Ferrari F1 World News Feed

FDA � Programme completed

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:56:57 -0400

The fifth and final course of the first year of the Ferrari Driver Academy, aimed at completing the training of the youngsters chosen from the world of motor sport, has just ended at the Fiorano circuit. Jules Bianchi, Mirko Bortolotti and Daniel Zampieri took turns at the wheel of an F2008, under the guidance of special coach, Giancarlo Fisichella, Scuderia Ferrari’s third driver and Andrea Bertolini, the Maranello firm’s test driver. “It is a real benefit being able to learn as part of a big family like Ferrari,” commented Fisichella during a break in the sessions. “If these guys are here, it’s because they have a great potential and deserve the benefit of such detailed preparation, which looks at every angle of what is needed to be a driver, both on the track and outside it.” The three youngsters drove the same car with just the steering wheel and seat being altered and they each had the use of two sets of tyres; the first one used and the second one new, on a track that was wet in the morning, before drying out in the afternoon. The two youngest drivers, Brandon Maisano and Raffaele Marciello spent the day on a physical and mental training programme, before joining their colleagues at the track, to take part in a technical briefing, with the head of the school, Luca Baldisserri, who was pleased with what had been achieved. “Even though this was a very demanding day, complicated at first by a wet track, all the guys went well and did not make any mistakes,” he said after the work was completed.”

The next event on the Ferrari Driver Academy calendar is scheduled for December at the Vallelunga circuit, when the top three in the Italian Formula 3 series get to take part in a test, as a prize for their achievements.

FIA Statement Regarding Ferrari Case

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:53:28 -0400

The FIA statement in full:
On 25 July 2010, at the Grand Prix of Germany, the Stewards of the meeting found an infringement by the Scuderia Ferrari to the prohibition of team orders interfering with a race result and then decided to impose a fine of $100,000 and to forward the dossier to the World Motor Sport Council for further consideration.

The Judging Body of the World Motor Sport Council held an extraordinary hearing in Paris on 8 September 2010 to examine this matter.

After an in depth analysis of all reports, statements and documents submitted, the Judging Body has decided to confirm the Stewards’ decision of a $100,000 fine for infringing article 39.1 of the Sporting Regulations and to impose the payment of the costs incurred by the FIA.

The Judging Body has also acknowledged that article 39.1 of the Sporting Regulations should be reviewed and has decided to refer this question to the Formula One Sporting Working Group.

The full decision will be available on the website www.fia.com on 9 September 2010.

Proceedings

In March 2010 at Bahrain at the initiative of the FIA President, the World Motor Sport Council adopted a new transitional disciplinary procedure, in order in particular to ensure the separation between the prosecuting body and the judging body. At the General Assembly on 5 November 2010, a more global reform of the FIA judicial system will be submitted for approval, including in particular the creation of an International Tribunal which will exercise the disciplinary power in the 1st instance in place of the World Motor Sport Council.

In application of this new procedure, previously applied within the context of the US F1 case, the FIA President exercises the role of prosecuting body. As such, he has the authority to notify any person being prosecuted of the grievances brought against him and to submit the matter to the Judging Body of the World Motor Sport Council, chaired by the Deputy President for Sport, Mr Graham Stoker.

The Deputy President for Sport has the power to proceed with an investigation and, within this context, to designate a reporter from among the members of the World Motor Sport Council.

In the present case, the Deputy President for Sport designated Mr Lars Osterlind, a member of the World Motor Sport Council, as reporter. Mr Osterlind’s report was forwarded to the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro as the party being prosecuted.

Prior to the hearing, the members of the Judging Body of the World Motor Sport Council received all the documents in the case, including the observations submitted by the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro.

The FIA President did not attend the hearing but was represented by Maitre Jean-Pierre Martel from the law firm Orrick Rambaud Martel.

The hearing before the Judging Body of the World Motor Sport Council, assembled on 8 September 2010 in an extraordinary meeting, was chaired by the Deputy President for Sport and allowed the hearing, in person, of Mr Stefano Domenicali, Team Principal of the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, assisted by lawyers, Mr Henry Peter and Nigel Tozzi. The World Motor Sport Council had the possibility to join the drivers Mr Fernando Alonso and Mr Felipe Massa via videoconference.

FIA announces 20-race calendar for 2011

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:58:40 -0400

Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has released the calendar for the 2011 world championship. The addition of the Indian Grand Prix makes for a 20-race season - one more round than in 2010 and the longest in Formula One history.

The Bahrain Grand Prix will kick off proceedings on March 13, followed by the Australian, Malaysian and Chinese rounds, before the championship heads to Europe. The inaugural Indian event will take place towards the end of the year on October 30, with the season drawing to a close in Brazil on November 27.

Whilst the 2010 calendar features three back-to-back races, the 2011 season will have four, with the Malaysia/China, Spain/Monaco, Germany/Hungary and Japan/Korea events all taking place on consecutive weekends.

2011 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar:
13/03 Bahrain
27/03 Australia
10/04 Malaysia
17/04 China
08/05 Turkey
22/05 Spain
29/05 Monaco
12/06 Canada
26/06 Europe
10/07 Great Britain
24/07 Germany
31/07 Hungary
28/08 Belgium
11/09 Italy
25/09 Singapore
09/10 Japan
16/10 Korea
30/10 India*
13/11 Abu Dhabi
27/11 Brazil

* Subject to the homologation of the circuit

Stricter team and driver licensing rules proposed

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:57:56 -0400

The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council has announced two proposals it hopes to introduce in order to better maintain the reputation of the sport and the integrity of its competitors. It plans to submit both proposals to the FIA’s General Assembly for consideration.

One suggestion will see the introduction of a ‘competitor’s staff’ licence to ensure team members comply with standards of ‘good standing'. At least six senior staff from each team would have to hold a one of the licences. The scheme is believed to be a reaction to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix race-fixing scandal.

“The aim is to introduce a system that ensures they are subject to the criteria set out in a new FIA Code of Good Standing,” the FIA explained in a statement. “This would apply to a minimum of six people per competitor, including the team principal, sporting director, team manager, technical director and two race engineers (or equivalent).

“A new mechanism will be introduced to control access to areas under the jurisdiction of the FIA and no pass of any kind will be issued to any person or body who is not in good standing for the purposes of the FIA International Sporting Code. Entrants will also become responsible for their staff, meaning any person connected directly or indirectly with the entrant in connection with their participation in an event.”

The FIA has also proposed that if Formula One drivers commit a serious road traffic offence they could also be punished by the sport’s governing body. They suggest new amendments to the international sporting code which could see drivers being handed a warning, referred to a disciplinary tribunal or having their super licence revoked if they are found guilty of poor driving.

“The FIA, both in its motor sport and mobility roles, has a strong interest in promoting road safety,” it explained. “Competitorsat FIA events must act as ambassadors for the sport, be aware their conduct on the road must be exemplary and respect road safety rules. A proposal to amend the international sporting code will be submitted to the FIA General Assembly to clarify that any holder of an International Super Licence must also be in possession of a current road driving licence.

“Additionally, the Code will be amended to clarify that if an International Super Licence holder is involved in a serious road traffic offence recognised by a national police authority, the FIA, depending on the severity of the case, may issue a warning or refer the matter to the International Disciplinary Tribunal, which may temporarily or indefinitely withdraw the competitor’s International Super Licence.”

FIA: No new teams for 2011

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:57:35 -0400

The FIA has announced it will keep the Formula One entry list at 12 teams for 2011 and 2012, after deciding that none of the those bidding for a 13th entry next season met the necessary requirements.

Formula One racing’s governing body had received bids from numerous organisations after it invited expressions of interest from potential new teams back in March, following the late withdrawal of one of the new 2010 entries.

However, following Wednesday’s meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris, the FIA said it would not be granting any new entries.

The FIA’s statement in full:
Following the press release of 19 March 2010 calling for expressions of interest to participate in the 2011 and 2012 seasons of the FIA Formula One World Championship, a number of interested parties expressed their interest. It was considered that none of the candidates met the requirements to be granted an entry into the Championship.

Consequently, the allocation of the 13th team will not be granted.

Ferrari escape any further punishment from FIA

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:56:14 -0400

Ferrari has avoided further punishment for its actions at the 2010 German Grand Prix, after appearing in front of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in Paris on Wednesday.

On lap 49 at Hockenheim, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa conceded the lead to team-mate Fernando Alonso after receiving a radio message from his engineer Rob Smedley saying: "Fernando is faster than you. Can you confirm you understood that message?"

After the race the team was fined $100,000 by the stewards for breaching Article 39.1 of the sporting code, which bans team orders, and Article 151c, which forbids teams bringing the sport into disrepute.

However, Reuters has reported that, on leaving the hearing, head of the Italian motorsport federation Angelo Sticchi Damiani confirmed Ferrari had escaped further sanctions

After the German Grand Prix team boss Stefano Domenicali, who was present in Paris for Wednesday's hearing, insisted the radio communications were purely informative and not instructive.

"We gave information to Felipe about what was the situation, because we have already seen in the past that certain situations could not give the best result to the team," he said after the race. "That was the information we wanted to give and we leave the drivers to understand and take notice of it in order to make sure the team, in terms of the global results, gets the best."

The governing body is understood to have ordered a review of the regulations, which is an indication that the team orders ban will be amended or scrapped altogether.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, as well as FIA president Jean Todt, were present for Wednesday's proceedings.

Ecclestone refused to comment beyond saying a press release will be issued shortly.

More details and an FIA statement to follow...

Ferrari await their fate in team orders hearing

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:43:05 -0400

Ferrari will appear before the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in Paris on Wednesday afternoon in a disciplinary hearing relating to their controversial one-two result at July’s German Grand Prix.

Felipe Massa, who had been leading the Hockenheim race, moved aside to allow team mate Fernando Alonso past on Lap 49 shortly after race engineer Rob Smedley had told him "Fernando is faster than you. Can you confirm you understood that message?"

Seconds later, after Alonso had taken the lead, Smedley was back on the radio to the Brazilian, saying, “Good lad. Just stick with him now. Sorry.” Cries of team orders swiftly reverberated around the paddock and the incident was investigated by the Hockenheim stewards.

They decided the Italian team had contravened Article 39.1 of the sporting regulations, which states that "team orders which interfere with a race result are prohibited", and Article 151 (c) of the International Sporting Code, which outlaws "any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally".

The stewards immediately imposed a fine of US$100,000 - the maximum fine they are empowered to impose on a competitor - and additionally forwarded their decision to the WMSC for its consideration.

In the post-race aftermath, Ferrari maintained their innocence, with Massa stating it was his decision to allow Alonso through. “In my opinion this was not a case of team orders: my engineer kept me constantly informed on what was going on behind me, especially when I was struggling a bit on the hard tyres: so I decided to do the best thing for the team, and a one-two finish is the best possible result, isn’t it?”

Team boss Stefano Domenicali will be in Paris on Wednesday alongside the obligatory lawyers, while both drivers could make themselves available via video/telephone links. It is the FIA’s first major F1 hearing to be held under the Presidency of former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt, who took over the position from Max Mosley last October. However, the hearing will be chaired not by Todt but by FIA Deputy President for Sport, Graham Stoker.

Should the WMSC decide Ferrari’s actions warrant further sanction, the team face a variety of possible penalties, ranging from a further fine, to having points deducted, disqualification from the German Grand Prix or even the championship.

News on the outcome of the hearing is expected early Wednesday evening.

Bridgestone announce tyre compounds for remaining races

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:37:13 -0400

Bridgestone, the official tyre supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship, have announced the tyre compound allocations for the last four rounds of 2010.

There will be a gap of one step between allocated compounds for each of the final four tyre allocations, with teams set to use the super-soft and medium compounds in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, and the hard and soft rubber types in Japan and the first-ever Korean Grand Prix in October.

"The most interesting question for these final allocations is which tyres we will bring to Korea,” explained Hirohide Hamashima, Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development. “As always for a new race we work closely with the FIA, the circuit and the teams to reach our decision but in addition to all this information we always have safety in mind so our allocation for the first race in Korea will naturally be on the conservative side.

“The tyres for Korea are currently being shipped to the track and we are very interested to see this new facility when we go there in seven weeks time. Suzuka puts the tyres through a tough workout so we have the harder combination of hard and soft, whilst Sao Paulo and Yas Marina suit the softer combination of super soft and medium. Due to the nature of the tracks, there were no further opportunities for a hard - super soft allocation, although we did evaluate this after the lessons learnt at Hockenheim."

Tyre compounds for the 2010 season:
Bahrain (Sakhir) - super soft, medium
Australia (Melbourne) - soft, hard
Malaysia (Sepang) - soft, hard
China (Shanghai) - soft, hard
Spain (Barcelona) - soft, hard
Monaco (Monte Carlo) - super soft, medium
Turkey (Istanbul) - soft, hard
Canada (Montreal) - super soft, medium
Europe (Valencia) - super soft, medium
Great Britain (Silverstone) - soft, hard
Germany (Hockenheim) - super soft, hard
Hungary (Hungaroring) - super soft, medium
Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps) - soft, hard
Italy (Monza) - soft, hard
Singapore (Singapore) - super soft, medium
Japan (Suzuka) - soft, hard
Korea (Yeongam) - soft, hard
Brazil (Interlagos) - super soft, medium
Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina Circuit) - super soft, medium

Italy preview quotes - Ferrari

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:34:30 -0400

With average speeds of 250 km/h and top speeds of 340km/h, Monza is one of the quickest circuits on the calendar, as well as one of the oldest. Also home to the Tifosi, the track isn’t short on atmosphere either. The drivers and team members explain why they love Monza and discuss their prospects for the Italian Grand Prix…

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari
2009 Qualifying - 8th, 2009 Race - 5th
“I am here in Maranello getting ready for a special event, my first Italian Grand Prix as a Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver. From a technical point of view, Monza is a very different race to all the others: its long straights require a very low level of downforce and, as a consequence, unique aerodynamic elements. But clearly, this is not the only thing that makes Monza special: it is Ferrari’s home race and even if ours is a team that tackles every Grand Prix in the same way, giving it our best shot, always trying to win, there is no doubt that everyone in Maranello really wants to do well in front of our fans. You can see that on everyone’s faces, especially as, mixed in with the fans in the grandstands, many of our people will have their family and friends watching.”

Felipe Massa, Ferrari
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“It is obvious that the 14th race of the year will be very important for the Scuderia, not just because of it being the home race, but also because of the current situation in the championship. In Spa, given everything that happened in the race there, finishing fourth having started sixth was a good result, but in terms of the points situation, we needed more. So, looking at the championship, there will be some pressure this weekend, although I have always felt that the spotlight that falls on Ferrari in Monza is a positive thing and I enjoy seeing all the red flags, hats and t-shirts and hearing the noise of the Tifosi cheering, whenever we leave the pits. From a personal point of view, Italy is definitely my second country after Brazil, as my grandfather emigrated from Italy and I even hold an Italian passport.

“I have never done very well in the Italian Grand Prix and in fact my best finish is just a sixth place in a wet race in 2008. All the same, I like the track even if I have not had much luck there, like in 2007 when I was in the top three but did not finish the race. I have won in Monza, because I spent much of my early career racing there, with two victories in Formula Renault and one in Formula 3000. The track is now unique on the calendar in requiring very low downforce, so the car is very different to the rest of the year, running with very small wings, which means it needs to have good mechanical grip and work well on the kerbs. I think our car should be competitive here, or at least I hope so, because usually the F10 has gone well this season on tracks that feature hard braking at the end of straights, into slow corners, such as Bahrain and Hockenheim and even in Canada. I am looking forward to the weekend, because it is nice to end the European part of the season at such a great circuit.”

FIA press conference schedule - Italy

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:33:02 -0400

Local heroes Vitantonio Liuzzi and Jarno Trulli are just two of the drivers facing the media on Thursday, while Adrian Newey and Sam Michael are among the technical brains taking questions on Friday. The line-up in full…

Thursday, September 09, 1500 hours local time (1300 GMT):
Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), Rubens Barrichello (Williams), Jenson Button (McLaren), Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force India) and Jarno Trulli (Lotus).

Friday, September 10, 1600 hours local time (1400 GMT):
Aldo Costa (Ferrari), James Key (BMW Sauber), Paddy Lowe (McLaren), Sam Michael (Williams) and Adrian Newey (Red Bull).

The qualifying and post-race conferences with the top three drivers will take place immediately after the respective sessions.