RaceFans Round-up: Colapinto in “difficult position”

In brief

Colapinto in “difficult position” with old Williams suspension

Colapinto, who is running Williams’ old specification suspension on this weekend, was eliminated slowest from sprint qualifying. He said not having the latest parts has put him at a disadvantage.

“For sure there are always areas to improve the lap time and there are always places we can find some little bit of the [performance] gap we have,” Colapinto said.

“But I think we are still in a bit of a difficult position with the car and with the parts we have. I think there are things to work on, but not super-promising at the moment I think.”

Formula E agrees free-to-air ITV deal

Formula E will return to free-to-air television in the UK for the upcoming season after agreeing a deal with ITV.

The all-electric series, which was shown on subscription service TNT Sports in 2024, has announced that all 16 races and qualifying sessions will now be available to watch on the ITVX streaming channel, with nine rounds broadcast live on ITV4.

Nicki Shields will host the coverage, which will also continue to be shown on Discovery’s TNT Sports service.

Pin sets F1 Academy pace

Dorine Pin was quickest ahead of Abbi Pulling in both of Friday’s practice sessions for the F1 Academy series.

Pin was a tenth of a second faster than the championship leader at the end of the second session of the day, with wildcard entrant Alisha Palmowski third. Qualifying for this weekend’s two races takes place this afternoon.

Links

Footage from Verstappen’s fourth world title (Red Bull via YouTube)

Some interesting behind-the-scenes footage of Verstappen’s title triumph last weekend from the team’s perspective.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene congratulate Verstappen on his F1 title (Monaco Tribune)

‘The Princely Couple congratulated Max Verstappen, on behalf of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, on winning his fourth Formula 1 World Championship title. In September, Max Verstappen generously donated a sidepod from his Formula 1 car to an auction organized during the Calvi-Monaco Water Bike Challenge. The donation was a key factor in raising essential funds for the Foundation’s actions to prevent drowning and promote water safety among young people.’

Cannon joins Prema as head of engineering (Racer)

‘Michael Cannon has joined Prema Racing in the newly created position of head of engineering. A.J. Foyt Racing’s former technical director left the team in early November and after meeting with prospective IndyCar Series teams, he’s taken a full-time role with the Italian squad ahead of its debut IndyCar season.’

Senna was a samurai in tube socks (Motor1)

”Naturally, we set the foot cam shooting at Senna’s feet. We didn’t realize how beautifully, cleanly, and clearly Senna moved his feet until we checked the recording.”

Superbike rider wins High Court claim after crash (BBC)

‘Shane Byrne collided with a barrier after coming off his Ducati Panigale bike at Snetterton race track in Norfolk in 2018, leaving him with several fractures and internal injuries. The 47-year-old sued Motorsport Vision Racing, Motorsport Vision which owns the track and the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board for damages, claiming the barrier was insufficient. In a judgement on Friday, Judge Peter Blair KC said the bodies were liable for Byrne’s injuries which were ”materially caused” by the collision with the barrier.’

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