Author Archive for Hugh Podmore

Fernando Alonso today wrote himself into the history books, becoming one of a handful of drivers to win on their Ferrari debut. The Asturian drove a faultless race in which he was seemingly able to speed up at will, although some will say he was fortunate that Sebastian Vettel had a mechanical issue which in effect made Alonso’s job easier.  Read more... (971 words, estimated 3:53 mins reading time)

Felipe Massa has said that he expects to score “many points” this weekend at the opening race of the season in Bahrain.

The Ferrari driver is supremely confident that his new Ferrari F10, which impressed over the winter, will be capable of delivering success at the Sakhir track.  Read more... (225 words, estimated 54 secs reading time)

Bruno Senna has said that just having got to Bahrain is a dream come true for him.

After months of uncertainty over whether his HRT team would make it to the first grand prix, Senna is preparing for his first grand prix in Bahrain at the moment.  Read more... (228 words, estimated 55 secs reading time)

Mark Webber has said that the new generation of F1 drivers bear little resemblance to the older ones.

At the presumably accepted risk of sounding like Victor Meldrew, Webber said that the younger drivers were mollycoddled because they had power steering and semi-automatic gearboxes.  Read more... (263 words, estimated 1:03 mins reading time)

The modifications to the grand prix circuit at Silverstone are almost finished, says Silverstone managing director Richard Phillips.

“Work on the circuit and venue is on schedule,” he told Autosport.

“The team has been working around the clock, through some pretty terrible weather conditions, to make sure the circuit is ready on time.  Read more... (169 words, estimated 41 secs reading time)

McLaren have said that they support new teams – a statement which flies in the face of rivals Ferrari’s criticism of the new entrants.

Managing director Jonathan Neale told reporters via a teleconference that he recognised the new teams and FOTa should assist them in any way possible.  Read more... (259 words, estimated 1:02 mins reading time)

Lotus Racing technical director Mike Gascoyne has said that his drivers’ realistic views of the pace of the car are a positive asset to the team.

Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen have both been quoted as saying that the new Lotus car lacks downforce, but Gascoyne believes this means they know the amount of progress that will be required.  Read more... (382 words, estimated 1:32 mins reading time)

New Renault team principal Eric Boullier has said that he has no doubts whatsoever about the ability or speed of new driver Vitaly Petrov.

Petrov will make his debut in Bahrain after limited testing, but Bouiller said his previous results speak for themselves.  Read more... (288 words, estimated 1:09 mins reading time)

The FIA are to delay their inspection of McLaren’s rear wing until the first race of the season in Bahrain next weekend.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner first raised concerns about the legality of the wing last week. It is believed that the wing gives McLaren a straight-line speed advantage, through a conveniently-positioned hole in the structure.  Read more... (160 words, estimated 38 secs reading time)

F1 legend Stirling Moss has broken both ankles and some bones in his feet after falling into a lift when the doors opened prematurely.

The accident happened at Moss’ home and he was swiftly admitted to the London hospital, where it was also discovered that he had damaged his back.  Read more... (94 words, estimated 23 secs reading time)