Autoblog

Ralph Lauren pays tribute with Scuderia collection

Noah Joseph — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:28:00 EST

If you just so happen to be ordering a new Ferrari, the craftsmen over at Schedoni will be glad to outfit you with a full set of fitted luggage for your new Italian Stallion. But if you want to go a slightly different route, Ralph Lauren is here to help you out. And why shouldn't he? Among his unparalleled car collection are a number of highly coveted Ferraris - including a 250 GTO, a 375 Plus and not one, but two Testa Rossas. (Remember, one TR recently set the world auction record at $12 million.)

Lauren's love of polo ponies is already well known... just take a look on the chest of any of his shirts. But to celebrate his love of the other kind of Prancing Horses, the quintessential American designer has graced us with a collection of bags of various shapes and sizes. Bearing the Scuderia name, they're decked out with perforated black calfskin and yellow racing stripes - perfect for tossing on the luggage rack of your favorite GT from Maranello. As you'd expect, they command an appropriate price: the tote bag you see to the right goes for a hefty $1,295, so you'd better make sure you've got plenty of cash set aside for gas and tires first.

[Source: Ralph Lauren via Acquire]

Ralph Lauren pays tribute with Scuderia collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari Scuderia owners assemble for Southern California gathering [w/VIDEO]

Drew Phillips — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari

Ferrari Scuderia Gathering - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's a beautiful sight - a Ferrari 430 Scuderia pulls out of a parking lot and onto the street, its 4.3-liter V8 changing from an angry rumble to a screaming stallion at 8500 rpm as it accelerates down the road. Now... multiply that by 22. That was the scene in Southern California this weekend where nearly two dozen Ferrari Scuderia owners (16 430 Scuderias and six Scuderia Spider 16Ms specifically) gathered for a mini car show and drive. Fortunately there were plenty of photographers on hand to capture the event, and one, Andre Ravinowich was kind enough to provide us with a high-res gallery. You can also check out www.speedandmotion.com for additional photos and videos, one of which you can watch after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari Scuderia Southern California Gathering

Continue reading Ferrari Scuderia owners assemble for Southern California gathering [w/VIDEO]

Ferrari Scuderia owners assemble for Southern California gathering [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Musical Chairs: Kimi contests WRC Finland, Rossi considers Ferrari, F1 could grow 3rd car

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ferrari

Valentino Rossi tests a Ferrari F1 car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Typically F1 drivers come up through the formula racing ladder. But for every rule there's an exception, and that exception seems to be creeping up for Ferrari, who are facing a potential change-up in drivers that involves not just numerous racing classes but varied disciplines of motorsports.

First up is Kimi Raikkonen, the team's 2007 world champion who's been trying his hand at rallying. The Finnish driver has contested local-level rallies with limited success, but remains undeterred in entering the World Rally Championship stage in Finland next month. The event will be the first top-level rally for Raikkonen, and also the first professional rally on agravel surface following previous outings on ice, snow and asphalt. Given his level of performance lately in F1, if Kimi finds his footing in rally, he could make the switch.

If Kimi were to jump ship from F1, there's no lack of talent out for Ferrari, but the Scuderia could reach into a different talent pool and bring Valentino Rossi on board. The multiple MotoGP champion has tested for Ferrari on several occasions to considerable effect, and could be ripe for a switch from two wheels to four. But even if Kimi stays in F1, Rossi could find himself with an open door just the same as reports indicate that the terms of the new arrangement between the FIA and FOTA could make way for teams to field a third car in F1 in the near future.

[Source: Autosport and F1-Live]

Musical Chairs: Kimi contests WRC Finland, Rossi considers Ferrari, F1 could grow 3rd car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Embarrassment of Riches - Ferrari F40 meets 430 Scuderia

Chris Paukert — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari, UK

Click above to watch the video after the jump

When you think of a successor to Ferrari's watershed F40 supercar, the 430 Scuderia, incredible as it is, probably doesn't come immediately to mind. Instead, you're more likely to have visions of the F50 and Enzo dancing in your head. While that's a fair mental association, as Autocar reveals in this installment of their "Meet The Ancestors" video series, the Scud does share many of the same qualities, including a banshee wail of a soundtrack, stunning visuals, and a focus on minimalism (which the older car raised to an art form).

Direct descendant or no, any video that features the visuals and unfettered vocals of two of our favorite Ferraris deserves a look. Check it out after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari F430 Scuderia

[Source: Autocar via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Embarrassment of Riches - Ferrari F40 meets 430 Scuderia

VIDEO: Embarrassment of Riches - Ferrari F40 meets 430 Scuderia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider joins the party

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider

The focus under the Prancing Horse this year at the Geneva Motor Show was clearly on the flagship 599, with its new HGTE package and 599XX track car, but Maranello also brought out the new Scuderia Spider 16M. The limited edition roadster was originally unveiled back in November at the Mugello race track in northern Italy to celebrate Ferrari's 16th Formula One constructors' title that was earned last year, but this was the first look we've had of it up close. Essentially a cross between the 430 Scuderia and the F430 Spider, the 16M is, according to Ferrari, the fastest convertible ever offered by the brand. With less than 500 examples being made, this may be the closest you ever get to seeing one, so check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari Scuderia Spyder 16M

Geneva 2009: Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider joins the party originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics and Video: Scuderia Ferrari F60 gets on track

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari

Click above to view the Scuderia Ferrari F60 in high resolution

Formula One teams love a good challenge. As if it weren't difficult enough to dominate at the pinnacle of motorsports, for the 2009 season, each team will have to adapt to a host of new regulations, including the introduction of the KERS regenerative braking systems, the reintroduction of slick tires and significant changes to the aerodynamics package. Still not hard enough? How about cutting the budgets the teams are meant to adapt to the new rules... and then eliminating all the test sessions during the season, leaving just a handful of pre-season runs to get everything up to speed (so to speak). Scuderia Ferrari apparently thought that still wasn't enough, so they've opted to unveil their car earlier than the rest of the field.

Of course that's going to mean a few glitches, and in its first day on the track, the new F60 broke down and was sidelined for most of the day. That's sent the engineers back to the drawing board to work out the glitches, but not before the cameramen could get a few shots and some video footage of the new F60 in action at the Mugello circuit near Florence, Italy. Check 'em out in the updated gallery below and in the video after the jump, and stay tuned for the individual revelations of the rest of the crop of 2009-spec F1 cars, starting with Toyota's this coming Thursday.

Gallery: Scuderia Ferrari F60

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Pics and Video: Scuderia Ferrari F60 gets on track

Pics and Video: Scuderia Ferrari F60 gets on track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: Grid fills out for 2009 F1 car presentations

Noah Joseph — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Honda, Ferrari

Click above for a high-res gallry of last year's BMW Sauber F1.08 reveal

Each day in the new year is bringing us closer to the successive unveilings of the latest batch of Formula One race cars, with nearly all the teams confirming the launch dates for their latest machinery.

Contrary to earlier reports that placed its unveiling on January 15, Scuderia Ferrari will be the first team to show its new car with an online preview on January 12, ahead of the official Fiorano debut. Toyota will follow, as expected, on January 15 from Cologne, Germany, and McLaren the next day from Woking, England. Renault and Williams will unveil at the official FIA-sanctioned test session on January 19 at Algarve, Portugal, with BMW Sauber to follow the next day from Valencia, Spain.

Red Bull, which previously remained a question mark, has now announced its debut on February 9, citing the desire to take advantage of more development time. Sister team Toro Rosso has yet to confirm reports that its presentation will wait until March, when Force India is expected to unveil as well. But there's no telling what will be with Honda as the team's future hangs in the balance. Stay tuned.

[Source: F1-Live]

Update: Grid fills out for 2009 F1 car presentations originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wait, What? Red Bull buys back full stake in Toro Rosso

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Earnings/Financials

Click above for a high-res image

We wish we could understand how Dietrich Mateschitz thinks, but we just can't. After years of sponsoring F1 teams, the Red Bull chief decides to buy one outright. That wasn't enough, so he buys a second one. Then he sells half of that team to former F1 driver (and fellow Austrian) Gerhard Berger. Then he says he wants to sell it off altogether, but instead he buys it back.

And so comes the announcement today that Mateschitz has re-acquired full stake in his B-squad, Scuderia Toro Rosso, which proved itself better than the A-squad by outperforming it all year and even winning a race. For next season, STR's wunderkind Sebastian Vettel is moving up to the Red Bull Racing main squad to replace the retired David Coulthard. The announcement for Sebastien Buemi to join STR in Vettel's seat is expected soon. Unless Mateschitz decides to buy something else.

[Source: Autosport]

Wait, What? Red Bull buys back full stake in Toro Rosso originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M to celebrate F1 title

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:10:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Supercars, Ferrari, Specialty

Click the Scuderia Spider for a high res gallery

After winning its 16th Formula one constructors championship last week, Ferrari has chosen this week to release a open top version of the F430 Scuderia. The Scuderia Spider 16M gets all the goodies from the lightweight Scuderia coupe like the 510 hp 4.3L V8 and the 6-speed F1 paddle shift gearbox. Ferrari is claiming the Scuderia Spider is the fastest open top model they've ever tested around the Fiorano test track, presumably beating out even the might F50 of decade ago. The Scuderia is 176 lbs lighter than a standard F430 spider at 2954 lbs dry. That's claimed to be good enough for a 0-62 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and a terminal velocity of 195.7 mph. As a limited series model Ferrari has of course added lots of distinguishing features like a carbon fiber shell around the roll bar, number plaque on the dash and special interior trim packages. Only 499 Scuderia Spiders will be built and they will undoubtedly be priced higher than the $277,000 US base price of the coupe. For those with access to that much disposable cash, it will surely be worth the price of admission. The press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Officially Official: Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M to celebrate F1 title

Officially Official: Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M to celebrate F1 title originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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F1: Ferrari holds on to its Finn -- Raikkonen extends to 2010

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari

Ferrari announced during the first practice day of this weekend's Monza GP that Kimi Raikkonen's contract has been extended by one year. This mean's he's locked into service with the scuderia until the end of 2010, which is the same time Felipe Massa's contract runs out. Terms of the extension weren't disclosed, but the fact that Ferrari re-signed the Iceman means they aren't nearly as worried about his recent form as the rest of the paddock appears to be. It also means that Fernando Alonso can now decide where he wants to go for at least two years and get the silly season officially over with.

[Source: F1 Live]

F1: Ferrari holds on to its Finn -- Raikkonen extends to 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari Scuderia Helmet as cool as actual car? No.

Chris Shunk — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Ferrari

If you have the money, good taste, and connections to score the 510 hp F430 Scuderia, you likely know what the lightweight supercar from Maranello is capable of. When Ferrari decides to produce an exotic with 60 millisecond shifts and a 5.4 pound-per-pony ratio, you just know that it's track worthy. That means you're going to need something to protect your noggin when you head out to the road course. German helmet maker Schuberth Helme was commissioned to create head gear that exudes Ferrari coolness while also providing comfortable, lightweight protection for the driver. A quick glance at the photo above proves the mission was accomplished.

The helmet sports the dual racing strip of the Scuderia, and the exposed carbon fiber is good looking enough to negate the need for any manner of paint decoration. Four slotted air vents keep the head cool, and since the helmet is made of carbon fiber, its total weight is a little over two pounds. The helmet also sports a UV-protected visor to keep the sun out of your eyes, too. If you've got the money to spring for a Scuderia, you may as well go the extra mile and get one of the coolest-looking helmets on earth, regardless of the cost.

Gallery: F-430 Scuderia Helmet

Gallery: Ferrari F430 Scuderia

[Source: Sybarites]

Ferrari Scuderia Helmet as cool as actual car? No. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty! Ferrari 430 Scuderia - inside, out and upside down

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:05:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

Click on the image above to jump to our 52-image high-resolution gallery

Can't get enough of Ferrari's latest hotness? Neither can we, and the first batch of eight official images to come out of Maranello just weren't enough. So we flew out to Germany and got some more from the 430 Scuderia's unveiling at the Frankfurt auto show. But that still wasn't enough. So we got in touch with Ferrari North America to ask for more, but unfortunately our requests went unheeded.

Thankfully our Italian friends over at Automobilismo.it came to the rescue with a whole F1-calibre convoy full of new press images of the new Scuderia, that stripped-out supercar that laps Ferrari's private Fiorano test track faster than any Ferrari road car in the company's sixty-year history - including the Enzo.

Without confirmation from Ferrari, we can't be 100% sure these are all factory-issued, but until we hear otherwise, we give you this gallery of 52 high-resolution images. Enjoy them, because it can't have been easy for the photographer to get the 430 Scuderia to stay still for long.

[Source: Ferrari via Automobilismo.it]

Gallery: Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Pics Aplenty! Ferrari 430 Scuderia - inside, out and upside down originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Ferrari: lighter weight, 2+2 V8, new supercar

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Ferrari

Ferrari's getting in on the environmental game. Well, relatively speaking. The next supercar from the home of the prancing horse will be lighter and use a lower-displacement engine, but still have at least 500 HP. Thoughts are that such a car would derive its powerplant from the one mooted for the Millechili concept shown earlier this year. Though the car shown was nothing more than cardboard, the powerplant spoken of was a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, 550-hp, 3.0-liter V-8.

The other big news is more information on Ferrari's No-It's-Not-A-Dino. Instead, what will be revealed early next year is a 2+2 V8 with a 4.3L V8 mounted up front. Other changes to the rest of Ferrari's line have taken a back seat due to the marque's growing popularity. The 599 hardtop convertible has been put on hold in light of the coupe's 18-month waiting list. The 612 will remain unchanged until its replaced in 2010.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Future Ferrari: lighter weight, 2+2 V8, new supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Ferrari F430 Scuderia debut almost scrubbed

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Ferrari

click above image for more high-res shots of the Ferrari F430 Scuderia

It's not a good sign when there is a massive throng pushing into the display hall and an announcement from inside the hall is asking people to step back away from the stage. But when the booth happens to have a Prancing Horse above it and none other than 7-time World Champion Michael Schumacher is standing front and center, it's understandable that there might be some interest in seeing what he has to show. Jean Todt was even on the outside looking in...for a short time. He was here like the rest of us, of course, to see Schumacher unveil Ferrari's latest track model for the street, the F430 Scuderia. We already know all of the pertinent details about the car, but seeing one in person was what this event was all about. And it didn't hurt that MS was here for the photo op. We actually lucked out and he walked right up to us at the side of the stage after his introduction. He looked incredibly well-rested and relaxed, unlike the car which looks like it wants to jump out of its skin.

Follow the jump for the rest of the story and make sure you check out the galleries as well.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2007: Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Ferrari F430 Scuderia debut almost scrubbed

Frankfurt 2007: Ferrari F430 Scuderia debut almost scrubbed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Video: Ferrari 430 Scuderia at Fiorano

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari

Seeing the photos released from Maranello of the new Ferrari 430 Scuderia should have provided a good fix for all you Ferrari junkies out there, but as exciting as they are, all those Prancing Horses are meant to be galloping, not sitting still. We can thank our friends in Amsterdam for hooking us up, just one more time, with the good stuff we crave.

Follow the link where you'll find a video of the 430 Scuderia wearing a little bit of camouflage as it enters and exits the gates of Ferrari's private Fiorano test track in Maranello. It ain't moving fast, heading up the driveway, but oh what a sweet sound it makes.

[Source: Autojunk via Jalopnik]

Spy Video: Ferrari 430 Scuderia at Fiorano originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari reveals F430 Scuderia, not Challenge Stradale

John Neff — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:38:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

UPDATE: Much better quality high-res pics added to gallery

Click image to view high-res gallery

Unfortunately for Noah or Frank, Ferrari has gone and revealed the new F430 Scuderia when neither are around, so it's up to me to convey how fantabulous this new Prancing Horse is to you. We've been following for some time what we thought would be called the new F430 Challenge Stradale, but Ferrari has instead decided to name it the F430 Scuderia. Regardless of what it's called, this new F430 joins the coupe and spyder, yet takes a decidedly harder, more track-oriented edge than its siblings. The car weighs around 100kg (220 lbs.) less than the standard F430 coupe, and its version of Ferrari's 4.3L V8 produces 510 horsepower instead of 483. That gives the Scuderia a frighteningly low power-to-weight ratio of 1 horsepower for every 5.4 lbs.

The new F430 Scuderia also promises to carry a lot of trickle-down F1 technology as well, including lightning-quick 60 millisecond shifts and an integrated traction and stability control system. In order to accentuate the car's F1 connection, none other than famed F1 driver Michael Schumacher will officially unveil the car in Frankfurt this September. Until then, we have a gallery of high-res shots for you to flip through below and Ferrari's press release after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari via Ultimatecarpage.com]

Continue reading Ferrari reveals F430 Scuderia, not Challenge Stradale

Ferrari reveals F430 Scuderia, not Challenge Stradale originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mansell returns to race at Silverstone in a Ferrari

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 May 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ferrari

After 17 years, Nigel Mansell is returning to the wheel of a Ferrari. The former world champion will be driving an F430 GT for Scuderia Ecosse in the second round of the 2007 FIA GT Championship, held at the same Silverstone track where Mansell scored three celebrated grand prix victories.

The old dog can apparently still learn new tricks - at 53 years old, this will be the first time the champ will be racing sports cars. Driving alongside him will be one of Scuderia Ecosse's team drivers, either fellow British pilot Andrew Kirkaldy or Canadian driver Chris Niarchos, to be confirmed before the race this Sunday.

Although he evidently welcomes the new challenge, Mansell's remains understandably apprehensive about his prospects: "The Ferrari is fun to drive, but it remains to be seen how I will get on in a race situation, as ex-F1 drivers tend to go out with a target on their backs!"

The race looks set to gather quite a crowd. In addition to Mansell's participation, the Silverstone race will also mark Jaguar's return to GT racing.

[Source: Auto Express]

Mansell returns to race at Silverstone in a Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toro Rosso gives Bourdais wings!

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

It's a sad state of affairs when the pure talent of a racing driver isn't enough to advance his career. In the case of Sebastien Bourdais, the top teams on the F1 grid have apparently been blind to his domination in Champ Cars, as our favorite Frenchman (okay, second favorite, after Talladega Nights arch-villain Jean Girard) looks like he's headed for his fourth consecutive title in the open-wheel series.

Enter Nicholas Todt, who is out to change Bourdais' fortunes and secure him a drive for the 2008 Formula One season. The fellow Frenchman did wonders for Felipe Massa, who started out at Sauber (then powered by Ferrari), then took a test seat at Ferrari (where Nick's dad Jean is king), before moving him back to Sauber (still with Ferrari engines) to race for another season, before taking the race seat at Ferrari alongside Schumacher. Now Massa is a contender for the title.

Nicholas Todt has now signed on to manage Bourdais' racing activities in Europe. In between ChampCar races, Bourdais is driving at Le Mans for Peugeot, and has been testing for Scuderia Toro Rosso. Todt has reportedly arranged for the talented 28-year-old driver to test again for the STR, which uses engines supplied by (you guessed it) Ferrari, and the rumors are that they might have secured a race seat with the squad for next season.

Could Bourdais prove to be the next star "rookie" in F1? Time will tell, we hope, but this proven entity is no rookie. Shame he'll have to start from the back of the grid, but his apparent willingness to do so only confirms his determination.

Related post:
F1 is missing out on Sebastein Bourdais

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Report: Toro Rosso gives Bourdais wings! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota engineers convicted of stealing secrets from Ferrari

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, Ferrari

In most countries, acts like murder, treason, or plotting to overthrow the government rank among the most heinous crimes a person can commit. In Italy, stealing secrets from Ferrari ranks right up near the top of the list, too.

Following a long, drawn out process, two former Scuderia Ferrari engineers, who stood accused of stealing secrets from Maranello and giving them to rivals at Toyota F1, have been convicted. Pending appeal, Angelo Santini was sentenced to nine months and Mauro Iacconi to 16 behind bars on charges of industrial espionage.

Back at the start of the 2003 season, Toyota built a wind-tunnel down the road from Ferrari in Sant'Agata Bolognese, near the Lamborghini factory. Naturally the project recruited the talents of many former Ferrari engineers, but when the season kicked off, Toyota's car looked suspiciously like Ferrari's. Complaints were filed in Italy and in Germany, and the case against Santini and Iacconi went to court a year ago. Toyota's former team principal, chief designer and chief aerodynamicist were all charged in Germany, where the case against them is pending prosecution.

It seems that Toyota will stop at nothing to catch up to Ferrari, and when hiring a Schumacher didn't work, less legal means were employed.

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Toyota engineers convicted of stealing secrets from Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toro Rosso finally announces Scott Speed returns, 2007 F1 roster confirmed

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 16:38:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising

The last racing seat has finally been confirmed for the 2007 Formual One season, as Scott Speed stays on with Scuderia Toro Rosso, Red Bull's back-marker B-team once known as Minardi. Lead by former F1 driver Gerhard Berger, Toro Rosso seemed to have been playing a twisted little game of waiting as long as possible to make the announcement, finally tipping their hand at the bottom of a testing session press release to ensure it gets the least attention possible.

While Speed remains the only American driver in F1, other countries are well represented. British fans have four drivers on the grid to support, plus two test drivers. While Takuma Sato remains the only Japanese driver on the grid, Nippon-backed teams Toyota, Williams and Super Aguri (with the notable exception of Honda) have stacked their testing rosters with four more Japanese pilots. Four German testers join four drivers in the post-Schumacher era. Italy has four on the grid and another in the garage. Two drivers and two testers compete for the attention of Brazilian fans. Even the Dutch are back with one driver and two testers.

With the unstartling revelation, the full grid for the 2007 Formula One season is now confirmed, as every other team has already announced its driver line-up (save for Toro Rosso's test drivers).

Follow the jump for the full roster.

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Continue reading Toro Rosso finally announces Scott Speed returns, 2007 F1 roster confirmed

Toro Rosso finally announces Scott Speed returns, 2007 F1 roster confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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