In the round-up: Alexander Albon thinks Williams could be capable of a stronger performance this weekend as they seek their first points of the season.
In brief
Albon “most optimistic I’ve been” about Miami
Although Williams are one of the three teams yet to have scored their first points in 2024 so far, Albon says he is feeling more confident about his team’s chances in Miami than earlier rounds.
“Actually, if you look at last year here, we had the car – before the upgrade, so it was not the quickest car – but we were still near points,” Albon told the official F1 channel.
“I think we qualified P12 at the time and we didn’t have quite as strong a race, but the areas where we really focussed on from the FW45 to the FW46, there are a lot of the corners that this track has. So I’m excited to see. Hopefully the progress is strong. Points are always going to be tricky, especially with the top five teams, but I’m the most optimistic I’ve been.”
French GP investigation
A prosecutor in France is investigating an alleged misuse of public funds by the French Grand Prix organisers during the event’s last run on the F1 calendar. The race was held at Paul Ricard between 2018 and 2022.
Le Monde reports the organisation behind the race was liquidated with debts of €32 million (£27.38m) after the event was last held.
Barnard to stand in for Bird in Berlin
McLaren’s Formula E team have announced reserve driver Taylor Barnard will stand in for Sam Bird for the next round in Berlin next weekend. The team’s regular driver suffered a broken hand in a crash in practice in Monaco.
“We’re very pleased to report positive progress on Sam’s recovery,” said team principal Ian James, “with a successful operation on his hand supporting his journey back into the car.
“Taylor did a stellar job in his last-minute call-up in Monaco, as did the team, who provided him with great support and guidance throughout. He will now be able to build on that experience, while Sam works on his recovery – with the team’s full support.”
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
‘Critics charge that the massive investments are an attempt at ‘sportswashing,’ calculated to distract from an abysmal human rights record — imprisonment and violence against commentators and activists, travel bans, and male guardianship laws over women. The kingdom says it is merely modernising and diversifying its economy, with F1 as an eager partner. Less than two years after Saudi henchmen killed and dismembered a Saudi Washington Post columnist and monarchy critic, the F1 and the kingdom’s flagship oil company entered into a 10-year partnership deal.’
Warning – Fraudulent activities by Foresea Ltd (FIA)
‘The FIA has recently become aware that a company named Foresea Ltd has sent emails offering to sell hospitality packages to FIA Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. However, Foresea Ltd is not authorised by the FIA (or any of its affiliated entities) to sell hospitality package tickets to F1 grand prix. The letters that this company may provide to its potential customers are not sent by the FIA or any authorised entities. Accordingly, any representation from this company relating to the FIA should be ignored.’
At one with the machine — How sim racing has helped me practise mindfulness (PC Gamer)
‘I have sometimes, at points in my life, struggled with my mental health. Gradually, over my 36 years, I have learnt various techniques that helped keep me in a mentally good place, one of which is mindfulness. This is the conscious decision to attempt to quieten down your internal monologue, and to think appreciatively about the things around you. To stop and smell the roses, so to speak. To be present. To my surprise, a great sim racing setup in combination with a good racing game was activating the very same sensation. It was enveloping my senses through the detail of the feedback, the modelling, the sheer encompassing nature of the simulation, and allowing me the space to think, and not think, at exactly the same time. ‘
Ruth Buscombe to join F1 TV line-up for 2024 season (F1)
‘Ruth Buscombe, former head of race strategy at what is now the Sauber team, has joined the F1 TV line-up for the remainder of the 2024 season. Buscombe brings with her more than 10 years’ experience in the F1 Paddock and will provide F1 TV viewers with fascinating insight into race-defining strategic decisions – starting with this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.’
”I’ve always had this passion for Endurance Racing (WEC via YouTube)
”I have built up a long relationship here even though it’s only my first year racing. But I really enjoy endurance racing and I’m looking forward to everything that is coming this year. There’s a lot of momentum behind the championship, there is strong competition, many different cars, many, many, many different competitors, so it’s a good good place to be well’.’
Assetto Corsa Competizione – Nürburgring 24hr Pack DLC launch trailer (PlayStation via YouTube)
The Nordschleife track pack for Assetto Corsa Competizione has now launched on consoles.
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