The 'F1 Challenge' Championship- 1999 Season

[Jeroen Krautmeir]

Monza, Italy - Quali
Conditions: Wet

Code: Select all

1) Scott Menard  Ferrari  1:29.818
2) Padraig O Connell  Ferrari  1:30.305
3) Daniel Martins  Benetton-Honda  1:30.319
4) Barii Mori  Williams-Renault  1:30.457
5) John Zimmer  McLaren-Mercedes  1:31.073
6) Damon Cannon  Arrows-BMW  1:31.221
7) Daniel Melrose  Jordan-Renault  1:31.510
8) Phoenix McAllister  Arrows-BMW  1:31.744
9) Douglas Mann  Williams-Renault  1:32.427
10) Ron Mignolet  Prost-Renault  1:32.571
11) Ed Kevin  McLaren-Mercedes  1:32.870
12) Tristan Jung  Prost-Renault  1:33.020
13) Hagane Shizuka  Benetton-Honda  1:33.493
14) Pippa Mann  Sauber-Petronas  1:33.682
15) Philippe Nicolas  Jordan-Renault  1:33.728
16) Thomas de Bock  Sauber-Petronas  1:34.638
17) James Davies  Prost-Renault  1:35.520
18) Jack Christopherson  Jordan-Renault  1:36.656
19) David Koczo  Stewart-Ford  1:37.725
20) Warren Hughes  Stewart-Ford  1:37.837
21) Nathanael Spencer  Minardi-Hart  1:38.000
22) Dave McFaste  Tyrrell-Yamaha  1:38.534
DNQ) Giovanni Roda  Stewart-Ford  1:52.192

[Malinth]

Scott, first pole, in front of the Tifosi, how does it feel?

God! I mean, I'm just speechless! The conditions were perfect for me, and looks like it was good for Pat as well, and obviously it's not everyday you have the two Scarlet cars at the front at Monza, so my aim is just to get on the podium tomorrow, do the Tifosi proud, and stay ahead of everyone else if possible!

You've come under heavy criticism recently from people like Barii Mori and your own teammate, Padraig O Connell for your antics at Spa. Does this result, you think, lift any of that criticism away?

Of course not! I mean, we're racing drivers. We get into messes, and it takes a long time for grudges to go away, if they ever do! I mean, sorry Barii, but I just hope we can get away from Belgium. As for Pat, I don't ever remember getting into an excursion with him. It was probably someone else, but certainly not me. I certainly don't feel very safe anymore within the team anymore!

Thanks Scott! Good luck!

Thanks

[TomWazzleshaw]

MELROSE TO MISS ITALIAN GRAND PRIX

Defending F1CC Champion Daniel Melrose will miss the Italian Grand Prix after a huge 200mph accident at the Parabolica. The Australian was on an incredibly quick lap which looked set to take provisional pole with less than 10 minutes to go when he launched from the back of Italian Giovanni Roda's Stewart which was unsighted in the spray just before the braking zone into the Parabolica. The collision sent Melrose into the catch fencing at the Parabolica at unabated speed in an accident which almost dwarfed Krautmeir's horrendous shunt at the French Grand Prix back in June. Jordan will only start the Italian Grand Prix with two cars but whether Melrose will be back is unknown as doctors are yet to establish the full extent of his injuries.

[Jeroen Krautmeir]

Roda Allowed To Start Race

The F1CC commission has announced that all qualifiers for the Italian Grand Prix from eighth onwards will be promoted 1 spot up, after Daniel Melrose's massive shunt. It has also been announced that Giovanni Roda, who has caused massive concern and controversy throughout his F1CC Career, will be allowed to start from the back of the grid in his Stewart-Ford. Although this move is likely to be met with massive opposition from the grid, the F1CC Commission says that it will be unlikely that they will change their decision. Melrose was seriously hurt at the Parabolica corner while on course to beat Scott Menard's pole time. It reminds most of Jeroen Krautmeir's massive shunt at Magny-Cours earlier in the season. Medical officers are still examining his condition, but it is unlikely he will recover in time for the rest of the season.

That was just a massive, massive hit. And, I just have to see this at my first Grand Prix attendance since France. It's not looking very good at the present moment, and I just wish all the best for Danno.

[Malinth]

Yes Murray, and I'm here with Scott Menard. Scott, I hear you have just been told of Daniel Melrose's shunt, wh...

Terrible. That's all I can say ye know. Don't really feel like celebratin' anymore. Just hope Danny is fine, that just looked awful from the replays.

Now Scott, sorry to bother you, you are obviously unhappy, but it's now being said that Giovanni Roda will be allowed to start the race. What do you have to sa...

I don't care. I just hope Danny is fine.

*walks away in disgust*

A very unhappy and concerned Scott Menard there. Back to you Murray.

[Shizuka]

I KNOW I suck. But this much?

[Londoner]

I've never been so angry in my life! The car was awful around here, with absolutely no grip. Lucky to get into the top 10. And then to see yet another one of my friends involved in a serious acident. First Jeroen and now Daniel. That bathplugging idiot Roda! What the hell was he doing trundling along at those speeds when visability was zero?! He could have killed Daniel! And then those ***** who run the F1CC pretty much award him by allowing him to start. It defies belief. I'm going to put my neck on the line here by saying if Roda is allowed to start, there's going to be yet another massive accident, and this time someone might not be so lucky. Daniel mate, I wish you the best in your recovery.

A little later on...

Cannon and several others excluded?
In the wake of Daniel Melrose's horror smash at the hands of Giovanni Roda during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix earlier today, which lead to the reinstatment of Roda onto the grid, several other drivers, most notably championship contender Damon Cannon have critiscied the F1CC Comission's decision. In an unprecidented step, as yet unconfirmed, rumours have been milling around the paddock that a number of drivers have been excluded from the race for their comments against the F1CC and Roda. These drivers, we understand, include Cannon, his teammate Phoenix McAllister, John Zimmer, Padraig O'Connell, and the Mann siblings Douglas and Pippa. If all these drivers were to be excluded from the race, only 16 drivers would take to the track tomorrow. As yet, we cannot confirm that these rumours are correct.

I'll let Jeroen decide the best cause of action.

[Jack O Melley]

I can be be charged on everything but this time it wasn't my fault, I had a problem while - hemm, 'scalare', 'passare a' in English - ...scaling to the 5th gear and Daniel has come too much quick at that point near Parabolica, missed the breakpoint and skid on my rear wing and consequently taking off. Then the damages for my car has been so heavy that I couldn't improve my lap time - and trust me, I could have improved it, as in Spa I reached a gap of only 6/7 sec from the polesitter. However I'm terribly sorry that Melrose left seriously injured from this misunderstanding, I'm going to visit him at the hospital to wish him the best luck and recovery. And I advice Damon (Cannon, Editor's note) to keep tones down if he don't want to be fined - and beaten.

[DanielPT]

I like wet and I like to qualify this car in the wet. What I don't like is fellow drivers being put needlessly in danger. Today, another friend of mine got gravely injured with unknown consequences for his career. Roda is not at fault here, mind you. It is just that if you put an Engineer practising medicine someone will inevitably get hurt. We all know that Roda isn't a real driver and despite all the warnings from pretty much everyone involved with real racing, nothing was done. The commission should have taken firm actions to prevent this and now it is too late for Daniel. I just hope for a total recovery as quickly as possible and that he gets back to the cockpit doing what he loves.

[shinji]

I have been feeling massively apathetic about this whole enterprise for quite a while now, that's been reflected in my results, and right now I think it's time for me to take a permanent break from racing. I was on the straight preceding the parabolica on my in lap when Daniel had his crash with Roda, all I could see through the spray was his car disintegrating along the catch fencing. I myself had to swerve to avoid that feckin' Roda, and I actually stopped off the track, thinking I could help Melrose, but I decided against it, leaving it to the medics who know better the precautions to be taken.

So with that, I'm just not willing to put myself in situations where people can get seriously injured, especially when I am just not enjoying it any more, so I hereby announce that I will retire at the end of this season. I'd almost rather to just leave now, but I have a contract to honour with McLaren and I don't want to leave them in the lurch with just one driver for the remainder.

[MigelNansell]

Padraig O Connell wrote:

2nd on the grid at Monza it's a dream come true although a pole might be better but in the wake of everything you have to put aside how everything when you see a accident like Daniel's hopefully he'll be ok and that he'll be back soon but what is all this crap I hear that I might be excluded from the race if the F1CC want to cause a riot in Italy then by all means they should Roda is dangerous he has been all season and he should reconsider his career but as I haven't seen the crash I cannot say he is responsible for Daniel's but overall this season he has been a menace and if the powers that be want to suspend me for saying that then by all means they can but I said it once and I said it again Roda will kill someone and he wants to try and make something of it then he can come and meet me and my shillelagh.

[Nessafox]

What is Renault doing? I got passed by Roda on pure straightline speed! I had to compensate with few wings and made too much mistakes to have a good starting position.

[dr-baker]

If there is to be a strike for the race, fair enough, I'll join in. But Douglas has told me that he will DEFINITELY start the race tomorrow to defend his championship lead. And any prize money that he wins will go to help pay for Daniel Melrose's health costs. We both wish him all the best and pray for a quick recovery.

[the Masked Lapwing]

Ah, Monza. It's good to be back! But on this strike? BS. I haven't qualified this well in ages!

[Jeroen Krautmeir]

F1CC Commission: Race Or Lose Your Licences

The F1CC Commission made a startling hit back at Damon Cannon, following the Englishman's comments after Italian Grand Prix qualifying. A spokesman for the commission said, "The F1CC Commission is extremely disappointed at the steps taken by Damon Cannon," he said. "Although we are not against criticism against the Commission, or any other F1CC driver, we find ourselves extremely disappointed that Mr. Cannon has talked about a driver strike. He, and any other drivers that may have thoughts of a driver strike, will have their racing licences suspended until further notice. By the F1CC rulebook, all drivers contracted to F1CC teams must be participating in a Grand Prix event, unless he has contracted an illness, is deemed unfit or any other special reasons that have to be confirmed by the Commission." However, in complete contrast to the comments made by the Commission, another spokesman reportedly had this to say; "Giovanni Roda is under investigation for reckless and immoral driving, and we are currently thinking of removing his licence permanently."

It'd be a terrible shame if something like this were to happen. I mean, we all know that Roda is just a spinning axe waiting to strike, but we're drivers. We're contracted to race, and I think that's what we all should be doing. If we do have a strike, all I can say is that things are not looking good at all for F1CC. I hope for the sake of the sport, everyone decides to get into their cars. But for now, the race looks, rather unfortunately, in great doubt.

[Phoenix]

I can't believe this. It's mind-baffling. Giovanni Roda causes a massive shunt that has seriously injured Daniel Melrose and could have well injured the stewards that were at that zone too, and now they allow him to race? What is this shite? I thought the DNQ rule was brought to avoid Roda being a danger any longer, but if they do not enforce the rule properly it's a joke, a frigging joke. I don't know what the F1CC Comission was thinking, but if this guy races he'll put us under threat, I'm sure. In fact, I've been baulked and blocked by that bloody useless pathetic excuse for a racing driver so many times that I can consider myself lucky I'm not injured myself. I am definately going to protest this, and I'll say more: I shall push Roda off the track before he can wreak more havoc.

*Later on...*

What? What is this crap about me, Damon, the Manns, Padraig and John Zimmer being disqualified? We were only stating the bloody obvious! This is just like a banana republic! Now we can't even express our feelings, especially in such a farcical and disgraceful situation? I'll try by any means to impugnate this decision.

[Malinth]

...down here, with Scott Menard, our polesitter. Scott, do you feel like talking?

Yeah, sure.

*looking annoyed*

Great, now tell me, if there is a driver strike, will you take part?

*big sigh* Ye know, things like this, it-it's ridiculous. I mean, we're racing drivers in a racing championship, and quite frankly, politics should never take place other than when signing contracts, ye know! I mean, I'm racing. That's for sure.

We've heard rumours that Ferrari are protesting the decision made by the F1CC Commission to allow Giovanni Roda to start the race, you involved in that?

No, but I think Pat is.

Alright, thanks Scott.

[TomWazzleshaw]

I know that all of you are greatly concerned about the condition of our lead driver Daniel Melrose. At 2:52pm yesterday whilst on his last qualifying attempt when he launched off the back of Giovanni Roda and made heavy contact with the catch fencing at the Parabolica. Daniel was airlifted to a hospital in Milan and is reported to be in a serious but stable condition. On arrival at hospital he was immediatly admitted into surgery for both of his lower legs which were badly damaged in the accident. The doctors also suspect fractures in his right arm but that is yet to be confirmed. Daniel will not be racing again for the rest of the season and we will be looking for a replacement driver

[MigelNansell]

Padraig O Connell wrote:

I want to make this 100% clear I at no point said I would not race all I said was I was informed that the F1CC Commission were planning to disqualify me from the race based on my comments on the Roda I did not and would not get involved in a strike. I along with Ferrari are 100% committed to this race we are on the front row for gods sake and it's our home Grand Prix so why would we want to now bloody race. The F1CC Commission needs to clear this up right now before they start a riot.

[Jeroen Krautmeir]

COMMISSION: WE NEVER BLAMED O'CONNELL

The F1CC Commission has come back at statements by Irish driver Padraig O Connell. "Never at any point did we direct any comments against Padraig O Connell," a spokesman said. "We would like to make this completely clear. Our comments merely point that we those who do not race are guilty of Section 3.12 of the F1CC Rulebook, and will be guilty to most of their own race contracts with their teams, and should the former be broken, it is punishable by the suspension of his/her Super Licence." The same spokesman hinted that if the chaos is not settled by midnight, then the 45 minute warmup session for Sunday will become the official qualifying results. "It is up to the teams whether they want this settled or not. If we do have any official withdrawals before midnight, then all the results for today's session will be declared void, and we will use the warmup session on Sunday as a replacement qualifying session."

[TomWazzleshaw]

Jordan considering withdrawing entires

The Jordan Team are considering withdrawing their two remaining entries of Phillippe Nicolas and Jack Christopherson as a mark of respect after Jordan's lead driver Daniel Melrose had a huge qualifying crash. Neither Nicolas or Christopherson were avaliable for comment by Eddie Jordan was. "It's a difficult time for the Jordan team after the monster shunt for Daniel and we are considering withdrawing both Phillppe and Jack from the rest of the weekend." There is rumour that Daniel Melrose's younger brother Joel may make his debut in the series as a replacement for the defending champion although the favourite for the drive is said to be Belgian Aurlien Moll.

[the Masked Lapwing]

Zimmer denies rumours
McLaren F1CC driver John Zimmer has denied the rumours that he may be involved in a possible driver strike at the Italian GP, after Giovanni Roda caused a massive accident and was allowed to race. "Of course the guy is useless, but striking over his inclusion in the field? Ridiculous. I wish Melrose well, of course, but I'm not going to sit out, especially from fifth on the grid in this shitbox." Zimmer also said that the F1CC possibly voiding the qualifying results was a bad idea, especially after the Ferraris scored the front row at their home race. "Do the F1CC want to lose their fans?" he said.

[Jeroen Krautmeir]

F1CC Commission Backs Down
Roda Removed From Race, Qualifying Results Stand

The F1CC Commission has backed down after threatening several drivers with possible disqualification from the Italian Grand Prix. Controversy began following Daniel Melrose's crash, when the Commission decided to allow the controversial Giovanni Roda to begin the race from last position, as Melrose is unable to begin due to the severity of his injuries. A spokesman said, "After 2 hours of discussion with team owners and the F1CC Commission representatives, we have come to an agreement that Giovanni Roda will be removed from the starting grid, and that all drivers will be allowed to keep their Saturday qualifying times." The F1CC Commission did mention that any decision made by the Jordan team to withdraw, must be made before midnight.

Following Melrose's crash, the starting grid will look like this:

Code: Select all

1) Scott Menard     Ferrari
2) Padraig O Connell    Ferrari
3) Daniel Martins     Benetton-Honda
4) Barii Mori     Williams-Renault
5) John Zimmer     McLaren-Mercedes
6) Damon Cannon     Arrows-BMW
7) Phoenix McAllister     Arrows-BMW
8) Douglas Mann     Williams-Renault
9) Ron Mignolet     Prost-Renault
10) Ed Kevin     McLaren-Mercedes
11) Tristan Jung     Prost-Renault
12) Hagane Shizuka     Benetton-Honda
13) Pippa Mann     Sauber-Petronas
14) Philippe Nicolas     Jordan-Renault*
15) Thomas de Bock     Sauber-Petronas
16) James Davies     Prost-Renault
17) Jack Christopherson     Jordan-Renault*
18) David Koczo     Stewart-Ford
19) Warren Hughes     Stewart-Ford
20) Nathanael Spencer     Minardi-Hart
21) Dave McFaste     Tyrrell-Yamaha

*Pending Decision Made By Benson & Hedges Jordan

[TomWazzleshaw]

I have made the decision that both remaining Jordans will start tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix. We will also have an update on Daniel Melrose's condition and his replacement shortly.

[dr-baker]

I would just like to reiterate what my sister said earlier this weekend, that I had no intention of not racing this weekend. Why some were insinuating that I would strike, I have no idea... What Pippa decides to do is up to her but I have a championship to worry about. She does not, hence our seperate decisions.

[Londoner]

Well, at least that's now sorted out. Hopefully that's the last that everyone on the grid will here of it, and that situations don't escalate into the farce that nearly happened. With Roda quite rightly not on the grid now, I'm happy to race. I'm going to enjoy myself out there, take a good point score and the lead of the championship. All wishes to Daniel for a quick recovery, and that we will see him and Jeroen back on the grid come 1999.

[Jeroen Krautmeir]

Monza, Italy - Race
Conditions: Monsoon

RACE FINISHERS

Code: Select all

1) Scott Menard  Ferrari 
2) Damon Cannon  Arrows-BMW  +1:24.142
3) Phoenix McAllister  Arrows-BMW  +1:24.406
4) Barii Mori  Williams-Renault  +1:24.441
5) Douglas Mann  Williams-Renault  +1:24.555
6) Daniel Martins  Benetton-Honda  +1:24.588
7) Padraig O Connell  Ferrari  +1:24.729
8) John Zimmer  McLaren-Mercedes  +1:28.282
9) Ed Kevin  McLaren-Mercedes  +1:28.815
10) Ron Mignolet  Prost-Renault  +1:30.182
11) Philippe Nicolas  Jordan-Renault  +1:30.374
12) Tristan Jung  Prost-Renault  +1 LAP

DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Code: Select all

1. Damon Cannon- 56
2. Douglas Mann- 53
3. Padraig O Connell- 38
4. Barii Mori- 36
5. Daniel Melrose- 35
6. Jeroen Krautmeir- 26
7. Phoenix McAllister- 23
8. Philippe Nicolas- 21
9. Daniel Martins- 19
10. Scott Menard- 16
11. John Zimmer- 13
12. James Davies- 10
13. Ed Kevin- 7
14. Thomas de Bock- 3
15. Tristan Jung- 3
16. Jack Christopherson- 2
17. Pippa Mann- 2
18. Ron Mignolet- 1
19. Hagane Shizuka- 1

CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Code: Select all

1. Williams-Renault - 90
2. Arrows-BMW - 78
3. Jordan-Renault - 58
4. Ferrari - 54
5. Prost-Renault - 40
6. McLaren-Mercedes - 20
7. Benetton-Honda - 20
8. Sauber-Petronas - 5

[Malinth]

Congratulations to first place, Scott Menard, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, second place Damon Cannon, Danka Zepter Arrows BMW and third Phoenix McAllister for Danka Zepter Arrows BMW. First of all Scott, that was a dominating performance on your part. How were the conditions?

Woah! I mean, you couldn't see a thing! The spray was just lashing out at you like bullets, there was no grip at all, and you really couldn't afford to let go of your steering wheel, cuz' if you did that, you were a goner! But I had fun, and it really feels good to win in front of the Tifosi, and I just wanna dedicate this victory to my dad, who supported me throughout my career.

How was it like when the safety car came out? It stayed out there for the first 10 laps.

I didn't know much, I mean, the team told me that there was a massive crash at the rear, and quite frankly I'm surprised that they didn't red flag it. But, ye know, that wasn't really my concern. I just wanted to keep the car on the road, and when the green was out, I just pushed like there was no tomorrow.

How was the car?

It was good! Very good but not perfect, cuz' I still had a bit of understeer, something I didn't like, but on the whole it was a great package. The Ferrari engine and the Goodyear tyres were just fantastic.

Alright Scott, before we move on to Damon, what do you think this means for your career?

Well hopefully it means I'm a highly-rated driver now!

Thanks Scott.

[the Masked Lapwing]

Zimmer's days numbered at McLaren?
Sources from the McLaren garage have suggested that Australian driver John Zimmer may be on the way out, after a poor showing in monsoonal conditions at Monza. Zimmer started from 5th on the grid, but went backwards almost immediately and only barely beat his teammate home for 8th, all thanks to strategy. If he gets sacked, it means that McLaren will be on the hunt for two new drivers next season, as a result of Ed Kevin announcing his retirement after seeing Daniel Melrose's horrendous crash in qualifying.

[TomWazzleshaw]

Good afternoon. I'ld like to thank you all for waiting behind after the race in this miserable weather for our press conference.

Firstly, and more importantly, what is the word on the condition of Daniel Melrose?

Daniel is in a stable condition in Milan and the surgery on his lower legs has been successful. However further X-rays have found that he has indeed broken his right arm and there is a small fracture in lower back from the impact as well as whiplash from his head bouncing around the in cockpit and as a result he will be out for the season.

Have you decided on a replacement for Melrose?

After much deliberation we have decided to go with Belgian Aurelien Moll as Melrose's replacement for the rest of the season. The team needs a reliable and quick pair of hands in the absence of Melrose and I beleive Moll will be up for the job.

Speaking of drivers we are led to believe that the contracts for all 3 of your drivers expire next year. Is this correct and if so what are you doing in terms of drivers next year?

A lot will depend on what Melrose does when he gets back in the car but I can confirm that Phillippe Nicolas has been signed on for another 3 years as he is one of the brightest young talents in the world right now and is incredibly brilliant in the rain. Jack on the other hand is free to leave the team next year. His services have been excellent in the past 2 seasons, particularly in the development of the car which Melrose has been using to his full extent. We are yet to find a replacement for Jack but we are interested in prospective drivers for next season. I will now take questions from the floor.

[DanielPT]

I would've liked to have a incident free GP in order to battle for a podium place which I believe that was possible. Unfortunately after a good start Padraig closed the door on me and I could not avoid contact with him, loose my front wing and spinning out. I lost a lot of time going back to the pits and repair the damages. After that I had nothing to lose and the car was feeling pretty good so I went on to fight my way back. I managed to overtake a few of the guys and finish in the points still so it was a good recovery. In the end I ran out of laps otherwise I could've finished second. I feel sad that Daniel is not returning this season, but I hope that he will be back next season as he is a great guy and he is surely missed in the paddock.

[Jeroen Krautmeir]

RODA'S SUPER LICENCE SUSPENDED

Rumours that Italian driver Giovanni Roda's Super Licence, the licence required for racing in F1CC, have proven true, as F1CC headman Rudolf Hasse announced that the F1CC Commission, which oversees all activity of the F1CC, have suspended the Stewart driver's Super Licence. "Following more than a year of endless complaints, along with driving antics not worthy of F1CC level, the commission has decided to revoke Giovanni Roda's Super Licence. He will not be allowed into an F1CC car in an official F1CC-sanctioned event from September 14th onwards." The news comes after repeated protests and a threat of a driver strike following the F1CC Commission's decision to allow the controversial Italian to take part in the Italian Grand Prix, following Daniel Melrose's withdrawal. After hours of stalemate, the Commission eventually backed down and withdrew Roda from the provisional starting grid. Hasse said, "As of 1997, the Commission had failed to give exact details on qualifications on a Super Licence. Following endless discussion, the Commission has approved an amendment to the F1CC Rulebook, regarding the qualifications of a driver for a Super Licence. This paper has been sent to all team principals of F1CC teams, and if approved unanimously, will be ratified into the F1CC Rulebook at the end of the season."

5. Qualifications And Conditions Of Issue For Super Licence
The F1CC Driver Super Licence is issued by the F1CC Commission.

5.1 Qualifications

5.1.1 The driver must be a holder of a current International Grade A licence
5.1.2 The driver must also satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
a) have made at least 5 starts in races counting for the F1CC for Drivers the previous year, or at least 15 starts within the previous 3 years.
b) have previously held the Super Licence and/or have been the regular test driver with an F1CC team for the previous year.
c) have been classified, within the previous 2 years, in the first 3 of the final classification of: the FIA Formula 3000 Championship, or the British/Italian/German/French Formula Three Championship, or the Japanese F/Nippon Championship.
d) have been classified in the first 5 of the final classification of the CART or IRL series within the previous 2 years.
e) be the current champion of one of the following:
- Australian Formula 3
- Indy Lights Series
- All-Japan Formula Three Championship
- Nordic Formula Three Masters
- Austria Formula 3 Cup
- Formula Three Sudamericana
N.B.: the title of Champion is considered valid for 12 months from the last race of the relevant series or championship season.
f) be judged by the F1CC Commission to have consistently demonstrated outstanding ability in single-seater formula cars, but with no opportunity to qualify under any of the above. In this case the F1CC team concerned must show that the applicant has driven at least 300 km in a current F1CC car consistently at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2 days, completed not more than 90 days prior to the application and certified by the ASN of the country in which the test took place. By exception, if supported by at least 75% of contesting F1CC teams, the F1CC Commission may approve the issue of the Super Licence to persons judged to have met the intent of the qualification process.

5.2 Application Procedure

a)The complete application must be received by the F1CC Commission at least 14 days before scrutineering for the first F1CC event in which the candidate is to compete. In the case of a driver change in the Championship for reasons of force majeure, the F1CC Commission may accept applications up to 48 hours before the start of initial scrutineering for the event.
b) The ASN which issued the driver’s current competition licence must submit to the F1CC Commission a specific recommendation, accompanied by the driver’s record of results and current International A licence number.
c) The driver must submit a completed Super Licence application form to the F1CC Commission.
d) The annual Super Licence fee must be paid to the F1CC Commission.

5.3 Conditions Of Issue

5.3.1 When Articles 5.1 and 5.2 have been complied with to the satisfaction of the F1CC Commission, it will issue the licence.
5.3.2 The Super Licence will be valid to the end of the year of issue.
5.3.3 A driver accepted under the terms of 5.1.2 f) above will be on probation for a period of 12 months during which the Super Licence will be held provisionally and subject to review at any time.
5.3.4 A driver will remain eligible for the renewal of a first Super Licence for 8 months after the date of issue, subject to compliance with 5.2 b) to d) above

[dr-baker]

Monza, Italy - Race
Conditions: Monsoon

RACE FINISHERS

Code: Select all

1) Scott Menard  Ferrari 
2) Damon Cannon  Arrows-BMW  +1:24.142
3) Phoenix McAllister  Arrows-BMW  +1:24.406
4) Barii Mori  Williams-Renault  +1:24.441
5) Douglas Mann  Williams-Renault  +1:24.555
6) Daniel Martins  Benetton-Honda  +1:24.588
7) Padraig O Connell  Ferrari  +1:24.729

Six drivers seperated by 0.6 seconds despite the monsoon conditions? How we didn't all crash into each other, I have no idea. I just couldn't see anybody around me. When I first saw the results, I was demanding why Barii hadn't let me by to aid my championship campaign, but I now understand. He couldn't see where I was and he was actually more aware that there was a large gaggle of cars all charging to the line together. Well, I'm just glad now that I survived the conditions, scored a few points and remained close to the championship lead.

And thank goodness we weren't all coming up to lap Mr Roda as we all charged towards the line - he wouldn't have seen us, we wouldn't have seen him... Not having him on track, I am sure, prevented a repeat of the accident that occured in qualy to Daniel. Pippa and I continue to send him our best regards.

[SuperAguri]

Roda to sue F1CCC?

Rumours are abound that Giovanni Roda is to file an official complaint and that he will sue the F1CCC if he does not get his super licence back, stating that as he has made 5 starts this year he qualifies for a Super Licence. He has already claimed the accident is not his fault and that the F1CCC have rules and seem to be able to change them as they like. Although a lot of drivers have said they prefer if pay driver Roda does not race, none have said they would not race if Roda raced.

[SuperAguri]

I was running 2nd for most of the race before Menard decided to brake a little earlier then normal and damaged my front wing, I lost a lot of time getting back to the pits and then pitting and I was lucky to be 4th in the scramble that was 2nd to 7th. Menard was lucky he was on the podium otherwise I would have rearranged his facial features.

[Londoner]

What a corker of a race! Just what the F1CC needed after all this nonsense. Menard just disappeared after the lights went out, and no-one apart from Mori saw him again for the rest of the race. For me, I had an amazing start and somehow managed to take 5 places to enter the Retafilio in 3rd place. That became second after Mori had to pit for his new nose. The last stint was breathtaking, with me leading 6 cars to the finish seperated by 0.6 seconds. I agree totally with Douglas, thank God Roda was not on the grid otherwise there would have been a massive 7 car pile-up. To leave Italy with a 3 point lead in the championship, finding out that Daniel's legs are OK and Roda apparently banished forever, just caps off an amazingly crazy weekend.

[Jeroen Krautmeir]

Nurburg, Germany (Luxembourg) - Quali
Conditions: Damp then Dry

Code: Select all

1) Damon Cannon  Arrows-BMW  1:18.805
2) Douglas Mann  Williams-Renault  1:19.576
3) Scott Menard  Ferrari  1:19.716
4) Barii Mori  Williams-Renault  1:19.771
5) Padraig O Connell  Ferrari  1:19.838
6) John Zimmer  McLaren-Mercedes  1:19.996
7) Phoenix McAllister  Arrows-BMW  1:20.407
8) Daniel Martins  Benetton-Honda  1:20.518
9) Ron Mignolet  Prost-Renault  1:20.737
10) Tristan Jung  Prost-Renault  1:20.865
11) Hagane Shizuka  Benetton-Honda  1:21.086
12) Ed Kevin  McLaren-Mercedes  1:21.262
13) Philippe Nicolas  Jordan-Renault  1:21.448
14) Aurelien Moll  Jordan-Renault  1:21.793
15) Jack Christopherson  Jordan-Renault  1:21.969
16) James Davies  Prost-Renault  1:22.455
17) Thomas de Bock  Sauber-Petronas  1:22.650
18) Warren Hughes  Stewart-Ford  1:22.872
19) David Koczo  Stewart-Ford  1:22.916
20) Pippa Mann  Sauber-Petronas  1:23.193
21) Nathanael Spencer  Minardi-Hart  1:23.491
22) Dave McFaste  Tyrrell-Yamaha  1:23.827

[Londoner]

So many possibilities affecting the championship hinge on this race. If I win, and Douglas finishes below 4th, I've won the title. If he finishes fourth and I win, he'll be exactly 10 points behind with one race to go. If I fail to finish and Douglas wins, I'll have to win the last race and hope Douglas finishes lower than 4th. At least this time, we're guaranteed a proper title-ending fight, unlike last year when Roda ruined it. Thankfully, he's been kicked out now, so that's one less obsticle to navigate. Theoretically, both Padraig and Barii can still win the title, though they would have to win both races and hope neither me or Douglas finish.

[dr-baker]

So many possibilities affecting the championship hinge on this race. If I win, and Douglas finishes below 4th, I've won the title. If he finishes fourth and I win, he'll be exactly 10 points behind with one race to go. If I fail to finish and Douglas wins, I'll have to win the last race and hope Douglas finishes lower than 4th. At least this time, we're guaranteed a proper title-ending fight, unlike last year when Roda ruined it. Thankfully, he's been kicked out now, so that's one less obsticle to navigate. Theoretically, both Padraig and Barii can still win the title, though they would have to win both races and hope neither me or Douglas finish.

Huh? It's the penultimate race of the season already? I have just been taking this season one race at a time, after my poor start to it. I just hope that I win and Damon finishes second, so we go into the final race equal on points and the final race is purely between us two, with nobody else able to influence it by getting between us...

Edit: Looks like there were three races in this season where both Douglas and Pippa DNFed, and must have confused those with Foxdale's F1RWRS results. Makes Douglas's start to the season seem even worse...

[Shizuka]

Will I get more points? Will I end up somewhere else? Will the championship be decided here? Will I stop asking these questions?