Headlines away from the track: F1

[Retroram52]

IDK know about this Indy. Any endeavor Qatar is involved with can't be trusted. They were the primary sponsor for several years in the NHRA with Allan Johnson Drag Racing operations and then after one race this season, abruptly pulled their sponsorship and left leaving Johnson's operation and his two cars stranded. No reason given for the abrupt, out-of-nowhere move. Suspect indeed.

 

[Retroram52]

Looks like Mikey is going global with the launching of his new company that is basically a R&D company and I suspect the precursor to him joining F-1 eventually with a team since he is already involved in the electric division of F-1. Probably is going to follow in the footsteps of Penske, Gnassi, and Haas. Here's the link.

Formation of Andretti Technologies confirmed ahead of FIA Formula E finale | MotorSportsTalk

 

[IndyAndy]

Another bidder for the reins to F1 enters the fray?

Sky offering $4.5 billion?

 

[Retroram52]

Serious cash.

 

[IndyAndy]

The fans have spoken, so to speak.

fan survey results

 

[Retroram52]

Interesting Indy. So what is F-1 proposed to do about these responses?

 

[IndyAndy]

I don't know that the FIA had anything to do with this, so my guess is that nothing will come of it.

 

[Retroram52]

We shall see but I think your prediction is accurate.

 

[IndyAndy]

I guess that I can see the point re: safety, but this has been a long-standing 'tradition' in F1, so I'm wondering why they're just now cracking down on it.

no more 'dummy' pit stops

 

[Retroram52]

I don't know the answer to that query Indy.

 

[IndyAndy]

The FIA throws McLaren a bone, tweaks the 'Super-license' requirements & gives us a sneak peak at the 2016 F1 schedule:

www.timesofmalta.com

 

[Retroram52]

With the new noses that many teams are unveiling, these cars are starting to resemble a cross between the cars of Aryton Senna's era and today's cars.

 

[IndyAndy]

Here is an update on Jules Bianchi's condition - which does not sound very promising.

www.stuff.co.nz

 

[Retroram52]

Yep. Sounds as though he's is not going to recover to a point of any significant quality of life being sustained.

 

[IndyAndy]

Could there be two U.S. owned F1 squads on the grid next year?

US investors buying Manor?

 

[Retroram52]

Well we shall see. There are only what 18-22 cars showing up on a given race. Like IndyCar, F-1 needs more teams.

 

[Retroram52]

I believe I mentioned this on another thread as a "what-if" proposition somewhat jesting but apparently it may slowly become an eventual reality. Danica to F-1 is not out of the realm of possibilities.

Gene Haas: NASCAR's Danica Patrick not out of F1 equation - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com

 

[IndyAndy]

Looks like this year's Russian GP is in danger of not happening:

www.autoweek.com

 

[Hank Kingsley]

Yep. Sounds as though he's is not going to recover to a point of any significant quality of life being sustained.

Even more sadly he has passed away.

That was a completely avoidable wreck too. 1 lap after the guy in front of him goes off in heavy wet, he goes around (after rain increases) going faster to catch safety car and goes off into rescue fork lift at exact same spot.

WHAT WERE HE AND HIS TEAM THINKING?

 

[Hank Kingsley]

Even more sadly he has passed away.

That was a completely avoidable wreck too. 1 lap after the guy in front of him goes off in heavy wet, he goes around (after rain increases) going faster to catch safety car and goes off into rescue fork lift at exact same spot.

WHAT WERE HE AND HIS TEAM THINKING?

My bad, no safety car on track..... Local yellow. But still.....