wow that was an amazing race, I was so nervous in the last minutes that I couldn't even watch (was rooting for McLaren)

wow that was an amazing race, I was so nervous in the last minutes that I couldn't even watch (was rooting for McLaren)

It certainly was an amazing race, the Austrian Grand Prix. Fantastic to see McLaren back on the podium, hopefully it could a first for them this season not like an Australia 2014 and then not appear on the podium. Hopefully we'll get another great race on Sunday.

 

 

Am f***ing buzzing to have nando back where he belongs.

 

Sooner the better. The traitor can do one early as far as I’m concerned. This whole season is a messy write off, let’s get our two rusty drivers in for this shitty year to regain their sharpness for next year

I didn't really get the Ricciardo move to McLaren, really thought he was in the long term at Renault. As for Ocon, we'll see what happens there.

@1280819136201994240

 

Nando is officially home!!!!!!!!

I didn't really get the Ricciardo move to McLaren, really thought he was in the long term at Renault. As for Ocon, we'll see what happens there.

Ocon is at Renault because he is French. It’s long been known that the powers that be wanted Ocon because they wanted a French driver. Good for the PR in the homeland.

 

 

The less said about the money badger the better.

 

 

@1280820877328879616

Renault is my family, my fondest memories in Formula One with my two world championship titles, but I'm now looking ahead.

 

"It's a great source of pride and with an immense emotion I'm returning to the team that gave me my chance at the start of my career and which now gives me the opportunity to return to the highest level.

 

"I have principles and ambitions in line with the team's project.

 

"Their progress this winter gives credibility to the objectives for the 2022 season and I will share all my racing experience with everyone from the engineers to the mechanics and my team-mates.

 

"The team wants and has the means to get back on the podium, as do I."

 

 

Welcome back Fernando Alonso.

 

 

 

Fernando Alonso joins Renault DP World F1 Team

 

Renault DP World F1 Team is pleased to confirm Fernando Alonso alongside Esteban Ocon in its driver line-up for the 2021 season.

 

With 314 Grand Prix starts, 32 wins and 97 podiums, Fernando joins Renault DP World F1 Team for the upcoming seasons. Given the strong historic and emotional bond between the team and Fernando Alonso - Renault and Fernando won their two world championship titles together in 2005 and 2006 - this decision is both bold and meaningful for the future.

 

Renault, with its values, is one of the greatest brands in Formula 1. Fernando is a great driver returning to F1 enriched by other experiences and willing to build with his much-loved team. The tenets of work, surpassing oneself and ingenuity as well as Fernando’s DNA defined by tenacity and pure talent make this union an obvious one. He will be an asset in the many efforts to win back the title and will give meaning to Renault’s commitment to the highest level of motorsport. The desire is to build a team around two complementary drivers, combining experience and youth, and pooling their values and talent in the service of the project. Fernando’s fighting spirit should benefit the whole team and allow everyone to achieve their goals.

 

Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director, Renault Sport Racing:

“The signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault’s plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field. His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached. The strength of the bond between him, the team and the fans make him a natural choice. In addition to past successes, it is a bold mutual choice as well as a project for the future. His experience and determination will enable us to get the best out of each other to take the team towards the excellence that modern Formula 1 demands. He will also bring to our team, which has grown very fast, a culture of racing and winning to overcome hurdles together. Alongside Esteban, his mission will be to help Renault DP World F1 Team prepare for the 2022 season in the best possible conditions.”

Honestly am so buzzing

is Ocon continuing in Renault in 2020 or is he going back to Mercedes?

Literally the first line of the announcement in Mack’s second post there, the one directly above yours, says Nando is lining up with Ocon

oh I see thanks

I was hoping Ocon would come back to Mercedes and replace Bottas :)

Renault will have a superstrong team with Ocon and Fernando anyway

I think (and hope) Russell will be given a shot at Merc when either of the current drivers leave.

As much as I love Alonso, and rate him as one of the best ever, I can think of no driver in recent memory that has taken a year out of the sport and come back at the same standard they maintained before they left.

Mansell, Raikkpnen, Schumacher, Prost (even accounting for the title win). None were on a par with their previous quality,

 

As such I have a few reservations about his return.

This week, the weather is consistently predicting heavy rain throughout Saturday. Odds are that even if it moves, hit comes to the track Friday or Sunday. Hopefully we'll get a wet qualifying.

Mugello and Sochi have been officially added to the calendar for 2020.

Oh brilliant to see a new race after all in 2020, I don't know much about Mugello but super excited to see how it hosts an F1 race. Looks like Portimao is being touted to also host!

 

Sochi... eh not so gassed for that but at this stage any additional race is extremely welcome. Heck even Paul Ricard (ok maybe that's crossing the line :kink:)

There's a gap in the calendar on 20th Sept that would have been perfect for Imola and made for a 3 week stay in Italy

 

Agree that Sochi is... reluctantly welcome but given they had the contract for the race it stands to reason they get first refusal as such.

 

Would love Portimao, Hockenheim or Nurbuurgring too but there's always the question of weather with Autumn/Winter racing in Europe.

 

As for the final postponed races, Canada I would love but not sure if it's feasible. China could probably do it but I think Vietnam prefer to wait until next year.

 

I can see Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Mexico going ahead but the USA and Brazil are seriously under threat given the way the virus is spreading in their respective countries.

If you are able to watch FP2 (on right now) then do so. The teams are treating it with an eye to it being qualifying. There's a genuine chance than qualifying may not happen due to the weather tomorrow and this sessions times will count for the grid.

 

Also Norris has a 3 place grid penalty for passing under yellows.

Is the rain really gonna be that bad to call off quali? Understandable in typhoon-like places like Suzuka but would be very surprised for it to be bad enough not to be able to run at all tomorrow.

 

But I'll be keeping an eye on FP2 anyhow.

Edited July 10, 20205 yr by Dobbo

The general consensus seems to be that Quali will go ahead somehow. Maybe on Sunday. I think it's simply the rain is expected to be continuous and there's a packed set of support sessions from F2 & F3 that could be delayed too. There's the threat of storms and lightning too. I'm not sure if that would force the medical 'copter to be grounded and that could be an issue of safety

 

 

Paul Di Resta has just confirmed the helicopter issue is very much part of it. There are not sufficient hospital facilities at the circuit.

Edited July 10, 20205 yr by Severin