Welcome to Thursday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up.
Comment of the day
Formula 1 came close to experiencing a power cut during a night-time session yesterday, but with more races taking place under lights the risk it could happen one day is growing:
It’s an interesting question what would happen if this occurred after sunset, in a race? Considering Bahrain is generally speaking a ‘nighttime’ track. I’m guessing the drivers would still get the red flag notification, and as safety goes I’m sure everyone would back off.
It might be quite interesting to see everyone try and make it back to the pits with tinted visors. Not that we would actually see anything on TV. @Bernasaurus
‘Robert Reid, the FIA’s deputy president for sport, and David Richards, the UK’s representative, were among those denied access after refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).’
‘Scott Dixon’s brand-new engine completed four miles before it suffered a failure which stranded the number nine Chip Ganassi Racing Honda on Sebring’s outer loop, and based on the series’ rulebook, Dixon is the first driver of the season speeding towards a penalty.’
‘The BoP will be calculated based on a three-race rolling average of the previous three WEC events, excluding the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which will maintain a completely standalone BoP.’
‘There was time for one final flying lap, but Martins found the gravel at turn five, ending any chance of a late improvement for the rest of the field.’
‘The Atlassian Williams Racing Fan Zone will be returning to six locations throughout the Formula 1 season, bringing unforgettable experiences to fans across the globe.’
‘The seven organisations – which Rayner said included manufacturing companies Arconic, Kingspan, and Celotex – will be investigated for professional misconduct using powers under the Procurement Act passed in 2023.’
NB. Kingspan was Mercedes’ sponsor for one race in 2021 before the team cancelled the deal following criticism of the company’s connection to the fire, which killed 72 people.
Formula 1 drivers were asked in the press conference today if they could tell whether they were going to have a good season or not within the first five laps of testing a new car.
Gasly: “It took us no laps last year to know it was going to be challenging…”
Hear what he has to say about the differences between F1 and endurance racing, his new team, and his first laps in the hypercar. pic.twitter.com/YHTBioRN4y
Social media and links
FIA officials barred from meeting over NDA refusal (BBC)
‘Robert Reid, the FIA’s deputy president for sport, and David Richards, the UK’s representative, were among those denied access after refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).’
Dixon engine issue creates a new challenge for Boles (Racer)
‘Scott Dixon’s brand-new engine completed four miles before it suffered a failure which stranded the number nine Chip Ganassi Racing Honda on Sebring’s outer loop, and based on the series’ rulebook, Dixon is the first driver of the season speeding towards a penalty.’
Revised Balance of Performance methodology revealed (Sportscar 365)
‘The BoP will be calculated based on a three-race rolling average of the previous three WEC events, excluding the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which will maintain a completely standalone BoP.’
Sami Meguetounif ends final day of testing fastest for Trident in Barcelona (Formula 2)
‘There was time for one final flying lap, but Martins found the gravel at turn five, ending any chance of a late improvement for the rest of the field.’
Fan Zone World Tour locations revealed (Williams)
‘The Atlassian Williams Racing Fan Zone will be returning to six locations throughout the Formula 1 season, bringing unforgettable experiences to fans across the globe.’
BP to ditch renewables goals and return focus to fossil fuels (Reuters)
‘(Audi F1 team’s petrol supplier) BP’s update comes after the planet exceeded the 1.5C global warming threshold in the year to May 2024.’
Seven organisations to be investigated over Grenfell fire (BBC)
‘The seven organisations – which Rayner said included manufacturing companies Arconic, Kingspan, and Celotex – will be investigated for professional misconduct using powers under the Procurement Act passed in 2023.’
NB. Kingspan was Mercedes’ sponsor for one race in 2021 before the team cancelled the deal following criticism of the company’s connection to the fire, which killed 72 people.
RaceFans always endeavours to credit original sources. Want to share a relevant motorsport link with us? Send it in via the contact form.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free