Catch-up Session – Week No. 36
The 36th week was packed with information, and Motors Inside remains omnipresent to keep you updated on the latest in the sport of Formula 1. This week, we witnessed a reshuffling of drivers, the third wave this year. After the dismissal of Sébastien Bourdais and Nelson Piquet Jr., and the injury and withdrawal of Felipe […]
The 36th week was packed with information, and Motors Inside remains omnipresent to keep you updated on the latest in the sport of Formula 1. This week, we witnessed a reshuffling of drivers, the third wave this year. After the dismissal of Sébastien Bourdais and Nelson Piquet Jr., and the injury and withdrawal of Felipe Massa, it is now Italian Luca Badoer’s turn in the musical chairs game. This game benefits Giancarlo Fisichella, who leaves Force India for Scuderia Ferrari, and also benefits Vitantonio Liuzzi, the test driver for the Indian team, who will take the Force India seat alongside Adrian Sutil. Besides these driver changes, a real disaster has struck the Renault team. Accused of cheating during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, an FIA investigation is underway to uncover the truth and determine if the Enstone team premeditated Piquet Jr.’s crash to ensure Alonso’s victory. The World Council will meet on September 21st to shed light on this matter. A word on Sébastien Loeb, who, despite being behind in the rally standings for first place, continues to make headlines. This time, it’s his boss at Citroen Racing, Olivier Quesnel, who authorizes him to participate in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, once the World Rally Championship is over, on November 1st.
Italian Musical Chairs within the Teams
Luca Badoer ended up replacing Felipe Massa on the eve of the European Grand Prix. Unfortunately, and as most expected, the Italian from Ferrari finished in last place during his two participations. Unsatisfactory results for the Italian team, which ended up thanking the aging Italian driver after just two Grand Prix. One spot, therefore, remained to be filled in the reigning world champion team. The most likely rumors centered on another Italian, Giancarlo Fisichella. Second in the last Belgian Grand Prix, it was indeed the Force India Italian who was chosen by Scuderia Ferrari to drive the F60 for the last 5 Grand Prix of the season, the first of which will take place at home, in Italy. Fisichella pushing Badoer into early retirement means Force India has a free seat… which will be occupied from September 12th by another Italian, Vitantonio Liuzzi, the test driver for the Indian team. Yes, it’s the Italians who are leading this week’s headlines with their musical chairs and the transfers in which they are involved.
Announcement of Fisichella joining Ferrari
Fisichella’s reaction to his new race seat
The announcement of Liuzzi’s arrival in the seat n°2 of Force India
Renault, at the heart of an investigation
Frenzy in the press room, Sunday, August 30, right after the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix. It was learned through the FIA that an investigation is underway into Renault’s behavior and race strategy during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. During this race, Fernando Alonso managed to secure his first win of the year by taking advantage of the safety car presence…triggered by Nelson Piquet Jr’s accident a few moments earlier. This news comes from the triple world champion Nelson Piquet, eager to see the French team condemned by the FIA since his son was dismissed. Therefore, a case to follow with great interest as long as Max Mosley remains at the helm of the FIA. Verdict for Renault on September 21.
The announcement of the opening of a FIA investigation
The announcement of the verdict date in the Renault case
Loeb, next Frenchman in Formula 1?
According to his team boss at Citroen Racing, Olivier Quesnel, Sébastien Loeb might participate in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 1st, as the rally season will be well and truly over. A piece of news that could make France smile, which dreams of seeing its champion drive a Formula 1 car and compete with the best. Indeed, the Alsatian driver, a five-time world rally champion, has already done tests for Renault and more recently for Red Bull. Red Bull, the main sponsor of Citroen Racing, could clearly open doors to the world of Formula 1 for the Frenchman, thanks to its second team: Toro Rosso. Other contacts persist with the Alsatian driver, who might make a move to US F1 next year, the new American team.
