Just Another Week In F1

[davewilson]

It's been another relatively slow week in the gossip circles of Formula One. Making the news along with McLaren, Ferrari, Renault and BMW debut tests over the past seven days included the likes of Pat Symonds, Bridgestone, Toro Rosso and McLaren. Read on to find out what the rumour mills have been grinding out since Monday last.

Renault will see a new Director of Engineering in 2007 with the news that Pat Symonds will make way for former Fisichella engineer Alan Permane. Symonds, who was key in guiding Alonso and Renault to two consecutive titles will work more closely with Briatore in 2007, sparking rumours of him possibly taking over completely in the not-too-distant future. Symonds, however, refutes this allegation, suggesting that he may instead return to the engineering side of Renault.

Speculation continues unabated regarding Bridgestone's new 2007 tyres, and the increasing possibility of a Champ Car-like Red tyre rule. During all races in 2007, all drivers will have to use at least one set each of the soft and hard compound, with many thinking the tyres may be coloured in order for spectators to know what tyre a driver is on. Bridgestone, though, the pioneers of the idea in America, deny this, saying the tyres will look like normal.

Over at Scuderia Toro Rosso, rumours regarding the destination of the two race seats for 2007 continue, with an ever-lengthening list of possible drivers still in the frame. Along with 2006 drivers Liuzzi and Speed, RBR tester Doornbos, MF1 reject Monteiro, and MF1 tester Ernesto Viso have all be mentioned. With pressure rising for Berger to secure sponsorship, most probably via a pay-driver, the Austrian has proceeded to criticise Liuzzi and Speed's pace and focus for the job at hand. With Champ Car champion Sebastian Bourdais still strongly tipped for a 2008 race seat, it's likely that at least one of the drivers will be signed on a one-year deal.

In Bernie Ecclestone's increasing efforts to make Formula One a global sport, both Abu Dhabi and Valencia have continued to make the headlines in their efforts to host a Formula One race in the future, with the former even going so far as holding an F1 festival next month. Along with possible races in Singapore, Mexico, a second in the United States and Japan, South Africa, and (the already confirmed) South Korea it's likely we'll see many of the traditional circuits like Silverstone, Imola and even Monte Carlo go and stay off the calendar in the future.
Finally this week to McLaren, who successfully launched and tested their 2007 challenger the MP4-22 last week. The Woking-based team, who was a frequent user of the Elvington airstrip in Britain up until the banning of F1 testing there, will now reportedly move their straight-line testing to a Spanish test track, off-shore on the island of Majorca. With many teams like Honda, Williams and Red Bull also users of Elvington, it's yet to be seen whether or not they will take the same alternative action as McLaren.

Nothing Changes:This sums up the week in our sport!But please watch out,we could loose this sport for ever on these shores.Eveything  is in place to replace Silverstone as a venue!Bernie does not need it!.....It has served its purpose,and more rich pickings can be had with the new investors!

WAKE UP AND HEAR THE ALARM BELLS RINGING !!!!!
The Stig