A few weeks back, I received a query from a correspondent on Twitter, asking to clarify a few elements regarding the Super Licence Points system. So, I did, I hope.
Author: Leigh O'Gorman
Give me motor racing, music and Doctor Who anytime
“Boom Time – Where War Ends and Racing Begins”
The late-1940s was an incredible boom time for motorsport. The second World War had finally drawn to a close and motorsport – for years stifled in numerous territories due to conflict and / or strained resources – began to breathe once again. Formula A regulations were drawn up in 1946 for 1.5 litre supercharged cars … Continue reading “Boom Time – Where War Ends and Racing Begins”
“Motorsport Diaries: Episode 11 – Super Formula Returns”
Following a ten-month break, Japan’s Super Formula finally returned in the early hours of Sunday morning. The race at Motegi was not a thriller than desired, but that was not the important story. That it was back, was.
“First of the Year, the First of Many”
Sunday morning saw the Japanese Super Formula season finally begin. Alas, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rumble on, there were no visits to the studio for the race – this was a home conversion. And beyond some minor technical setbacks, it all worked out rather well. In the end, the race was not the … Continue reading “First of the Year, the First of Many”
“F1: Bottas 3.0 Needs a Hamilton 1.0 Upgrade”
Lewis Hamilton barely had to look in his mirrors during the Spanish Grand Prix, such was his dominance. Indeed, Sunday’s race is a reflection of how the 2020 Formula One season is developing – and never was that more clear-cut than at Mercedes. “I was just in a daze out there, I didn't even know … Continue reading “F1: Bottas 3.0 Needs a Hamilton 1.0 Upgrade”
“F1: Sublime Verstappen Conquers Mercedes”
Max Verstappen’s victory at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix yesterday was a masterclass of skill and pace over the normally dominant Mercedes. It was a result that required skill, maturity, tyre preservation and no small dose of heat. A key overtake for the lead, followed by six blistering laps of pace. On the surface, that’s … Continue reading “F1: Sublime Verstappen Conquers Mercedes”
“Lance Stroll, Imola, Pasta and the Art of Preparation”
“Jesus Christ! What that f*** is that!?” Or something to that effect. Imola. Friday October 10th, 2014 and a colleague had sent a message urging me to come down to the far end of the paddock. Apparently, there was something that needed to be seen. Things had quietened down somewhat. Having just finished – and … Continue reading “Lance Stroll, Imola, Pasta and the Art of Preparation”
“F1: Nico Hülkenberg’s Last Shot to Somewhere”
Sergio Pérez’ COVID-19 diagnosis may have given Nico Hülkenberg two shots to prove himself again in Formula One. But even if he takes them, what is the long-term hope for a driver who was once considered ‘the next German star’?
“Anatomy of a Story Timeline: the Fast and Slow Reveal of Fernando Alonso”
When Renault F1 announced Fernando Alonso as one of their 2021 driver’s, the story punched a hole in motorsport media for much of the week. The process was deliberate, intricate, carefully crafted and hugely successful and Renault owned the headlines. The twitching on Monday evening was pretty hard to miss. After a couple of months … Continue reading “Anatomy of a Story Timeline: the Fast and Slow Reveal of Fernando Alonso”
“OPINION: F1 – Renault Driver Selection is Symptom of Banality Disguised as Ambition”
Rumours are rife that Renault may be ready to announce Fernando Alonso to replace the departing Daniel Ricciardo on Wednesday. But is this indicative of Renault’s need for experience amidst restructure or something far more banal? It may have slipped by many in recent months, but as it stands, there is still a vacant seat … Continue reading “OPINION: F1 – Renault Driver Selection is Symptom of Banality Disguised as Ambition”
“F1: And So, It Begins Again”
There may be rain in the Styrian hills. More than a little in fact. And as it peppers the some re-propositioned stretch of tarmac once called the Öesterreichring, one realises that it really doesn’t matter how long Formula One has been away. All that matters is that it’s here. It is not just noise. It’s … Continue reading “F1: And So, It Begins Again”
“WRC: Four or Five Events Possible – Matton”
The FIA’s Rally Director, Yves Matton, believes four-to-five more events will be necessary to validate the World Rally Championship this season. Yet as the year reaches its halfway point, the task of finding replacement rallies is becoming a trying task, as he tells World in Motorsport. “It’s not like in racing. We are not able … Continue reading “WRC: Four or Five Events Possible – Matton”
“Super Formula: Provisional Calendar Revealed” (*Updated*)
The Japanese Super Formula Championship has revealed a reconfigured calendar for the 2020 season. The rejigged schedule will see all seven rounds crammed into the final four months of the year. Following many questions and numerous delays, a new provisional calendar for the 2020 Super Formula season has been released. The provision schedule is as … Continue reading “Super Formula: Provisional Calendar Revealed” (*Updated*)
“WRC: Rallying Needs to Act, Not React If It Wants to Survive – Adamo”
For Hyundai’s WRC team boss Andrea Adamo, the pandemic is yet another sign that a new way of thinking is needed if motorsport is to survive. “If we don’t react now, or if we don’t act now, we will find a problem.” Andrea Adamo is not a man known for pulling punches. The Italian has … Continue reading “WRC: Rallying Needs to Act, Not React If It Wants to Survive – Adamo”
“OPINION: Bringing it All Back Home”
This may come as something of a surprise, but while motorsport’s return to action amidst the Coronavirus slowdown is welcome, the breath and silence the enforced break offered will be missed.
“I Have a Passion for Racing – Barrichello”
With 11 wins from 322 Grand Prix over 19 seasons, Rubens Barrichello is fondly remembered as one of the quickest and most highly respected drivers in the history of Formula One. However, as 2020 stutters along amidst the seemingly endless Coronavirus pandemic, Barrichello – now a stock car racer in South America – is more … Continue reading “I Have a Passion for Racing – Barrichello”
“F1: It Was Clear for Me to Change My Life – Gerhard Berger”
Gerhard Berger may be fondly remembered as one of the jokers of Formula One’s past, but with ten victories over the course of fourteen seasons, he is also one of the most highly respected drivers of the 1980s and 90s. Now 60 and long retired as a Formula One driver, the Austrian tells World in … Continue reading “F1: It Was Clear for Me to Change My Life – Gerhard Berger”
“WRC: Safari Rally return pushed back to 2021”
The retuning Safari Rally has been pushed back to 2021, it was confirmed today, as the Coronavirus pandemic claimed another victim. Scheduled for mid-July, this was due to be the event’s first appearance on the WRC calendar since 2002, where the late-Colin McRae took his final win. However, as countries were forced into lockdown and … Continue reading “WRC: Safari Rally return pushed back to 2021”
“WRC: ‘It’s almost at the point where we say ‘bin the season’’ – Colin Clark”
One of the WRC’s leading commentator’s, Colin Clark, believes that it may be time for the FIA to cancel the rest of the season in light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
“F1: Williams recruit Simon Roberts from McLaren”
Simon Roberts will join Williams Racing from June 1st as Managing Director of their F1 programme.