F1: behind the scenes with Gary Paffett
An awful lot of would-be racing drivers probably think Gary Paffett’s got it made - as McLaren’s test driver he’s got a job to die for, regularly getting his hands on one of the world’s top racing machines. On the other hand, what does it feel like to be just one step away from one of motorsport’s top jobs - piloting a car capable of winning the F1 World Championship but perpetually in the shadow of Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen, unable to actually compete?
F1: Hamilton hails ‘fantastic’ new ride
Lewis Hamilton’s had his first go in the new McLaren MP4-23 during a testing session at Jerez - and he seems pretty pleased with the outcome. He hailed the session as ‘fantastic’ - and was clearly keen to take his turn behind the wheel after finding himself third in line behind fellow drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Pedro de la Rosa for a crack at the circuit.
F1: it’s Kovalainen to partner Hamilton at McLaren
Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mate at McLaren is to be Heikki Kovalainen, the team revealed yesterday. Pedro de la Rosa, the other serious contender for the seat, is to remain as the team’s third driver while Gary Paffett will continue as a test driver.
F1: Fernando Alonso returns to Renault
Renault has announced its driver line-up for 2008 - Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr - but there’s no indication that the double world champion intends to remain at the team for more than a year.
F1: McLaren to dump equality policy and let Hamilton lead in 2008?
Wannabe pole-sitters hoping to join Lewis Hamilton at McLaren for 2008, then leapfrog him to the championship, look to be facing disappointment. McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh has hinted the team may quietly suspend its traditional equality policy next year and make Lewis Hamilton its number one driver in all but name.
F1 Jerez test: day one
The BMW Sauber team shone on the first day of testing at Jerez on Tuesday, with Nick Heidfeld putting in the fastest lap of the day. He was closely followed by Jenson Button for Honda, who came in a little more than a tenth of a second behind him.
F1: Paffett hard at work in Barcelona test
McLaren tester Gary Paffett was putting in the laps alongside Pedro de la Rosa on the first day of post-season testing at Barcelona yesterday.
F1: what Alonso’s McLaren departure could mean for the Brits
And they’re off! Usually the musical chairs start a lot earlier in the season. But Ferrari’s decision to re-sign Massa coupled with Alonso’s late departure from McLaren have finally kicked things off - after the last Grand Prix is long behind us. What does all this mean for the famous and the lesser-known British drivers competing for seats in Formula One? Ladies and gentlemen, please place your bets…
