Bleacher Report - Articles by James Walker

Who Will Land The 2009 Honda Seats?

James Walker — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:43:12 -0500

Honda team principal Ross Brawn is faced with a somewhat problematic dilemma concerning his driver choices for next year following impressive performances from both Lucas Di Grassi and Bruno Senna.

Brawn remained coy about the situation with the BBC Sport website quoting him saying "We will take some time to carefully consider our findings."

In three days of testing, Senna proved the quicker of the two drivers by half a second; however Di Grassi's impressive showing in this year's GP2 season is likely to keep him in contention for the race seat. Senna himself remained diplomatic about the situation with BBC Sport quoting him saying "Whether what I did is good enough is for the team to decide."

Honda is yet to name either of their drivers for the 2009 season with Jenson Button and Rubens Barichello both going out of contract by the end of the year. It seems unlikely however that Brawn will be willing to risk losing a man of Button's experience. Honda will need a top driver to take the team forward, appointing two rookies would surely be a step too far.

Honda will take their time before unveiling their two drivers for next year. Until then we can only speculate who they will appoint, Senna or Di Grassi?

Lewis Hamilton or Felipe Massa? Who Will Take World Championship Glory

James Walker — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:29:37 -0400

With four races to go and one point separating first from second, the Formula 1 world championship is simmering into yet another titanic climax. Protagonists Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa both know there is no room for error as the championship chase looks to go down to the wire for a third year in a row.

Lewis Hamilton, who lost out in 2007 by a single point, will be hoping for a better finish than last year. The 23-year-old Briton saw a commanding 26 point lead over Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen disintegrate, as he finished the season a bitter runnerup.

This year he is fully aware that there is no room for error, having been quoted in an interview with the BBC saying "I can't afford any more mistakes, definitely not."

Felipe Massa goes into the final four races the hotter driver. Victories in Valencia and Spa (appeal pending) have seen him shred Hamilton’s lead to a single point. In Massa, the Brit has serious competition. "He (Massa) is the guy I have to beat. He has a good car and is a good driver” said Hamilton in the same interview.

The Formula 1 calendar heads to pastures new next week, with what promises to be an awe inspiring Grand Prix under the lights in Singapore. While the matter of it being a night grand prix is purely spectacle and is unlikely to affect the drivers, it is a new circuit which looks set to present many challenges.

At such a pivotal time in the season, both contenders need to go into the weekend undaunted by the task that lays ahead of them, there is no margin for error.

Both drivers will need to make sacrifices in order to succeed. They have good cars and full support from their respective teams. But, both drivers are prone to mistakes, as this year has proven. The question is who will conquer their demons and take the world drivers’ championship crown.

Sebastian Vettel Storms To Victory In Monza Masterclass

James Walker — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 03:29:53 -0400

Formula One fans received a rare glimpse into the future of the sport today as 21-year-old Sebastien Vettel dominated proceedings at today’s Italian Grand Prix. The wiry German has promised so much in his first 22 races and has delivered well ahead of time with an astonishing victory leaving fans the world over stunned.

The 21-year-old German described his maiden Grand Prix victory as "unbelievable" having driven with the composure and poise of a champion. As others struggled the inexperienced superstar comfortably lead from start to finish over the likes of Mclaren's Heikki Kovalainen and Ferrari's Felipe Massa having no answer for his inexplicable pace.

Further down the grid others struggled, Kimi Raikkonen was unable to make an impression on the standings finishing out of the points once again in his Ferrari while at the same time a ruthless drive from Lewis Hamilton saw him maintain his slender championship lead despite not being able to better a seventh place finish.

The weather had a huge impact during what was a historical Italian Grand Prix and certainly made provision for great entertainment. Raikkonen and Hamilton battled for position in the early stages of the race before Hamilton managed to find a way through enabling him to mount a challenge for a victory only to have his chances eradicated by the absence of rain in the later stages.

The young Britain found his race compromised by being on the full wets in a period where the track was better suited for intermediate tyres. Massa at the same time was unable to make a genuine impact on the race standings with an extremely average performance. With Hamilton starting so far back it was a great opportunity for the Brazilian to take control of the championship but was only able to score a poor sixth place finish in a lacklustre Ferrari.

While the big names struggled however other drivers rose to the occasion. BMW's Robert Kubica put in a resilient display to muster a third place finish while a dogged drive by Renault's Fernando Alonso saw him bring his car home in fourth.

At the same Vettel placed his name firmly in the record books by becoming the youngest ever Grand Prix winner, a title that formally belonged to Alonso. Nick Heidfeld was ever consistent by finishing fifth in another strong performance at the wheel of his BMW, the only team to have both drivers in the top eight.

The race was not without drama, most of it coming from Lewis Hamilton as he charged through the field, occasionally pushing his luck with some slightly reckless moves on Trulli, Glock and Webber who may feel aggrieved by the Britain’s actions. He later showed his supreme ability however by passing Webber in a sublime move going into Rettifilo.

Jenson Button and Nelson Piquet Jr. Were also at loggerheads with neither driver willing to back down going into turn one late in the Grand Prix. Both cars touched as they ran out of space but fortunately both cars were able to continue.

Perhaps the biggest incident however came three laps from the end when the Williams of Kazuki Nakajima ploughed into David Coulthard’s Red Bull at Parabolica. Nakajima retired as a result of the impact which left a considerable amount of debris lying just aside of the racing line. With so little time to go to the end of the race however there was no need for a safety car to be deployed.

Sebastien Vettel however will be taking all of the headlines leaving the Grand Prix, and rightly so. So many drivers made their name through their ability to master wet weather driving, perhaps most notably the likes of Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Could Sebastien Vettel be destined to join them in Formula One’s hall of fame?

Forgotten Heroes of Formula One: Ronnie Peterson

James Walker — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:42:27 -0400

Affectionately referred to as "super Swede" by his fans, Ronnie Peterson was the first Scandinavian to take Formula 1 by storm.

He won 10 races from 123 starts, scoring 208 world championship points on the way, but many feel his figures desperately sell him short.

Peterson forced his way into Formula 1 thanks to some supreme performances in the 1969 Formula 3 season. Max Mosley was quick to sign him, entering him in a privately owned march belonging to Colin Crabbe.

Peterson was never really given a chance to prove his worth in an uncompetitive car, but he finished within the top 10 in three out of five finishes.

He was quick to be moved into the works team, finishing second in his second year of racing while scoring five podium finishes. It was the best result ever for a March driver.

The 1972 season, however, was somewhat turbulent. The March car was plagued by reliability problems that compromised his chances of glory. However, 1973 saw a turn for the better when he was relieved of his March contract to sign for Lotus.

Racing for the Lotus team, Peterson was able to let his talent flourish. In his first season at Lotus, he won four Grand Prix finishing third in the championship. Ronnie Peterson had finally established himself as a genuine title contender.

For all Ronnie's talent, however, much of his career was hindered by reliability issues. In 1974, he scooped a further three race victories but retired six times.

For two seasons, he was forced to run in the 72E model, while his teammate Emerson Fittipaldi went on to win the championship with the lion’s share of luck.

It is worth noting however that Peterson went on to win three Grand Prix in an out-of-date car, including stellar performances at Monaco and Monza. Ronnie Peterson clearly was an astounding talent.

Peterson returned to March in the 1976 season but was once again compromised by reliability issues. He retired nine times and finished 19th in another race due to a technical fault. He did, however, manage to win one Grand Prix among his four finishes.

Perhaps Peterson's biggest problem was his gentle and polite personality. Murray Walker for example described him as "A simple man with stunning ability who lacked the hard business head to maximise his F1 potential."

This was certainly the case in the 1978 season, where he returned to team Lotus happy to play second fiddle to Mario Andretti, even when he outperformed him.

Perhaps this is an example why he never truly made it to the top; he lacked the tenacity of a champion.

It was the 1978 season that was to be his last. In Sunday practice, he smashed his Lotus 79, ending up parked against a tree having smashed through three rows of fencing.

He survived with bruised legs; unfortunately, his car was beyond repair. This forced him to compete in the year-old Lotus 78, starting from the third row on the grid.

As a consequence, Ronnie found himself under pressure from faster cars from behind. As the grid headed towards turn 1, a flurry of cars were sent into a pile up.

Ronnie's car became wedged under a guardrail before catching alight. James Hunt, Clay Regazzoni and Patrick Depallier fought to free him but were forced to wait 20 minutes for medical aid.

It is said that Ronnie's legs were in such a state that James Hunt forced Ronnie not to look at them, as he lay conscious in the middle of the track waiting for help.

The Italian authorities did not see his injuries as life-threatening. Overnight however his condition complicated and Ronnie died from a fat embolism when bone marrow mixed into his blood attacked his liver, heart and brain. One of Formula 1's most promising talents was needlessly deceased.

Ronnie's teammate Mario Andretti commented, "It was so unfair to have a tragedy connected with probably what should have been the happiest day of my career" before adding he knew Ronnie would be happy for him.

Ronnie had been in F1 for close to a decade and his fearless antics on the track earnt him many a fan. He was often seen going around corners sideways, constantly striving to get the best out of his car. He remains to this day one of the greatest drivers never to win the championship.

Had his life not ended so tragically, who knows how many more races the "super Swede” would go on to win?

Kimi Räikkönen to Leave Formula 1 for Rallying?

James Walker — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:12:55 -0400

Much has been speculated about Kimi Räikkönen's future as his Ferrari deal expires in 2009. Fans the world over are desperate for the "Iceman" to stay in open wheeled motorsports' highest formula, but according to Fox Sports the current world champion hopes to one day take to the sport of rallying.

The Finn is not the type to break into a Shakespearean soliloquy. When questioned about his plans post 2009 the only words he could muster were, "I have time [to decide]."

Later the "Iceman" added, "Why should I hurry? I have a contract for 2009, which I will fulfill despite all the speculation. I always keep my deals."

When asked what he would like to do following his retirement, whenever it may be, the closemouthed Finn put forward a startling revelation that is sure to shock all but the most knowledgeable Formula 1 fans.

According to Fox Sports Räikkönen is quoted as saying, "At some time I want to try rallying. That interests me; asphalt, gravel, and ice."

However, the world champion admitted that it may take some getting used to. "It's difficult to say, because I have never done a rally seriously. On asphalt I would probably be okay but on gravel I have no experience."

He also has concerns about coming to grips with having a co-pilot. "Having a co-pilot for me would be difficult. I am not used to that."

Taking all of this into account, it is important to remember that it is at the moment simply gossip. No official press conference has been held in which Kimi has openly spoken about his desire to one day compete in rallying.

Given his history, however, it is not an impossibility. The only thing that is for sure is that the current world champion will be racing next year, much to the delight of many fans.

What is your opinion on the matter?

The URL of my original source is http://msn.foxsports.com/motor/story/8387932/Raikkonen-considers-rally-driving

The Big Lewis Hamilton Debate: Is Arrogance the Problem?

James Walker — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:26:52 -0400

With so many arguments circulating, I felt it was time to throw in my opinion on one of the hottest debates surrounding British Sport.

Since his debut in Australia in 2007, Lewis Hamilton has become an international superstar. He has soared into the record books with numerous achievements, most notably the nine consecutive podium finishes following his debut Grand Prix and becoming the first black person to compete in Formula 1.

But despite his numerous achievements, Lewis Hamilton has come under much scrutiny from Formula 1 fans. Why is this?

There is no question that Lewis Hamilton has had a seismic impact on Formula 1. He shook the Formula 1 world from the moment he passed Fernando Alonso on the first corner of his debut grand prix.

Formula 1 is still experiencing the aftershock of Lewis Hamilton's arrival. TV viewing has rocketed, and the Hamilton name has become one of the most marketable brands the sport has ever seen. All this and he isn't even two years into his Formula 1 career.

His majestic displays of brilliance on the racetrack have won him countless fans the world over and it is clear to see why. He is incredibly active behind the wheel and not afraid to risk it all for glory.

He doesn't have the makings of a champion; he has the makings of multiple world champions. Hamilton is a hero everyone can relate to—an international phenomenon.

So why is it that in recent months, many people have become skeptical of the Lewis Hamilton steam train?

The answer is seemingly simple. It is in no doubt that he holds an incredible amount of talent. No skeptic can deny that. What is a problem, for some, is his attitude.

There seems to be an aura surrounding Lewis Hamilton, which generates the impression he feels superior to everyone else. His body language is often that of a man oozing with confidence; however he gives off the impression of arrogance.

In TV interviews, he often answers questions with a cunning smile, as if he is trying to restrain himself from saying something politically incorrect. It also sparks the impression that he doesn’t really want to be in the interview.

Very few drivers enjoy being hassled by the press, but it can be argued that most show greater amounts of diplomacy than Lewis Hamilton.

For all his restraint as well, little comments often break out in his speech. Following his victory at Hockenheim, he was quick to criticise Felipe Massa for not defending his line well enough.

He sparked controversy at last year's Brazilian Grand Prix by claiming on Brazilian TV he was more like Ayrton Senna than his nephew Bruno.

In a pre-race interview last year, he referred to the drivers at the back of the grid as "monkeys." Whether he meant that in good humour or not, the comment left him open to criticism from many Formula 1 fans and drivers.

A final criticism of Lewis Hamilton is his often-erratic driving style. This was most recently demonstrated during the first lap of the French Grand Prix, where he earnt himself a drive-through penalty for cutting a chicane in a desperate bid to get past the Torro Rosso of Vettel.

His uncompromising overtaking manoeuvres also appear to be more ruthless and aggressive than an act of pure skill. One example is his move on Nelson Piquet Jr. during the 2008 German Grand Prix.

Back at home, fans across England were questioning if it was a little over the top. In Hamilton’s defence, the move looked fair but firm.

The debate surrounding Lewis Hamilton could go on, as so many people have contrasting views. What is clear is that he is a world-class driver, but to many his character comes across as incredibly arrogant. Where do you stand?

Who Holds the Key to Formula 1's Future?

James Walker — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:07:07 -0400

Never before has a Formula 1 Grand Prix grid been so full of young blood and future hopefuls. Potential stars of the future have arrived in mass quantity, all of whom are eager to make their names in the dog-eat-dog world of Formula 1 racing.

Be it Lewis Hamilton, Robert Kubica, Sebastien Vettel, Nico Rosberg or Nelson Piquet Jr., young talent can be found across the grid, with dozens more names letting themselves be known in the lower formulas.

The next few years of Formula 1 are shaping out to become the most exciting on record. But who will make the cut in such a challenging and unforgiving environment?

With so many young faces making their names, it is difficult to remember when the margin between winning and losing has been so slender. It is becoming harder to make it into F1, yet alone to hold onto a drive. So who will make the cut?

Several drivers have already shown they belong in the highest calibre of racing, the obvious examples being Lewis Hamilton, Robert Kubica, Sebastien Vettel and Nico Rosberg, but while these drivers are flourishing, others are having a somewhat turbulent time of it.

Nelson Piquet Jr. and Timo Glock, for example, have both found it hard to impress their respective teams. With drivers such as Romain Grosjean and Bruno Senna knocking on the door, their jobs can only get harder.

Young drivers such as Christian Klien, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Scott Speed have all learnt the hard way what a ruthless environment Formula 1 racing can be.

Unfortunately many more young drivers look destined to be heading that way as competition for places can only become harder. Who will be next to make the cut?

Grosjean, Senna, Alvaro Parente and Lucas Di Grassi have already impressed in the GP2 world series, making them destined to land a Formula 1 drive in the next few seasons. Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg and Edoardo Mortara are making themselves heard in the F3 Euro-series.

At the same time, drivers from the IRL may be hoping to make the cut to Formula 1. Drivers such as Tony Kanaan, Dan Wheldon, and Scott Dixon all seem to have the speed to be able to fend for themselves. With so much talent in the waiting, the future for Formula 1 looks very bright.

Fans are bound to see great battles, rivalries and champions in the not-so-distant future, the only question is with so many aspirants, who will make the cut?

Juan Manuel Fangio to Michael Schumacher—Is It Fair to Rank All-Time Greats?

James Walker — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:55:05 -0400

It seems to be human nature to look back on eras gone by with a sense of nostalgia, looking for arguments to prove that the drivers of old were greater than those racing today.

As a species we always try to categorise things, try to separate the best from the rest. But is it fair to argue that a driver who soared to the top of the Formula 1 world in the '50s is more talented than one who dominated in later decades?

At the same time, we must ask if it is fair to say that today’s drivers are more talented than all those who have gone before them?

Formula 1 supporters have been blessed by so many graceful talents and characters since the formation of the world championship in the early '50s. Early heroes such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Alberto Ascari and Stirling Moss have become immortal in the hearts of fans the world over, their achievements still celebrated to this day.

As eras go by, it is inevitable that more drivers will become beloved by fans. The '60s saw characters such as Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, and Jim Clark rise to prominence, whereas the '70s brought about the emergence of Emerson Fitipaldi, James Hunt, and Nikki Lauda.

The '80s is perhaps the most celebrated era of motorsport with Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, and the late great Ayrton Senna dominating proceedings. The '90s and early 2000s brought about a very one-sided era in which Michael Schumacher dominated.

Already we are presented with a long list of supreme greats who have reached the pinnacle of their profession, without taking into account the achievements of others such as Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Jody Scheckter, and Jack Brabham.

How can you separate one from another? The answer: you cannot!

By all means you can create a list of the greatest drivers of all-time—there are obvious candidates that stand out above the rest. But to create this list is one thing, and to rank them is another.

All a driver can do is beat the opposition he is presented with. The drivers regarded as greats have done this, consistently.

To go on and say that Jackie Stewart was better than Jim Clark would be an insult to Clark and his achievements. I'm sure Jackie would agree.

At the same time, I'm sure Ayrton Senna would disapprove if someone told him he was better than Fangio. He may be flattered by the statement, but at the end of the day all F1 greats know what it takes to win championships, unlike ordinary members of the public who do not.

We may have an idea based on our observance over the years, but only those who have won championships know precisely what it takes to do so.

Still, the ability to drive fast and dominate is part of a person's identity.

Ayrton Senna, for example, is a born winner. If you placed him in any era of motorsport he would win titles. The same can be said for Fangio, Graham Hill, and any other driver who has won championships.

Fernando Alonso is a top driver in today’s sport and had he been competing in the '70s he would have been a top driver then. The make up of a great driver is the same and is inherent in a select few individuals.

Fans may have opinions about their favourite driver of all-time. For example, the calm and controlled driving style of Fangio could inspire one person where as the ruthless desire to win could motivate another. This is subject to one's personal opinion and as such is relative.

The make up of a great driver, however, is empirical fact and intrinsic within an individual. You could never truly say there is one that is greater than anyone else factually, only via personal opinion and preference.

Formula One: Does Anybody Care about the Max Mosley Saga?

James Walker — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:09:51 -0400

FIA president and Formula One supremo Max Mosley must have awoken on Sunday March 30th to some shock. British tabloid giants, The News of the World, had well and truly caught him with his pants down (for want of a better statement).

The paper published a detailed article concerning an alleged "Nazi style" orgy he participated in, accompanied by five prostitutes; and to make matters worse they supported their claims with video evidence. From this point the world of motorsport, and Formula One in general, has once again found itself in disrepute.

The consequences for Mosley are certain to result in the removal of his post as FIA president. The FIA is a global organisation governing numerous countries and cultures.

As president of such an organisation Mosley is a diplomatic role model, expected to act in a moral way so as not to offend any of the nations he governs. The current saga has certainly compromised his right to maintain such a post.

Formula One teams were quick to react to the news, BMW and Mercedes leading the way stating: "The content of the publications is disgraceful. As a company, we strongly distance ourselves from it."

Mosley on the other hand, was quickly on the defensive reminding the two companies of the roles they played in the second world war. Despite this, he did however, acknowledge that they were right to distance themselves from such allegations.

Toyota and Honda also registered their views in the war of the words with Honda asking for an "immediate decision in the best interests of Formula One and Motorsport."

While calls for Mosley's head resonate around the Formula One paddock he is however battling to redeem his name, he described the News of the World's actions as a "covert" operation to discredit him.

He also described it as an "unwarranted invasion" of his privacy," with any claims of Nazi connotations being "entirely false." Unfortunately for Mosley however, few people seem to displaying any sympathy towards him.

But where does this leave Formula One?

Many teams have already registered their disgust on the matter however looking at the bigger picture Formula One's financial future could be compromised. Potential sponsors are likely to be deterred from investing in such a morally fragile situation.

The crown prince of Bahrain banned Mosley from attending the Bahrain Grand Prix in the wake of events and this could have a detrimental influence on further Asian sponsorship.

The consequences of the scandal could be huge for Formula One, although the matter may be of little public interest morally it poses a great threat in luring new sponsors and expanding the Formula One empire.

On June 3rd a summit of motorsport leaders is to be held in which a vote of confidence will be held by secret ballet, should Mosley stay in power then Formula One is likely to face an up hill struggle in cleansing its already tarnished reputation.

Can Anyone Prevent Kimi Räikkönen from Retaining His F1 Title?

James Walker — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:16:55 -0400

From the moment Kimi- Matias Räikkönen drove his Sauber- Petronas C20 into sixth place at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix you couldn't help but wonder what the future held for the young Fin. The sense of anticipation from the motorsport world could have only been further fueled upon hearing it was only his 24th career race. The motorsport world was truely at his feet and it wasn't long until he signed for Ron Dennis and the legandery Mclaren team.

Räikkönen enjoyed limited sucess at Mclaren, consistantly showing speed and race winning potential only to be hindered by a series of bad luck and engine problems. That did however not stop him for mounting a serious challenge to Michael Schumacher in 2003 and Fernando Alonso in 2005. Had he been blessed with a more reliable car it is easy to speculate what could have been for arguably one of the most exciting talents the sport has ever seen.

Although not beeing the type of person to break into a Shakesperian soliloquy his raw speed and a fearless sense of bravery won him fans the world over, stories of his drunken antics during his personal certainly suggest that he is very much alike the drivers of old. The type with genuine character but an unrivaled ability to drive a car, fast.

In 2007 Kimi Räikkönen was finally given the chance to show what he could do with a reliable car and has certainly not looked back. Despite trailing in the rankings for much of last season he got himself in first place when it truely mattered winning six races, more than anyone else and most importantly the world championship. He has since worked his way into a mould of perfection, with strong performances in Malaysia, Bahrain and Spain. Two victories in four races certainly prove this. But can anyone touch him?

The two Mclarens, although fast, do not seem able to match the Ferrari's straight line speed. BMW are closing in on Ferrari but are not yet ready to mount a challenge for race victory leaving team mate Felipe Massa as his only genuine threat, for the time being at least. Massa was dominant in Bahrain, after he sluggish start to the season he needed to be, but for all his experience in racing Ferrari's he often seems too erratic and is prone to make mistakes. Is he consistant enough to mount a challenge to the ice man? With all due respect, probably not.

Arguably the one man who could genuinely challenge him, beside the two Mclaren drivers, is Fernando Alonso however he is somewhat comprimised by driving in a distinctively inferior Renault. For 2008 at least.

Taking into account this the forecast for the 2008 season seems likely to contain many more Räikkönen victories, but as many people would argue. . . it's about time the Flying Fin was on top!

Bruno Senna: Walking in His Uncle's Footsteps

James Walker — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:19:39 -0400

"If you think I'm good, just wait until you see my nephew Bruno"- Ayrton Senna 1993

It's been fourteen long years since the Formula One community was robbed of arguably the greatest and most prolific talent the sport has ever seen, Ayrton Senna. However, the Senna name could be a making a most welcome return to the sport should his nepthew, Bruno Senna, impress in this seasons GP2 drivers championship.

For many people seeing his uncle's trademark blue, green and yellow helmet take to the track once more evokes great memories of a timeless racing era but if this helmet helmet and the Senna name is ever to make a return to motorsport he must prove himself against a wealth of other F1 aspirants in the GP2 world championship.

At the tender age of 24 Bruno is still young enough to have a long career in F1, should he make the cut, despite being older than the likes of new F1 heroes Lewis Hamilton and Robert Kubica. It is worth pointing out however that following his uncle's tragic death he took a fourteen year break from racing, since his return his progress has been astounding.

Last year he finished 8th in what was his first season in GP2 despite showing early signs of promise, winning in what was only his third race. This year however things are looking more promising for the Brazilian having secured several podium finishes in the Asian sub league of GP2. Following the first weekend of racing in the 2008 championship he is joint leader of the GP2 championship, with fellow F1 hopeful Alvaro Parente, on eleven points following his second and fourth place finishes in Spain.

Racing for iSport international this year Bruno has his eyes on an F1 drive for 2009: “I want to be in F1 in 2009 or 2010. I am fast enough, and this season I want to prove this. This is the year when I’ll have my best opportunity to achieve great results.”He certainly seems to have his uncle's winning mentality! Indeed his own uncle regards him very highly, famously saying following his move from Mclaren "If you think I'm good, just wait until you see my nephew Bruno."

It's now time for Bruno to put these words into action, if he has but a fraction of his uncle's race craft then he will certainly prove to be a tough competitor at the best of times, it may not be long until the Senna name makes a return to F1.

A1 Grand Prix: What Lies Ahead?

James Walker — Wed, 07 May 2008 03:37:25 -0400

25th September 2005, Brands Hatch, England. A1 Grand Prix's (A1GP) inaugural Grand Prix is underway, cheered on by an excitable British crowd, filledwith intrigue and anticipation. What was the goal of this new formula? And what was its aim?

Twenty-eight countries spread from all corners of the globe have competed in the championship during its short history, clearly illustrating that it is attracting a global audience. The field is competitive with numerous teams consistentlychallenging for race victories however, having recently attended a meeting at Brands Hatch I couldn't help but feel the sport isn't getting the reception it deserves. The atmosphere was quite with little emotion being shown from an undersized crowd, despite a strong British performance. I couldn't help but comprehend what a shame it is.

A1GP was set about to revolutionise the world of open- wheeled motorsports by having its competing drivers represent their country rather than an independent constructor. For this reason it is dubbed "The World Cup of Motor sport." Each participating country was given a car, manufactured by Lola, identical to each of the other participants. This innovative idea was brought about to challenge drivers more so than other formula's and also, at the same time, to make better viewing for spectators.

The spectacle of A1GP, although incomparable to Formula 1, is great. Tickets are cheap and innovative ideas are constantly being put forward to make a grand prix weekend more interactive for the fans. A particular example of this is the chance for fans to have a go at changing a car's wheel in a simulated pit stop, the quickest time of the day winning a race day grid walk. In comparison to Formula 1 it is far more approachable, a paddock pass costs as little as £10 making it easy for fans to meet their favourite drivers. So why has the sport not flourished into the global phenomenon it could so easily have been?

Well, to begin with, A1GP as a sport is still getting its feet off the ground, having only just finished its third year. Motor racing giant Ferrari have recently agreed to aid in the manufacture and design of the race cars for the next six years, despite a 212 million dollar loss the sport accumulated in its debut season alone. The agreement Ferrari could potentially bring about faster, more intense racing thus attracting more fans.

Also the sport continues to produce excitable racing talents, most notably German driver Nico Hülkenberg from the 2006/ 2007 season while at the same time attracting high profile drivers such as ex- F1 stars Alex Yoong and Jos Verstappen. However, as a fan, I feel the sport is not doing enough to reach out to a worldwide audience. A bigger marketing campaign as well as a greater variety of memorabilia for sale could see the sport generate more revenue. More coverage on TV and interactive features on their website could also attract a greater fan base. At the moment, from looking at events within the UK, few TV adverts are broadcast to advertise the races they are broadcasting. How can people watch a sport if they do not know when it's on or where to watch it?

From looking at the events discussed in the article I feel it is fair to conclude that A1GP is an exciting form of open wheeled racing with great potential to attract many fans from the world over. More needs to be done however to make people aware of the sport in order for it to grow further, developments such as the introduction of Ferrari developed cars next year could help catalyse the sports growth.

Ayrton Senna: A Tribute

James Walker — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:27:20 -0400

Arguably the most revered and coveted Formula One driver of all time, Brazilian born Ayrton Senna Da Silva, stood out in an era dominated by a wealth of Formula One greats.

In an era with drivers like Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell, to name a few, he stood out. During his time people would look upon his driving with a sense of awe and mysticism. Following his death, his skill and determination to win have immortalized his every achievement.

Following his tragic death in the 1994 season, many fans felt a void had been left behind. His majestic performances and colourful personality have not been matched by the likes of Mika Hakkinen, Fernando Alonso and even Michael Schumacher in years gone by.

On the race track he was a dogged opponent. His craft and unrivalled determination to win often made him too hot to handle, even for the likes of Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell.

Over his ten year career fans were gifted by numerous displays of brilliance, be at a soaking wet 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, where he hunted down Alain Prost’s Mclaren at an alarming rate in a Toleman, or perhaps in 1993 where he overtook Karl Wendliger, Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost at a torrentially wet Donnington race track in a single lap, despite having a considerable horsepower disadvantage.

And it was not just his masterful displays of supremacy on the race track which won so many fans hearts. He was a selfless humanitarian. His love and compassion for children in his native Brazil equaled his aggression and tenacity on the race track. Despite being a global superstar, he never ignored his country's national problems.

In a strange way, his death seems to have immortalized the legend of Ayrton Senna.

I myself, only seventeen years of age as I write this, am too young to have experienced the hype around Ayrton. But as I've grown up, my passion for Formula One has developed and I have become more enthralled by stories concerning Ayrton Senna than what is going on in the current drivers championship.

Few drivers are blessed with the ability Aryton was born with and none, in my opinion, have achieved the volumes of brilliance he conjured up during his career. Never before had a driver been so exciting to watch and no one has been able to take his place.

Ayrton Senna: A Personal Tribute

James Walker — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:20:39 -0400

Arguably the most revered and coveted Formula One driver of all time, Brazilian born Ayrton Senna Da Silva stood out in an era dominated by a wealth of Formula One Greats; Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell to name a few. During his time people would look upon his driving with a sense of awe and mysticism; following his death his skill and determination to win have, in a sense, immortalised his every achievement. Following his tragic death in the 1994 season many fans feel a void has been left behind, his majestical performances and colourful personality have been unfulfilled by the likes of Mika Hakkinen, Fernando Alonso and even Michael Schumacher in years gone by. On the race track he was a dogged opponent, his race craft and unrivalled determination to win often made him too hot to handle; even for the likes of Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell. Over his ten year career fans were gifted by numerous displays of brilliance, be at a soaking wet 1984 Monaco Grand Prix where he hunted down Alain Prost’s Mclaren at an alarming rate in a Toleman, or perhaps in 1993 where he overtook Karl Wendliger, Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost at a torrentially wet Donnington race track in a single lap, despite having a considerable horsepower disadvantage. And it was not just his masterful displays of supremacy on the race track which won so many fans hearts, he was a self- less humanitarian. His love and compassion for children in his native Brazil equalled his aggression and tenacity on the race track. Despite being a global superstar, he never ignored his countries national problems. In a strange way his death seems to have immortalised the legend of Ayrton Senna. I myself, being only seventeen years of age as I write this, was too young to understand the hype around Ayrton. As I've grown up however my passion for Formula 1 has developed and have become more enthralled by stories concerning Ayrton Senna than what is going on in the current drivers championship. Few drivers are blessed with the ability Aryton was born with and none, in my opinion, have achieved the volumes of brilliance he conjured up during his career. Never before had a driver been so exciting to watch and since his death no one really seems to have filled the void.