INDIA in F1

Category: Formula 1

  • Pirelli celebrates its 400th F1 Grand Prix F1 in Bahrain

    Pirelli celebrates its 400th F1 Grand Prix F1 in Bahrain

    Pirelli Celebrating 400 F1 Grands Prix. A Pirelli video!

    Pirelli will celebrate its 400th Formula 1 grand prix in Bahrain: the opening race of the 2021 season.

    Pirelli’s first grand prix was the inaugural F1 race at Silverstone in 1950, won by Giuseppe Farina in an Alfa Romeo – who went on to claim the debut title at the end of the year. A replica of the Pirelli Stella Bianca tyre that Farina used to win that British Grand Prix is currently on display in the newly-opened museum at Silverstone in England.

    Since then, there have been 240 wins, 243 pole positions, 247 fastest laps, and 727 podium places in Formula 1 for the Italian tyre firm. Bahrain constitutes another important milestone for Pirelli, which has been an integral part of motorsport for more than 110 years after winning the 1907 Peking to Paris race. Over the course of this year, a number of different celebrations are planned on Pirelli’s social media channels to mark the occasion, including a video and the attached infographic that sets out Pirelli’s Formula 1 story up to now in numbers.

    Mario Isola, Head of F1 and Car Racing: “At Pirelli, we’re very proud of our history, so it’s fantastic to celebrate 400 grands prix. We commemorate this landmark on the verge of a new era: at the start of the final season of 13-inch tyres, before we adopt 18-inch tyres in F1 along with wide-ranging new technical regulations from next year onwards. So as we look back at the past, we’re excited to be writing the next chapter in our story as well.”

  • McLaren Racing signs up US rising karting star Ugo Ugochukwu

    McLaren Racing signs up US rising karting star Ugo Ugochukwu

    Woking, 22 March 2021: McLaren Racing today announced that it has signed a long-term agreement with Ugo Ugochukwu, the promising young driver from the USA, who was recently crowned FIA European karting champion.

    The 13-year-old American has proven to be a revelation, already securing several titles in his young career in the US and Europe, and most recently winning the 2020 FIA OKJ European Championship.

    The agreement provides McLaren Racing with an option on Ugo’s services in the future, while supporting his development and evolution as he progresses through the junior categories of motorsport.

    Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:

    “We’ve been watching Ugo’s progress with interest, so when the opportunity to sign an agreement with him became available, we had no hesitation moving on it. Now we’ll focus on giving Ugo the right support when he needs it to help him fulfil his potential.” 

    Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren F1, said:

    “Ugo is a promising young talent with strong development prospects. While he is still early in his career, it is clear he has the ingredients to be successful in the sport. This signing reflects our refocused approach to identifying and supporting new talent, away from a formal young driver programme to a more tailored basis.”

    Ugo Ugochukwu, said:

    “I’m honoured to be signed by such an iconic team as McLaren Racing so early in my career. To have the support of McLaren is fantastic and what any young driver dreams of. I’m focused right now on developing as a driver and racer, so having McLaren by my side can only help me on and off the track.”

    About Ugo Ugochukwu

    Ugo is regarded as one of karting’s rising stars.

    Since he began karting in New York State in 2013, Ugo has gone on to race across the United States and Europe. The 13-year-old American has already shown his talent by winning the following series:

    • 2014 Micro Rok USA Championship
    • 2015 Florida Winter Tour Micromax Championship
    • 2017 International Open X30 Mini Championship
    • 2017 All Star X30 Mini Championship
    • 2018 Challenge of the Americas Rok Junior Championship
    • 2020 FIA OKJ European Championship

    Ugo is currently competing in Europe in the OK Senior class.

  • Voice of F1, Murray Walker is no more

    Voice of F1, Murray Walker is no more

    London, 13 March 2021: The FIA is saddened to hear of the passing of Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker. 

    The British television personality, who was 97, was regarded in his home country as ‘the voice of Formula 1’ and first commentated on a Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1949. He was the lead commentator on British TV for 25 years, working for the BBC between 1976 and 1996 and ITV between 1996 and 2001. Walker retired from full-time commentary after the 2001 US Grand Prix but continued to work in F1 and in motor sport right up until his final years. 

    His death was confirmed by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which in a statement said: “It is with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate member Murray Walker OBE. A friend, a true motor sport legend, the nation’s favourite commentator and a contagious smile. Murray will be sadly missed, his mark and voice will live on in motorsport and our hearts forever.”

    Paying tribute to Murray, FIA President Jean Todt said: “I am very sad to learn that Murray Walker has passed away. Formula 1 commentator for over 25 years for the BBC and ITV, most notably alongside James Hunt, he was the voice of Formula 1. All the FIA Family pays tribute to him. My thoughts are with him and his loved ones.”

    Formula 1 also issued a statement saying the series was “immensely sad to hear that Murray Walker has passed away. [Walker’s] passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world. He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed.”

    Tributes to the late commentator came from across Formula 1, including from all 10 current F1 teams, as well as from current and former F1 drivers such as 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill, 1998-’99 champion Mika Häkkinen, George Russell, Sergio Pérez, Alex Albon, Paul Di Resta, Karun Chandhok and Jack Aitken. 

  • Valtteri Bottas fastest on Day 2: Bahrain pre-season Test

    Valtteri Bottas fastest on Day 2: Bahrain pre-season Test

    Bahrain, 13 March 2021: Valtteri Bottas set the quickest time of pre-season testing so far as Mercedes enjoyed a more productive second day at the Bahrain International Circuit. 

    After troubles on the opening day of the three-day test, Bottas posted 58 laps in the afternoon on his way to the quickest time of the day. However, the Finn needed to bolt on a set of the softest tyres on offer, the red-banded C5 compound Pirelli, to dislodge AlpahTauri’s Pierre Gasly from top spot on the timesheet. Gasly too had used the C5 for his best time of the day and finished just 0.124 behind the Finn. 

    Earlier in the day Bottas’ team-mate Lewis Hamilton also enjoyed a more productive outing with the seven-time world champion also getting through 58 laps of the desert circuit in the morning session, despite an early off. 

    Hamilton, though, restricted himself to hard tyres during his running and finished the day in 15th place on the timesheet.

    A number of drivers moved to soft-tyre running in the latter part of the afternoon session. 

    Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll took third place on the timesheet with a late run on C5 tyres, posting a best time of 1:30.460 to finish 0.171s behind Bottas. 

    Fourth place also went to a Mercedes-powered driver, with McLaren’s Lando Norris as little over a tenth behind Stroll with a best lap of 1:30.586. While the top three used the C5, Norris’ best time was delivered on the C4 compound. 

    Norris was followed by C5 runners Antonio Giovinazzi of Alfa Romeo and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, while Williams’ Nicholas Latifi finished seventh thanks to a C5 time of 1.31.672.

    That was one thousandth of a second ahead of the eighth–placed Red Bull of Sergio Pérez, though the Mexican’s time was set on tyres three steps harder than those on the Williams man’s car.

    Pérez spent the bulk of his running on the C2 hard tyre as day one’s quickest team focused on longer runs and an afternoon race simulation. 

    Pérez’s 117 laps weren’t without issue, however, and after briefly being restricted to the garage by a technical issue in the morning he was sidelined for a longer spell in the afternoon when the left side engine cover of his car blew off while on track. With debris strewn across the start-finish straight the session was red-flagged. Pérez later rejoined the action and completed his race run. 

    McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo finished in ninth place, while Fernando Alonso, making his return to F1 with Alpine, finished in 10th place as he too focused on the C2 hard tyre.

    AlphaTauri rookie Yuki Tsunoda was 11th on the timesheet ahead of Haas’ Mick Schumacher, the second Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and the second Haas of Nikita Mazepin. 

    There was trouble though for Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel as gearbox problems restricted him to just 10 laps in the morning and he finished in 16th and last place. 

    Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing, Bahrain – Day Two
    1 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 58 1:30.289  
    2 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri 87 1:30.413 0.124
    3 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 71 1:30.460 0.171
    4 Lando Norris McLaren 52 1:30.586 0.297
    5 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo 125 1:30.760 0.471
    6 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 73 1:30.886 0.597
    7 Nicholas Latifi Williams 132 1:31.672 1.383
    8 Sergio Perez Red Bull 117 1:31.682 1.393
    9 Daniel Ricciardo McLaren 52 1:32.215 1.926
    10 Fernando Alonso Alpine 128 1:32.339 2.050
    11 Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri 57 1:32.684 2.395
    12 Mick Schumacher Haas 88 1:32.883 2.594
    13 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 56 1:33.072 2.783
    14 Nikita Mazepin Haas 76 1:33.101 2.812
    15 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 58 1:33.399 3.110
    16 Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin 10 1:38.849 8.560

  • Max Verstappen top times on Day 1: Bahrain Test

    Max Verstappen top times on Day 1: Bahrain Test

    Bahrain, 12 March 2021: Max Verstappen set the quickest time on the opening day of Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit as Mercedes encountered early troubles.

    In hot and hazy conditions due to heavy winds whipping up sand, Verstappen set his quickest time, a lap of 1:30.674 set on Pirelli’s yellow-banded C3 tyre in the afternoon session as he also worked his way to the day’s largest lap count of 139 tours of the 5.412km circuit. 

    The Dutchman’s table-topping lap left him 0.215 seconds clear of McLaren’s Lando Norris with the British driver also using the C3 tyre for his best time. Third place on the day went to Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, though the French driver set his best lap on the softer C4 compound. 

    Mercedes’ test phase got off to a difficult start, however. Valtteri Bottas managed to complete a single installation in the morning before being sidelined by a gearbox issue. 

    Bottas was able to rejoin the session but managed just six laps in total before handing over driving duties to Lewis Hamilton. 

    Seven-time world champion Hamilton added 42 laps in the afternoon but suffered several off-track moments in the tricky conditions and ended the day in 10th place on the timesheet with a best time of 1:32.912 set on the C2 hard tyre. 

    Bottas, meanwhile, was left to prop up the timesheet in 17th place, six seconds off the pace. 

    “The first lap, the install lap, we realised there was an issue with the gearbox. We obviously had to localise the issue and change the gearbox, which takes quite a bit of time,” said the Finn of his troubled morning. “Only at the very end we got a few laps, and then it was red-flagged, and that was it. Six total laps, all with aero rakes on the car, so not much running today. Not an ideal start.”

    Fourth place in the session went to Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. The Canadian driver finished 1.1s off Verstappen’s pace, as he ran on unmarked prototype Pirelli tyre. The tyre supplier is offering two prototypes this weekend that are identical to the standard C3 but produced in Turkey rather than Romania. 

    Stroll’s new team-mate, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel ended the day in P13 on the timesheet with a best time of 1:33.742. In all the Aston Martin pair got through 97 laps on a solid first day. 

    Vettel’s replacement at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, took fifth spot on his first full test day for the Scuderia. The Spaniard finished with a best time of 1:31.919 set on C3 tyres. 

    Like Mercedes, Ferrari also encountered mechanical woes, as Charles Leclerc was halted by an issue in the morning. 

    Kimi Räikkönen posted 63 laps for Alfa Romeo in the morning session and team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi added a further 68 in the afternoon to complete a decent first day for the Swiss team as they placed 12thand sixth respectively. 

    Seventh place went to new McLaren recruit Daniel Ricciardo with the Australian followed by AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly and rookie driver Yuki Tsunoda. 

    Further back Williams tester Roy Nissany was 14th for Williams as he worked through 83 laps, while Haas rookie Nikita Mazepin completed 70 laps on his way to P15. It was a less auspicious first outing with the American team for 2020 Formula 2 champion Mick Schumacher. The German only completed 15 laps. 

    Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing, Bahrain – Day One 
    1 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda 1:30.674 139
    2 Lando Norris McLaren/Mercedes 1:30.889 0.215 46
    3 Esteban Ocon Alpine/Renault 1:31.146 0.472 129
    4 Lance Stroll Aston Martin/Mercedes 1:31.782 1.108 46
    5 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 1:31.919 1.245 57
    6 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo/Ferrari 1:31.945 1.271 68
    7 Daniel Ricciardo McLaren/Mercedes 1:32.203 1.529 45
    8 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri/Honda 1:32.231 1.557 74
    9 Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri/Honda 1:32.727 2.053 37
    10 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:32.912 2.238 42
    11 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:33.242 2.568 59
    12 Kimi Räikkönen Alfa Romeo/Ferrari 1:33.320 2.646 63
    13 Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin/Mercedes 1:33.742 3.068 51
    14 Roy Nissany Williams/Mercedes 1:34.789 4.115 83
    15 Nikita Mazepin Haas/Ferrari 1:34.798 4.124 70
    16 Mick Schumacher Haas/Ferrari 1:36.127 5.453 15
    17 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 1:36.850 6.176 6

  • Williams Racing welcomes watch partner Bremont

    Williams Racing welcomes watch partner Bremont

    Oxfordshire, 11 March 2021: Williams Racing is delighted to welcome Bremont as the team’s Official Timing and Watch Partner. Founded in 2002, Bremont craft beautifully engineered British watches, designed, manufactured and assembled in Oxfordshire.

    The partnership draws upon the many similarities of the two brands, with a clear focus on precision and innovation allowing for collaboration on a deeper technical level. Bremont’s move to its new state-of-the-art Manufacturing and Technology Centre, which marks the start of a new era for British watchmaking, is perfectly timed to enable a knowledge sharing focused around their respective CNC machining capabilities.

    Williams race drivers, George Russell and Nicholas Latifi, will proudly wear their Bremont watches along with other senior members of the team.

    Jost Capito, CEO from Williams Racing commented: “It is our pleasure to welcome luxury watch manufacturer Bremont as Williams Racing’s Official Timing and Watch Partner, as we start an exciting new era for the team. As close neighbours in Oxfordshire we see the multitude of synergies between the two businesses and Bremont’s commitment to bring watchmaking back to the UK, with its unique positioning as the preeminent British watch manufacturer, makes the firm a perfect partner for us. The undeniable crossover in manufacturing skills and our sheer proximity to one another should make for some exciting and innovative future projects.”

    Giles English, Co-Founder of Bremont added: “Everyone at Bremont is incredibly proud to be working with Williams Racing, a team with an incredible history and such a poignant name in sport. The links between our two industries are considerable and as Official Timing and Watch Partner our relationship will be beneficial on many levels. Over the years we have seen a substantial crossover between the manufacturing skills in Formula One and watchmaking; we have employed several individuals from the industry to date. Complex machining to very high tolerances requires a significant investment in machinery and technical skillset. We’re excited to be working with such a renowned British technology business and look forward to seeing where we can take the partnership.

    About Bremont

    Bremont is an award-winning British luxury watch brand, manufacturing mechanical watches in Henley-on-Thames, England. Bremont is making considerable investment with its UK watch making and manufacturing and at the end of 2014 launched a new Parts Manufacturing Facility which saw the firm starting to produce its own case and movement components. Cofounded by brothers Nick & Giles English in 2002, Bremont has made a substantial impact on the watch making industry in a very short period of time. The brand remains true to its original principles of aviation and military, British engineering and adventure. As well as manufacturing watches for some of the most exclusive military squadrons around the world, Bremont continues to play an influential role in revitalising the British watch industry, the birthplace of numerous timekeeping innovations still used today. The brand is now in the top handful of chronometer producers in the world.

    About Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited

    Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited’s core competencies are the design and development of racing cars to compete in the Formula One World Championship. As one of the world’s leading Formula One teams, the company has secured 16 FIA Formula One World Championship titles since its foundation in 1977. Nine of these titles have been won in the Constructors’ Championship in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. The remaining seven titles were won in the Drivers’ Championship with Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve.

  • Top-Down on 2021 F1 pre-season: A viewpoint from our Technical Writer Malhaar

    Top-Down on 2021 F1 pre-season: A viewpoint from our Technical Writer Malhaar

    By Malhaar Khaladkar

    London, 11 March 2021: The Formula 1 pre-season testing is set to begin on March 12 through to March 14. This year it is being held at the Sakhir International circuit for the first time since 2014. With the 2021 cars about to hit track, here is all you need to know about teams and drivers in pre-season testing.

    Key regulations changes in 2021 include floor-space reduction ahead of the car’s rear tyre which is aimed at downforce reduction. The length of diffuser strakes has been shortened as well to aid the reduction in downforce. Reduction in downforce was stipulated by the FIA so that the Pirelli tyres can handle the lateral forces going through them as they were effectively introduced in 2019 and meant for slower (2019) cars.

    Other key change is the carry-over of the survival cell, the monocoque chassis to reduce costs for teams due the ongoing Covid pandemic with the revolutionary new cars to be introduced in 2022 instead of 2021. The FIA also introduced a two-token system by which the teams can use their tokens to develop certain homologated parts of their cars. Aerodynamic surfaces can be developed freely.  The ingenious DAS system introduced by Mercedes last year has been banned as well. Other small changes include the weight of Power Unit increasing slightly and the weight of cars going up by 3 kgs to 749 kgs.

    Mercedes AMG F1:

    The reigning champions will be gunning for a record-extending eighth consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ title this season as they ended the 2020 season on a high with 15 pole positions and 13 wins.

    Formel 1: Präsentation des Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance Formula One: Launch of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance. A Mercedes AMG Petronas image

    Their 2021 car is called the W12, which has a major carry over of parts and monocoque chassis (as stipulated by the 2021 regulations). They have openly admitted to keeping their cards close to their chest and not showing either the new floor or where they have spent the tokens to develop their car. Mercedes stopped the development of W11 (2020 car) midway through last season to focus on the W12. A lot of work has also gone in the Power Unit side, with Mercedes claiming it to be more powerful and reliable than last year. So, expect them to come out of the blocks quickly.

    Mercedes keep their drivers unchanged, only one of the three teams to do so, with Lewis Hamilton signing a one-year contract in February and Valtteri Bottas staying on. For Mercedes this means stability as this gives them the best opportunity to gun for both the titles yet again.

    Red Bull Racing:

    Red Bull on paper are the closest rivals and challengers to Mercedes for this season. Them winning the season ending Abu Dhabi GP in 2020, means momentum is on their side going in 2021.

    The RB16B will be their challenger for 2021. Red Bull, too, have kept their cards close to the chest as they barely revealed the RB16B to the public. They are also hiding their floor details. Red bull have spent their tokens on a new gearbox transmission and rear suspension of the car. Honda has also introduced a new engine, which has the upgrades planned for 2022 originally, but brought forward as they will be leaving the sport at the end of this season. Red bull will be hoping to start the year much closer to Mercedes as this year’s car is 60% carry over of last year’s car.

    In the driver department, Red Bull chose to go for Sergio Perez instead of retaining Alex Albon to partner Max Verstappen. Perez brings the consistency and the knowledge of Mercedes power unit to Red Bull which could be key for them to win both the championships. It remains to be seen how Perez adapts to the Red Bull car which in recent history has been tricky to get grips with.

    McLaren Racing:

    McLaren’s P3 in the constructor’s championship was their best result in the turbo-hybrid era. With a new driver line-up and a new car under the skin they look set to consolidate P3 and move closer to the top 2 teams.

    The MCL35M’s biggest change is the power unit. McLaren swapped the Renault power unit for the Mercedes one in 2021, reinvigorating the classic McLaren-Mercedes brand. Mercedes has arguably been the class leading Power Unit since 2014, thus the switch. As Mercedes PU has a different architecture compared to the Renault PU, they have had to modify their monocoque chassis to fit the Mercedes PU, thus, spending their two tokens on it. According to McLaren, this year’s car is a better package compared to last year with the integration of Mercedes.

    Daniel Ricciardo replaces Carlos Sainz and will be partnered by Lando Norris. Ricciardo brings race winning experience to McLaren while this will be Norris’ third season with the papaya squad. With Ricciardo having the ability to adapt to a car quickly, podiums can be expected from this season.

    Aston Martin F1:

    Famous rebranding and signing of a four-time world champion show the intent and commitment of Aston Martin, previously Racing Point to reach the top and… winning! They almost achieved P3 last season and were narrowly beaten by McLaren, Aston Martin will be determined to finish as close as possible to the top-2 teams, beating their rivals in the process.

    Aston Martin during the Test. Photo by Aston Martin added on 15 March

    Their new car is called the AMR21, which is the most different car compared to last year’s car of any team. That is due to them having spent their tokens on a new monocoque chassis, to redesign the sidepod inlets and cooling configuration. They have also got the 2020 Mercedes rear suspension and the improved Mercedes PU. Aston martin have retained the Mercedes low-rake aerodynamic philosophy for this year.

    Sebastian Vettel has come on-board to be alongside Lance Stroll. Once again, Vettel brings championship winning experience and feedback to improve the car. If the drivers are able to capitalise on the car’s “expected” potential, then they could finish P3 by the end of the season.

    Alpine F1:

    Another team which had a re-brand and signed a world champion for this year. Alpine, previously Renault, will be hoping to make gains to consistently challenge McLaren and Aston Martin in the fight for P3.

    The A521 is an evolution of the RS20 with main changes coming internally. They have introduced a new power unit. To supplement that Alpine has spent its tokens on the rear of the car with a new gearbox transmission and rear suspension. As Alpine do not have power unit customers, they will be at a disadvantage in testing due to less data compared to other manufacturers. It remains to be seen if this will hinder their progress in 2021.

    Alpine have signed two-time champion Fernando Alonso in the wake of Ricciardo leaving for McLaren. Alongside him will be Frenchman, Esteban Ocon. Alpine are hoping that with the speed and experience of Alonso they can take the fight to McLaren and Aston Martin, with achieving regular podiums their top priority.

    Scuderia Ferrari:

    Ferrari had their worst season in F1 in 40 years as they finished P6 with a draggy car and a sub-par engine. They will be looking to bounce back getting ahead of the pack with the new engine and new driver line-up.

    The SF21 is a radical evolution of previous year’s car. It has a new front wing and nose, coupled with an all-new Ferrari engine which is better than last year. According to Mattia Binotto their straight-line speed for this year has improved compared to last year. Ferrari have spent their tokens on a new gearbox transmission and rear suspension as they look to make the rear of the car even tighter for aerodynamic gains.

    Ferrari have signed another young blood, in the name of Carlos Sainz who though young, will be going in his seventh season in F1. Alongside him will be Charles Leclerc in his third season with Ferrari. Both drivers are proven so it remains to be seen if the car can propel them to the front of the field and at least secure P3 in the constructors by the end of the season.

    AlphaTauri:

    AlphaTauri had a good baseline to end with last season and with the introduction of a newly promoted driver it could be a fantastic season for the Faenza based team.

    Pierre and Yuki sample the AT02 for the fist time on March 11. Alpha Tauri pic

    AlphaTauri’s 2021 challenger is called the AT02. With a good baseline from last year, AlphaTauri elected not to use Red Bull’s 2020 rear suspension, instead sticking with 2019 rear suspension setup in a bid to optimize it fully. Instead, they have spent their tokens on a new thinner nose cone structure and a new front suspension setup. Along with that, they too receive the upgraded 2021 Honda engine.

    AlphaTauri has retained 2020 race winner Pierre Gasly and signed a promising F2 driver, Yuki Tsunoda. AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost is confident that if they maximise the potential of their car, they will be able to challenge the likes of McLaren and Aston Martin.

    You can watch the 11 March 2021 video here.

    Alfa Romeo:

    Alfa Romeo had a difficult season in 2020 as their chassis was not up to their expectations and the slower Ferrari engine accentuated their problem. They have also opted for stability in sticking with the same drivers this season.

    The C41 shows promise according Alfa Romeo as they have heavily reworked the car. They hope to get better performance from the new Ferrari engine. They have spent their tokens on the new thinner nose cone as well as a new front suspension setup to iron out the inherent understeer in previous years car.

    As mentioned, Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi will stay with Alfa Romeo for a third consecutive season as they hope the experience of both will propel them into the mid field fight.

    Haas F1:

    Haas had another mediocre season as they finished P9 at the end of the 2020 season. With a completely new driver lineup and injection of funds, Haas will be hoping to turn their fortunes around.

    Haas have not revealed their 2021 challenger, the VF21 yet. This will be done on the morning of pre-season testing in Bahrain. They did reveal the livery of the car. Haas are also yet to fire up their power unit for the first time as due to covid restrictions it has not been possible. Haas have also confirmed that no upgrade packages will brought to the VF21 as the team will fully focus on 2022 car.

    Haas field a new driver lineup of Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin. Both are rookies and will be their first season in F1. Inexperienced yet both are fast as Schumacher won the 2020 F2 title and Mazepin finished in the top 5.

    Williams F1:

    A fast driver lineup and improving car Williams look on the rise as they will try to get back in the midfield and contest for points regularly. Their aim is to beat Alfa Romeo and Haas this season.

    The Williams 2021 car, the FW43B is an evolution of last year’s FW43. A Williams image

    The FW43B is an evolution of last year’s FW43. Their main focus has been weight reduction of the car for 2021. Williams have not spent any development tokens this year, instead electing to fully optimise their package. Williams have also said that they will aggressively develop the FW43B in the early stages of the season in a bid to challenge the mid field rivals.

    Williams will continue with George Russell and Nicholas Latifi. With this stability and speed of both driver Williams are hoping to be consistently in the midfield battle and score points.

    *Malhaar Khaladkar writes on F1 and technical aspects of the sport. The passionate student based in London, is also a keen student of the sport. After successfully completing one year of an analysis piece, after every race last year, Malhaar will continue to bring to you the nuances of the sport with a Monday comment piece after every race. We invite your comments and suggestions.

  • Gaurav Gill guns for APRC title again as season begins with South India Rally: April 23-25

    Gaurav Gill guns for APRC title again as season begins with South India Rally: April 23-25

    Paris, 5 March 2021: The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has finalised different calendars for various motorsports disciplines and one that India will be most-interested is the revised date for Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2021 (APRC) which will kick-start the five-round season with the first round at Chennai from April 23 to 25, simultaneously run with Asia Zone and INRC events.

    The Madras Motor Sports Club will host the South India Rally Championship on these dates and simultaneously run the APRC opening round to become a new venue for the FIA continental championship in India. India last hosted the APRC in Chikmagalur in 2017. Three-times APRC champion and Arjuna Awardee, Gaurav Gill, will be aiming for a fourth title as he rejoins the APRC campaign, albeit in Yellow colours, this time as a brand ambassador for JK Tyre. Gill joined the elite Indian club by winning his 7th INRC title to become the highest decorated rally driver along with Naren Kumar.

    The FIA President reminded council members that in the 12-months since the last physically-attended WMSC meeting in March 2020, the FIA has maintained a strong level of governance across all disciplines and all regions despite these unprecedented times.

    The FIA President led a one-minute silence which was observed by members in memory of all those from the global motor sport community who have fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also paid tribute to the Finnish rally driver Hannu Mikkola who passed away recently. The President said: “Hannu was a great champion and a gentleman. I’ve had the privilege of being his co-driver many years ago. My thoughts are with his loved ones and the families of the members of the FIA community who passed away due to the pandemic.”

    The following is a summary of the decisions taken during the meeting:

    FIA Formula One World Championship

    The World Council has agreed to grant a one-year extension to the existing exclusive tyre supply contract with Pirelli to reflect the original intention of the 2018 tyre tender and remain within the overall technical framework in the best interests of all relevant stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic obliged the FIA and Formula 1 to implement emergency measures that included the cancellation of tyre development tests last year and the postponement of planned new technical regulations – which included 18-inch tyres – from 2021 to 2022. As a result, 13-inch tyres will be used during the 2021 season, with a move to 18-inch tyres in 2022.

    The FIA Safety Department presented the findings of the investigation into the incident involving Romain Grosjean at the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix – further details of which can be found here.

    Following the confirmation of Portugal as the venue for round three, the revised 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is as follows:

    Formula 1 – 2021 Calendar

    GP #DateVenue- CountryTrack
    128 March 2021BahrainSakhir
    218 AprilItalyImola
    32 MayPortugalPortimao
    49 MaySpainBarcelona
    523 MayMonacoMonaco
    66 JuneAzerbaijanBaku
    713 JuneCanadaMontreal
    827 JuneFranceLe Castellet
    94 JulyAustriaSpielberg
    1018 JulyGreat BritainSilverstone
    111 AugustHungaryBudapest
    1229 AugustBelgiumSpa-Francorchamps
    135 SeptemberNetherlandsZandvoort
    1412 SeptemberItalyMonza
    1526 SeptemberRussiaSochi
    163 OctoberSingaporeSingapore
    1710 OctoberJapanSuzuka
    1824 OctoberUSAAustin
    1931 OctoberMexicoMexico City
    207 NovemberBrazilSão Paulo
    2121 NovemberAustraliaMelbourne
    225 DecemberSaudi ArabiaJeddah*
    2312 DecemberAbu DhabiYas Marina
    *Subject to circuit homologation

    FIA World Rally Championship

    The Council approved the final Rally1 technical regulations, including an update of the 1.6 turbo engine details.

    FIA Rally – 2022 WRC and ERC Sporting Pyramid

    The principles of a Rally Sporting Pyramid, to be implemented for the FIA World Rally Championship with complementary details for the FIA European Rally Championship, have been approved. The ambition of this new structure is to align the championships names with the car categories names (e.g. Rally2 cars compete in WRC2), to identify a common theme of Open and Junior categories between the series, and to reinforce the positioning of the FIA European Rally Championship both as a feeder  series for the WRC and a goal in itself by creating a clear pathway.

    In application of these principles, the WRC2 classification, open to the Rally2 category, will feature an Open Championship and a Junior Championship for drivers under 30. The WRC3 classification, open to the Rally3 class, will also feature an Open Championship and a Junior Championship for drivers under 29.

    Similarly, the ERC3 classification, open to the Rally3 category, will feature an Open Championship and a Junior Championship for drivers under 28, while the ERC4 classification, open to the Rally4 and Rally5 classes, will equally have an Open Championship and a Junior Championship for drivers under 27.

    In addition to age limits, experience restrictions will be implemented in the Junior Championships. As a result, former champions will not be allowed to put their titles back into play.

    For both the WRC and ERC classifications, awards for Rookies, with less than three participations before the start of the season, and Masters, for drivers over 40 years old not included on the FIA Regional Priority List, will be created.

    As a next step, details will be defined to reflect these principles in the sporting regulations.

    FIA World Endurance Championship

    Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, it was necessary to revise the 2021 calendar. A revised calendar has been approved as follows: 

    26-27 AprilBelgiumOfficial Prologue – Spa-Francorchamps*
    1 MayBelgiumTOTAL 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
    13 JunePortugal8 Hours of Portimão*
    18 JulyItaly6 Hours of Monza
    21-22 AugustFrance24 Hours of Le Mans*
    26 SeptemberJapan6 Hours of Fuji
    20 NovemberBahrain8 Hours of Bahrain
    *new dates

    FIA Women in Motorsport Commission

    The final phase of the 2020 FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars programme came to a successful conclusion at the Ferrari Driver Academy in Maranello, Italy. Postponed from November 2020 to January, due to the pandemic, the five-day assessment was the final step for the four finalists after nearly a year of selection and evaluation. During a live broadcast on the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission’s Facebook page, Dutch/Belgian born Maya Weug was announced as the winner and became the first-ever female driver to become a student of the Academy. Weug will also contest a 2021 Formula 4 championship certified by the FIA. The three other finalists, Doriane Pin, Antonella Bassani and Julia Ayoub, were each awarded by Ferrari a test session in a 488 Challenge EVO.

    The FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars is a four-year programme and 2021 will host a second call for talent among the FIA ASNs and the same process will result in a second female driver potentially becoming part of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022.

    Michèle Mouton, the Commission President, received widespread praise from council members for her vision and leadership of the Girls on Track project.

    FIA Digital Motorsport Commission 

    The Commission President Anna Nordkvist, of Sweden, was introduced to WMSC members. The task of the new Commission is to grow participation at grassroots level and position the FIA as a key stakeholder in the Digital and Esports industry. It was also agreed that one of the aims of the Commission should be to encourage participation among female Esports competitors.

    FIA Karting Championships

    Approval was given for the re-scheduling of two events on the 2021 calendar.

    The FIA Karting European Championship event (OK & OK-JUNIOR) on the Circuito Internacional Zuera (Spain), originally scheduled for 15-18 April 2021 has been rearranged for 22-25 July 2021.

    The FIA Karting European Championship event (KZ & KZ2) and FIA Karting Academy Trophy on the Adria Karting Raceway (Italy), originally scheduled for 29 April-2 May 2021, has been rearranged for 12-15 August 2021.

    The revised 2021 calendars are as follows:

    FIA Karting World Championship – OK
    28-31 OctoberBrazilBirigui
    FIA Karting World Championship – Junior
    28-31 October Brazil  Birigui
    FIA Karting World Championship – KZ
    02-05 SeptemberSwedenKristianstad
    FIA Karting European Championship – OK
    13-16 MayBelgiumGenk
    27-30 MayFranceAunay-Les-Bois*
    08-11 JulyItaly Sarno
    22-25 JulySpainZuera
    FIA Karting European Championship – Junior
    13-16 MayBelgiumGenk
    27-30 MayFranceAunay-Les-Bois*
    08-11 JulyItalySarno
    22-25 JulySpainZuera
    FIA Karting European Championship – KZ
    17-20 JuneGermanyWackersdorf
    12-15 AugustItalyAdria
    FIA Karting European Championship – KZ2
    17-20 JuneGermanyWackersdorf
    12-15 AugustItalyAdria
    FIA Karting European Championship – Superkart
    22-24 October FranceLe Mans – Bugatti*
    FIA Karting International Super Cup – KZ2
    02-05 September Sweden  Kristianstad
    FIA Karting Academy Trophy
    17-20 JuneGermanyWackersdorf
    12-15 AugustItalyAdria
    02-05 SeptemberSweden   Kristianstad
    *subject to track homologation or re-homologation

    FIA WTCR – World Touring Car Cup

    There are several minor updates to the WTCR Sporting Regulations, including an extension to the registration deadline for full season entries as a result of the later start to the season previously announced. The new deadline is May 2, 2021.

    FIA World Cup for Cross-Country – Rallies and Bajas

    Date changes to the 2021 calendars were approved. The BP Ultimate Portugal Cross-Country Rally, previously the opening round of the World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, will now take place from 16-21 September due to the implementation of further COVID-19 restrictions in the country.

    The Hungarian Baja, a qualifying round of the World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and the newly introduced European Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, has been moved to 5-8 August for operational reasons.

    FIA Single-Seater Commission

     FIA Formula 3 World Cup

    The FIA Formula 3 World Cup has been confirmed on the International Sporting Calendar and is scheduled to take place on 21 November 2021 in Macau, China (subject to contract with the promoter).

     Formula 4

    Sporting and Technical Regulations for the Formula 4 element of the 2021 FIA Motorsport Games were approved.

    FIA Rally Commission

    In the FIA Regional Rally Championships, changes to the following 2021 calendars due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have been approved:

    FIA European Rally Championship

    06-08 May (initially 25-27 March)PortugalAzores Rallye
    18-20 JunePoland78 Rally Poland1
    01-03 JulyLatviaRally Liepaja1
    23-25 JulyItalyRally di Roma Capitale1
    27-29 AugustCzech Rep.Barum Czech Rally Zlin1
    24-26 September (initially 12-14 March)PortugalRallye Fafe
    22-24 OctoberHungaryRally Hungary1
    18-20 November (initially 06-08 May)SpainRally Islas Canarias1

    1 Round of the FIA ERC Junior Championships
     
    FIA European Rally Trophy – Benelux Rally Trophy

    09-10 JulyLuxembourgRallye Lëtzebuerg
    28-29 AugustBelgiumAarova Rally
    05-07 NovemberBelgiumRallye du Condroz

     
    FIA European Rally Trophy – Celtic Rally Trophy

    18-20 JuneIrelandDonegal International Rally
    25-26 SeptemberIrelandCork 20 International Rally
    19-20 November (initially 20-21 August)Great BritainUlster International Rally

     
    FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship – Asia Cup

    23-25 April (initially 26-28 March)IndiaSouth Inda Rally
    10-12 SeptemberJapanRally Hokkaido
    22-24 OctoberChinaRally Longyou

     
    FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship – Pacific Cup

    15-17 OctoberAustraliaAdelaide Hills Rally
    27-28 November (initially 20-21 Nov.)AustraliaCoffs Harbour Rally

     
    FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship – Final

    27-28 November (initially 20-21 Nov.)AustraliaCoffs Harbour Rally

     
    FIA Middle East Rally Championship

    28-30 JanuaryQatarManateq Qatar International Rally
    20-22 MayJordanJordan Rally
    03-05 SeptemberLebanonRally of Lebanon
    24-26 SeptemberCyprusCyprus Rally
    04-06 NovemberKuwaitRally of Kuwait
    TBA (initially 18-20 February)OmanRally of Oman

     
    FIA African Rally Championship

    23-25 AprilKenyaEquator Rally Kenya
    25-26 JulyTanzaniaRally of Tanzania
    20-22 AugustUgandaPearl of Africa Uganda Rally
    24-26 SeptemberZambiaZambia International Rally
    05-06 NovemberSouth AfricaRally of South Africa
    TBA (initially 19-21 March)RwandaRwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally

     
    FIA NACAM Rally Championship

    19-20 March (initially 12-13 March)MexicoRally Colima
    02-04 JulyCanadaRallye Int. Baie des Chaleurs
    13-14 AugustMexicoRally Guanajuato
    03-04 September (initially 26-28 August)MexicoRally Sierra Juarez
    25-26 September (initially 28-30 May)BarbadosRally Barbados
    27-28 NovemberMexicoRally Montanas

     
    FIA RGT Cup

    21-24 JanuaryMonacoRallye Monte-Carlo
    07-09 MayFranceRallye Ain Jura
    23-25 JulyItalyRally di Roma Capitale
    13-15 August (initially 25-26 June)BelgiumYpres Rally
    14-17 OctoberSpainRallyRACC Catalunya

    Note: The other FIA Regional Rally Championship calendars remain unchanged.
     
    FIA GT Commission 

    For a new competition designed for electric-powered GT cars, the council has selected the Promoter and will work towards concluding the next steps as soon as possible.
    Council has chosen the exclusive battery cell supplier.

    Sporting regulations have been approved for both GT3 competitions scheduled for this year’s FIA Motorsport Games, the GT Cup for Silver/Bronze driver pairings and the GT Sprint Cup for a single driver of any ranking.

    FIA Touring Car Commission

    For a new competition designed for electric-powered Touring Cars, the council has selected the Promoter and will work towards concluding the next steps as soon as possible.

    Sporting regulations have been approved for the FIA Motorsport Games: Touring Car Cup.

    FIA Off-Road Commission

    Amendments to the Technical Regulations for the FIA RX2e Championship, the first-ever FIA electric rallycross championship, which starts in 2021, were approved. Six race weekends are planned for the inaugural RX2e season, running alongside FIA World RX.

    FIA Hill Climb Commission

    An amendment to the FIA Hill Climb Regulations (Championship, Cup and Masters) was approved. The change allows FIA technical delegates to install randomly data loggers on cars to check the engine RPM during the competition. For Category 1 cars, this will allow crosschecking the RPM values submitted by competitors when registering their car in the “Performance Factor” system that decides in which Group the car is classified. In Category 2, checking RPM values is part of the on-going process of performance analysis of the cars.

    The following calendar changes for the FIA European Hill Climb Championship for 2021 have been approved.

    2021 FIA European Hill Climb Championship (updated)

    07-09 MayPortugalRampa da Boticas
    14-16 MaySpainSubida Internacional al Fito
    28-30 MayCzech RepublicEcce Homo Sternberk (1)
    11-13 JuneGermanyGlasbachrennen
    25-27 JuneItalyCoppa Paolino Teodori (1)
    16-18 JulySlovakiaDobšinský kopec (1)
    23-25 JulyPolandLimanowa
    13-15 AugustSwitzerlandSt. Ursanne – Les Rangiers
    27-29 AugustSloveniaGHD Petrol Ilirska Bistrica
    17-19 SeptemberCroatiaBuzetski dani

    (1) Subject to obtaining guarantees from the organisers via their ASN regarding the organisational and/or safety improvements.

    FIA Historic Motor Sport Commission

    The following calendar changes for FIA Historic Championships in 2021 have been approved.

    2021 FIA European Historic Sporting Rally Championship calendar (updated)

    09-11 AprilItaly36° Sanremo Rally Storico
    06-08 MayCzech Republic30. Historic Vltava Rally
    24-26 JuneHungary54. Mecsek Rallye
    15-17 JulyAustriaRally Weiz
    13-14 AugustFinlandLahti Historic Rally
    02-04 SeptemberSpainRally Asturias Historico
    23-25 SeptemberItaly33° Rally Elba Storico
    21-23 OctoberSwitzerlandRallye International du Valais
    19-20 NovemberSpain69 Rally Costa Brava

     2021 FIA Historic Hill Climb Championship calendar (updated)

    28-30 MayCzech RepublicEcce Homo Sternberk
    18-20 JuneSloveniaGHD Gorjanci
    02-04 JulyItalyTrento Bondone
    09-11 JulyItalyCesana Sestriere
    27-29 AugustSloveniaGHD Petrol Ilirska Bistrica
    17-19 SeptemberCroatiaBuzetski Dani
    24-26 SeptemberItalyCoppa Chianti Classico

     
    2021 FIA Trophy for Historic Regularity Rallies (updated) 

    11-13 NovemberPoland10th Rally Poland Historic

    2021 FIA Historic Formula 3 European Cup 

    16-18 JulyNetherlandsZandvoort

     FIA Truck Racing Commission

    Following a successful tender process, an exclusive supplier of biofuel for the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, covering the term from 2021-2023, has been selected, making FIA ETRC the first FIA-regulated competition to switch to a fuel fully originated from renewable sources (HVO biofuel). The announcement will be made in due course.

    FIA Drag Racing Commission

    In order to standarise class structure and regulations across national drag racing competitions, amended Technical Regulations and Race Procedures for FIA Drag Racing have been approved, with the addition of new “Sportsman” and “Grassroots” categories. The aim of this work is to support ASNs by:

    • Enabling national level competitors to be able to compete across borders more easily, increasing entry numbers for all events
    • Assisting national level technical officials to maintain a higher safety and regulatory standard
    • Minimising the resources that an ASN must invest in Drag Racing by having the regulations instead maintained by the FIA, and
    • Increasing the resale value of competition cars by making them eligible to compete in more markets.

    FIA Drifting Commission

    Sporting regulations have been approved for both the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup and the FIA Motorsport Games: Drifting Cup.

    Sport Clubs Development Programme

    The WMSC members were informed that applications had opened for the Sport Clubs Development Programme (SCDP) – an FIA Innovation Fund (FIF) initiative which provides support for the management and development of motor sport activities through an intensive, two-year mentoring process from FIA Experts. The closing date for applications is March 31.

    Upcoming World Motor Sport Council Meetings 

    Dates of the FIA World Motor Sport Council meetings in 2021 are as follows:

    09 JulyMonaco, on the occasion of the FIA Sport and Mobility Conference
    15 OctoberParis
    15 DecemberParis, on the occasion of the FIA Annual General Assembly
  • FIA releases 2021 safety initiatives after concluding Bahrain GP accident inquiry

    FIA releases 2021 safety initiatives after concluding Bahrain GP accident inquiry

    Paris, 5 March 2021: According to Festus area auto injury attorneys, the FIA’s Safety department has completed its investigation into the accident in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship race at the Bahrain International Circuit on November 29, 2020, in which the Swiss-born French driver Romain Grosjean crashed into the barrier 180 metres after the apex of Turn 3 and his Haas F1 team car caught fire before he escaped with significant but not life-threatening injuries.

    The investigation included interviews with those involved, inspection of the physical evidence, analysis of available video material, as well as examination of the data from the car’s accident data recorder and driver’s ear accelerometers. For any other types of accidents like oil field injury claim in San Antonio, they can get the best attorneys from here!

    This investigative work has been peer-reviewed by the FIA Serious Accident Study Group, led by FIA President Jean Todt. Input into the investigation was also received from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association. The findings of the investigation were presented to the FIA’s Circuits Commission, Medical Commission, Single Seater Commission, F1 Commission, Safety Commission, Volunteers and Officials Commission, and the World Motor Sport Council. The findings will also be presented in the Drivers’ Commission on March 23, 2021. One can also hire a lawyer after a construction accident to make sure they stay out of legal trouble.

    The objective of the accident investigation was to identify factors that contributed to the accident consequence, as well as other tertiary factors that did not influence the severity of the outcome but nonetheless provide invaluable learnings for the FIA’s ongoing efforts to improve safety in motor sport.

    Accident Analysis

    The investigation focused on the two cars that were involved in the accident – the #8 driven by Romain Grosjean and the #26 Scuderia Alpha Tauri car driven by Russia’s Daniil Kvyat, noting that several other cars had a circumstantial but non-consequential effect on the initiation of the accident sequence.

    During the opening lap of the Bahrain GP, Romain Grosjean’s car was travelling at 241 km/h when he lost control on the exit of Turn 3 following contact between his right rear wheel and Daniil Kvyat’s left front wheel when attempting to pass from the left to right-hand side of the track.

    The car-to-car contact lifted the rear of Romain Grosjean’s car, forcing it to yaw to the right and placing it on an out-of-control trajectory into the run-off area on the inside of the circuit at the exit of Turn 3. Daniil Kvyat also altered trajectory and entered the same run-off area but was able to re-join the track shortly after without further contact.

    Romain Grosjean’s car impacted the triple guardrail barrier behind the run-off area at 192 km/h and at an angle of 29 degrees, with an estimated yaw of 22 degrees to the direction of travel and a resultant peak force equivalent to 67g. Following the failure of the middle rail of the barrier and significant deformation of the upper and lower rails, the survival cell was able to pierce the barrier and came to rest behind the barrier, constrained by the primary roll structure against the upper rail of the barrier.

    The car suffered extensive damage during the impact including separation of the power train assembly from the survival cell. The fuel tank inspection hatch on the left-hand side of the chassis was dislodged and the engine fuel supply connection was torn from the fuel tank “safety bladder”; both providing primary paths for the escape of fuel from the tank.

    The driver safety equipment including helmet, HANS and safety harness as well as the survival cell, seat, headrest and Halo frontal cockpit protection performed according to their specifications in protecting the driver’s survival space and managing the forces applied to the driver during the impact.

    The high voltage Energy Recovery System (ERS) battery was significantly damaged, with some parts of the ERS battery assembly remaining with the powertrain and others remaining attached to the survival cell.

    Fire was ignited during the final moments of the barrier impact, starting from the rear of the survival cell and progressing forwards towards the driver as the fire grew.

    The resting position of the survival cell, relative to the upper rail of the barrier significantly restricted the path for driver egress. Due to damage to the survival cell and a number of components within the cockpit environment, Romain Grosjean’s left foot was initially trapped as the car came to rest. The driver was able to free his foot by withdrawing it from his racing boot leaving the boot in the entrapped position in the car and then moved both the dislodged headrest and steering wheel to egress the car.

    The race was red flagged approximately 5.5 seconds following Romain Grosjean’s impact with the barrier.

    Medical and Rescue

    A comprehensive medical and rescue response to this incident was immediately initiated. The FIA Medical Car arrived within 11 seconds of the incident, a time achieved partly due to the fact a ‘short cut’ was taken to avoid turn 1, demonstrating both local circuit knowledge and pre-planning.

    The arrival of the Medical Car carrying the FIA F1 Medical Rescue Coordinator Dr Ian Roberts, FIA F1 Medical Car Driver Alan van der Merwe and a local doctor, provided immediate assistance with each performing a pre-determined role.

    Ian Roberts went immediately to the scene of the incident and instructed a marshal to operate the dry powder extinguisher around the cockpit where he identified Romain Grosjean as trying to make his egress. Alan Van der Merwe retrieved a fire extinguisher from the rear of the FIA Medical Car whilst the local doctor prepared the trauma bag.

    Romain Grosjean was able to egress unaided and was out of car after 27 seconds.

    Romain Grosjean suffered burns to the back sides of both hands. Following initial examination by the FIA Medical Car personnel he was transported by ambulance to the circuit Medical Centre for evaluation. He was subsequently transported by helicopter to the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital for further assessment and treatment. He was discharged from hospital after three days, on December 2, 2020.

    FIA President Jean Todt said: “Important learnings have been drawn from these investigations that will drive our continuous mission to improve safety in Formula 1 and global motor sport. The enduring commitment of the FIA, particularly the Safety Department, on reducing risks associated with motor sport enabled Romain Grosjean to maintain consciousness and survive an accident of this magnitude. Safety is and will remain FIA’s top priority.”

    FIA Safety Director Adam Baker said: “Incidents involving fire of this scale are thankfully rare, so it is very important to learn what we can, including the interaction with the high voltage system. The efforts of those involved were heroic and have quite rightly been the subject of much praise. Following the approval of our findings by the World Motor Sport Council, we will integrate the actions into the ongoing work.”

    2021 FIA Circuit Racing Safety Initiatives 

    In 2020, the FIA Safety Department conducted investigations into 19 significant accidents related to circuit racing, supported by the ASN (National Sporting Authority) in each country.

    In line with the FIA’s commitment to continuous safety improvement and as a result of its pre-existing body of motor sport safety data, extensive expertise, ongoing research projects and the knowhow generated by motor sport incidents from around the world in recent decades, including these 19 accidents, the federation is undertaking work in the following areas:

    Vehicle 

    • Regulation of survival cell front geometry, plus additional load tests in that area
    • Review of existing regulations regarding rear view mirrors
    • Review of steering column mounting requirements
    • Review of regulation and homologation requirements for headrest assembly
    • Analysis of Power Unit mounting and mount failure modes
    • Ongoing research project: Wheel Restraint Cables (tethers)
    • Design review of safety fuel bladder installations in all FIA single seater categories
    • Recommendations for safety fuel bladder installation best practice
    • Update of the FIA Standard for safety fuel bladders
    • Review of regulations for design of safety fuel bladder connections and inspection hatches
    • Fuel homologation to include compatibility of bladder material and specific fuel

    Circuit 

    • Increased functionality for Circuit Safety Analysis Software (CSAS) including quantitative impact probability classification
    • Review of existing circuit barrier opening installations
    • Review of guidelines/process for circuit homologation and licence renewal

    Driver safety equipment 

    • Investigation into improvements to the gloves’ Heat Transfer Index (HTI)
    • Ongoing research project: Visor opening/locking mechanisms; project scope extended to include requirements to ensure that visor opening systems are operational after being exposed to fire
    • Ongoing research project: Extinguisher system for open cockpit cars; project scope extended to include investigation of improved activation mechanisms

    Medical and Rescue 

    • Updates to Medical Intervention Vehicle equipment, including alternate extinguisher types
    • Provide ASN guidance on post-fire decontamination
    • Ongoing development of FIA firefighting training module for ASNs
    • Ongoing development of FIA high voltage safety training module for ASNs
    • Ongoing development of FIA Incident Command/Co-ordination training module for ASNs

    Additionally, the FIA Safety Department is also planning further research projects such as:

    • Investigation of options for proximity warning systems and electronic visibility aids 
    • Research into retrofit and upgrade options to improve impact performance of existing guardrail barriers
    • Research into novel barrier systems, effective across a wider range of impact conditions
    • Research to assess current fire extinguishing media, firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment and assess new technologies
  • Pirelli gets one more year till 2023 as F1 tyre supplier

    Pirelli gets one more year till 2023 as F1 tyre supplier

    The FIA and Formula 1 have proposed, and Pirelli has agreed, a one-year extension to the existing exclusive tyre supply contract to reflect the original intention of the 2018 tyre tender and remain within the overall technical framework, which is in the best interests of all relevant stakeholders. The most recent tyre tender from the FIA and Formula 1 back in 2018 was for the supply of a 13-inch tyre during the 2020 season, followed by three consecutive seasons of 18-inch tyres from 2021 to 2023 inclusive. The COVID-19 pandemic, which also disrupted the 2020 Formula 1 season, obliged the FIA and Formula 1 to implement emergency measures that included the cancellation of tyre development tests last year and the postponement of planned new technical regulations – which included 18-inch tyres – from 2021 to 2022. As a result, the current rules now state that 13-inch tyres will be used during the 2021 season, with a move to 18-inch tyres in 2022.
    STEFANO DOMENICALI, FORMULA 1 PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: “The pandemic caused disruption across the world and Formula 1 was not immune from that. We therefore took the necessary measures last year to defer the regulations by one year to 2022. We are very proud of our partnership with Pirelli and grateful to them for their constructive approach to this timing change. Pirelli are very conscious of strategic role that the tyres have in F1 and we know that they are working very hard to make sure that their products will represent the best balance between performance and durability in the new technical context. We look forward to the start of the 2021 season and we are all excited for the new cars and new 18-inch tyres to hit the track under the new regulations in 2022.” JEAN TODT, FIA PRESIDENT: “I want to thank Formula 1 and Pirelli for their collaboration, flexibility and commitment to our sport during this most difficult period. COVID-19 has presented us with significant challenges across all aspects of our businesses, but by working together in a sensible, pragmatic way, we have been able to ensure that the long term stability and strength of Formula 1 remains undiminished. The shift to 18″ wheels and tyres will certainly provide a more exciting image for Formula 1 cars, but it has also presented a significant technical challenge requiring a lot of investment and development on behalf of Pirelli as they continue to deliver tyres that will perform at the highest level. In light of this, and the necessary postponement of the new regulations as a result of the pandemic, it is only logical to extend the supply of tyres accordingly”.

    MARCO TRONCHETTI PROVERA, PIRELLI EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: “The world of motorsport has also had to face up to the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but the FIA and FOM did an extraordinary job to organise a 17-race championship in 2020. We’re obviously pleased to have reached this agreement that will extend our presence at the pinnacle of world motorsport until 2024. Pirelli has been alongside Formula 1 for more than 70 years, since the very first race in 1950, and the company continues to invest in the highest technological levels of research and development, as shown by the introduction of 18-inch tyres from next year. Motorsport forms part of our DNA and Formula 1 represents an open-air laboratory that allows us to apply the know-how gained on track into our road car tyres, starting off with the Ultra High Performance range that equips the most prestigious cars in the world”.