The Italian press believes Ferrari is set to dominate the 2008 season. Despite officials for the Maranello based team's rivals McLaren and BMW playing down the gap following Ferrari's second consecutive one-two victory on Sunday, the sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport insists that the "dominance" of the scarlet F2008 at Barcelona was "impressive"."Not a single mistake was committed," - Gazzetta added. "McLaren and BMW are far away. After Spain, the 2008 world championship could be over."
Corriere dello Sport said of championship leader Kimi Raikkonen: "The Finn is objectively the only true candidate for the title. As in the past, this championship could become 'formula boredom'."
The Turin-based national newspaper Tuttosport added: "Raikkonen and Massa conquered Spain and demonstrated Ferrari's absolute power.The advantage over their rivals is almost embarrassing, even though Stefano Domenicali has called for restraint. Raikkonen had the race totally under control, and Massa actively supported him. This is his role, even if he does not want to admit it."
Rome-newspaper Il Messaggero wrote: "The Ferrari conductors are trying to curb the enthusiasm, but it is obvious that Ferrari's lead over McLaren and BMW is great."
And now BMW-Sauber, and probably other formula one teams, will shortly experiment with the new 'nose hole' innovation that featured on the dominant Ferrari cars in last weekend's Spanish grand prix.
Although Maranello based Ferrari insists that the
shark mouth-style feature in front of the driver position may not be used at every race this season, BMW technical director Willy Rampf confirmed that a similar concept will be trialled in the team's Hinwil wind tunnel in the coming days.
"I am almost certain that it would also work on some of the other cars so we will have a look," -Rampf is quoted as saying by Switzerland's Motorsport Aktuell publication.
References:
Max Mosleys ”ancestor”, former president of FISA (1979-1991) and FIA (1986-1993) Jean-Marie Balestre has passed away on March 27, just two weeks before his 87th birthday. Balestre was a passionate racing fan and a man who did much for the sport. Everyone remember the introduction of crash test requirements for cars as well as the use of naturally aspirated engines.When he changed the rules in the World Rally Championship, following the death of Henri Toivonen, he was challenged in court by the giant Peugeot Company, the motorsport division being led at the time by Jean Todt. If the FIA had lost the case, the federation would likely have been bankrupted, but he stuck to his guns and won an important ruling which established considerable powers for the federation, which had not been defined up to that point.
As FISA president Balestre then embarked on the famous fight for the control of Formula 1 racing - known as the FISA-FOCA war - against Bernie Ecclestone, Max Mosley and other F1 team bosses. At the age of 69, Balestre did not oppose Mosley when he proposed the merger of the FIA and FISA and stood for the office of FIA President.
Nicolas Deschaux, French motorsport federation (FFSA) president, said: “It’s a huge loss for motorsport and he’ll be remembered notably for his actions in favour of driver safety. He was a great president in periods of grave crisis for motorsport.”
Current FIA president Max Mosley said: “It’s with immense sadness that we have learnt of the death of Jean-Marie Balestre. His contribution to motorsport in France and in the world was unique. All those involved in our sport will miss him greatly and will join with me in extending our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Jean-Marie Balestre, for his many faults, had considerable charm and was a true fan of the sport, fighting for what he believed was right. I think everyone, at least in Formula One life, will miss that charm.
References:
http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=42160
http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns20183.html
The Belgian Grand Prix will now take place on September 7 and the Italian will take place on September 14. The Japanese event, will take place a week earlier than previously announced on October 12. The Chinese Grand Prix has been switched to October 19.
The only explanation for FIA's decision is the clashing of events in the regions. So, the new schedule must draw the maximum number of people to the events.
So, the new 2008 calendar looks as follows:
6 Mar Australia
23 Mar Malaysia
6 Apr Bahrain
27 Apr Spain
11 May Turkey
25 May Monaco
8 Jun Canada*
22 Jun France
6 Jul Great Britain
20 Jul Germany
3 Aug Hungary
24 Aug Europe**
7 Sep Belgium
14 Sep Italy
28 Sep Singapore**
12 Oct Japan
19 Oct China
2 Nov Brazil
Canada is still provisional. European and Singapore races are subject to circuit approval.
