle throughout the season. What I find funny is that Toto Wolff, Paddy Lowe and Niki Lauda all jumped to Hamilton's defense in all incidents between Rosberg and Hamilton throughout the season. I'm sorry but Rosberg has been a better driver of the two. Maybe Wolff and Lowe should start worrying about Hamilton's reliability issues and other mechanical issues than the inner driver battle. It was classic to see Rosberg and Massa conversing in Italian before the podium intros, leaving Hamilton out of the conversation. Just shows how they aren't even friends anymore. Even with this win by Hamilton, Rosberg will still end up winning the World title this year.

Singapore is going to be fun under the lights...

[rvrdgsfn]

http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/09/09/fpr-prepares-fg-x-v8-supercar/

Man that looks good...