Autoblog

Misano circuit renamed in honor of Marco Simoncelli

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Motorcycle

The race track on Italy's Adriatic coast known to most as Misano World Circuit will adopt a new name in tribute to the late motorcycle racer Marco Simoncelli.

Although Misano isn't where Simoncelli lost his life - that tragedy unfolded at Sepang in Malaysia - he was known and loved as a local hero at the Italian track. That's why its owners have announced that it is being named Marco Simoncelli International Circuit in his honor.

It's a fitting tribute, and follows the recent decision of motorsport constructor Dallara to name its new IndyCar chassis DW12 in honor of the late Dan Wheldon.

Misano circuit renamed in honor of Marco Simoncelli originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grand Prix: some hope for Imola, less for London

Noah Joseph — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 08:41:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

The San Marino Grand Prix at Imola may be off the F1 calendar for next year, but that doesn't mean it won't make a comeback. The race organizers are fighting to keep the race, but F1 head-honcho Bernie Ecclestone is adamant that the race won't be on the schedule for the next season. If they make the necessary modifications and upgrades (under new organizers), however, Bernie says there'd be nothing to stop them from putting in a new bid for future seasons. Alternatively, the single Italian Grand Prix could end up alternating circuits every other year, as the German Grand Prix has arranged to alternate between Hockenheim and the Nurburgring since its second race (the European Grand Prix) was canceled.

At the other end of the continent, the prospects for a grand prix in London aren't looking so hot. The British Grand Prix has been held at Silverstone since the start of the F1 championship in 1950 (with few interruptions), and is currently contracted to keep the race through 2009. In 2004, a parade of F1 cars proceeded through the streets of London, drawing half a million spectators and lending support to the idea of a race in the city itself. Initially, London Mayor Ken Livingstone expressed support for the idea, but never shying away from controversy (or from putting his foot in his own mouth), "Red Ken" backtracked at a recent press conference, claiming the city wouldn't support the expense of hosting a grand prix, and that he'd be afraid to walk the streets if they did.

Never a dull moment with the constantly-shifting landscape of the F1 race calendar.

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Grand Prix: some hope for Imola, less for London originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Not TiVoSafe] Motorsports Highlights: April 22-23

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Quite a weekend! Ferrari returns, a new Nextel Cup points leader, a wild sports car race, a ton of motorcycle road racing, and some fence-climbing in Japan.

Formula 1:
At the front of the field, the San Marino Grand Prix was a mirror-image of last year's race, this time with Michael Schumacher holding off Fernando Alonso instead of the other way around. Schumacher's victory capped a great weekend for the tifosi, with Felipe Massa redeeming himself for his miscues in previous races with a fourth place finish, and Michael qualfying on the pole. Alonso continued to build his championship lead with his second-place finish, and Juan Pablo Montoya brought his McLaren home in third. Full weekend coverage here. [Photo courtesy of Ferrari]

More after the jump.

Continue reading [Not TiVoSafe] Motorsports Highlights: April 22-23

[Not TiVoSafe] Motorsports Highlights: April 22-23 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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