In the round-up: Daniel Ricciardo believes his new chassis in China has had an impact on his form.
In brief
New chassis helped ‘turnaround’ my season – Ricciardo
After receiving a new chassis for the Chinese Grand Prix following a disappointing opening four rounds of the season, Daniel Ricciardo says the move was “definitely positive” for him.
“Obviously after the first few races, I understand that there were a few things that we were trying to get on top of,” he said. “‘We’ being me and my side of the garage.
“I was still happy with the car and that it was just obviously the lap time was a little bit of the question mark, ultimately. We changed the chassis in China and I think some might say that it did nothing, but for me I do feel like, at least my feeling, but also on paper, it looks like my season’s taken a pretty big turnaround. So for now, that was something that was, I think, definitely positive.
“We’re just trying to get a bit more out of the car. But there’s nothing really specific where I’m saying, ‘guys, we really need this’. I think both Yuki [Tsunoda] and myself are asking for similar things. With a bit more of my experience, I guess maybe there’s a few more things I can lean in on and ask from the team. But honestly, nothing in particular.”
Juncos hire O’Neill as team principal
IndyCar team Juncos Hollinger have hired Haas F1 team’s former sporting director and team manager David O’Neill as their new team principal.
O’Neill had a hand in setting up the Manor F1 team for their entry in 2010 as Virgin and worked for Haas through their formative years in 2014 to 2017. He worked as sporting director for the American team with driver Romain Grosjean, one of Juncos Hollinger’s current drivers.
“Juncos Hollinger isn’t scared to go where other teams haven’t gone before, which makes them incredibly well poised to build for their future,” said O’Neill. “The team has a number of initiatives planned throughout the next few years and I am excited to not only be a part of it, but to also help lead the charge side-by-side with the team.”
F2 and F3 change jump start rules
After the Formula 1 regulations were amended at the end of April to change the definition of a ‘false start’ to a driver who moves on the grid ‘after the four second light is illuminated’ and before the lights go out, both the Formula 2 and Formula 3 regulations have been adjusted in accordance with F1.
On Thursday, ahead of this weekend’s racing at Imola, both series’ organisers issued all teams with a bulletin alerting changes to both championships’ sporting regulations using the same language as Formula 1.
The change follows a controversial incident in March’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where Lando Norris escaped penalty despite appearing to move before the lights went out on the grid.
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
The key steps for Norris to become a genuine title contender ahead of Imola (Independent)
‘But Norris’s next steps should be clear and uncomplicated and aimed at consistency. Often the Brit from Bristol has cut a frustrated figure on a Saturday, admitting minor errors that have made a detrimental difference to his grid position. Norris’s race-craft and race pace is excellent but to challenge Verstappen race by race, he will need to improve his qualifying displays. A safety car won’t aid his cause every week.’
Tsunoda reveals whether Bearman has been kicked out of F1 drivers’ WhatsApp group (TalkSport)
‘During an exclusive interview with TalkSport ahead of his home race in Japan last month, the RB driver was asked whether Bearman has been removed now he is back racing in F2. Laughing, Tsounda replied: ”Nah, I don’t think so! He definitely did a very good job in Saudi, also at the same time, he proves it in the Formula 2 category he’s doing a very good job.”’
F1 mogul’s ex-wife builds family office to manage divorce riches (Bloomberg)
‘A company bearing Slavica Malic’s initials was set up last year as a family office for the 65-year-old former model, filings show. Malic received one of the Britain’s largest divorce settlements in 2009 after more than two decades of marriage to the longtime racing executive. A representative for Malic — who received more than £700 million ($881 million) from her divorce settlement — declined to comment.’
New IndyCar TV deal getting closer (Racer)
‘The timing of IndyCar’s need to lock in new contracts for broadcast distribution and through streaming is far from optimal. Where the broadcast side should be somewhat straightforward, the streaming portion is where a wave of recent and potential upcoming changes could add a layer of complication as major streamers are joining forces in new bundling packages. Depending on where the series ends up with quality broadcast options, it could look to increase its presence and lean harder towards streaming with one of those bundles, or seek to place IndyCar as a live property on Amazon Prime, Netflix, Apple+, or one of the other popular streaming solutions.’
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Happy birthday to Ponzonha and Tenerifeman!
On this day in motorsport
- 55 years ago today Jackie Stewart put his Matra on pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix
