A source says Danica Patrick has closed a deal with JR Motorsports to begin racing for NASCAR. Accordingly, Patrick will soon announce a partial Nationwide Series schedule.
Concurrently, last week Patrick signed a three-year extension with Andretti Autosport, but her schedule will also allow her to race in NASCAR. And, there is no speculation to how many races Patrick will participate in.
As an extra tidbit of information, Danica Patrick’s sponsor will be GoDaddy.com
Source: Indystar.com
There is only one driver present in the F1 testing in southern Spain this week that has a confirmed place on next year’s starting roster. And, that driver is Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg.
The test is the only one allowed before the New Year. It’s geared towards giving young drivers experience that is banned throughout the rest of the season. These drivers come from seven different countries, and may not have a representative in grand prix racing the upcoming year.
Some of these youngsters are closer than others into being inducted into the world of F1. The promising few are: Lucas di Grassi, Paul di Resta and JR Hildebrand.
Source: TimesLive
Kimi July 25, 2009
After failing to find a car for 2010, Ferrari’s world champion has announced that he is to leave F1 for rallying. He leaves the sport after nine seasons. He was forced to leave Ferrari in order to make room for Fernando Alonso. There were talks of Räikkönen moving to a different team, but his rumored salary is close to $50 million and is not reflective of his last two seasons’ performances.
There are rumors of Räikkönen continue his career in rallying.
Kimi July 31, 2009
Source: www.jalopnik.com
Photo Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images, Massimo Bettiol/Getty Images
This Formula 1 steering wheel from BMW shows how much input a Formula 1 driver deals with on race day. The steering wheels have an amazing amount of functionality, from setting the differential, to having a drink to even confirming the tire choice at the upcoming pit stop.
Formula 1 steering wheels are hand made and cost around $30,000 each. They weigh less than three pounds and are made from carbon fiber and electrical components. Although it would be a great addition to any motorsport-loving guy or gal’s vehicle, good luck trying to find a steering wheel cover that fits it.
Source: auto123.com
KERS - Kinetic Energy Recovery System
McLaren-Mercedes is the only Formula 1 team that has run KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) on both of its cars in every race this season. McLaren has developed two different KERS. One system is electric and uses batteries to store power, while the other is mechanical and uses a flywheel to store power.
A source inside the engineering department has stated that neither KERS system currently has an application for road vehicles at this time. McLaren managing director Anthony Sheriff recently said, “What’s important is that it’s pushing the envelope of battery technology to its limits and that has got to be good news.”
Source: Autoblog
The only Formula 1 Grand Prix in North America last year was the Canadian Grand Prix, and in case you haven’t checked this year’s schedule yet, North America has been excluded completely.
Canadian officials have confirmed that they have been talking to Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to bring Formula 1 back to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The Canadians are hoping to come to a more reasonable agreement with Bernie in order to secure another Formula 1 stint in Canada. While bringing back the Canadian Grand Prix would be the easiest solution for North America, other projects are in the works.
A track near Niagara Falls, Ontario is rumored to be built which would include a 1 mile oval track for NASCAR (yawn) and a 2.5 miles road track. Seating for the venue to reported to be at 100,000. Other projects which are supposedly in the works include a track in upstate New York and near Detriot.
Source: Autoblog.com
KERS - Kinetic Energy Recovery System
Nick Heidfeld, Kubica’s BMW teammate has been able to use the KERS since he is weighs much less than Kubica.
Source: Autosport.com
BMW is confident that KERS provides an advantage on the track, which is why they are making such an effort to equip Kubica’s car.
U.A.E. F1 representative Mohammed bin Sulayem crashed a Renault R28 Formula 1 car during the Renault Roadshow at the Dubai Autodrome. He was drag racing another car when the Renault suddenly veered to the right and crashed into the concert barrier. Bin Sulayem was not hurt in the accident.
The Brawn GP debut in Melbourne, Australia couldn’t have been any better. The team finished the race taking the top two spots with Rubens Barrichello finishing 2nd and Jenson Button winning the race from pole. There is still a great deal of controversy regarding the diffusers used by the Brawn GP, Williams and Toyota teams. Ferrari, Red Bull and Renault protested the use of the diffusers stating they were illegal. The race stewards dismissed these claims and decided the diffusers were acceptable according to FIA regulation. It is believed that the protesting teams will follow up with their previous complaint claiming that while the diffusers are technically legal according to the regulations, they violate the “spirit” of the rule.
Nico Rosberg of Williams-Toyota had the fastest lap in the first 90 minute practice session. His fastest lap was set at 1:26.687. Teammate Kazuki Nakajima had the second fastest lap of 1:26.736, which was 0.049 seconds behind Rosberg. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen finished 3rd with a time of 1:26.750. Brawn GP team driver Rubens Barrichello had the 4th fastest lap at 1:27.226. The pre-race favorite, Jenson Button, also of Brawn GP, maintained the 6th best lap with 1:27.467.
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