Catch-up Session – Week No. 48
At the end of November, two major news items dominate the small world of Formula 1. As usual, Motorsinside.com reports the main news events of the past week. Firstly, as it has been for a few weeks now, the news of transfers. Gradually, the available spots in the major teams are becoming rarer. Last week, […]
At the end of November, two major news items dominate the small world of Formula 1. As usual, Motorsinside.com reports the main news events of the past week. Firstly, as it has been for a few weeks now, the news of transfers. Gradually, the available spots in the major teams are becoming rarer. Last week, the former Brawn GP team, now known as Mercedes GP, officially announced its first driver. Another team, this time Indian, confirmed the presence of both its drivers for 2010. Motorsinside.com dedicates a large portion of this article to the 2009/2010 transfers. The second major news headline is the ‘young drivers’ tests in Jerez, Spain. On the eve of these tests, we will take stock of the teams present as well as the drivers hired for this occasion. Just in the past week, four teams have confirmed their lineup. Finally, and this should delight many fans, there will indeed be a Canadian Grand Prix in 2010! After a year’s absence, Montreal is back on the calendar, and we will look into the details of this long-awaited and hoped-for return.
Transfers: The seats are gradually being filled…
Indeed, as of today, the number 2 spot at Mercedes GP and at Renault are still open, in addition to a few spots in the new teams. The number 1 seat of the former Brawn GP team is now occupied by Nico Rosberg. It’s a real promotion for the German who moves from Williams to Mercedes GP. His full potential will be on display for everyone to see starting in 2010. But the competition is expected to be tough with the new regulations coming into play on January 1st. His fifth year in the sport will thus be with a German manufacturer expected to announce its second driver very soon. The latter could also be German with Nick Heidfeld. A German team with a 100% German lineup. What could be better? Alongside this information, a second official confirmation stirred last week. That of Force India drivers. Unsurprisingly, it’s Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi who will be in the Indian seats. The German will enter his fourth season with Mallya’s team while Tonio Liuzzi replaces Giancarlo Fisichella. It’s a great achievement for the Italian as he was a reserve driver until the end of this season!
The official announcement of Nico Rosberg at Mercedes GP
The official announcement of Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi at Force India
Jerez Tests: Teams Have Made Their Choices
Tomorrow will mark the beginning of the first inter-season tests between 2009 and 2010. This initial round highlights young drivers who may become full-time Formula 1 drivers in the future. Last week, each team announced the drivers they will employ for these few days of testing.
Initially, it is BMW that takes the first move. Even before its complete withdrawal from F1, the German team keeps its promises. That is why Alexander Rossi and Esteban Gutierrez will drive the F2009 on the Iberian circuit.
Then, the next day, November 25th, Force India reveals that Paul di Resta and the American JR Hildebrand will be behind the wheel of the VJM02. Each will have a day to prove themselves. This is not a first for di Resta, who tested for McLaren less than a year ago. Ultimately, the Scotsman remained in DTM this season.
Then it was Mercedes GP’s turn to name their test drivers: Mike Conway and Marcus Ericsson will be part of the team. The first, who already knows the little world of Formula 1, will be behind the wheel of the car during the team’s three days of testing. The second is rewarded for his efforts in Formula 3.
Finally, Renault confirmed the presence of Bertrand Baguette, as well as Ho-Pin Tung and Lucas di Grassi. It is important to note that there is still a spot available at Renault, and the Brazilian is among the many names currently being considered.
To conclude and to be completely thorough on these initial tests, it is important to highlight the presence of a Frenchman at Ferrari. Jules Bianchi will be at the wheel of the F60 for two days, just like Daniel Zampieri, Marco Zioli, and Pablo Sanchez Lopez will share it on the last day.
The British Formula 3 champion, Daniel Ricciardo will meanwhile be evaluated by Red Bull Racing.
Mirko Bortolotti will likely be in the STR4 of Toro Rosso on the second day, while Brendon Hartley could drive the other two days.
To conclude, Williams will compete with Andy Soucek alongside their 2010 recruit, Nico Hülkenberg. The latter might be the only regular driver to set foot on the Jerez track.
McLaren has not disclosed any information while Toyota is withdrawing from the sport and will therefore not be present. The same goes for the new teams 2010 who are finalizing their preparations.
The drivers engaged with BMW for the Jerez tests
The drivers engaged with Force India for the Jerez tests
Drivers signed with Mercedes GP for the Jerez tests
The drivers engaged with Renault for the Jerez tests
The Official Return of the Canadian Grand Prix
The 2010 calendar is indeed heading towards the presence of 19 races. One has just been confirmed and it’s not the least! After a year of absence, the Canadian Grand Prix on the semi-urban circuit of Montreal is back. The Quebec government has reached an agreement with FOM (Formula One Management), the holder of commercial rights. For good reason, 30% of the ticket sales revenue will go to the state, which is really involved in organizing the race. For many fans, it is thus a relief as Formula 1 returns to the North American continent.
