F1 2020 - G.P. Nº 1 - AUSTRIA

[McHouserphy]

FORMULA 1 TEMPORADA 2020 – GP Nº 1

GRAN PREMIO DE AUSTRIA

Red Bull Ring
Spielberg.

Red Bull Ring
Projekt Spielberg GmbH & Co KG
Red Bull Ring Straße 1
A-8724 Spielberg
Austria



Viernes 3 de Julio :

• Prácticas Libres, Sesión 1 : Horario Local : 11:00 a 12:30 - España :11:00 a 12:30 - GMT : 09:00 a 10:30
• Prácticas Libres, Sesión 2 : Horario Local :15:00 a 15:30 - España :15:00 a 16:30 - GMT : 13:00 a 14:30

Sábado 4 de Julio :

• Prácticas Libres, Sesión 3 : Horario Local : 12:00 a 13:00 - España :12:00 a 13:00 - GMT : 10:00 a 11:00
• Clasificatorias de Parrilla de Salida :Horario Local :15:00 a 16:00 - España :15:00 a 16:00 - GMT : 13:00 a 14:00

Domingo 5 de Julio :

• CARRERA: Horario Local: 15:10 - España: 15:10 - GMT: 13:10

Datos Básicos de Pista

• Fecha de creación: 1970
• Primer Gran Premio de F1: 16-08-1970
• Grandes Premios organizados: 31
• Capacidad de espectadores: 50000
• Longitud oficial: 4.326 metros.
• Longitud de rodadura: 4.285 metros.
• Número de vueltas: 71.
• Distancia total de carrera: 307,230 Km.
• Curvas oficiales: 9.
• Curvas reales: 9.
• Curvas oficiales a derecha: 7.
• Curvas oficiales a izquierda: 2.
• Curvas reales a derecha: 7.
• Curvas reales a izquierda: 2.

• Tiempo con el acelerador a fondo: 70 %.
• Velocidad máxima: 330 km/h.
• Tiempo con el freno pisado: 17 %.
• Velocidad mínima: 76 km/h.]
• Consumo por vuelta: 1,408 kg.
• Consumo por vuelta: 1,87 litros.
• Penalización por vuelta de combustible: 0,04 s.
• Penalización por cada 10Kg: 0,29 s.
• Tiempo de entrada y salida de pits (sin repostar): 20 s.
• Distancia desde la salida hasta la primera frenada: 300 metros.
• Tiempo de vuelta de referencia: 1:09,119.
  
  

***

• Carga aerodinámica: Media-Alta
• Dureza / Desgaste de frenos: Alto
• Agarre del asfalto: Medio-Bajo
• Tipo de neumático: Blando
• Desgaste de neumáticos: Medio
• Compuestos de neumáticos suministrados por Pirelli:

• Compuestos de neumáticos seleccionados por los pilotos/equipos:
  

La frenada más dura del Red Bull Ring:




Ventana Pit Stop a 1 parada: vueltas 28 a 33.
Ventana Pit Stop a 2 paradas: vueltas 19 a 26 y 39 a 47.
Ventana Pit Stop a 3 paradas: vueltas 16 a 19, 30 a 38 y 44 a 51.

Piloto con más Poles : 2 - M. Hakkinen, M. Schumacher, L. Hamilton, V. Bottas
Escudería con más Poles : 4 - Mercedes
Piloto con más victorias : 2 - M. Hakkinen, M. Schumacher, N. Rosberg, M. Verstappen
Escudería con más Victorias : 4 - Mercedes

Mejor vuelta : K. Raikkonen - 1:06,597 (2018, Ferrari)
Mejor pole : ]C. Leclerc - 1:03,003 (2019, Ferrari)
Pole 2019 : C. Leclerc - 1:03,003 (Ferrari)
Vª Rápida 2019 : M. Verstappen - 1:07,475 (Red Bull)
Podium 2019 :1º M.Verstappen (Red Bull)- 2º C. Leclerc - 3º V. Bottas


Vuelta Virtual de M. Verstappen al Red Bull Ring en 2019


Onboard de la Pole 2019 de C. Leclerc:


Mejores momentos clasificatorias 2019:


Situado a 190km de Viena, en Spielberg, en las montañas de Estiria, el actual Red Bull Ring fué fundado como el Osterreichring, y fue sede del primer Gran Premio de Austria en 1970.

A través de los años, el circuito ha pasado de ser un trazado de once curvas y 5,9 kilómetros , desde 1970 a 1987, a su versión actual de 4,3 kilometros y nueve curvas, una configuración que ha mantenido desde su segunda etapa en la F1, desde el año 1997 al año 2003, cuando respondia al nombre de A1 Ring.

Es uno de los pocos circuitos del calendario que no ha sido diseñado por Hermann Tilke, aunque este se inspirara cláramente en la primera curva del A1Ring para “transplantarla” al circuito Tejano de COTA.

En 2011, el fabricante austriaco de bebidas energéticas Red Bull, propietario también de las escuderías de Fórmula Uno, Red Bull y Toro Rosso, añadió el circuito a su cartera automovilistica cuando compró, reconstruyó y puso en marcha las instalaciones, siendo el pasado año 2014 el primero de su tercera etapa en la Fórmula Uno.

El Red Bull Ring mantiene las catarcterísticas del A1Ring, y aunque no es precísamente de complejo trazado, es todo un reto, ya que los abruptos cambios de pendiente, las tres rectas seguidas, rematada cada una de ellas con una curva lenta, y la revirada sección central de media/alta velocidad, lo convirte en un híbrido entre Monza y Montreal, pero a los nada desdeñables 700 metros de altura media.

F1 Austria 2019 Race HighLights


F1 Austria 2019 mejores OnBoards

PALMARÉS

2019 : M. Verstappen (Red Bull)
2018 : M. Verstappen (Red Bull)
2017 : V. Bottas (Mercedes)
2016 : L. Hamilton (Mercedes)
2015 : L. Hamilton (Mercedes)
2014 : N. Rosberg (Mercedes)
2003 : M. Schumacher (Ferrari)
2002 : M. Schumacher (Ferrari)
2001 : D. Coulthard (McLaren)
2000 : M. Hakkinen (McLaren)
1999 : E. Irvine (Ferrari)
1998 : M. Hakkinen (McLaren)
1997 : J. Villeneuve (Williams)
1987 : N. Mansell (Williams)
1986 : A. Prost (McLaren)
1985 : A. Prost (McLaren)
1984 : N. Lauda (McLaren)
1983 : A. Prost (Renault)
1982 : E. De Angelis (Lotus)
1981 : J. Laffite (Ligier)
1980 : J. Jabouille (Renault)
1979 : A Jones (Williams)
1978 : R. Peterson (Lotus)
1977 : A. Jones (Shadow)
1976 : J. Watson (Penske)
1975 : V. Bambrilla (March)
1974 : C. Reutemann (Brabham)
1973 : R. Peterson (Lotus)
1972 : E. Fittipaldi (Lotus)
1971 : J. Siffert (BRM)
1970 : J. Ickx (Ferrari)



Enlaces / Links :

• Web oficial del circuito de Austria
• Página Oficial de la F1
• Datos FIA
• Datos Pirelli
• Free Live Timing

• Carreras en Internet:
  [o]VerCanalesTV F1
  [o]VerPlusOnLine F1

• Noticias en Español:
  [o]CarandDriver.es
  [o]Motor21.com
  [o]SoyMotor.com

• Noticias en Inglés:
  [o]F1.com
  [o]f1technical.net
  [o]motorsport.com
  [o]F1Today
  [o]F1fanatic.co.uk
  [o]PitPass.com

[McHouserphy]

[llumia]

Yupiiiii ya tenemos el primer hilo.

Muchas gracias por abrirlo, McH

[McHouserphy]

No hay de qué , abrir el hilo no es difícil

Ahora solo hace falta que nos lo rellenen con una carrera mejor que la de Oz.

Y una pregunta ... ... los coches también van a tener que mantener las distancias??

[LaraCroft]

Por finnnnnnnnjj!!!! Qué ganas por Dios!!!

Pero manda narices que la primera carrera de este año vaya a ser justo cuando tengo Internet "rural" por llamarlo de alguna manera y a mis sobris aquí jugando online y robandome el ancho de banda pero lo que ellos no saben es que este año estoy decidida a bloquearles la conexión desde el router mientras dure la carrera porque me dicen que no lo usan pero me mienten así que este año el Internet solo para mí en las carreras.

Si alguien necesita indicaciones de cómo ver la F1 desde Kodi que me lo diga y le enseño porque hace 1 mes cerraron 1000 webs de VPN y no se si vais a encontrar dónde verlo.

[LaraCroft]

Ya tenemos el chat reactivado, voy a poner el nuevo enlace en el menú
http://us20.chatzy.com/18974465231526

[llumia]

Albert Fabrega @AlbertFabrega Presiones mínimas para el #AustrianGP : Del 24,5psi(+1) Tras 19,0(-0,5) Caídas max : -3,5(=)/-2(=). Mismos compuestos que 2019= C2, C3 y C4.

[yorch]

Si alguien necesita indicaciones de cómo ver la F1 desde Kodi que me lo diga y le enseño porque hace 1 mes cerraron 1000 webs de VPN y no se si vais a encontrar dónde verlo.

Yo estos ultimos años he tirado de Acestream y bastante bien generalmente pero si no te supone un incordio explicarlo, genial, por tener una alternativa. ¡Gracias!

¡Que emoción, por fin esto empieza!

[GoVal]

¡Muchas gracias por el hilo, McH! y ¡muchas gracias por el chat, Lari!

Llevo tanto tiempo esperando que llegue la primera carrera que espero que no se me olvide que es ¡YA!

[lestersoto]

porque pagina puedo ver la carrera en vivo?

[llumia]

Comenzamos con la previas:

Renault F1:

Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal: After the long, enforced break, the 2020 season can get underway.It has been a long journey since Australia: nine weeks shutdown at Enstone and seven weeks at Viry. While taking the necessary measures to protect itself, the Formula 1 community has mobilised to deploy its skills and resources around collective projects to respond to the challenges presented by the epidemic. In parallel, immense work has been done by the FIA, F1 and teams to provide effective responses so that racing can return in a secure environment. We now have to adapt to this new mode of operation but seeing the cars on track is a positive signal of progress on the health front.

Competition will therefore resume and also the traditional dual aims of competitiveness and progress. From our perspective a lot of work has been done to bring the chassis upgrades planned for the cancelled races three, five and six to Austria. This is particularly important when we remember the difficulties of our car at the Red Bull Ring in previous seasons.

Above and beyond the technology, it is a season that will be trying for personnel, with a demanding schedule that follows a very disturbing period for everyone. The human element will probably be more important than in more standard seasons, and the role of each person will be decisive in the end result. This obviously applies to our drivers, but both are highly motivated at the prospect of the return and challenge.

After spending the last couple of months on his Australian farm, Daniel Ricciardo is replacing dust tracks for tarmac as he prepares for the first race of the 2020 Formula 1 season.

How excited are you to go racing again after the time away from the circuit?

Daniel Ricciardo: I'm raring to go! It's been a long time since I've raced or even competed properly in anything. It's getting close now and I had a good taste for it with the test in Austria earlier this month. Even though it was a two-year old car, it felt really nice to shake off the cobwebs. It was cool to be in that racing environment again as I'm sure it was for all the engineers and mechanics. I was skipping with excitement in the garage even with the various social restrictions in place!

How did you find the lockdown period?

DR: I think it was important to remain positive throughout that time as it was really uncharted territory for everybody. It was nice to be in one place for a long period of time, staying in one time zone, sleeping well and just having that time to recover and improve my physical condition. I've missed racing, of course, but not having it has just reiterated my love for driving Formula 1 cars.

What will be your mindset for the first race back?

DR: It's about getting back to business. We're all so excited to go racing again. We'll get on with it and give it our all as we know the season is going to be shorter than usual and very fast-paced. We want to get some points on the board, begin the season on the right foot and lay a solid foundation for us to build some good momentum.

What are your thoughts on the R.S.20 - R.E.20 package?

DR: I think we've made good progress on the car during winter testing. We can't be totally sure how it will go, but that's the same for all the teams. We have a slightly different car to the one we would have raced in Australia, but we'll have the answers this week! We'll focus on ourselves; we know the midfield will be quite tight, but the target is to give a better showing at this circuit than last year and then we'll see where we end up. I'll be giving it my all and I'm sure everyone at the team will do the same.

It's been a long wait for Esteban Ocon to hit the race track again but that reality is in sight as the Frenchman gets set for his first Formula 1 start in Renault DP World F1 Team colours.

It's been a longer wait for you more than anyone, so how ready are you for Austria?

Esteban Ocon: It's been a year and half of waiting to be on the Formula 1 grid again, so I'm very excited for this first race. It feels fantastic to be starting the season. We have set our targets; we know what we want to achieve on track, and I know what I have to do behind the wheel. A lot of work has gone into preparing for this first race, I'm with a great team, driving a competitive car and I'm certainly hungry for it.

How did you find the test in Austria earlier this month?

EO: I found it very beneficial to get back into driving a car again. It felt good and so cool to be on a real track after playing on my home simulator for these last few months! Driving out of the garage again was a very special feeling. It didn't take me long to get back on the pace. I felt sharp, quick and definitely ready to race.

What are the targets for the first race back?

EO: I know Austria hasn't been the strongest circuit for the team in the past, but we'll look to turn that around this year. The car performed well in Barcelona and we definitely learnt a lot. It looks promising, we have some new things on the car as well. There will be lots of data gathering on Friday to see what we've improved, see what else we can change and to get up to speed once again. I'm looking forward to it, and we'll be targeting coming away with points.

Is it a circuit you enjoy racing?

EO: Spielberg is where I had one of my first podiums in single-seaters back in my Formula Renault days in 2012. I've had some decent results there in the past, but I'm focusing on what is now and that means a solid top 10 finish next weekend. I think it'll be strange without fans there and I will certainly miss them cheering us on. Hopefully we can give them a good show on TV and maybe see them later on in the year.

[llumia]

Austrian GP: Preview - Williams

After its postponement in the wake of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and a 63-day shutdown period, the long anticipated 2020 season officially restarts this weekend in Austria. The revised calendar will see two races held at the same circuit on consecutive weekends and to ensure the safety of all involved, the event will sadly be closed to spectators.

Both George Russell and Nicholas Latifi have spent the last few months preparing for the new season and Nicholas looks forward to now making his long awaited debut in Formula One this weekend.

The Red Bull Ring packs a lot into a short lap with plenty of elevation change punctuated by fast sweeping turns and a number of heavy braking zones. Located in the Styrian Mountains, the track is one of the most picturesque circuits on the calendar, providing a spectacular backdrop for the season opener and the restart of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship.

Dave Robson, Senior Race Engineer: Following a long dormant period, Formula One has reconvened in Austria to open the 2020 season, and the whole team are looking forward to racing once again. It is a long time since we were preparing the cars, drivers and engineers for the event in Melbourne and it will be with anticipation that we fire the cars up ready for FP1. For much of the last few months we have been in our official shutdown period and so work on the cars stopped. Since returning from shutdown however, we have worked hard to ensure that the whole operation is equipped and ready for the start of the new season. There will be nerves and concerns every time the car runs, but it is that shot of adrenalin, and feeling of excitement and jeopardy, that reminds us that we have missed the action so much.

The nature of Formula One in 2020 is a little different to normal and as a result we will contest the first two rounds of this season at the Red Bull Ring. The layout of the track as well as the tyre compounds are the same for both events, and so if weather conditions are stable, then we have a rare opportunity to test the cars and the drivers over two full race weekends in near identical conditions.

Austria is a tricky venue for the first race of the season as the circuit demands efficient downforce, strong ride characteristics and often very high levels of PU cooling. The lap is short and there are few opportunities to make up for a mistake, which increases the pressure on the drivers and the engineers. That said, it is a wonderful setting in which to race Formula One cars, and it will provide a great atmosphere and intensity despite being staged behind closed doors.

When we last ran the car in Barcelona, we were encouraged by the improvements made since the end of 2019, however, we are under no illusion that we need to keep working hard and maximise every opportunity we can find to get us further up the grid. We are also aware that teams will have taken the opportunity to improve their cars since February; more than ever, predicting the pace of the opposition is difficult and futile. Our initial efforts will be on making the most of our car, ensuring that it is reliable and raceable, and on learning for the intense series of races that lie ahead of us. Both George and Nicholas are familiar with the circuit and this will allow us to concentrate on the engineering during running on Friday.

We are pleased and thankful that we are able to return to doing what we love, however, everyone at Williams, and across Formula One, remembers those who have suffered, and those who continue to suffer, as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We hope that the beginning of the 2020 F1 season will offer a small sense of a return to normality and provide some exciting new entertainment as the world slowly awakens from a prolonged and difficult period. We are facing a new future, but we will face it fairly, respectfully, cooperatively and in a fully inclusive way.

George Russell: I'm really excited to get back racing and at a circuit that I enjoy driving and have gone well at in the past. It was probably one of my best races in Formula One last year so I'm really looking forward to it. We've done a lot of virtual racing recently so it will be great to now race in reality and provide some entertainment for the fans that will be supporting us from home. From a performance perspective, I don't want to pre-empt how we will get on as we've only really had winter testing. Regardless though, I will be going out there to give it my everything.

Nicholas Latifi: It goes without saying that I am extremely excited to finally make my Formula One debut! It's definitely not been a conventional build up to the first race of the season but these past few weeks have been good getting back into the swing of things, upping my preparations, and getting back into the factory and into the groove with the team. I feel ready and I feel prepared. It will be a bit strange with all the new protocols and it will definitely be a lot quieter without any fans. There will be a lot to get used to but we're getting to go racing again and that's the main thing. I can't wait to hit the track.

[llumia]

Austrian GP: Preview - Red Bull

The last time you were in the RB16 was in February at winter testing in Barcelona. Is this the longest you haven't raced for since you were karting?

Max Verstappen: It has been really weird that I haven't been able to drive in such a long time and It's the longest it's been since I started karting. Luckily, I have a simulator at home and as you've probably seen, I have been using that a lot during the shutdown period. I'm glad we can get back to racing now but this time has been very challenging for so many people, so we have nothing to complain about at all.

Are you excited to get back on track later this week?

MV: Yes definitely. It will be weird without fans but I really want to get back in the car and be as fast as possible. My training in the lead up to the race has been better than ever because I have had so much free time. I've had about six full weeks of training and I feel in even better shape now than I did before Australia. It's also great that we have the first two races of the season at our home track and it will be a special moment for sure.

How much will you miss the "orange army", especially in Austria?

MV: Of course, it is going to be very different without the orange army and it's going to feel a little strange. There are usually so many great Dutch fans in Austria. I have lots of good memories from that track, I remember looking up at the fans at the end of the race last year and they were all standing up and cheering, it was crazy. It gave me an even bigger smile after the win. It's a shame we don't have that this year but we will try and put on a good show for everyone watching at home on TV.

You have two attempts to win the Austrian GP this season. Do you think that is possible in the RB16?

MV: It's been such a long time since I drove the RB16, at the time it felt good but there's always room for improvement, I always want to do better. The Team have been working really hard in the lead up to the race and there will be upgrades to our car, but all teams will have those so it's not clear where anyone is at the moment. The weather conditions in Austria can also change quickly so that will play a part in the results. I will just focus on what is happening at the track and making sure we get the best performance out of the car.

What would a hat-trick at the Red Bull Ring mean to you and do you consider yourself as a favourite?

MV: I would prefer to win a Championship! I don't really think about a hattrick, the most important thing for me is to have a competitive car and perform at my best. I never consider myself the favourite because actually when you look at the track it's not even our best track, but last year, of course, it was very warm. We were really good with keeping the engine cooling down. So I don't expect it to be an easy win, I think Mercedes again will be very strong. Who knows where Ferrari will be as well, so no, it will be a very hard and tough battle again to win that race, but we're going to try.

There are a lot of races in a short timeframe this season. Do you like that and is the intensity of that pressure good for you?

MV: You are away a lot of course and you can't go home in between races, which is going to be difficult especially for the team members with families. I don't really think about it as pressure though as it is what we love and what we are here for.

How do you feel about having back to back races on the same track?

MV: Well it depends how the first race went, but of course, it makes it a lot easier for everyone not having to travel somewhere else at the moment. Everybody knows the track; everybody has done a lot of laps. So it will be very close and the differences will be very marginal, but yeah, it's good a thing too if you issues in the first weekend to try some new stuff on the second weekend. It's going to be really different, but in a way it's maybe good to learn more about the car in the early races.

Is 2020 the first real chance for you to battle for the Championship?

MV: I hope so, it's so hard to say. One thing I know for sure is that we will do everything we can to fight for it. Mercedes are still the ones to beat, because they have been the dominant team for so long now. They are still very strong and will be hard to beat but as a Team we learnt a lot over the last year and I really think that we are stronger. We've got some good races coming up this season so I will of course try to close that gap and hopefully we can make it difficult for them, it will be a good challenge to try and beat them.

Honda have been working hard over the winter, do you think they have done enough to close the gap?

MV: Honda for sure worked very hard over the winter again and it all looked very solid at testing in Barcelona. Our top speed looked decent, so I'm very happy with the work that has been done. Honda are very motivated and want to fight for the title like we do.

How did you react to the sudden cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix?

Alex Albon: I would say on a personal side the whole feeling of that situation in Australia was obviously very unique. You have so much adrenaline building up, I think that coming into winter testing and then having that mental preparation, the whole team has that atmosphere that we're going racing, and everyone is streamlined, and everything is going in an upwards trajectory.

I remember sleeping in my hotel that night, and getting amped, it was Friday, it's FP1 on a street track like Melbourne, you don't sleep that well, and then that morning I was just having breakfast and just got told 'we've booked you a flight back' so it's very strange, and it kind of resets you. You feel like 'what's my purpose?' kind of thing. And you go back, and it was a reset. We were just waiting until we got this date which is now in Austria. Now the season restart has been confirmed, I'm excited to get started again. My first day back at the factory after shutdown felt like my first day back at school. It was nice after all this time away from racing to get back to it finally.

Arriving home from Australia, what did you do to keep busy whilst plans for the 2020 season were up in the air?

AA: Coming back to the UK, the first thing was really just making sure, I think as a team we were very cautious with just the situation. We obviously had a couple of outbreaks inside the paddock and I think that was the first thing as a team, safety first, so we all isolated really, and there isn't much you can do. It was very much stay at home, the first thing I did was speak to the guys at the factory to collect some gym equipment because I had none at home, and just have everything ready so I could top up (fitness) but without having a date you were kind of just living day by day not having so much of a focus and to keep the motivation was not easy actually. You were just kind of waiting for news and speaking with Christian, just getting texts, the odd updates of what was happening, but that was about it. We're athletes so it's our job so we're still making sure we're ready at any moment, but it was just a weird situation, especially because I have never spent this long away from a racing seat since I first started which was when I was seven (years old).

What have you missed most about racing?

AA: I've missed just the feeling of the speed, being in the car, kind of that process of arriving to the track and perfecting on a lap, and pushing it to the limits, it feels very strange to be at home and not having that sense of speed. Doing the filming day was just a highlight of that where I was a bit like 'my god, this thing is so fast!' You kind of think it feels so good to be back in it.

After so long without racing or travelling, how important is it to be 100% ready from Round 1?

AA: We are going from one of the quietest periods of time, to one of the busiest we will have ever experienced. It's going to be crazy for all of us. The whole atmosphere is going to be really different. There will be no fans, which is really what makes the sport, so that will also add to how strange it's all going to feel. Racing week after week for however long is going to be tough for everyone in the Team, and it's going to be important to start the first few races strong. We didn't run in Australia so everyone is going to be learning and I think the teams that really get into the racing rhythm first will be the best and the ones to beat. It's important to go into the first race with as much energy as you can - it will be about maintain your energy and keeping it as high as you can for as long as you can.

How do you feel and are you ready to hit the ground running in Austria?

AA: I feel good. There's so much time that, with any driver, there's going to be that level of uncertainty as to what's going to happen. I'm glad I did the filming day to get that initial dust off my shoulders but I'm excited, I think we've all been waiting for this. There's been a long drought, we all do this because we love it and we've missed it, so I can't wait to get started.

How will having back to back races at the same circuit affect the way you approach the weekend?

AA: The dynamic is more or less very similar on that first race weekend, so the first race weekend you would treat like another one, procedural things like FP1, FP2, FP3 would always be the same. Where it changes most probably is that second weekend where you've got a perfect opportunity to directly compare to your first weekend, try some things which are very risky to try during a normal race weekend because it's a new track and everything has changed. Now you've got the same circuit, pretty much the same weather and you can try things so I'm sure every team is going to treat the second weekend with a bit more risk and try some things out because you know if it doesn't work out you can go back to your first weekend car.

At same circuit back to back races, do you think the fastest team and driver at race one will be the same at race two?

AA: If the people are fastest by a good chunk then it's always hard to get that lap time back but saying that, yeah there's a good chance there's going to be differences and that's where I think top teams like ourselves will have to go through that data, be careful with our feedback as drivers to maximise and focus on the areas we need to improve on after that first race.

With the calendar not finalised and the number and location of races not fixed, is there added focus to maximise every race this season?

AA: Just because there's an unknown kind of feeling of even how many races we're going to do, what circuits we're going to go to, there's no change in our job and that's really just to maximise every weekend - that's all there is to it. Being back to back to back, we will have less time to prepare, unlike a normal weekend where we do some simulator, and of course there will be tracks which we've never been to, but I think that's a good opportunity. I think the good teams will be quite flexible, the same with the drivers, being on top of it and understanding the car and the tracks as quick as possible, and I think that's an area where as a team I believe we will be pretty successful. Just looking historically at how Red Bull are good at interpreting and getting up to speed quickly. It should be good!

In this condensed 2020 season, will driver fitness play a bigger part in performance this year?

AA: I think there's definitely an element to it. The first two races not too much, Austria is quite an easy circuit with few corners and quite a lot of breathing time in between with the long straights. Once we get to Hungary, that will quickly change and normally we will arrive to Hungary with how ever many rounds we've done and so by the time we're there, it's all easy flowing. It will be three weeks (in a row) so we won't have much rest. It does play a part, Hungary, Singapore last year for instance, there is performance in your fitness so yeah it will do, if it's a tie breaker we'll see.

Is the pre-season form guide still accurate given it was so long ago now?

AA: Barcelona already from winter testing is quite inconclusive. You don't know where the teams are, but everyone has a fairly good understanding of where everyone is at, adding another four months on top of that, it really jumbles up everything. There has obviously been a summer factory shutdown, which means teams haven't really had too much time to play around with it.

How important is it to qualify well at the Red Bull Ring or are there opportunities in the race?

AA: With such few corners it is hard to maximise your car in terms of making a difference so qualifying is generally pretty close, but at the same time it really doesn't define what happens in the race as we've seen in the past two years with Max. A good car can really save the tyres there, temperatures are normally really hot as well so I'm sure it won't be any different. The main thing is just to wait and see. I think coming from winter testing we've a good car and I'm sure even from the filming day we did, everything feels pretty good so we'll see.

Lastly, we will have a new "normal" way of working with the COVID-19 protocols in Austria. How have you found it so far?

AA: It seems to be extremely well organised already. It is going to be quite complicated but from my experience with the guys at the factory, they are all on top of it already. I was at the factory and the lengths the Team is going to is great to see. It's more about just keeping safe. We are going to be travelling and together a lot, we are going to be in our own little bubble. We all have to be really careful with everything at all times.

Talk us through how the team have kept morale high during the extended shutdown?

Christian Horner: Well it's highly unusual for a Grand Prix team to go into hibernation for what was essentially two and a half months so obviously during that period you want to retain that sense of team. So activities, whether it be online fitness classes, Friday night quizzes, town hall meetings where the staff would have the ability to ask me questions, passing on information and updates, keeping the drivers engaged with the team members as well, were all hugely important during what was a very uncertain time.

Tell us about how you worked with the other Team Principals in order to secure the future of the sport?

CH: During the lockdown there was a lot of work that went on behind the scenes with current and future regulations and there was a sense of camaraderie to try and find a majority of solutions with that because it was in the interests of not just individual teams but the whole sport. Things like delaying the introduction of the new regulations, reducing the cost cap to a responsible level, sensible compromises were found and that's when there is a crisis the collaboration of the teams can be very effective.

Is there more fine tuning and clarification needed on the new regulations?

CH: As we return to racing of course there's going to be things to fine tune in this new environment that's obviously going to be a lot more restricted in terms of our activities so inevitably there's going to be tuning there. With the new regulations for 2022, I'm sure there's going to be clarifications, on the financial regulations which are all new, again I'm sure there's going to be further clarifications, but the bulk of the big ticket items have certainly been dealt with.

How much preparation has gone in behind the scenes from Red Bull in order to safely host the first race of the season?

CH: From very early on in the pandemic Red Bull were keen to help and as races dropped off (the calendar) they set their sights firmly on getting Formula One going again, so thanks to Dietrich Mateschitz and the whole of Red Bull. The effort that's gone into getting this race off the ground, working closely with the promoter, the guys from liberty and the governing body, a huge amount of effort has gone into providing the right and safe environment to get Formula One running again and not only one weekend in Austria but two, so we'll get to enjoy two weekends at what is essentially our home Grand Prix.

What measures are in place to protect team personnel and the communities we visit when we return to racing?

CH: There's been a huge focus on protecting staff and all members in Formula One and the host countries that we're going to, so teams will essentially work within their own isolated bubbles. We won't be sharing hotels, our hospitality units won't be at the races, we'll be wearing face masks during any sessions on the pit wall, there won't be the usual pre-race build up with the grid, or maybe even podium ceremonies, so life will be quite different but it's all focused on creating a safe environment. Testing is becoming de rigueur as we are constantly tested throughout the process of going back to racing so it's all providing a safe and controlled environment.

Are you excited about the return to racing?

CH: Well Melbourne feels like an awfully long time ago now and to think that we're only starting our season at what would be pretty much the midway point is a little strange, but the racer in us all just wants to get going again. It was great to see the car at Silverstone and it reminds you of what it's all about, why we're working so hard and what our goals are, so it's going to be exciting to get racing again. It's going to be different, but I think when those lights go out and we're focused on our cars and the competition, it's all going to be about what happens on track.

What is the key to mounting a championship campaign in such a short and condensed season?

CH: It's going to be crucial to be reliable. There's going to be a lot of races that come thick and fast and it's going to be an intense period for everybody involved. They're going from 0 to 100mph from having not raced since November last year, we're going to be in July so over seven months downtime for these drivers. It's going to be an exciting first few laps, and it's going to be important to maximise our chances and opportunities. It's an unusual year, but maybe that's what we need to take the challenge to the all dominant Mercedes who have won everything for the past six years.

Do you think this F1 season could be one of the most exciting we have seen?

CH: I think this is going to be a fantastic season. Sure, I think the drivers will have an element of race rustiness, but these guys are professionals, they'll get over that pretty quickly I've got no doubt. It's going to be intense and it's going to be slightly different to what we're used to and that brings different pressure and dynamics so I'm really looking forward to it and I think we're well positioned to hopefully have our strongest year since 2013.

Do you think Max feels the pressure as he is positioned by the media as Lewis' main title challenger?

CH: Well we all go into the first race with the same amount of points, so I think the pressure on Max is no different to previous years. I think he recognises we had a good winter, we came out of pre-season testing well, Mercedes were still the form team to beat but it felt like we had some real potential in our car so that's going to be crucial as we head into the season. For sure they start the season as the favourites, but I sincerely hope and believe in Max and Alex that we have a very strong team and hopefully we can provide them with the equipment and tools to mount a challenge on Mercedes this year.

This is only Alex's second season in F1. What are the team looking for from him this season?

CH: For Alex, people do forget it's his second season in Formula One and he's missed sort of the first half of that so it's been a baptism by fire but he coped with that incredibly well last year. He seems to deal with pressure very well and I think we're just looking for him to make progress on where he finished last season. I think opportunities will present themselves for him and I really think he could be the surprise of the season in many respects this year.

How much has the RB16 been developed since Australia and do we know where we stand going into Austria?

CH: We don't really know where we stand going into Austria and of course the car would have been developed. There would have been updates at the first European races at Zandvoort and Barcelona, there would have been further updates for Montreal, so of course all the updates that were in the pipeline prior to the shutdown, plus whatever we've learned subsequent to the shutdown, have been implemented to the car so there are subtle revisions all over the car as part of that update process which I'm sure the other front running teams have also done. We also have an engine upgrade as we essentially introduce what would have been engine number two, which becomes our first engine, so in all aspects of the car there has been an awful lot of work go into and it's been a race against the clock to get those updates onto the car since reopening the factory at the beginning of June.

How has the relationship with Honda developed as the team moves into a second season with them?

CH: As we head into our second year of our Honda relationship it feels much more integrated within the Team. We enjoyed a great debut season with Honda winning three races, and of course now we're looking to build on that. They're ambitious, they share the same ambitions that we do, they've been working tremendously hard during the off-season and of course come into this year with higher expectations. It's a key part of the car and a key partner for us as we move forward and look to mount a challenge for championships in the future.

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Austrian GP: Preview - Ferrari

The long wait is over: 109 days ago, overnight from Thursday 12 to Friday 13 March, the Australian GP was cancelled and Formula 1, along with all other sports, was stopped by the ferocity of a global pandemic that left many locked down at home. Fans discovered the delights of virtual racing with work in the Formula 1 factories also coming to a halt, restarting slowly in May.Formula 1 and the FIA immediately began work to prepare for a restart and now it's here.

Formula 1 is the first international sport of any kind to restart since Covid-19 and because it is not yet eradicated, it means that spectators are not allowed to attend the races, while the teams must reduce the number of personnel at the track and everyone involved must follow strict protocols. The paddock will experience a new normality involving words like "bubble", "subgroup" and "social distancing".

Scuderia Ferrari will take to the track in Austria with a message of support for Alex Zanardi, following the racing driver and Paralympic champion's terrible accident on 19 June while taking part in a handbike event to promote sport for those with disabilities. He is currently fighting for his life in a Siena hospital. The two cars will carry the #ForzaAlex message on either side of the roll hoop, just under the camera on the engine air intake.

Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc and the entire team are ready to give it their all on the circuit set in the Styrian mountains. Sunday sees the 33rd running of the Austrian Grand Prix, the first one dating back to 1964, which was held on an L-shaped track at Zeltweg aerodrome. Lorenzo Bandini won in a Ferrari 156 F1-63 after which the race was not held until 1970, when it returned on the new Osterreichring, almost 6 kilometres long, wending its way through the climbs and drops between the towns of Zeltweg and Spielberg. It was last used in 1987, returning 10 years later after the track had been remodelled and reduced to 4.3 kilometres. The new Spielberg hosted the race from 1997 to 2003 and a further change of owner saw the Austrian Grand Prix reclaim its place on the calendar regularly from 2014.

Last year, Scuderia Ferrari finished second and fourth here with Charles and Sebastian respectively. It's a very fast track and a lap takes just over 60 seconds. There are three DRS zones, on the main straight, on the run to turns 1 and 2, and on the straight from turns 2 to 3.

Scuderia Ferrari has won five times in Austria: with Lorenzo Bandini in 1964, Jacky Ickx in 1970, Eddie Irvine in 1999 and Michael Schumacher in 2002 and 2003. There have been eight poles, the last one coming last year courtesy of Leclerc, as well as five fastest race laps and a total of 25 podium finishes.

What really counts for everyone is being back on track, racing in safe conditions. It's another reason why this Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg, almost the 1000th in which Scuderia Ferrari has taken part, is one of the most important ever. This Grand Prix will also see all the cars carrying the #WeRaceAsOne sticker, which the Maranello team was pleased to debut in its test at Mugello last Tuesday.

The initiative recently launched by Formula 1 intends to promote positive change in the sport and in society in light of the current pandemic and also racial inequality, themes along with those linked to respect for the environment and gender equality on which Ferrari has been working for some time now. This race will also be the first opportunity for the teams to go head to head and deliver a realistic picture of the current pecking order, four months on from the Barcelona tests.


Mattia Binotto Team Principal: "This weekend the car will run in the same configuration used towards the end of the Barcelona tests. This doesn't mean we have been twiddling our thumbs in the very limited time of just five and a half weeks in which we were able to work on the cars, because of the stringent procedures involved in working around the pandemic as well as the total shutdown of activities required by the FIA in agreement with the teams.

"The truth is that the outcome of the tests led us to take a significant change of direction in terms of development, especially on the aerodynamic front. First, we had to understand why we did not see the results we had expected on track and how much to recalibrate the whole programme as a result. It would have been counterproductive to continue in the direction we had planned, knowing that we would not have reached our goals. Therefore we decided to come up with a new programme that looked at the whole car, knowing that not all of it would be ready for the first race.

"Our aim is to introduce the updates at the third race on 19 July at the Hungaroring. Apart from that, over and above the actual development of the car itself, these past few weeks we have worked a lot on analysing its behaviour, with simulation work and with the help of our drivers and I think that will prove its worth in Austria.

"We know that, at the moment, we don't have the fastest package. We knew it before heading for Melbourne and that hasn't changed. Having said that, the Spielberg circuit has different characteristics to Montmelo and the temperatures will be well above those of February. In Austria, we must try and make the most of every opportunity and then in Hungary, with the new development step we are working on, we will be able to see where we are really compared to the others, while having to take into account the developments our competitors themselves will have brought along.

"The truth is that trying to make predictions at the start of such an unusual season is even more pointless than usual. There will be a few pointers come the end of the three hours of Friday practice, but a more accurate idea will be available after Saturday's qualifying. Only then will we start to have a clearer picture of the hierarchy among the teams, but then there is always the uncertainty that comes with the opening round, in terms of reliability and tyre performance over a race distance. We must try and be perfect in everything we do, in preparing for every session and in how we carry out our tasks. The aim? To bring home as many points as possible, as is always the case in fact."

Sebastian Vettel: "It's no secret that we're all really keen to get back on track, as it's been such a long time now. At the start, the break was enjoyable, as usually we are always travelling around the world and we have little time to spend with family and friends, but the time has come to get back on track.

"I'm ready to give it my all, even if it won't be the same without the fans there supporting us. The Austrian track is like a carousel that goes round really quickly but I like it a lot, especially as it is high in the mountains which I love.

"We have to be realistic when it comes to the pecking order seen at the tests, but we are not downhearted. It will also be unusual doing two races in a row here as for the second one we will have a lot of data to work with. What we do in the first weekend will have an important effect on the second."

Charles Leclerc: "I like the Spielberg circuit very much, because of all its changes of gradient and its high speeds. It's nice to be starting again there, even if we won't be able to see the support of our fans at the track.

"During the long lockdown, I spent time working on my physical training and also doing quite a lot of virtual racing on my simulator, having fun with other drivers and I hope it was also entertaining for those watching from home. But now it's time to get back in the cockpit of a real car.

"Last week in Mugello, we were able to get into a Formula 1 car again and I have to say it was really enjoyable to be back behind the wheel."

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Austrian GP: Preview - AlphaTauri

Pierre Gasly: "After Australia was cancelled, I went to Dubai as that had always been my plan to go there before moving onto Bahrain for the second race. I thought I’d spend two or three days there to see how the situation evolved. Then we saw that Italy had shut its airports, so I couldn’t go back there and I also did not want to go back to France and maybe put my family at risk after all the flights I’d been on.

So, I decided to stay in Dubai with my trainer and we effectively had a two month training camp. Restrictions in Dubai were pretty much the same as in Europe and you had to wear a mask and gloves to go outside the apartment."Eventually, I returned to France in mid-May which was a strange experience, with an almost deserted Dubai airport and no direct flights to France so I had to go via Frankfurt. Everything ran late, I missed my train and ended up with a seven hour drive to get home! It felt good to spend some time with them, because usually I don’t see them much during the year. I’ve never had such a long break from racing or from flying, as we’re usually at an airport every few days. Nor have I ever spent two months in one place before, since I was maybe ten years old.

"In Dubai, I probably trained for 58 days out of 60, so physically I’m in the best shape of my life and I’ve really improved. I spent some time playing on line with some friends and I also decided to improve my Italian and took some lessons on line. I also worked on getting my boat pilot’s license, as well as doing some real karting and playing golf. When I got back home to France, I continued with the karting and also took part in the virtual F1 and Le Mans races which was a fantastic experience. It was fun and filled the time. I also kept in touch with the team, talking to Franz every week, as well as my engineer. Then finally, we got to drive a real Formula 1 car again at Imola for the filming day, first in the 2018 car and then in this year’s. It was incredible, especially at Imola, one of my favourite tracks, where I last raced in 2012. It made me super happy.

"I miss racing, the adrenaline, the competition and the speed, so it’s super that we can start again. It's going to be really busy with a race nearly every week, so it’s a very exciting time right now. It’s a shame there will be no fans at the first few races, but I feel it was important to get the season started as soon and as safely as possible. Hopefully things will free up in the coming months.

"I trust all the safety requirements to be in place. There are certainly plenty of restrictions in terms of how we can move about and talk to people, with all sorts of health related rules in place. It’s not straightforward and we will take all the necessary precautions. For the drivers, at least when we are in the car, it will all seem like normal. It's outside that things are more complicated."

Daniil Kvyat: "After the race in Melbourne was cancelled, I just wanted to get home as quickly as possible, because that’s where you want to be in these kind of times. As soon as I got back, the lockdown started so I was pretty much in quarantine in my home in Monaco. It was interesting times, a bit different, but we tried to adapt to find some different things to do, including some sport as it was important not be just sitting around doing nothing. Some aspects of it were not so bad and I slept a bit more than usual! But after a while it became quite monotonous. It was the longest time I went without driving a real race car apart from when I had a year off from Formula 1, so I have experienced this sort of long break before.

"As soon as the karting tracks were opened up again at the beginning of May, I was there right away. It was good to be driving again and I did quite a lot of it and it was a useful way of keeping alive your muscle memory for driving and racing, as well as being enjoyable.

"During the lockdown, I kept in touch with Mattia my race engineer. In fact, I have a small simulator at home and together with him, we did a few qualifying simulations. I would connect him via an iPad that I had next to me and we would simulate a qualifying session and he would talk to me as though we were doing it for real on an actual track. That was the best we could do. I know a lot of the other F1 drivers did a lot of this sim racing, but I have to say it’s not really my thing as I don’t feel it’s very representative of driving an actual car. At the moment, I have not been able to come to the UK and use the team’s real simulator because of all the quarantine restrictions in place, so we will have to see how that situation develops in the next few weeks.

"As for the actual racing and how this season develops, we will just take it one race at a time. I will race where I am told to do so on the basis that the people who run the sport have done their work and decided it’s safe to do so for ourselves and everyone around us. I trust that we are in good hands and that we will have an adequate calendar to follow and execute. I hope there will be no unexpected surprises. As for keeping masks on at all times at the track, we worked under these conditions at our recent filming day and I’d say it’s something you get used to quite quickly, just like when the Halo was first introduced for example. You get used to it after a few hours. One thing we will have to get used to will be the lack of fans. it will be weird to see the empty grandstands, the crowd is an important aspect of all sport and we will be missing it.


"As to how we will get on, it’s hard to say. In terms of track data to look at, we only have what we acquired in Barcelona in the winter. We will turn up in Austria with a good plan to tackle the Red Bull Ring and then we will see. It’s a track I like, with an old-skool layout featuring plenty of fast corners and I’ve always enjoyed racing there. We will be there for quite a while with the two races back to back and it’s a nice place to be, in the countryside so it means we can put in some training time in the fresh air."

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Austrian GP: Preview - McLaren


Carlos Sainz: "After a long and difficult time away from racing, it's finally time to get back at it! It's been my longest period without competing since I started in go-karts many years ago! The MCL35 felt really good during winter testing, a positive continuation of what we had last year, so I'm very excited to finally compete this season. It's also been an interesting period away from track, but now we're back to racing I'm completely focused on the 2020 season.

Due to less races in the calendar and the strong competition we expect from our direct rivals we can't afford to lose concentration. We actually don't even know the amount of races we are going to do, it's an unprecedented scenario, so every point we can get is absolutely crucial. As always, I will do everything to perform at my highest level and help the team. I've been keeping fit and ready to get back in the car, so I'm ready to hit the ground running in FP1."Last year we did well in Austria, having to battle into the points from the back of the grid due to a penalty, so we know there are plenty of opportunities for on-track overtakes. However, it's difficult to confidently predict our performance given the time away from track.

The double header at the same circuit presents a new challenge for everyone and we need to make sure we extract the maximum out of it. I know that by the time the lights go out on Sunday, we'll be more than ready to fight for the best position possible."

Lando Norris: "I can't wait to get back into a Formula 1 car, it's been a long time coming! This break has been the longest I've ever taken since I started racing at seven years old, I'm really looking forward to it. I've been working hard throughout this period away from track to stay sharp and ready to go racing again. I've been training at home a lot and spending plenty of time on my simulator. I've also managed to get some karting and F3 sessions in with Carlos over the last few weeks to help get race ready as best I can.

"I'm pleased we're getting started again in Austria, it's a great, fast, track and we performed well there last year. It will be an interesting challenge to race there two weekends in a row, but also a great opportunity to analyse how the first race could have panned out differently and adjust our strategy for the second. I expect all of the grid will be feeling a bit rusty going into FP1, but I'm sure we'll all be back up to speed when it comes to qualifying on Saturday. It will be a real shame not to have the fans at the track as we feel their support, but safety is the priority and we'll be doing everything we can to give them a good show."

Andreas Seidl, Team Principal: "It's been a long wait, but we're finally ready to get the 2020 season underway. I know that the fans, our drivers and our team have been waiting a long time for this moment and are all excited and hungry to get out there again. This temporary break in our sport has only made us more motivated to fight again. We're looking forward to getting back to racing and going for the competition as hard as we can. It will be odd heading to track without fans in the grandstands, we feel their support everywhere we go and will be doing our best to put on a good show for those watching from the safety of their homes.

"Our preparation for Austria has been a balance between building enough parts to get through an intense period of races and updating and developing the car. The team is back up and running again, whether at home or in the factory, and we're working hard to keep improving the car however we can. We have also spent some time getting used to the new working practices that will enable us to race safely, and we thank Formula 1, the FIA, the circuit and local authorities for their work on this. As one of the first international sports to restart, we value their commitment to keeping our team and the wider paddock safe.

"Two races in Austria presents an interesting new challenge for us. We were strong there last year but, with the uncertainty caused by the delayed start to the season, we will need to be operating at 100% to maximise our performances in both races. I know the whole team, Lando and Carlos are all excited by this challenge and we've been working hard to make sure we hit the ground running in Austria."

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Austrian GP: Preview - Alfa Romeo

Every season start is painted as the harbinger of change: the new cars, on which hopes and expectations are pinned by teams and fans alike; new venues to explore; new weekend formats with which to experiment. But what happens when the season start is, actually, a restart?

The 2020 season will always be remembered as one in which the world of Formula One - and, of course, the world at large - got turned on its head. In the light of the Covid-19 outbreak and the suffering it brought, sport, no matter how loved, took a secondary role: but as the planet starts re-emerging from its widespread lockdowns, we are ready to once again focus on what we love doing. Racing cars.


In recent times, the longest we'd go between seasons were the frantic three-ish months between the final post-test pack-up in the Abu Dhabi heat and the first laps in (chillier) Barcelona: three months of car development, feverish parts-building and media work, three months in which hardly a breath was taken. Once things got going in Melbourne, summer shutdown would be the only break, two weeks in which the factories would close and the F1 community would collectively relocate to places with names starting with "Playa del" and the only pit that mattered was a barbecue one.

And yet, seven months on from the last race in 2019 and nearly four since the paddock last congregated in Melbourne, we are ready to race again. Which leads to the original question - what will happen once the cars line up in Austria?

This season, we will be confronted with unique circumstances, on and off the track. With restrictions put in place to guarantee the safety of all competitors and staff, consecutive races in the same venue (devoid of fans), and a clearer view of what the future, in the shape of the rules for 2021, 2022 and beyond, looks like, Formula One is back in a new guise. We will make our first, tentative steps in the new paddock, build our cars while wearing PPE and observing distancing rules, then race in this new race weekend format.

What will the pecking order look like? It is hard to tell now. The midfield will be close, as always. A tenth here and there may result in the two races in Austria looking completely different one from the other. Teams will assess the developments they managed to squeeze in during the little time at the factory since Melbourne. The early-season jitters could bring some surprises. All in all, it will be a classic season opener, full of "what if" and "if only" moments, unpredictability and excitement. It will be different, but it will be what we have been looking for.

What will not change is the determination to do well, the commitment of the team and the desire to go back out there, feeling the track underneath us and hearing the roar of the engines.

Frederic Vasseur: "It has been so long since the last race in Abu Dhabi, so obviously we are eager to go back to racing: this is what drives us on and what we have been working for all season. Of course, the situation will be different, given the restrictions forced on us by the pandemic: but we are confident in the measures the FIA and Formula One have taken to keep us all safe. The first race of the season is often a chaotic affair and that's when opportunities arise: we will need to be ready to take any that come our way. Racing again here in a week's time will be a new experience for all of us, but we expect the midfield battle to be so close to make both races really open and unpredictable."

Kimi Raikkonen: "It will feel a bit weird to get back to racing in these conditions, but I am sure that once we are in the car we will not focus on the restrictions but just on doing the best job we can. The break was a chance to spend time with my family but now we have to focus on the job. With so many races in so little time, we need to make the most of every event and score points every time we get the chance. It's hard to tell where everyone stands, but we will find out soon enough."

Antonio Giovinazzi: "We return to action this week and I cannot wait to be in the car. It has been a very sombre few months for everyone, and with my family and so many friends back home in Italy, I was particularly touched by it. To go back to racing feels like another step towards some sort of normality. I am curious to see how everyone does in Austria and to see what happens with two races in the same venue; it's a first for Formula One so it will be something we will need to adapt to. As for being rusty after so many months away, I am not worried about that: I didn't race for two years between 2017 and 2019, so, if anything, I will try to turn that into an advantage."

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Austrian GP: Preview - Racing Point

What's the best thing about Austria?

Lance Stroll: "Austria is awesome! It feels like home out there. You're up in the mountains and I'm definitely a mountain guy. I'm big into my skiing and I love the outdoors. You can really soak up the fresh air and all that spectacular scenery in Austria. I really love going there."

Just how challenging is it to perfect a lap of the Red Bull Ring?

LS: "It's short and technical which makes it feel really tight - but it's got a really nice flow to it too. It's only just over a minute for a Quali lap, so every corner has to be spot on. It's almost like a kart track in that sense. Every detail of the lap and every hundredth of a second matters. Those sorts of fractions can be the difference between two or three positions on the grid - and that makes it really exciting."


What do you think of when people talk about Austria?

Sergio Perez: "I first raced there in 2014, so only a few years ago. I haven't spent as much time as I'd like in Austria away from the track - but it's a place that I really enjoy visiting. It's a really unique venue with beautiful scenery - you really feel like you're surrounded by nature. It's also the home race for BWT, who have been really supportive of us over the years, so it's important for us to put on a great race for them."


What's the trickiest part of the Red Bull Ring?

SP: "It's quite a challenging track, actually. It's a really short lap and every corner is tricky, so you've got to be very precise and make sure that every single one is perfect. It's quite different to most tracks in that sense, because there's more pressure than normal on a single lap. Turn 3 is one of the best challenges. It can be hard to spot your apex point - especially in traffic - but it's a cool corner and one that I enjoy."

Five Things to Look Out for in Spielberg

At just over a minute, a lap of the Red Bull Ring is one of the shortest on the Formula 1 calendar. With minimal time for decision making and the slightest error potentially costing several grid positions, this is one of the most hotly contested Qualifying sessions of the season.

The DRS effect in Austria is the biggest of the season, with a significant percentage of the short lap potentially spent with the rear wing slot open should a driver be within one second of a rival at each detection point around the circuit.

Second only to Mexico City and São Paulo in terms of altitude, the reduced air density in Spielberg not only results in cars effectively having less downforce, but also makes Power Unit and brake cooling a significant challenge - particularly when fighting in a close pack.

Recent seasons have seen temperatures soar in this part of Austria, with a combination of hot asphalt and high average corner speeds putting a significant amount of stress on the tyres.

The steep incline leading into Turn 3 at the Red Bull Ring makes it a corner that's big on braking and big on overtaking, with some spectacular last-gasp lunges taking place here over the years.

[llumia]

Austrian GP: Preview - Haas

The FIA Formula One World Championship is ready to get its re-arranged 2020 season underway and Haas F1 Team is geared up to end a prolonged period without competition, commencing with the Austrian Grand Prix, hosted at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.


The much anticipated 70th anniversary campaign was due to begin in Australia back in March but the coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of the event and the abandonment of several others, as Formula One chiefs forged a path through the global crisis.

The wheels of Haas F1 Team's 2020 Formula One car, the VF-20, have not turned in anger since February 28, when six days of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya came to a close. It has been one of the longest periods without Formula One activity in the championship's distinguished history, and everyone is eager to return to racing in a safe and sanitized environment at Spielberg to unleash the 2020 spectacle for the first time.

To enable a grand prix to take place under revised conditions Formula One team personnel will practice social distancing, observe hygiene protocols, with travel and accommodation arranged in a responsible manner. Paddock personnel will be regularly checked and tested for coronavirus and its symptoms.

The 4.318km (2.683mi) Red Bull Ring, located in the small Spielberg commune, has only 10 turns but the short lap time leaves very little room for error, with any mistake amplified. It will be the 33rd time that Formula One has raced at the venue but the first time that Spielberg has hosted Formula One's season-opener. It is also the first time that the curtain-raiser has taken place on European soil since 1966 - 50 years before Haas F1 Team took its maiden steps in the championship.

Returning to Austria brings back positive memories as in 2018 it was the location for Haas F1 Team's best ever Formula One result, when Romain Grosjean led home team-mate Kevin Magnussen to finish fourth and fifth respectively, bringing home a haul of 22 points. It has historically been a strong track for Haas F1 Team, with Grosjean finishing seventh in the team's rookie campaign in 2016, following it up with sixth in 2017, while Magnussen qualified an excellent fifth in 2019.

The Austrian Grand Prix will take place across July 3 to 5, with two practice sessions on Friday, final practice and qualifying on Saturday, and the 71-lap season-opening race on Sunday.

With Formula 1 launching its #WeRaceAsOne initiative ahead of the return to racing in Austria, how proud are you that the sport has taken this stance in addressing social issues?


Guenther Steiner: "We all know there are two big social issues highlighted in the world right now, both still very much on-going and in the spotlight. One is obviously the Covid-19 pandemic, the other is racism. I think we're in a good position to fight them both, very differently, but we will stand up and fight them. We have done this, and we will continue to do this."

While many in the sport have been unable to fulfil their roles due to a lack of on-track action, the past few months have presumably been amongst some of the busiest in your career. What are the positives you've been able to extract from this period and will it change some elements as to how the sport executes its business?

GS: "There are always positives in everything. I would have liked to have made them under different circumstances, but I think the positives are everybody got together - the teams, F1 and the FIA, and we came up with ideas how to make the sport better going into the future. I hope then, in the future, we remember this time and don't forget about it. I hope that we're not just thinking about ourselves in three years and so on and not trying to do the best for the sport, both for the mid to long-term future."

There's been a lot of talk about 'preparedness' with regards to the Austrian Grand Prix. How well do you feel the team and drivers have readied themselves for what's ahead?

GS: "I think we're as ready as we can be. Everybody on the team is highly motivated to get back out there and go racing again. They want to go out there and do their job, not just be sitting at home waiting on news as to what's happening next. The drivers obviously kept on training. I know Kevin (Magnussen), for example, has been doing a lot of karting, Romain (Grosjean) has been doing a lot of sim racing. Basically, we're ready, we cannot wait."

Four months after testing in Spain concluded, qualifying in Austria will provide the first real look at where everyone stacks up. What do you expect your emotions to be sitting on the pit-wall as the cars head out?

GS: "The emotions will be pretty high because at some stage we didn't know if we'd be continuing or not. The world seemed to be going downhill pretty quick in March, now four months later we get to go out racing again. Emotionally, for sure, it'll be a good moment."

Do you feel back-to-back races at the Red Bull Ring provides a valuable opportunity to benchmark the performance of the VF-20?

GS: "It's a new situation to have two races at the same track in the one year, especially one week after the other. We'll have to see how it works out. Undoubtedly, we will learn a lot in the first weekend and hopefully what we learn we can put in place for the second weekend. I'm just really looking forward to being back out racing and getting the most out of both events."

How much of a buzz do you get from the fans on a Grand Prix weekend and just how different will it feel without them?

GS: "For me, it's the first time in my career - which is pretty long, over 30 years in motorsport, that we won't have fans at an event. The fans are the backbone of any event. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a little bit longer this year to have the fans around us again. I'm sure they'll be back, and we'll be open to them returning as soon as they can. We just cannot do it now otherwise we would more than welcome them back. I hope all the fans tune in on television or on the internet when we race and come back when the opportunity arises for them. For sure though, we will miss them, but hope to see them soon."

Looking at the positives of the unexpected time away from racing you've experienced, what stands out for you personally?

Romain Grosjean: "Obviously the time spent with my wife and my kids, that's been great spending so much time together. I also launched my esports team and started racing on the simulator for fun - it's been a lot of fun."

There's been a lot of talk about 'preparedness' with regards to the Austrian Grand Prix. Where do you stand on how ready you are to get back behind the wheel and compete - both mentally and physically?

RG: "I think physically I'm better than I've ever been. Obviously, the neck is the hard one to keep going. Mentally I'm also very much ready. I'm very eager to go racing. We haven't had the chance to drive our car like some of the other teams, but I don't think that will be an issue when we get back to racing in Austria."

Do you feel back-to-back races at the Red Bull Ring provides a valuable opportunity to benchmark the performance of the VF-20?

RG: "No, because it's only one race track and one layout - a particular one too at the Red Bull Ring. I don't think we can assess how the car behaves after the two races in Austria. I do hope it's going to be working well there so we can start our season on a high."

How much of a buzz do you get from the fans on a Grand Prix weekend and how do you try and replicate that acknowledging that we head into a period of 'closed-door' races without fans on-site?

RG: "It's going to be very different. We're going to miss the support of the fans and miss seeing them in the grandstands. We'll miss the enthusiastic atmosphere they bring to a weekend. It'll be strange, it'll be different, but everyone will adjust and get used to it. We're going racing, which is important for everyone, so then hopefully we can open the doors to the public very soon and get back to normal."

Looking at the positives of the unexpected time away from racing you've experienced, what stands out for you personally?

Kevin Magnussen: "For me personally, I'd say just the fact I was able to stay in the one place for more than a few weeks and sleep in the same bed, wake up and have the same thing for breakfast, basically get into daily routines that I haven't had for years. That's something that will be a positive when I stop traveling all the time - one day. That said, it doesn't really make up for the fact we haven't been racing. So, there have been positives, but they haven't outweighed all the negatives of the situation. I'd also say it was a learning opportunity, you get to know yourself a little better when you have all this time on your hands. I didn't know I'd enjoy this kind of daily routine as much as I did for example. I knew I'd miss driving but I didn't realize just how much I miss driving. It's been good to feel that, I knew I would, but I've always been busy racing."

There's been a lot of talk about 'preparedness' with regards to the Austrian Grand Prix. Where do you stand on how ready you are to get back behind the wheel and compete - both mentally and physically?

KM: "I don't feel too nervous about it. To give an example, in this time where we haven't been racing, I've picked up karting again. I've been away from karting for a lot of years. It really didn't take me any time to get back into it and be on the pace again. It's really been about 12 years since I was active in karting, with the odd occasion in-between in a kart. It only took a couple of runs and I was totally back into it. You never really forget it. It would have been better to be doing it every day, but motorsport isn't a sport like that.

"You can't compare it with tennis or golf - those athletes, if they missed a few months, would struggle going straight into a tournament if up against players who were training every day. In Formula One, nobody trains every day in the car, so I guess that's what makes the difference - we're all used to jumping straight in with not too much practice and getting on the pace. It's the same for everyone so it's not that big a factor I think."

Do you feel back-to-back races at the Red Bull Ring provides a valuable opportunity to benchmark the performance of the VF-20?

KM: "I don't really know, it's a good question. I don't think it's going to be a benefit or a disadvantage. You of course learn more about the car with every track you go to, with different corner speeds, conditions, temperatures, tarmac and stuff like that. In that way, we'll learn slightly less, but it's going to be good just to get a read on where we stand compared to the other teams and to get racing again."

How much of a buzz do you get from the fans on a Grand Prix weekend and how do you try and replicate that acknowledging that we head into a period of 'closed-door' races without fans on-site?

KM: "There's no way to replicate it. It'll be very quiet and weird with no fans on-site. It is what it is, and we'll just have to try and make the best of it. We'll aim to have good, entertaining races to show on television. The atmosphere will obviously be different, not as good, but I'm personally very excited to get back in the car and get back to racing. I hope the fans will be able to have fun watching us on the telly."

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Austrian GP: Preview - Pirelli

After a pause of more than three months since Melbourne, the 2020 season finally gets underway with the tyre choice that was always planned for Austria: C2 as the P Zero White hard, C3 as the P Zero Yellow medium, and C4 as the P Zero Red soft.

This same tyre choice will apply for both races in Austria, which will be run on consecutive weekends for the first time, as part of the revised F1 2020 calendar.


The drivers already have experience of this nomination in Austria, because the same compounds were selected for the Red Bull Ring last year. As a reminder, the technical specification of the entire 2020 Pirelli Formula 1 tyre range is also identical to the 2019 specification.

Track Characteristics


The Red Bull Ring - the ancestor of the famous Osterreichring - consists of a short but action-packed lap, with up and down smooth asphalt. It's all about traction and braking: as well as avoiding the traffic in qualifying. The short lap also means that the performance gap between the compounds is set to be very small.


With both races being held in early July, ambient temperatures are very likely to be high. However, the track's location in the Northern Styrian Alps means that variable weather can be also become a possibility.


In the past, this has traditionally been a one-stop race. The majority of corners are right-handers, but the two most demanding corners are actually left-handers: which means that the unloaded tyres go into them relatively cold each time.


In the past, the Spielberg circuit has generated blistering, especially in hot weather. Last year, with the introduction of the 2019 tyre specification, this phenomenon as greatly reduced, particularly at the rear (even though temperatures were considerably warmer than in 2018).


Mario Isola: "After a long enforced break, we're excited to finally get back to competition! This year's Austrian Grand Prix will have a slightly different look to it, with no spectators and special measures against Covid-19, but we were actually already implementing some of these procedures at the Australian Grand Prix, so operationally we have some previous experience of these unusual circumstances.

The tyres are exactly the same as last year, so probably the biggest variable element will be the 'rust' that teams and drivers might have accumulated after such a long time away from a race weekend. To get back up to speed, some teams have recently run two-year-old cars in private testing or had filming days with the current cars. In both cases, these run on special tyres that are a long way from race specification, so everyone starts again this weekend on an absolutely level playing field.

[GoVal]

Albert Fabrega @AlbertFabrega · 6min


FIA ha eliminado las bananas disuasorias en T9-T10 que habían provocado roturas de ala y salidas. Ahora hay sensores de límite pista.

FIA removed yellow sausages from T9-T10 that caused front wing failures. Intead there are track limits sensors. #austriangp

[GoVal]

Llueve en el circuito.

[GoVal]

Así quedan las conferencias de prensa.

[McHouserphy]

porque pagina puedo ver la carrera en vivo?

Bienvenido Lestersoto

Te he respondido vía Mensaje privado. Revisa ese epígrafe en la parte superior de la ventana del foro.

[McHouserphy]

Llumia , por los previos de cada participante en el evento Austro no Húngaro ...

Iba a comentar lo de la marea naranja y el resto de equipos ... pero bah! , no merece "la pierna" .

Total, en todos es como las campañas electorales, nadie cuenta la verdad de lo que piensa, trae, o deja de traer.

Ya lo veremos "en vivo y en directo" , cuando queden en evidencia.

Y Goval, por las actualizaciones del trazado .
De la que se han librado con la retirada de las "bananas asesinas" , y johé con el tamaño de las placas de sensores de paso que han colocado en los límites de pista , en la última foto se ve cláramente el tamaño XXXXXXL que han usado

[lestersoto]

Bienvenido Lestersoto

Te he respondido vía Mensaje privado. Revisa ese epígrafe en la parte superior de la ventana del foro.

listo, muchas gracias, asi me quedo estos dias pegado a la f1 .



A Lecler le voy en este próximo GP Austria

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Como cada GP, Albert Fábrega, nos muestra lo que observa de interés por el 'paddock':

Albert Fàbrega @AlbertFabrega Nuevos flaps superiores en ala delantera del @RenaultF1Team para generar más outwash. 3er elemento unido a zona neutra {en realidad, no lo está, como se puede comprobar en la foto de la comparativa de alas delanteras, que se muestra unos 'posts' más abajo, la barra de metal del soporte hace de espejo y lleva a confusión}. Interesante. Nueva pletina lateral.

[llumia]

Albert Fàbrega@AlbertFabrega Bargeboards nyevos para @RenaultF1Team. Completamente rediseñados con elementos verticales.

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RS20: Comparativa de alas delanteras. Numerosos cambios:



https://images.scribblelive.com/2020...c22a8b_800.jpg

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Albert Fàbrega@AlberFabrega Nuevos espejos en el Mercedes