Author Topic: Official Racing Thread (Read 189251 times)

RatBastich · « **Reply #760 on:** July 25, 2009, 11:03:04 PM »

Alonso wins pole in Hungary

Associated Press

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Fernando Alonso took the pole position after a chaotic finish to qualifying Saturday at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Ferrari's Felipe Massa was airlifted to a hospital following a high-speed accident.

The Renault driver's fastest lap of 1 minute, 21.596 seconds around the Hungaroring circuit was enough for the two-time world champion's first pole since the 2007 Italian GP.

Alonso was only confirmed as the pole sitter following a lengthy delay as all nine drivers in the final session awaited the results after the scoring system went down.

"When I got out of the car I asked other drivers how they did to get an idea," said Alonso, who picked up his first career win in Hungary six years ago. "Some were telling me two or three-tenths of a second slower than me so I got excited."

JFC · « **Reply #761 on:** July 26, 2009, 12:15:55 AM »

Massa in hospital after qualifying crash
F1 Grand Prix, GP Hungary, Hungaroring
- Written by Tomba
On 25 Jul 2009, 15:15

Felipe Massa has been airlifted to hospital after suffering a very awkward crash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Brazilian got his by a metallic part from Barrichello's Brawn GP car and violently hit the tyre barriers on the outside of Turn 4.

Just at the end of Q2 and while running a quick lap, the Brazilian got hit on the helmet by a metallic piece of the heave bar of Rubens Barrichello who has just passed turn 4.

It seems that the loose part broke loose of the car, shot up from the track and knocked Massa unconscious while he was approaching turn 4. The Brazilian's Ferrari continued straight on, went over the grass on the inside of the corner and then dived straight on into the tyre barrier on the outside of the high speed corner.

The Brazilian was conscious as he was moved to the helicopter. He is being transferred to a nearby hospital for a checkup.

So far it is not clear if Felipe will be ready to compete in tomorrow's Hungarian Grand Prix.

http://www.f1technical.net/news/12935

Within the first 5 seconds you see on the left side of the screen where the piece of metal came flying right at him and hit him on his helmet. I'd have to think that it doesn't look that good for him to return for at least a couple of months, if not the rest of the season.
Formula 1 2009 Felipe Massa Hungary Terrible Incident, Hit on head by metal piece

Tuffty · « **Reply #762 on:** July 26, 2009, 01:20:39 AM »

Quote

Felipe Massa's condition has been described as "serious but stable" following emergency surgery after he suffered skull damage and concussion.

The Brazilian hit a tyre wall after a spring from Rubens Barrichello's car flew up and hit Massa's helmet during Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying.

The Associated Press news agency quoted a hospital spokesman as saying Massa's condition was "life-threatening".

But Ferrari denied the reports, insisting the operation was "positive".

The Italian team said Massa will remain under observation in intensive care and Ferrari will make a further statement on his condition on Sunday.

AEK military hospital medical director Peter Bazso added: "At the moment he's under anaesthetic and will be woken up on Sunday."

AP quoted a statement from the Hungarian defence department as saying: "At the time he was admitted to hospital his condition was stable and he was breathing and blood circulation was normal.

"During the course of his examination they established that he suffered a serious, life-threatening injuries including loss of consciousness and a fracture of the forehead on the left side and a fracture on the base of the skull."

Barrichello said on his Twitter feed that he had visited his compatriot Massa in hospital and the surgery "went very well. Now he is asleep waiting for a new scan tomorrow".

The incident comes days after Formula Two driver Henry Surtees, 18, was killed in what was described as a "freak" accident during a race at Brands Hatch.

The son of motorsport legend John Surtees was struck by a wheel which flew off a competitor's car.

Massa - winner of 11 grands prix in his career - did manage to briefly apply the brakes as went off the Hungaroring track before his car ploughed head on into a tyre wall at around 125mph.

The 28-year-old was swiftly attended to by trackside medics before being taken to the circuit's medical centre after which he was airlifted to hospital.

Barrichello later led the calls for more stringent safety measures to be looked into.

Referring to Surtees, the veteran Brazilian refused to believe the two incidents were coincidental.

"I honestly don't believe in coincidences in life," he said. "Things happen for a reason and I think this is the second message.

"Imola [where Ayrton Senna died in 1994] was a message and the cars were improved. Unfortunately, we lost a boy [Surtees], which is tremendously sad.

"It is not a coincidence something happened right now. In the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) we talked quite a lot about it yesterday - and something needs to be done. Absolutely.

Something broke on my car - Barrichello

"But I don't know what. We need to sit down and have a look at it. I think the cars are a hell of a lot safer, really a lot safer, but there is no coincidence on this and something needs to be looked at."

Lewis Hamilton described the crash as "very scary" and said it must be looked into, while Jenson Button said it proved there "is still more we need to do on safety".

Button and Barrichello's team boss Ross Brawn said the team were "naturally concerned" about Massa's condition.

"We had a problem with the back of the car and we are still investigating," he added.

"We haven't had the piece back from [motorsport governing body] the FIA yet so once we get it back we can understand what occurred.

"It's the first time we've really had a problem with the car as it's been so reliable."

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh added: "What happened today was a shock.

"We've got to make sure we do everything we can to make F1 as safe as it can be.

"But a spring coming off and being in a collision four seconds later is an incredible circumstance and coincidence.

"You have to remember that motor racing is dangerous and that racing drivers are incredibly brave. It's all too easy to become blase about that."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8168807.stm

Here's hoping Maasa gets a speedy recovery. Just as well the brakes were applied before the crash.

RatBastich · « **Reply #763 on:** July 26, 2009, 06:19:47 AM »

F1 called on to re-examine safety

Associated Press

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Racing figures called on Formula One to re-examine safety procedures after Felipe Massa sustained life-threatening skull injuries in a high-speed accident during Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying.

The 28-year-old Ferrari driver was in stable condition in the intensive care unit of a military hospital following surgery on Saturday.

Massa slammed into the protective tire barriers at Hungaroring at a speed of about 120 mph after being struck in the helmet by a loose spring. The common car part had fallen out of the rear suspension of Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car.

It was the second accident in six days where track debris struck a driver in the helmet to cause an accident. F2 driver Henry Surtees died in an incident last Sunday.

"Things happen for a reason and I think this is the second message. Imola was a message," said Barrichello in reference to 1994's San Marino GP, where three-time champion Ayrton Senna died from a nearly identical accident as fellow Brazilian Massa.

JFC · « **Reply #764 on:** July 26, 2009, 06:58:56 PM »

For anyone wondering, here's a pic of how much damage was done to Massa's helmet when he was hit by that flying piece of metal. Keeping it as a link, as it's a bit graphic (so you might not want to click it if you're easily squeamish).
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5033/755343g.jpg

RatBastich · « **Reply #765 on:** July 26, 2009, 09:55:24 PM »

Tire gaffe costs Renault one race

Associated Press

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Renault has been suspended from the upcoming European Grand Prix after the latest in a string of safety mishaps to hit Formula One.

Renault was disciplined after Fernando Alonso's right front wheel came off his car and bounced wildly down the track as the pole-sitter rounded Turn 9 during the 13th lap of Sunday's Hungarian GP.

The incident came one day after safety was called into question when Felipe Massa of Ferrari was struck in the helmet by a stray part from another car and he slammed into a protective tire barrier at high speed during qualifying.

The Brazilian had surgery on multiple skull fractures and remained hospitalized in "life-threatening" but stable condition.

Masa · « **Reply #766 on:** July 26, 2009, 10:29:21 PM »

http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2009/815/

Räikkönen & Kovalainen

RatBastich · « **Reply #767 on:** July 27, 2009, 03:24:32 AM »

Power grabs win; Kanaan burned

Associated Press

EDMONTON, Alberta -- Will Power led almost the entire way Sunday to capture the Rexall Edmonton Indy in a race marred by a pit fire that burned driver Tony Kanaan's hands and face.

Power, the first-year driver for Penske Racing, finished 1.094 seconds ahead of teammate Helio Castroneves.

Target Chip Ganassi driver Scott Dixon was third.

Kanaan, the Brazilian driver for Andretti Green, was injured on his first pit stop when the ethanol fuel pump filling his car appeared to not shut off properly, dousing him and his car in fuel.

Seconds later the car caught fire, with Kanaan frantically struggling to free himself as crews doused his No. 11 Dallara Honda with water. Kanaan later waved to the crowd as he was led away for medical tests.

JFC · « **Reply #768 on:** July 27, 2009, 05:09:42 AM »

^
Damn, hope he's okay. This wasn't exactly the safest weekend if you were a race car driver.

RatBastich · « **Reply #769 on:** July 27, 2009, 07:49:29 PM »

European GP wants Alonso in race

Associated Press

VALENCIA, Spain -- Organizers of the European Grand Prix want Formula One authorities to rescind Renault's suspension from the race so Fernando Alonso can compete in his native Spain.

Jorge Aspar, the vice president of Valmor Sports, believes Valencia fans are being unfairly punished for Renault's security mistakes.

Governing body FIA suspended the French team from the Aug. 23 event because it let Alonso leave the pit lane during Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix despite having failed to properly secure a nut on his front right wheel. That wheel popped off the car as he rounded a turn, and continued to bounce wildly down the track.

F1 safety was called into question Saturday when Felipe Massa was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a stray car part struck him during qualifying.

RatBastich · « **Reply #770 on:** July 28, 2009, 06:40:23 PM »

Candidate to lead F1 visits Massa

ESPN.com news services

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt visited the recovering Felipe Massa in the hospital on Tuesday, a day after his condition improved significantly following a high-speed crash.

Todt did not speak to reporters as he arrived at the AEK military hospital, where current team principal Stefano Domenicali also joined the driver's family.

Doctors said Monday that Massa was awake and breathing unassisted, able to move his limbs and answer questions.

"My expectation is that he would walk out of the hospital on his own," Peter Bazso, the medical director of the AEK hospital, told public television M1 on Tuesday. "If his recovery continues at this pace, I wouldn't rule out that he could leave within 10 days."

The Ferrari driver's condition remained serious, however, Bazso said.

RatBastich · « **Reply #771 on:** July 29, 2009, 04:04:11 AM »

Doctor says Massa improving

Associated Press

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Felipe Massa's doctor says the driver is increasingly alert and answering questions in three languages, and the head of the Ferrari team is encouraged about the possibility of the Brazilian returning to the track.

The 28-year-old driver was hit in the helmet by a loose part from another car and crashed into a tire barrier at 120 mph during qualifying Saturday at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

He is recuperating from surgery on multiple skull fractures, and doctors say he could be released as early as next week.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali visited Massa and his family in the hospital. Domenicali said the recovery would be a "step by step" process but sounded optimistic about Massa racing again.

"As soon as he will be back, that is his car," Domenicali said outside the hospital. "For me it was incredible to see a fantastic improvement after just three days."

Family doctor Dino Altman on Tuesday described the racer as "more alert than he was before" and "improving continuously," adding that Massa was responding to questions in three languages.

Altman gave assurances about Massa's vision in his left eye, which was injured in the accident.

"Yes, he can see with his left eye," Altman said. "He knows what's right and left so his left eye has no problems. His eyesight is OK."

Doctors said Massa was awake and breathing unassisted, able to move his limbs and having brief conversations with family members and the medical staff.

Peter Bazso, medical director of the AEK hospital, said his condition could still deteriorate, but that risk is "diminishing day by day." Bazso added it was possible to fully recover from such injuries.

Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt also visited Massa on Tuesday, a day after the driver's condition improved significantly.

F1's governing body is investigating the accident. Todt is a candidate to become president of the organization when Max Mosley steps down in October.

Meanwhile, a representative for Michael Schumacher says the seven-time Formula One champion would consider coming out of retirement if Ferrari asked him to drive for Massa. Doctors say Massa will not race again this season.

Spokeswoman Sabine Kehm told the German news agency DPA on Tuesday that "if Ferrari approaches Michael, he would think about it."

Schumacher holds nearly every record in Formula One and retired after the 2006 season. Manager Willi Weber said after the Hungarian Grand Prix that Schumacher had no intention of returning.

RatBastich · « **Reply #772 on:** July 29, 2009, 05:13:52 PM »

Team says Massa improving

Reuters

LONDON -- Ferrari's Felipe Massa will leave intensive care on Wednesday after taking his first steps since he fractured his skull in a crash at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, the Formula One team said.

The team said on its Web site that the Brazilian driver's condition was improving steadily at Budapest's AEK military hospital.

"The driver has had more exams carried out, confirming his continuing improvement," the team said. "Felipe speaks, can sit upright and was even able to take his first steps. Today he will leave intensive care."

Massa underwent emergency surgery on Saturday after being flown to the hospital in what doctors said was a life-threatening condition.

The 28-year-old was hit on the helmet during qualifying by a two-pound metal spring the size of a Coke can, which fell off compatriot Rubens Barrichello's Brawn car and bounced down the track.

"From the clinical and radiological point of view everything is going extremely well," Ferrari said. "Felipe will stay at the AEK hospital for the next few days, until he can be taken somewhere else."

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, who went to Massa's bedside on Monday when the Brazilian was under sedation, was flying back to Budapest to greet him.

Masa · « **Reply #773 on:** July 29, 2009, 11:49:17 PM »

Quote

Ferrari planning to substitute Schumacher for Massa

Ferrari announced on Wednesday that they plan to draft in Michael Schumacher to replace the injured Felipe Massa at forthcoming Grands Prix, until the Brazilian is able to race again. The seven-times world champion, who retired from Formula One racing at the end of 2006, will undergo a special training programme over the next few days to confirm he is fit enough to compete in next month’s European Grand Prix.

"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive,” said Schumacher. “I wish him all the best again. I was meeting this afternoon with (Ferrari team principal) Stefano Domenicali and (chairman) Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

“Though it is true that the Formula One chapter has been completely closed for me for a long time, it is also true that for reasons of loyalty to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am I also very much look forward to facing this.” Schumacher has not driven Ferrari’s current F60 in anger and last tested for the Italian team, with whom he won five world titles, back in April 2008.

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/7/9703.html

WB Michael!

JFC · « **Reply #774 on:** July 30, 2009, 01:21:42 AM »

There's probably no one better suited/qualified to step in for Ferrari at this moment. It'll be interesting to see how well he does after having been away.

RatBastich · « **Reply #775 on:** July 30, 2009, 02:31:55 AM »

BMW pulling out of F1

ESPN.com news services

MUNICH -- BMW is pulling out of Formula One at the end of this season, the second carmaker to leave the series within a year.

The German company announced the decision at a news conference Wednesday, saying it wanted to use its significant F1 budget in other areas. It will remain involved in auto racing.

Since entering F1 as a team by taking over the Sauber team ahead of the 2006 season -- it had previously acted as an engine supplier -- BMW had posted just one race win, at last year's Canadian Grand Prix.

Touted as a championship contender for the 2009 season, BMW lagged well behind the pace of the leading teams.

"Of course, this was a difficult decision for us. But it's a resolute step in view of our company's strategic realignment," BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer said at the news conference.

JFC · « **Reply #776 on:** July 30, 2009, 02:52:44 AM »

^
Ouch. Wonder if Peter Sauber will try and keep the team running with a new sponsor?

RatBastich · « **Reply #777 on:** July 30, 2009, 06:13:33 PM »

Doctor says Massa up and about

Associated Press

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Felipe Massa is already planning a return to racing and joking about keeping Michael Schumacher away from his car as he recovers from a high-speed crash.

Massa's family doctor Dino Altman said Thursday the Brazilian driver was eating and walking around his hospital room.

He also appeared to have no problem in the left eye, which doctors feared had been badly injured in the crash during qualifying Saturday for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"He is back to normal," Altman said.

Massa has been recuperating at the AEK hospital in Budapest after undergoing surgery on multiple skull fractures. The 28-year-old driver was hit in the helmet by a loose part from another car and crashed into a protective tire barrier.

Doctors have ruled out a return to Formula One this season, but Altman said Massa was already sending signals to Michael Schumacher that his comeback may be short-lived.

Ferrari announced Wednesday that the German seven-time F1 champion would come out of retirement to replace Massa until he is fit to return, starting with the European GP on Aug. 21-23, in Valencia, Spain.

"He has no fear at all," Altman told reporters outside the hospital. "He thinks he will be able to race in Valencia."

Altman said no decision had been made about transferring Massa from Budapest. Massa's father, Luiz Antonio, said Wednesday he was expecting Massa to be transferred to a hospital in Paris soon.

Gerard Saillant, a French doctor who works closely with Formula One's governing body FIA, also visited Massa on Thursday.

RatBastich · « **Reply #778 on:** July 31, 2009, 02:00:13 AM »

Renault appeals Grand Prix ban

Associated Press

LONDON -- The French Motorsport Federation has lodged an appeal on behalf of Renault against the team's suspension from the next Formula One Grand Prix.

Governing body FIA suspended the French team from the upcoming European Grand Prix for allowing Fernando Alonso to leave the pit lane with his wheel not securely fastened during Sunday's race in Hungary.

The wheel popped off the two-time world champion's car as he rounded a turn, and bounced wildly down the track.

The International Court of Appeal will hear the case Aug. 17 in Paris and the decision is expected to be announced the following day.

The next race is Aug. 23 in Valencia.

RatBastich · « **Reply #779 on:** July 31, 2009, 08:11:45 PM »

Doctor: Massa headed home

ESPN.com news services

BUDAPEST -- Injured Formula One driver Felipe Massa is doing "very well" and will be flown back to Brazil on Monday, his personal physician said on Friday.

"Felipe continues to improve. He is doing very well and we already decided to go back home on Monday," physician Dino Altman told reporters in front of Budapest's AEK military hospital.

"I think this decision says all you need to know [about his condition]," he added.

Altmann said Massa, last year's championship runner-up, needs rest. The plan is that he will return to Formula One, but no timetable has yet been set.

Altman said that Massa is "in a good mood and in good shape" and wants to race again as soon as possible. He didn't reveal how long Massa's full recovery would take but said the Brazilian would not need "special treatment" to overcome his injuries.

Massa, 28, fractured his skull in an accident during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

He spent several days in an induced coma and on a respirator but was released from an intensive care unit at the Budapest hospital on Wednesday.