Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/video-montezemolo-beaches-ferrari-california-at-own-world-final/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/video-montezemolo-beaches-ferrari-california-at-own-world-final/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/video-montezemolo-beaches-ferrari-california-at-own-world-final/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Last week, we all watched in collective awe as a $1.8 million Bugatti Veyron drove into a pond. While the driver claimed that he was attacked by a pelican, close examination of the video would appear to reveal... no pelican whatsoever. Instead, there's just a supercar inexplicably jumping into a marsh. Today, we've got another head scratcher for you - Luca Montezemolo beaching a Ferrari California.

Luca and the stuck California were at the Ferrari World Finals in Valencia, Spain. The Ferrari and Fiat Chairman was ferrying the Scuderia's brand-new F1 driver Fernando Alonso (who is technically still under contract with Renault) and carryover driver Felipe Massa around the track, waving to the fans. Then - for who knows what reason - Montezemolo decides to not bother with pit lane and just make a ninety degree right hander into a gravel trap. A gravel trap, it should be pointed out, that's used to catch and slow cars spinning out of control at triple digit speeds.

The result is the new Ferrari grand tourer getting stuck like whale. Montezemolo tries spinning the back tires a bit, which only digs them deeper, while Alonso and Massa attempt to push. Sooner than later, track workers show up and all three men escape to safety seated on the back of a blue California. Watch a few different videos of the ordeal, after the jump.

[Source: GT Spirit]

Continue reading VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia

VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliforniaF1Felipe MassaFelipeMassaFernando AlonsoFernandoAlonsoFerrariFerrari CaliforniaFerrariCaliforniaFormula 1Formula OneFormula1FormulaOneLuca MontezemoloLucaMontezemoloMontezemoloMon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Massa charges that Alonso knew about Piquet crash plan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/massa-charges-that-alonso-knew-about-piquet-crash-plan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/massa-charges-that-alonso-knew-about-piquet-crash-plan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/massa-charges-that-alonso-knew-about-piquet-crash-plan/#commentsFiled under: ,


From his brief tenure at McLaren, we know that Fernando Alonso has a bit of trouble getting along with his teammates. Especially when he doesn't get the clear preferential treatment as the team's #1 driver. After all, as has often been said, a driver's teammate is his chief rival. So after Ferrari confirmed that Alonso and Felipe Massa would be put on equal footing, we smelled some trouble a-brewin'. But we didn't expect it to start at least until the beginning of next season. Turns out, that was a bit premature, as some cracks in the relationship between the two teammates-to-be have already started to show.

Speaking with a group of journalists in his native Brazil where the F1 circus is preparing for this weekend's grand prix, Felipe Massa said with "absolute certainty" that Alonso knew about the plan to have wingman Nelson Piquet crash to hand him the controversial victory. That's a pretty hefty charge levied by his future teammate, and Ferrari naturally scrambled to issue a clarification (which you can read after the jump) but you can't take back what's already been said.

Massa was suitably - and vocally - upset when the Crashgate story broke, because without Alonso's ill-earned victory, Massa would have won the championship last year, instead of losing to Lewis Hamilton by one point at the last corner of the last lap of the last race of the season. Better luck next year, gents.

[Sources: Autosport; Ferrari | Image: Vanderlei Almeida/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading REPORT: Massa charges that Alonso knew about Piquet crash plan

REPORT: Massa charges that Alonso knew about Piquet crash plan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alonsocrashgatef1felipe massaFelipeMassafernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemassascuderia ferrariScuderiaFerrarisingaporeThu, 15 Oct 2009 16:21:00 EST<![CDATA[End of Year Shuffle: 14 Formula One teams swap drivers for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/end-of-year-shuffle-14-formula-one-teams-swap-drivers-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/end-of-year-shuffle-14-formula-one-teams-swap-drivers-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/end-of-year-shuffle-14-formula-one-teams-swap-drivers-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you thought the series of driver changes in the middle of this ongoing Formula One season was something, it's nothing compared to the grand game of musical chairs expected to ensue as the season draws to a close. With BMW closing up shop, several new teams joining the grid and at least a couple of former world champions switching teams for next year's championship, we're shaping up for the biggest jumble the F1 circus has seen in years. Follow the jump to see how it's unfolding so far.

[Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Continue reading End of Year Shuffle: 14 Formula One teams swap drivers for 2010

End of Year Shuffle: 14 Formula One teams swap drivers for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fia formula one world champion2010 formula one2010FiaFormulaOneWorldChampion2010FormulaOneadian sutilAdianSutilalguersuarialonsobarrichellobrawlBrawn GPBrawnGpbuemibuttoncamposcampos metaCamposMetaf1f1 driversF1Driversfelipe massaFelipeMassafernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoFerrarifisichellaformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneGiancarlo FisichellaGiancarloFisichellaglockgrosjeanheidfeldJaime AlguersuariJaimeAlguersuarijarno trulliJarnoTrullijenson buttonJensonButtonkazuki nakajimaKazukiNakajimakimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenkubicaliuzziLotuslotus f1LotusF1manormark webberMarkWebbermassamclarennakajimanick heidfeldNickHeidfeldnico rosbergNicoRosbergraikkonenred bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingrobert kubicaRobertKubicaromain grosjeanRomainGrosjeanrosbergrubens barrichelloRubensBarrichelloscuderia toro rossoScuderiaToroRossosebastian vettelSebastianVettelsebastien buemiSebastienBuemisutiltimo glockTimoGlocktonio liuzziTonioLiuzzitoro rossoToroRossotoyotatoyota f1ToyotaF1trullius f1UsF1vettelvitantonio liuzziVitantonioLiuzziwebberwilliamsThu, 08 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Fernando Alonso signs with Ferrari F1 for three years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/officially-official-fernando-alonso-signs-with-ferrari-f1-for-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/officially-official-fernando-alonso-signs-with-ferrari-f1-for-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/officially-official-fernando-alonso-signs-with-ferrari-f1-for-t/#commentsFiled under: ,



In a deal that seems to have been years in the making, Ferrari has finally made an official announcement: Fernando Alonso will be driving for the Prancing Horse in 2010. Rumors of Alonso going to the team from Maranello started back during the Spaniard's first stint with Renault, but circumstances with driver lineups didn't allow for it. Instead, Alonso went to McLaren for one very unhappy season before returning to France.

Since then, Alonso's fortunes have been mixed and stories of the Italian job have persisted. According to official statements from Ferrari today, an agreement had been reached earlier in the summer for Alonso to move to the Italian team in 2011. However, recent circumstances with the so-called Crashgate fiasco and the departure of team boss Flavio Briatore and sponsor ING have caused the date to be moved ahead a year. Alonso's Ferrari deal runs for three years.

As expected, current driver Kimi Raikkonen will be departing a year before the end of his contract, although his future remains uncertain. Recent rumors have had him returning to McLaren, although earlier this year it was thought he might switch to the World Rally Championship.

[Source: Ferrari | Source Image: Vanderlei AlmeidaAFP/Getty]

Continue reading Officially Official: Fernando Alonso signs with Ferrari F1 for three years

Officially Official: Fernando Alonso signs with Ferrari F1 for three years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1falsefernando alonsofernando-alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrariferrari f1ferrari formula 1FerrariF1FerrariFormula1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekimi raikkonenkimi-raikkonenKimiRaikkonenrenaultrenault f1renaultf1Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ferrari F1 set to announce Alonso acquisition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/report-ferrari-f1-set-to-announce-alonso-acquisition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/report-ferrari-f1-set-to-announce-alonso-acquisition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/report-ferrari-f1-set-to-announce-alonso-acquisition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Apparently, the long-rumored Fernando Alonso to Ferrari announcement is now all but official. According to a report from the BBC, the 28-year-old driver has signed a two-year contract with options to extend that will earn the Spaniard a tidy salary of roughly 19 to 25 million euros ($27 to $36 million) per year.

An official announcement could come as early as this weekend at the Suzuka Grand Prix in Japan. As expected, Alonso will be paired up with current Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, whose spot is currently being filled in by Giancarlo Fisichella while the Brazilian is recovering from injuries sustained during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Kimi Raikkonen could possibly make the move back to McLaren, and current BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica is rumored to be taking Alonso's place at Renault. Tune back in tomorrow for another installation of How the F1 World Turns... Tip of the hat to Cheech McGovern!

[Source: BBC | Image: ph-stop - CC 2.0]

REPORT: Ferrari F1 set to announce Alonso acquisition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alonsof1fernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenrenaultrobert kubicaRobertKubicaTue, 29 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Raikkonen could be back at McLaren in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/rumormill-raikkonen-could-be-back-at-mclaren-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/rumormill-raikkonen-could-be-back-at-mclaren-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/rumormill-raikkonen-could-be-back-at-mclaren-in-2010/#commentsFiled under:



According to British newspaper the Mirror, Kimi Raikkonen could be driving for McLaren next year. The Iceman drove for Ron Dennis' outfit from 2002 to 2006 and scored plenty of victories but couldn't get the World Championship. Then he left for Ferrari in 2007 where he promptly won the World Championship the first year.

This season rumors have persisted that Fernando Alonso is moving to Ferrari next year. Seemingly in support of that, the only thing Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari team head Stefano Domenicali would say about next year is that Raikkonen has contracted for next year -- neither would say that the driver would actually be there.

The hitch in this latest story is that Kimi will only vacate the seat if he is paid his full salary, something like $49 million. If one adds Massa's salary and the salary one could expect to Alonso to make to that, 2010 would make for a stupendously expensive driver's budget. With Alonso cleared of any sanctions in Renault's crash-gate, it looks like Ferrari has some decisions to make -- forty-nine million of them...

[Source: F1 Live | Image Source: Paul Gilham/Getty]

Rumormill: Raikkonen could be back at McLaren in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1falsefernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrariferrari f1FerrariF1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenmclarenmclaren f1mclaren-mercedesMclarenF1motorsportsrenaultrenault f1RenaultF1Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Renault F1 placed on suspended two-year, Briatore banned indefinitely?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/breaking-renault-f1-reportedly-placed-on-suspended-ban-for-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/breaking-renault-f1-reportedly-placed-on-suspended-ban-for-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/breaking-renault-f1-reportedly-placed-on-suspended-ban-for-two/#commentsFiled under: ,



The World Motor Sports Council took only 90 minutes to reach a verdict in the case of Crashgate - wherein former driver Nelson Piquet, Jr. intentionally chucked his car into the wall at last year's Singapore GP to hand the win to Renault teammate Fernando Alonso. Realizing that Renault was contrite and that the company's disappearance from F1 would be bad for a lot of people, the WSMC handed the company a two-year suspended sentence. If Renault - and its people - keep clean until the end of 2011, it will be free and clear again. As usual in these cases, Renault F1 will also be making "a significant contribution" to racing safety projects.

As for team head Flavio Briatore (above), he couldn't even go down shooting. Having walked away from Renault and not in attendance at the WSMC hearing, all of the doors to FIA-sanctioned motorsport were closed behind him. Not only is he barred "for an unlimited period," from any kind of involvement in any race series or team, no driver "who is associated (through a management contract or otherwise) with Mr. Briatore," can get a Superlicense. We guess that mean's he's left to hang his head at his Billionaire's Club... or with his model wife... or on his yacht...

Pat Symonds, Renault's executive director of engineering, fared a little better, getting only a five-year ban. It appears the difference is that Symonds admitted participation in the "conspiracy," while Briatore still denies he had anything to do with it. We wouldn't be surprised to see Symonds in racing again, but perhaps not on the wall in F1 even after the five years is up. Piquet was given immunity for his help with the investigation, but his career has probably been given a terminal blow to the head. Alonso was found not to have known anything about the plot, which cynics, like Nelson Piquet, Sr. have found hard to believe, but this could clear the way for Alonso to potentially head to Ferrari without issue. Hat tip to Bertland!

[Source: Formula 1.com | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

BREAKING: Renault F1 placed on suspended two-year, Briatore banned indefinitely? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsbriatoref1fernando alonsoFernandoAlonsofiaflavio briatoreFlavioBriatoreformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemotorsportsnelson piquet jrNelsonPiquetJrpat symondsPatSymondspiquetrenaultrenault f1RenaultF1singapore grand prixSingaporeGrandPrixworld motorsport councilWorldMotorsportCouncilwsmcMon, 21 Sep 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds leave Renault F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/breaking-flavio-briatore-and-pat-symonds-leave-renault-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/breaking-flavio-briatore-and-pat-symonds-leave-renault-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/breaking-flavio-briatore-and-pat-symonds-leave-renault-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,



Flavio Briatore might have wished that he had been a little kinder to client and former Renault F1 driver Nelson Piquet. After Piquet was sacked for non-performance following the Hungarian Grand Prix this year, he sought revenge by saying that Briatore and team engineering director Pat Symonds instructed him to crash during last year's Singapore GP. The crash, done correctly, would cause the safety car to come out, and that would give teammate Fernando Alonso the best chance of winning the race.

Piquet crashed, the safety car came out, and Alonso won the race. It's been reported that at least one driver thought the crash was suspect, and Williams' Patrick Head said Piquet confessed to a journalist after the race that he crashed on purpose. Piquet's motivation was to keep his Renault seat for 2009. Not having done that, he's got little left to lose... well, other than his career or the chance that any other team will hire him...

Based on evidence gathered, the FIA called Renault to account for its actions during the Singapore GP to the World Motorsport Council. The team hadn't been found guilty, but leaks indicated that the affair was looking suspect. Perhaps hoping to save the team from suffering over the actions of just two men, Briatore and Symonds have departed in what looks remarkably like a Ron Dennis move after McLaren's Australian GP debacle. Renault's only statement on the matter, before Monday's WSMC meeting, said that "The ING Renault F1 Team will not dispute the recent allegations made by the FIA concerning the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix." For all kinds of reasons, happy and tragic, on the track and off, this has been the most intriguing F1 season in years.

[Source: F1 Live | Image Source: Mark Thompson/Getty]

BREAKING: Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds leave Renault F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingf1fernando alonsoFernandoAlonsofiaflavio briatoreFlavioBriatoreformula 1Formula1ing renault f1IngRenaultF1nelson piquetNelsonPiquetpat symondsPatSymondsrenaultrenault f1RenaultF1singapore grand prixSingaporeGrandPrixworld motorsport councilWorldMotorsportCouncilwsmcWed, 16 Sep 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari weighs its options with Massa reportedly not expected back this season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/ferrari-weighs-its-options-with-massa-reportedly-not-expected-ba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/ferrari-weighs-its-options-with-massa-reportedly-not-expected-ba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/ferrari-weighs-its-options-with-massa-reportedly-not-expected-ba/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When Felipe Massa was taken out of commission at the Hungarian Grand Prix last month, the questions on everyone's mind was who would replace him and when he'd be back. With regards to the former, Ferrari is one of the few teams on the grid that doesn't have a junior driver development program in place. The team doesn't usually have a problem getting the best drivers, but when disaster (literally) struck, the Scuderia was left without options.

Michael Schumacher prepared to come out of retirement to fill his prodigy's seat, but his own lingering physical issues prevented that, leaving Ferrari with little choice than to promote one of its aging test drivers - finally opting for Luca Badoer after his ten-year hiatus from active racing instead of its other test driver, recent Le Mans winner Marc Gene - with less than satisfactory results. After finishing just about dead last in both of the races he's contested so far, Ferrari has admitted that it's looking at other options for the rest of the season. Giancarlo Fisichella is said to be one possible Ferrari driver and could stay on in the long term to replace Badoer as test driver as well. Robert Kubica is being touted as another, while still more reports suggest that Fernando Alonso could bolt from Renault a bit early and take up residence with Ferrari.

If these rumors seemed at first a little odd with Massa first rumored to return by the upcoming Italian Grand Prix and then readjusted to the subsequent Brazilian Grand Prix - the home races for the team and driver respectively - it now looks like Felipe won't be back this season at all. After undergoing tests at the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Massa is scheduled to undergo plastic surgery to repair a fractured section of skull resulting from the incident in Hungary. Tellingly, Ferrari says they're looking forward to Massa's return for the start of next season.

That's all in the short term, however, and Ferrari is keen to avoid such strategic mistakes in the future. Accidents happen, and the team needs to be prepared, so its looking into setting up a junior driver development program that would give them access to a pool of emerging talent for the future.

[Source: Ferrari via Autosport; F1-Live]

Continue reading Ferrari weighs its options with Massa reportedly not expected back this season

Ferrari weighs its options with Massa reportedly not expected back this season originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badoerfelipe massaFelipeMassafernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrarigiancarlo fisichellaGiancarloFisichellajackson memorial hospitalJacksonMemorialHospitalluca badoerLucaBadoermassaneuroscience intensive care unitNeuroscienceIntensiveCareUnitrobert kubicaRobertKubicascuderia ferrariScuderiaFerrariThu, 03 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Alonso to move to Ferrari for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/report-alonso-to-move-to-ferrari-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/report-alonso-to-move-to-ferrari-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/report-alonso-to-move-to-ferrari-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,



While not exactly confirmed, it seems that past rumors of a switch for Formula One driver Fernando Alonso from his current partnership with Renault to Ferrari still have legs. In an offhand remark made during an interview with BBC Sport, McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh indicated he expects the Fernando to Ferrari deal to take place at the end of the current season. Such a move could potentially trigger a number of driver changes for 2010.

We've heard plenty of reports that current Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen will retire from F1 at the end of 2009, possibly making a switch to the World Rally Championship as a driver for the Fiat rally team. If that's true, expect Alonso to join Felipe Massa - who is currently recovering from a serious head injury - as drivers for the Scuderia.

For Ferrari's part, an unnamed spokesperson tells the BBC, "Things can happen and not happen. But you cannot talk about any Fernando-Ferrari move. We have two drivers with a contract until the end of 2010. We are not under pressure to change anything." Despite Ferrari's assertion, we'll be a bit surprised if Alonso's not wearing red next year.

[Source: BBC Sport | Photo: ph-stop - CC 2.0]

REPORT: Alonso to move to Ferrari for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alonsofernando alonsofernando alonso ferrarifernando alonso renaultfernando-alonsoFernandoAlonsoFernandoAlonsoFerrariFernandoAlonsoRenaultferrariferrari formula 1FerrariFormula1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneFri, 21 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Raikkonen to leave Ferrari for new Fiat rally team, VW to follow?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/rumormill-raikkonen-to-leave-ferrari-for-new-fiat-rally-team-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/rumormill-raikkonen-to-leave-ferrari-for-new-fiat-rally-team-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/rumormill-raikkonen-to-leave-ferrari-for-new-fiat-rally-team-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Raikkonen drives Rally Finland in a Fiat Punto Abarth

The World Rally Championship is targeting the participation of four major manufacturers within the next two seasons, and according to the latest scuttlebutt, they just might get what they are wishing for. At the turn of the millennium, the premier rally series had seven manufacturers, but series organizers and promoters reportedly feel that four would make for a more competitive environment.

Suzuki and Subaru recently withdrew their works teams from the championship, leaving Ford and Citroën as the only manufacturers in the sport together with the independent customer teams. Both Volkswagen and Fiat are expected to launch WRC efforts in the near future, but it's Fiat's initiative that's garnering the most interest in the motorsport press, as it's rumored to include one very big name.

According to rumors, Kimi Raikkonen will leave Formula One and Scuderia Ferrari to lead the Fiat rally team, expected to compete under the Abarth name. Raikkonen recently contested a series of rallies in his spare time behind the wheel of his own S2000-spec Fiat Punto Abarth (pictured above), adding fuel to the speculation suggesting that Raikkonen could have his existing contract with Ferrari simply transferred over to the Abarth outfit, as it falls under the same Fiat group umbrella as Ferrari. The move would make room for Fernando Alonso to take Kimi's place in the culmination of a long anticipated move for the Spanish champion.

[Source: Autosport and Pitpass | Image: OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty]

Rumormill: Raikkonen to leave Ferrari for new Fiat rally team, VW to follow? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abarthabarth rallyabarth wrcAbarthRallyAbarthWrcalonsofernando alonsoFernandoAlonsofiatfiat abarthfiat abarth wrcfiat rallyfiat wrcFiatAbarthFiatAbarthWrcFiatRallyFiatWrckimikimi raikkonenkimi raikkonen abarth wrckimi raikkonen fiatkimi raikkonen fiat abarthkimi raikkonen fiat abarth wrckimi raikkonen fiat wrckimi raikkonen rallykimi raikkonen wrcKimiRaikkonenKimiRaikkonenAbarthWrcKimiRaikkonenFiatKimiRaikkonenFiatAbarthKimiRaikkonenFiatAbarthWrcKimiRaikkonenFiatWrcKimiRaikkonenRallyKimiRaikkonenWrcraikkonenraikkonen abarthraikkonen fiatraikkonen rallyRaikkonenAbarthRaikkonenFiatRaikkonenRallyvolkswagen rallyvolkswagen wrcVolkswagenRallyVolkswagenWrcvw rallyVwRallyworld rally championshipWorldRallyChampionshipwrcTue, 18 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORTS: Massa recovering but may never race again, Renault suspended for safety infraction [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/reports-massa-recovering-but-may-never-race-again-renault-susp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/reports-massa-recovering-but-may-never-race-again-renault-susp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/reports-massa-recovering-but-may-never-race-again-renault-susp/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In a development mirroring countless racing movies, Felipe Massa's doctors say that the injured driver is showing progress in his recovery, but that he may never race again. The Brazilian pilot, who narrowly missed winning the title last year, was knocked unconscious on Saturday by a loose component off the car of fellow countryman Rubens Barrichello - who coincidentally used to hold Massa's seat at Ferrari - and taken to the hospital in Budapest. Although Massa's injuries are no longer considered life-threatening and he was reportedly able to move limbs according to doctors' instructions, severe damage to his left eye could spell the end of his career.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo visited Massa at the hospital together with team principal Stefano Domenicali, who will stay with Massa's family - including his pregnant wife - another day while doctors determine how much longer he should stay at the Hungarian military facility before being moved closer to home. While Felipe's projected recovery time remains unclear at this point, it looks like he will be out for at least the rest of the season, meaning that the Scuderia will need to find someone suitable to fill his seat. The last time Ferrari had to temporarily replace an injured driver was ten years ago when Michael Schumacher broke his leg at Silverstone. The team then elected to bring in Mika Salo, who supported team-mate Eddie Irvine in securing the constructors' championship for the team, rather than promoting one of its veteran test drivers.

Massa's injuries follow hot on the heels of the Henry Surtees incident that saw the son of former world champion John Surtees killed in a Formula 2 race a week ago, throwing the FIA into action to prevent further incidents. The Renault team was handed a one-race suspension as a penalty for a stray wheel that broke loose from Fernando Alonso's F1 car on Sunday and bounced dangerously down the track on the thirteenth lap of this past weekend's race. The FIA ruled that the team should have alerted its driver to the improperly secured wheel nut, and will subsequently have to sit out the upcoming European Grand Prix at Valencia, considered a home race for the penalized two-time world champion.

UPDATE: We've added a gallery of images taken during and after the incident, though should warn you that the gallery includes a shot of Massa after the accident occurred. It is not for the faint of heart, so don't look if you can't stomach seeing injuries well.


Gallery: Felipe Massa crash at Hungarian GP



[Sources: Boston Globe and New York Times | Image: MAURICIO LIMA/AFP/Getty]

REPORTS: Massa recovering but may never race again, Renault suspended for safety infraction [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alonsof1felipe massafelipe massa injuryFelipeMassaFelipeMassaInjuryfernando alonsoFernandoAlonsofiafia penaltyFiaPenaltyformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnehungarian gphungarian grand prixHungarianGpHungarianGrandPrixmassamassa alonsomassa injurymassa renaultMassaAlonsoMassaInjuryMassaRenaultpenaltyrenault f1renault penaltyRenaultF1RenaultPenaltysuspensionMon, 27 Jul 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Kimi Räikkönen set to retire from F1 after 2009 season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/18/report-raikkonen-ready-to-retire-after-2009-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/18/report-raikkonen-ready-to-retire-after-2009-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/18/report-raikkonen-ready-to-retire-after-2009-season/#commentsFiled under: ,



Rumors are heating up that Ferrari Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen will walk away from the grand prix circus at the end of the 2009 season. If the 2007 World Champion does quit, it would free up his seat for two-time champion Fernando Alonso. You'll recall that there's been talk of Alonso making the jump to Ferrari since well before his single unhappy season at McLaren. However, the circumstances have never quite worked out for him.

According to reports from his native Finland, Räikkönen may move over to full time rallying like so many of his compatriots before him. Kimi has already competed in three rallies this year and is set to do another later this month. Räikkönen still has another year left on his contract and Ferrari may end up paying his €28 million salary in order to keep him out of any other F1 seat in 2010.

[Source: GPUpdate]

REPORT: Kimi Räikkönen set to retire from F1 after 2009 season originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrariferrari f1ferrari formula 1FerrariF1FerrariFormula1kimi raikkonenkimi-raikkonenKimiRaikkonenretirementscuderia ferrariScuderiaFerrariSat, 18 Jul 2009 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Congeniality Award? Renault launches new R29]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/congeniality-award-renault-launches-new-r29/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/congeniality-award-renault-launches-new-r29/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/congeniality-award-renault-launches-new-r29/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on either image to view the new Renault R29 in high resolution

Wow. After seeing a few of this year's Formula One cars unveiled already, we really didn't think that the cars could get much uglier. We were wrong. Enter Renault with its latest R29, decked out in yellow and orange. And white. And red. And blue. Throw in some green and we'd be back at the Benetton team that preceded it.

Of course, it could hardly matter less what the car looks like, so long as it keeps the pace with its field-leading rivals. And in the last half of this past season, Renault showed that it could. But with all the new regulations in place, it's a whole new ballgame, and who's to know if the French team - returning to the grid with Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet, Jr. - will be able to ride back up the field to the championship-contending potential it demonstrated just a few years ago with back-to-back titles. We'll just have to wait and see.

Gallery: 2009 Renault R29 F1


[Source: Renault F1]

Congeniality Award? Renault launches new R29 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fernando alonsoFernandoAlonsonelsinho piquetNelsinhoPiquetnelson piquetNelsonPiquetrenaultrenault f1renault r29renault sportRenaultF1RenaultR29RenaultSportTue, 20 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Alonso escapes Kenyan plane crash unhurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/alonso-escapes-kenyan-plane-crash-unhurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/alonso-escapes-kenyan-plane-crash-unhurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/alonso-escapes-kenyan-plane-crash-unhurt/#commentsFiled under: ,



Perhaps Fernando Alonso should stick to the ground. After all, he's considered to be one of, if not the, best drivers in all of Formula 1, which many consider to be the pinnacle of motorsports. Sure, F1 racing isn't necessarily the safest career choice in the world, but it may seem like the more responsible play after Alonso's private plane suffered a mild crash in Kenya on Sunday. Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper says that Alonso's plane wing had a minor run-in with an airport terminal building as it was readying for takeoff, but there were no injuries reported.

According to reports, the Spanish driver was in Kenya to take part in a New Year's party that was hosted by Flavio Briatore, the managing director for Renault's Formula 1 efforts (sounds suspiciously like your New Year's too, eh?). It seems that while the accident wasn't particularly serious, Alonso, his wife and his brother-in-law needed to postpone their return home until Monday.

Side note: After commenting on this crash, Alonso's manager is again quoted as suggesting that his client has a longstanding interest in getting a shot at the driver's seat for Ferrari, yet Alonso is contracted with Renault through 2010. Hat tip to reader Dan!

[Source: Yahoo Eurosport UK - Photo: Mark McArdle CC 2.0]

Alonso escapes Kenyan plane crash unhurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fernando alonsofernando-alonsoFernandoAlonsoformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneMon, 05 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Alonso could have switched to Ferrari immediately]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/rumormill-alonso-could-have-switched-to-ferrari-immediately/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/rumormill-alonso-could-have-switched-to-ferrari-immediately/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/rumormill-alonso-could-have-switched-to-ferrari-immediately/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fernando Alonso, who some believe is the best driver in F1, has seen his name in the news a lot these last few days. First, reports popped up that the Spanish racer has signed a (still unsubstantiated) secret deal that would put him in the seat of a Ferrari Formula 1 car beginning when his contract with Renault expires after the 2010 season. According to the latest set of rumors, Ferrari actually wanted Alonso to break his contract with Renault for the upcoming season, but the driver chose to honor his current deal out of loyalty. If true, Alonso would have taken Kimi Raikkonen's seat at Ferrari, racing alongside Felipe Massa. The starting grid for Formula 1 has always been a bit of a roundtable affair, and these most recent rumors would appear to keep the ongoing soap opera going for the next few years, at least.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Rumormill: Alonso could have switched to Ferrari immediately originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrariferrari formula 1FerrariFormula1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneSat, 03 Jan 2009 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Fernando Alonso named Best F1 Driver of 2008, Hamilton and Massa snubbed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/fernando-alonso-named-best-f1-driver-of-2008-hamilton-and-massa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/fernando-alonso-named-best-f1-driver-of-2008-hamilton-and-massa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/fernando-alonso-named-best-f1-driver-of-2008-hamilton-and-massa/#commentsFiled under:



According to Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fernando Alonso is the best driver in Formula 1 and would have won the 2008 championship had he been driving a Ferrari. If that sounds like a major slap in the face to current Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen, it is. Lewis Hamilton, the man who actually did managed to win last year's title, was voted as the second best driver.

It seems worth mentioning that this vote came shortly after the recently rumored secret contract between Alonso and the Prancing Horse. Regardless, the Italian rag does correctly point out that Alonso finished the season in an impressive fashion, scoring more points than any other driver in the series despite being handicapped by equipment that wasn't up to par with the best from Ferrari, McLaren and BMW.

[Source: World Car Fans | Photo: Vladimir Rys/Getty]

Fernando Alonso named Best F1 Driver of 2008, Hamilton and Massa snubbed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fernando alonsofernando-alonsoFernandoAlonsoformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneMon, 29 Dec 2008 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Alonso has secret four-year deal to join Ferrari F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/report-alonso-has-secret-four-year-deal-to-join-ferrari-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/report-alonso-has-secret-four-year-deal-to-join-ferrari-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/report-alonso-has-secret-four-year-deal-to-join-ferrari-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,



F1 ace Fernando Alonso has reportedly signed a secret, four-year deal to drive for Ferrari starting in 2011. The Spanish driver first made waves in F1 while driving for Renault, during which time he became the the youngest ever Drivers' Champion and added a second title at the expense of F1 legend Michael Schumacher. After a disappointing though lucrative season in 2007 with McLaren, Alonso returned to Renault in 2008 and recently signed a two-year extension through 2010. Once that contract expires, the rumored secret four-year deal with Ferrari will begin. We're told that both Alonso and Ferrari have a number of out clauses in case things go awry, though the unconfirmed deal means that at least one of Ferraris current drivers, Kimi Raikkonen or Felipe Massa, won't be wearing red come 2011. In fact, Alonso could join the team even earlier if Raikkonen performs as poorly in 2009 as he did last year.

[Source: Guardian.co.uk | Photo by Getty Images]

REPORT: Alonso has secret four-year deal to join Ferrari F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1fernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrariferrari fernando alonsoFerrariFernandoAlonsoformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneMon, 29 Dec 2008 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault F1 confirms both Alonso and Piquet for 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/renault-f1-confirms-both-alonso-and-piquet-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/renault-f1-confirms-both-alonso-and-piquet-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/renault-f1-confirms-both-alonso-and-piquet-for-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now that the 2008 Formula One championship is decided, teams will begin moving on confirming their drivers for next season. And while several already have, one major question mark has just been resolved as Renault has confirmed the extension of Fernando Alonso's contract. And not just for next season, but through 2010. Along with it, they've confirmed his team-mate's contract through next season as well, giving the team continuity for its upcoming assault on the title.

Renault managed a notable recovery in the latter part of this season that saw Alonso win two races back to back. And while that may be a far cry from the two titles he won with the team a couple of years back, it's a start. That no doubt had a positive impact on Fernando's decision to stay with the team, but insiders were surprised to see him sign for two more years instead of one. Meanwhile, though Nelson Piquet Jr. had a rough start to the season, he managed to pull off some noteworthy performances when the team found its form again, earning him a renewal as well.

The hirings should allow the rest of F1's teams, now relieved of the suspense, to confirm their drivers for next season. So far, Ferrari, McLaren, BMW Sauber, Williams and now Renault have announced they're sticking with the same pairings, and Red Bull has confirmed Sebastian Vettel is moving up to take Coulthard's seat alongside Mark Webber, leaving Toro Rosso, Toyota, Honda and Force India to announce their drivers for the upcoming season. Stay tuned.

[Source: Renault F1]

Continue reading Renault F1 confirms both Alonso and Piquet for 2009

Renault F1 confirms both Alonso and Piquet for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alonsoalonso renaultAlonsoRenaultfernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoing renaultIngRenaultnelsinho piquetNelsinhoPiquetnelson-piquet-jr.piquetpiquet renaultPiquetRenaultrenaultrenault f1RenaultF1Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Alonso vs. Kubica... in karts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/video-alonso-vs-kubica-in-karts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/video-alonso-vs-kubica-in-karts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/video-alonso-vs-kubica-in-karts/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view the video

Looks like Fernando Alonso and Robert Kubica didn't get enough head-to-head racing action last week in Japan. The first and second place finishers in Fuji decided to go at it once again when the pair reached this week's F1 stop in Shanghai. Rather than risk their multi-million dollar F1 race cars, and quite possibly their careers, the two opted to hit the local kart track instead. Alonso probably has a weight advantage in this scenario, but that shouldn't take away from his mad driving skillz. Watch the non-English video after the jump to see how it turned out and stick around for the victory lap. You'll get a chance to see the some of the best donuts you'll ever witness.

[Source: F1 Fanatic]

Continue reading VIDEO: Alonso vs. Kubica... in karts

VIDEO: Alonso vs. Kubica... in karts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1fernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoformula 1Formula1kartingrobert kubicaRobertKubicaSat, 18 Oct 2008 15:34:00 EST