The 'F1 Challenge' Championship- 1999 Season

Formula1rpg · Post by **Formula1rpg** » 10 Jul 2011, 17:53

Dave McFaste to retire

Dave McFaste was released by Reynard today after a lacklustre season where McFaste could only manage to qualify near the back and normally failed to finish a race. Mcfaste himself commented 'I had a bad season, although I showed talent in F3, it is quite apparent that I have no talent in F1, although the Tyrrell was a big bag of shite that even if Douglas Mann was driving would have been with me at the back of the grid. I also have a form of leukaemia so I was in and out of hospital which affected my driving so maybe after a single season it is good to hang up my helmet. I also approached Sauber and Stewart and they told me unless I have a big bag of money then I was wasting their time and they sent me a bill for the meetings.'

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 10 Jul 2011, 19:43

In an interesting twist to this off-season, Ben Fleet, Pippa Mann's replacement at Foxdale in F1RWRS in some parrallel universe, now seems to be spending a lot of time visiting Pippa at the Reynard factory. Three rumours are going round: 1) Ben wants a seat at Reynard; 2) Ben is negotiating his contract for Foxdale with Pippa at Renard; 3) there is something romantic going on between these two drivers.

(Several hours after these rumours began, Reynard announced that Ben Fleet would be joining Pippa at Reynard for the 1999 season. These two drivers were holding hands during the press conference. Would this affect them being able to race each other and develop the car? Does this explain why Foxdale is unable to finish a race? Who knows?)

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 10 Jul 2011, 21:49

Het Belang Van Limburg wrote:Belgian driver Ron Mignolet has not yet secured a deal. He is in talk with several teams for a position as third driver.

Het Laatste Nieuws wrote:German driver Ron Mignolet will drive next year for Hispania Racing

(HLN is a bad newspaper)
If any team is interested in the services of this talented young man, please send me a fax! (a forum post would be enough)

Vepe · Post by **Vepe** » 10 Jul 2011, 22:09

Dutch F3000 driver Jan de Friis is looking for a drive

It was confirmed today, that Jan de Friis is looking for a drive in F1CC.

- I´m hoping that I get a ride for one or two races, but my budget is very limited as I will be racing full season in F3000 this year.

He has also said that he is planning for a limited campaign in USA, driving in IRL.

Jeroen Krautmeir · Post by **Jeroen Krautmeir** » 10 Jul 2011, 22:14

PROST RELEASES DAVIES, HIRES MIGNOLET

In anything but surprising news, Prost GP have released their second driver, James Davies. "We would like to announce that the team has released James Davies," Alain Prost said in an announcement. "We would like to thank him for all the work he has done for the team, and wish him all the best." Davies was looking to be a strong contender for the championship, and even won a race in Argentina. However, for unknown reasons, he slipped back into anonymity soon after, and along with the whole team, was affected by team leader Jeroen Krautmeir's forced suspension from the series. At the same press conference, Prost announced that he had signed Belgian driver Ron Mignolet. "I'd also like to take this chance to say that we have signed Ron Mignolet for 1999. He did a very good job for us in the few races he did last year, and we believe he can do the same. He will drive the third car, with Louis (Duval) in the second"

MigelNansell · Post by **MigelNansell** » 11 Jul 2011, 20:31

Padraig O Connell Wrote:

I'd like to confirm that my seat with Ferrari has been confirmed for another season with the option on my side to extend it upto 2001. After our 3rd place in the constructors championship we will be going into 1999 full of confidence and hoping we can get more race wins and challenge more in both titles.

Jeroen Krautmeir · Post by **Jeroen Krautmeir** » 12 Jul 2011, 09:28

Phoenix wrote:New season, new avatar to match! Hope it brings luck

Following suit.

Post by **Londoner** » 12 Jul 2011, 09:57

Wouldn't it be fun if Sammy Jones entered this series for this season! :lol:

I'd keep the pre-season signups open for another week to try and fill all seats. I'll do Roda's appeal result tomorrow. Think everyone can guess what the result will be! :twisted:

Damnit Phoenix, I was going to use the Arrows A20 as my avatar!

Jeroen Krautmeir · Post by **Jeroen Krautmeir** » 12 Jul 2011, 10:01

F1CC REVEALS TESTING SCHEDULE

Today, the F1CC Commission announced the off-season testing schedule to the public. These will include 5 off-season tests at 3 venues, not inclusive of private tests conducted by the teams themselves. The schedule is as follows:

Code: Select all

Circuit de Catalunya     3-6 December 1998
Circuito Permanente de Jerez     7-10 January 1999
Circuit de Catalunya     28-30 January, 1 February 1999
Circuit de Catalunya     18-21 February 1999
Circuit Paul Ricard     25-28 February 1999

East Londoner: Indeed! When I thought 1999 and Arrows, I immediately thought of Sammy Jones! Also, I intend to keep signups open until next weekend.

JONSSON JOINS STEWART

In rather surprising news, triple 500cc champion rider and double Superbike World Championship champion Andreas Jonsson from Sweden will be making his F1CC debut driving for the Stewart team next season. "I'm very excited to be driving for the Stewart team next year," Jonsson said in a press conference. "Obviously there will be some questions whether this is a good move, but I'm confident, and ready to make the switch from two to four wheels." Jonsson, at the age of 29, will be the second oldest debutant in the series after Yahya Albaf of Bahrain. Jonsson brings valuable sponsorship from Swedish company Hennes & Mauritz, who have backed him throughout his career. Jonsson's venture into open-wheel racing follows a new breed of Swedish racing drivers, with Kenny Brack becoming the 1998 Indy Racing League champion.

Post by **Londoner** » 12 Jul 2011, 14:33

Autosport wrote:de Friis becomes third driver at Arrows
Dutch driver Jan de Friis has taken the remaining Arrows seat on a part time basis, due to his F3000 commitments. We understand that de Friis will drive in 9 races this season, the first four races of the year and the final 5 at the end of the year. It is unknown whether in the other 9 races Arrows will take on another part timer, or just have two drivers in the form of Damon Cannon and Phoenix McAllister. In other rumours around the F1 world, Sammy Jones, the runner up in the British F3 championship this year, is also looking for a seat. We understand that Reynard and McLaren are showing interest.

Jack O Melley · Post by **Jack O Melley** » 12 Jul 2011, 16:29

Autosprint wrote:Roda wins the appeal

The former Stewart and Lola driver in F1CC Giovanni Roda has won the appeal against the ban and the superlicence loss at the Civil Court of Ascoli Piceno, whose Justice of the Peace Ernesto Quadrini has officially judged Roda as 'innocent from charges perpetrated to him from the F1CC commission', than allowing again the Italian driver to join international racing championships. "I said I wasn't guilty - Roda said after the verdict - and that's what the judge said. I am delighted that my honesty has been demonstrated and at the same time furious that the Safety Commission did everything to gunned me down. Now I am going back to do what I pay for: driving."
However, for Roda, probably remembered more for the terrifying incident with Jordan's driver Daniel Melrose at Monza rather than for his rejectful paydriver career, there are not many opportunities to regain a seat in the F1 Challenge Championship for 1999 season: his Stewart #32 has been just assigned to Andreas Jonsson and furthermore there are only four wheels free. What's going to be the next rejectful move of this crazy driver? It's to exclude an hiring by the high-rated teams Williams and Ferrari and so, probably, the Italian driver is going to find a seat at the Reynard.

few hours later...

Autosprint wrote:Ferrari officializes Roda as third driver!

Breaking news - Scuderia Ferrari has just released a short official press release in which the Prancing Horse team announces that Roda has been hired up as third driver alongside other two official drivers, Padraig O'Connell and Scott Menard. "After winning the appeal against his superlicence loss - the Scuderia specify - and seen that the driver's requirements meet the officials condition of issue for Super Licence under articles 5.1.1 and 5.2.2 a) and b), Roda will be the third driver of Scuderia Ferrari. Giovanni Roda, 26 years-old, has got in touch with our management since his superlicence loss and consequent disqualification from the championship. The specific documentation regarding the application of Roda's issue for the Super Licence has been already sent by the driver. His official presentation will take place in next days. Details are yet to come." Rumours say he will bring to the Scuderia the consistent sum of 12,000,000$.

Vepe · Post by **Vepe** » 12 Jul 2011, 18:40

Autosport wrote:De Friis: Thank you

Dutch F3000 star Jan de Friis said the following after getting a drive for Arrows:

- Thank you, guys. I´m am so happy with this, as it is a dream come true. Thank you.

He was also surprised by the amount of races, total of nine:

- I was, to be honest, shocked by the amount of races. I was expecting maybe 3 or 4. This might affect my F3000 season a bit.

About his future, he said that he hopes for a full time drive in 2000.

MigelNansell · Post by **MigelNansell** » 12 Jul 2011, 19:07

Autosprint Wrote:

O Connell Outraged at Roda at Ferrari

Current F1CC driver and lead Ferrari driver Paidraig O Connell is apparently outraged at the rumors that he has Giovanni Roda for a teammate in 1999 in a report from a source supposedly close to the Irish star that he is stunned that Ferrari would consider a driver with a lack of talent such as Roda and stunned that they were so desperate for the money he supposedly brings.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 12 Jul 2011, 19:30

BBC wrote:O'Connell to leave Ferrari?

Following the recent outburst from O'Connell, an inside source from Ferrari told BBC that the team bosses were very unhappy after O'Connell decided to publicly state his opinion instead of discussing it behind closed doors. This comes following the Ferrari shock decision to hire infamous driver Giovanni Roda with the only goal of cashing in a fat pay check. It is now widely rumoured that Ferrari are looking for a way out of Padraig O'Connell's contract and are shortlisting possible replacements.

the Masked Lapwing · Post by **the Masked Lapwing** » 12 Jul 2011, 22:18

Autosport wrote:Zimmer signs with Reynard
Australian driver John Zimmer has just announced that he has joined the Reynard team for the 1999 F1CC season. Zimmer was left in the lurch after he was unceremoniuosly dumped by McLaren at the end of last year, and has taken a while to finalise any deals. "I look forward to an exciting season with Reynard," he said at the announcement. "Myself, Pippa and Ben will endeavour to bring Reynard to the front of the pack and into point-scoring contention."

Malinth · Post by **Malinth** » 12 Jul 2011, 22:29

Scott Menard wrote:This is bu**s*it! I mean, I can't believe this. The job Jean Todt is doing is an absolute joke. I mean, Ferrari would be better off being run by a bloody circus clown. Who in their right mind would want to hire that f***ing a**hole Roda? That's it, I'm leaving the team for Williams. Goodbye you greedy Italian brats, great taste in driver skill you have.

Malinth · Post by **Malinth** » 12 Jul 2011, 22:36

Menard Urges O'Connell To Leave

In more news relating to the controversial Giovanni Roda making his return, Scott Menard, the now ex-Ferrari driver, has continued his slamming of the Ferrari team, and has recently urged his former teammate, Padraig O'Connell of Ireland, to quit the team. "That team's a joke Pat," he said. "You'd be better off at a professional team with professional drivers. Not a team which happens to like its drivers because he has cash! And it's a f***ing joke! Why would a team like Ferrari, with the clout of Fiat and Marlboro need a paydriver? You greedy bastards! Just get out of there Pat, it's best for ye career."

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 12 Jul 2011, 23:00

Autosport wrote:Ferrari seek compensation over Menard

Ferrari will be looking to seek a record compensation $1m after suing Scott Menard due to his public rants and the announced contract break. "We were counting on the talent of Scott Menard, who had a contract in place and, along with O'Connell, would guide the team to glory next season. We already have built the car around him and Padraig, so I am sure that this will set back the team. Leaving at this critical point just before the start of the pre-season testing shows absolute disrespect for the fans, the whole team and the brand that is Ferrari. Menard has nothing to do with whom we place in the third car. I won't even comment on his public declarations, if we can call them that. Our wolfpack of lawyers are blood thirsty for too long now and we are only happy to unleash them on Menard. It will be easier than stealing candy from babies." said Jean Todt.

Malinth · Post by **Malinth** » 12 Jul 2011, 23:09

MENARD TO PAY 1 MILLION

Scott Menard has brushed off Ferrari's 'threats', citing that he will be more than happy to pay the 1 Million dollar fine to them. "Well take my cash your dirty people." he said. "I joined Ferrari because of the legend, because of the fans. I never really joined it because I thought the organization was fantastic. But please, it is not me who has disobeyed the fans. Rather, it is you, for hiring the joke that is Roda!" Rumours are that Scott Menard's father, John Menard, owner of the Menards brand, is helping pay of the debt. Menard also said that he would be more than happy to help his friend Padraig O Connell in proceedings, should he need any assistance.

MigelNansell · Post by **MigelNansell** » 12 Jul 2011, 23:12

Autosport wrote:

O Connell Considering Quitting Ferrari

Padraig O Connell the 4th placed finisher in the 1998 F1CC championship released a statement this evening stating he was considering leaving Scuderia Ferrari due to the decisions the team has taken in the last 24 hours and only days after signing a new contract he also revealed that his new contract has a cooling off period that means Ferrari cannot seak any compensation if he quits. It was reported earlier that O Connell was considering heading to the United States to try his hand at CART on the advice of his former team mate Scott Menard.

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 12 Jul 2011, 23:59

MCALLISTER: "WE'RE LOBBYING AGAINST RODA"

Arrows driver Phoenix McAllister has declared his intention to form a lobby as a form of protest against the decision taken by the Civil Court of Ascoli Piceno, who has cleared Giovanni Roda of all charges issued against him by the F1 Challenge Championship.

McAllister himself declared: "It is unbelievable that a driver that has consistently proven to be dangerously slow and comprehensively unable to meet the criteria required to drive in F1 Challenge will be able to return to the F1Challenge tracks. Worse still, how could have Ferrari sign him for money? They are already the better funded team on the grid, what the heck is that? I think there's something fishy here..."

He added: "If he finally makes it to the first round of the season, we won't allow him to venture onto the track, whatever it takes. This is for Daniel Melrose and Jeroen Krautmeir, two victims of Roda's unability. We will make justice, for them and for all".

"But this isn't something that only the drivers can participate in. Everyone interested, even fans, can participate. I'll organize everything myself".

Giovanni Roda has been driving in F1 Challenge since 1997, for Lola and Stewart, raising questions and complains around the paddock about his worth as a top class racing driver. Last season, he was banned from racing in F1 Challenge and his superlicence was revoked after being deemed guilty of the accident that severely injured Jordan driver Daniel Melrose at the Italian GP.

SuperAguri · Post by **SuperAguri** » 13 Jul 2011, 00:20

Autosport wrote:F1CCC to introduce Superlicence test at the pre season tests

After the driver and team backlash over Giovanni Roda, the F1CC were quick to rush through a admendment to the Super Licence. During the tests all drivers must show that they can be within 112.5% of the fastest average time of all the tests and within 107% of the fastest driver on the team. Any driver who fails this will be deemed slow and dangerous and their license will be revoked. A spokesman said "We feel this would be the best way to allow drivers to prove they have the talent to be in F1, we will of course have appeals and common sense, so if a driver sets a fast time and then it rains then we shall not count the times. We hope this will solve the current issues and we have urged Ferrari to reinstate Menard."

tristan1117 · Post by **tristan1117** » 13 Jul 2011, 00:56

Autosport wrote:Jung Defends Roda, Slams Ferrari's Detractors

Today, after the launch of Sauber's 1999 challenger, the C18, Jung told reporters that he supported Roda's reentry into Formula One stating: "Now I know some people are going to hate on me for this, but Roda has a right to do what he wants, and if Ferrari wants to sign him, than I find no issue with him. I am sure that Roda's pace will pick up now that he is driving for a top team, and I'm sure that he will not be a nuisance to anyone." His teammates looked on with jaws dropped as Jung continued. "Padraig O'Connell and Scott Menard really should not be running their mouths off willy-nilly like that. They should be lucky that they have a job at a competitive team with a long and illustrious racing history. In my mind, they are just fearful that Roda will be better than them! Anyway, I'm more interested in who Ferrari will replace Menard with; its sure to be an interesting story."

Whether Jung is sucking up to Ferrari management in order to get the Ferrari job, or actually believes what he is saying, his comments have sparked outrage throughout the paddock. Thomas De Bock, lead driver at Sauber, refused to comment, but Padraig O'Connell is expected to issue a firm rebuttal of Jung's statements.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 13 Jul 2011, 01:32

Is it too late for Tommy Nash to sign up for a drive? Any drive will do (and he's a pay driver too!)

MigelNansell · Post by **MigelNansell** » 13 Jul 2011, 10:28

AutoSport Wrote:

O Connell Quits Ferrari, Has shot at Jung

Padraig O'Connell has announced this morning that he will leave Scuderia Ferrari and will be taking a year out before coming back for the 2000 F1CC season the reason for his departure while not confirmed is considered to be the decision of Giovanni Roda given the third Ferrari seat which has already seen American Scott Menard to head for Williams in disgust. O'Connell was quoted as saying that while he did not wish to bring the championship into disrepute he could not accept Roda as a teammate and will not drive for a team that will take a pay driver over two drivers that had talent. He also commented on Tristan Jung wondering what right he had to comment on something that had nothing to do with him and how he could think in any reality including in a computer game could Giovanni Roda would be faster then himself and Scott when Jung is barely faster than Roda himself.

Vepe · Post by **Vepe** » 13 Jul 2011, 10:51

JeremyMcClean wrote:Is it too late for Tommy Nash to sign up for a drive? Any drive will do (and he's a pay driver too!)

Part time at Arrows?

Jeroen Krautmeir · Post by **Jeroen Krautmeir** » 13 Jul 2011, 11:10

JeremyMcClean wrote:Is it too late for Tommy Nash to sign up for a drive? Any drive will do (and he's a pay driver too!)

Signups won't close for some time. In fact, I doubt I'll ever close them, so to allow one-offs and part time drives.

For your information by the way, I've removed the incumbent drivers that have not confirmed their participation from the entry list. Of course, they can just join again, but perhaps not with the same team.

KRAUTMEIR SUPPORTS UDF

Jeroen Krautmeir has shot out his first salvo regarding the Giovanni Roda scandal Mk II. "Quite frankly, it's dangerous that we have him coming back," Krautmeir said. "I don't understand how a team like Ferrari could possibly hire a 'driver' like him! If Jean Todt thinks this is how he'll retain third place in the championship or do better, he's terribly mistaken. He had a great team in Padraig and Scott, and he's lost them both. It's bad enough for the series to see one of our best teams descend into nothingness, but we've lost a great driver and man in Padraig. I really hope we'll see him back in 2000." Krautmeir then went on to say that he supported the idea of a United Driver Front (UDF). "I'm all in for a United Driver Front," he said. "I think the drivers of the F1CC need an organization where they can voice out their opinions as one to the F1CC Commission. I think Phoenix would make a very good headman."

Jack O Melley · Post by **Jack O Melley** » 13 Jul 2011, 11:13

Autosprint wrote:Roda: McAllister should stop saying 'nonsenses' and try to win

Former Stewart and Lola driver and just signed up as third driver at Ferrari Giovanni Roda has been approached by some press journalists and asked if he wanted to reply to latest official McAllister's statement. Roda has nonchalantly and literally said that 'Phoenix should stop saying bulls**t for his own safety in and out of the track. Everyone knows that Krautmeir shunt was caused by Prost's broken brakes at Adelaide hairpin in Magny-Cours - not by me, and, secondly, regarding Melrose's accident the Civil Court have asserted yesterday my full innocence.'

"He should think about winning some races, or everyone will remind him as 'Cannon's servant' " Roda said to the reporters.

Also, Roda's return to the F1Challenge Championship has raised lots of dust. "I don't care if O Connel and the other one, what's his name? ...thanks, Menard want to leave. I signed a contract with the most glorious and successful team in the history of motorsport and I intend to honour it, not to listen to the wails of those two whining babies. I think they perhaps fear I could be faster then them with a top car". Do you know which drivers are going to be your teammates? Jung has been linked to the other Scuderia available wheel, and the ex-Prost is now a serious candidate. "I don't know, we will see, but for sure I want professional and serious teammate, so the Scuderia should let O Connell and Menard go away." - ended Roda.

About the Superlicence test, Roda has been lapidary: "I'll do and pass it."

Jeroen Krautmeir · Post by **Jeroen Krautmeir** » 13 Jul 2011, 11:20

HASSE REVEALS SUPER LICENCE TEST GUIDELINES

Rudolf Hasse, chairman of the F1CC Commission, the governing body of the F1CC, has revealed the guidelines required for the Super Licence test. "In all, we're having 16 days of testing," Hasse said. "The best time set by a driver will be taken into account at each test. A driver will need to be within 8 seconds of the fastest man on track at least 3 times out of 4." When asked if mechanical failures will be taken into account, Hasse said, "Yes, but the F1CCC will take a look into all telemetry and the car itself before deeming there to be a mechanical failure."

Wookey · Post by **Wookey** » 13 Jul 2011, 11:26

NICOLAS: LET RODA PROVE HIMSELF

Philippe Nicolas says that the F1 Challenge Championship must give Giovanni Roda a chance. "Maybe in the past he's a bad, but all must give him second chances. Who knows, maybe hes better?" Nicolas says also that however, Tristan Jung is being stupid for saying Roda is faster then Scott Menard and Padraig O Connell. "Scott Menard is very fast, one fastest drivers I've ever seen now. Padraig is also very fast. Jung is probably under some rubbish drugs."

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 13 Jul 2011, 12:42

Joe Saward wrote:Ferrari to prevent Menard from racing?

Over the last few days there's been a few talks behind the scenes involving Ferrari team bosses and their lawyers. Quite a few people over at Ferrari think that the next step for the scuderia is to place a legal injuction to prevent Scott Menard from racing a Williams next year. This means that might exist further legal action against Menard for the way he broke his contract. It is well known that Ferrari recently won a famous $1m in compensation over Menard rants and contract, but there is a belief at Maranello that this was all staged by Menard, profiting from the signing of driver Giovanni Roda, to leave Ferrari in order to join Williams with whom he already had agreed to drive for next season. Taking this into account, Ferrari is in a very good position to win this new legal action, which would mean that Williams could be soon searching for a replacement driver. Williams, being the constructors champion, would look for the best driver available at the moment and I can't see anyone better than Padraig O'Connell.

The same sources tell me that the reason why Ferrari didn't sought another compensation in Padraig O'Connell's contract was because both were looking for a way out of it following O'Connell public statements and the signing of Giovanni Roda, so an agreement was quickly made with Ferrari letting O'Connell go without any further penalties if the driver agreed not to drive in F1CC next year. They also add that Tristan Jung is very close from signing a 2 year contract with Ferrari to be their second driver. There is still no word on who will replace Padraig in the leading Ferrari, but there is a report going around the Internet saying Jean Todt had lunch yesterday with Damon Cannon. It is known that they are friends and maybe was just a casual meeting, but the timing begs the question, is Ferrari trying to buy Cannon from title rivals Arrows?

Malinth · Post by **Malinth** » 13 Jul 2011, 12:57

Silverstone pitlane, Williams private test

Martin Brundle wrote:Scott?

Scott Menard wrote:If it has anything to do with that chicken-s**t bastard Toad, just pi** off will ye?

Martin Brundle wrote:But Scott, what do you take of the recen...

Scott Menard wrote:Well, it shows that Toad and the whole god damn Ferrari team are a piece of overused junk just waiting to be collected by the bloody garbage truck.

Martin Brundle wrote:So...

Scott Menard wrote:So obviously they don't want me to race. Why is that? Because they don't want me to be at another team, helping there the field up? Oh please, that amphibian s**t should just get a grip on things. He chose that a**hole Roda, so be it. He's lost Pat, lost me, I don't care. Obviously he doesn't care.

Martin Brundle wrote:But what now? Wha-what happens to you now? Whe...

Scott Menard wrote:That idiot wants to take an injunction, so be it. I've been awfully disappointed at the ******* ridiculous politics in Europe. If those idiots in bloody red want me out, fine. I might just go back to the States. I think Pat's off to Team Rahal, and I think I may join him if I can't race here.

Martin Brundle wrote:Scott...

*Menard whacks the camera and shoves another cameraman to the ground and walks off*

Benetton · Post by **Benetton** » 13 Jul 2011, 13:20

Interview with Duval at testing session wrote:Interviewer: Francois, what are your opinions about the recent events involving Roda, Ferrari and your teammate?

LD: I really can't have aaan opiniooon becoose I have not raced againsst Rodaa on the track so.. therefore I pretty much take the same stand as my teammate becoose we are a team and work together.

Interviewer: Interested in the United Drivers' Front?

LD: Yes, fo suree whatever gets mee a biggeur salaire is very good.

Interviewer: How is the 1999 racer developing?

**Krautmeir comes out of the pits and revs the engine**

LD: Sorry??

Interviewer: The car, how is it developing?

LD: Ah, well quitee ... quite good. We have good packaage and the balaance is coming nicely and finding deceent setup alreadyy so... should be good for the first race but you never know.. I mean the winter tests these far has been quitee.. secretive is it?? So we'll see.

Interviewer: Thanks mate.

LD: Merci.

Post by **Londoner** » 13 Jul 2011, 14:05

Damon Cannon wrote:This is f***ing ridiculous. Roda has had his chance to prove himself a competant driver in the series. What he's proved is he is an inconsiderate prick who doesn't care about anyone apart from himself. He can hardly handle a F300 car, let alone a F1 car. He thinks its perfectly alright to hold up and crash into those who are faster than him. He must have bribed those judges to win his appeal. Because of him and those bastards at the Scuderia, we've lost two competant and likeable drivers to the states. I wish Padraig and Scott the very best, and hope they return one day. Phillipe and Tristan, what the hell are you going on about. HOW can you support Roda's cause? Is it because you want the seats at Ferrari? I'm all for the creation of the UDF, minus those two.

Poppy Whitechapel wrote:I'm scared. I don't want to be on the same racing track as that...****. I don't want to end up in hospital like Jeroen and Daniel because of him. There's going to be more major accidents this season unless we can get rid of him.

Post by **tommykl** » 13 Jul 2011, 15:35

Autosport wrote:De Bock tries to talk some sense into other drivers

After recent interviews and events in the F1CC paddock concerning Giovanni Roda's signing with Ferrari, Belgian driver Thomas De Bock voiced his opinion regarding Roda and the reactions concerning his controversial return.

"Sure, I think Roda is out of his league in the F1CC, and I'm not at all happy to see him come back, but the new Super License tests will show whether he deserves another shot at it. Once again, I will admit that I do not like the guy, but if he is still painfully slow, at least we can be sure he won't take to the track during the race weekends. It is very sad that Scott and Padraig had to leave the series due to that, and I do think Tristan's comments weren't optimally worded, but I'm pretty sure that the measures brought in should make Giovanni less of an issue from now on.

MigelNansell · Post by **MigelNansell** » 13 Jul 2011, 17:34

Autosport Wrote:

O Connell off to CART for 1999 denies Ferrari barred him from Racing in F1CC

Former Ferrari driver Padraig O Connell has been announced as the third driver for Chip Ganassi Racing in the FedEx Championship Series of 1999 partnering Columbian Juan Pablo Montoya and American Jimmy Vasser the Irishman was quoted as saying

"I'm happy to be driving in CART for 1999 along with such great drivers like Juan Pablo and Jimmy as well as world famous names like Michael Andretti and Paul Tracy and British Drivers Dario Franchitti and Mark Blundell I'm certain I can adapt to Oval driving as well as the difference in cars between F1CC and CART I can't wait to start

When asked about the reports that Ferrari had stopped him from racing in F1CC in 1999 he laughed and said

"My Contract with Ferrari had a escape clause if I wasn't happy within the first 30 days there were no conditions that stop me racing for another team in F1CC and any stories that said both me and Ferrari wanted to end our relationship infact Jean Todt begged me to stay offering me double the salary I made but I had to turn them down, The main concern I had all throughout this entire saga is the fact that Jean Todt at no point considered asking me or Scott who we would like for a teammate and assumed that we would gladly accept Roda as a teammate. I wish Scott all the best at Williams in 1999 and I know they will be a match made in heaven and any rumors about him being banned by Ferrari in my opinion is totally crap and me replacing him well I wouldn't do that to Scott he is one of the nicer guys in motorsport and one of my close personal friends."

Shizuka · Post by **Shizuka** » 13 Jul 2011, 17:49

Good luck to Padraig and to see Roda back, well, if he fux (x=cks) us up, well, that won't be good for him.

SuperAguri · Post by **SuperAguri** » 13 Jul 2011, 18:24

Autosport wrote:Ferrari in crisis

With the departures of O'Connell and Menard over Ferrari's hiring of Roda, ther are rumours that John Todt will be asked to resign if Roda fails to obtain his super licence, most senior Ferrari figures are staying tight lipped but an insider said "That idiot Roda is causing issues in the team, yes his money is nice but it is not like Ferrari really need the money nor the bad publicity and losing two highly skilled drivers with a few weeks to go will put us up shite creek without a paddle. Jean Todt is a very worried man.".

There are strong rumours linking Menard to Williams, which would give the team a very strong and nearly unbeatable line up. Frank Williams has not been the chummiest of chums with Ferrari so signing Menard would be a sharp stick in the eye of Ferrari.

shinji · Post by **shinji** » 13 Jul 2011, 21:28

F1 Racing wrote:Kevin in line for Ferrari seat?

F1 Racing sources have linked the supposedly retired Irish driver Ed Kevin to a place in the crisis-stricken Ferrari team for the 1999 season. Kevin, who won one race in his 2 years at McLaren, announced his retirement from the F1CC after witnessing Daniel Melrose's horrifying incident during qualifying at last year's Italian Grand Prix.

Kevin endured a 1998 filled with retirements and incident, and cited apathy as the primary reason for his premature retirement. However, a source close to the Irish driver has claimed that he is seriously considering applying for one of the seats alongside the controversially slow Giovanni Roda, which were vacated by the US-bound Padraig O'Connell and Scott Menard.

Jeroen Krautmeir · Post by **Jeroen Krautmeir** » 13 Jul 2011, 22:52

Montmelo, Spain - Public Off-Season Test 1 - Day 1
Conditions: Dry

Code: Select all

1) Scott Menard  Williams-Renault  1:25.200
2) Damon Cannon  Arrows-BMW  1:25.227
3) Jeroen Krautmeir  Prost-Renault  1:25.361
4) Phoenix McAllister  Arrows-BMW  1:25.505
5) Daniel Martins  Benetton-Honda  1:26.024
6) Thomas de Bock  Sauber-Peugeot  1:26.333
7) Barii Mori  Williams-Renault  1:26.366
8) Louis Duval  Prost-Renault  1:26.523
9) Douglas Mann  Williams-Renault  1:26.538
10) Tristan Jung  Sauber-Peugeot  1:26.560
11) Philippe Nicolas  Jordan-Renault  1:26.693
12) Pippa Mann  Reynard-Toyota  1:26.912
13) Jan de Friis  Arrows-BMW  1:27.022
14) Daniel Melrose  McLaren-Mercedes  1:27.047
15) Poppy Whitechapel  Jordan-Renault  1:28.116
16) John Zimmer  Reynard-Toyota  1:28.193
17) Ron Mignolet  Prost-Renault  1:28.266
18) Robert Finley  McLaren-Mercedes  1:29.427
19) Rhys Davies  Benetton-Honda  1:29.460
20) Jack Christopherson  Sauber-Peugeot  1:30.202
21) Andreas Jonsson  Stewart-Ford  1:31.650
22) Ben Fleet  Reynard-Toyota  1:31.675
23) Giovanni Roda  Ferrari  1:33.894
24) Matej Uram  Minardi-Ford  1:34.004
25) Yahya Albaf  Minardi-Ford  1:34.734
26) Hagane Shizuka  Benetton-Honda -:--.---