In an announcement that shocked the motor racing world yesterday, Ferrari has signalled its intentions to withdraw from Formula One next year. Ferrari’s Board of Directors announced a EUR 54 million Q1, 2009 trading profit, only slightly down compared to EUR 59 million last year. At the same time it criticised the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile for its decision to introduce “two different sets of regulations based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters.†The Board announced that unless the regulatory framework for Formula 1 is changed, then “the reasons underlying Ferrari’s uninterrupted participation in the World Championship over the last 60 years – the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950 – would come to a close.â€
The Ferrari press announcement reads as follows:Â Â Details
What is wrong with the American racing scene? As I watch NASCAR, I get to the point that I enjoy it less and less, as the season goes on. I only watch the IRL/CART during the Indy 500 and only because I’ve always watched the 500. I have been an avid drag racer and have promoted the sport and use to follow Pro Stock faithfully.
Now it seems almost uninteresting, I’ve moved to following the Top Fuel and Funny Car ranks, and pray I get to see a Sportsman class race. Yet, I still love Sports Car racing and I’ve even gotten back into watching Formula 1.
Why have I gotten so down about the professional auto racing series in America? … Details
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Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz has warned that the Austrian energy drinks company will pull their teams out of Formula 1, should the budget cap rules for the 2010 World Championship remain as they are.
An optional budget cap of £40 million will be introduced next year by the FIA. Teams who sign up to the cap will be allowed greater technical freedom and other benefits, while those who choose to continue to spend freely will face rule restrictions, generating fears that a ‘two-tier’ championship could be created… Details
Defending Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton blasted his car after finishing out of points in ninth position at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The 24-year-old said his McLaren was so inconsistent along the Circuit de Catalunya it felt at times like driving on ice.
“What can I do?” he said after being lapped by race winner and fellow Briton Jenson Button. “I drove my heart out, as I always do, it’s just that the car is not good. I had no grip.”
He added: “It’s just a shame they (McLaren) haven’t given me a car to defend the championship with. It’s that bad because I’m driving the socks off it, yet there’s just no hope…Â Details
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