Manish Pandey has tweeted to let us know the Australian premiere of Senna is coming soon. Very soon in fact; this Sunday at the Adelaide Film Festival. There will be a repeat screening on Sunday week as well.
Further screenings are scheduled for the Sydney Film Festival in June. General release will follow thereafter.
More details as they come to hand.
“A lot of people would slag us off if we went for supporting a regime that kills its own people,” is how one anonymous senior F1 figure bluntly assessed the current situation in Bahrain to staff reporters at Reuters.
This follows an official travel warning issued by the UK Foreign Office. The statement reads, “Following violence over recent days, and most recently on the evening of 18 February, we advise British nationals to avoid all but essential travel to Bahrain.”
Adding further detail the statement explains, “There is a general threat from terrorism in Bahrain. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.”
Speaking to Autosport, Lotus Renault GP team principal, Eric Boullier, said, “As a team principal, my only concern is the safety of my people.
“Now I am concerned that if the FIA or FOM say we’ll go and race there, I’ll need some guarantees that obviously the security is guaranteed for my people.”
The final pre-season test window is scheduled for Bahrain on 3–6 March, ahead of the opening Grand Prix on 13 March. It appears unlikely that the test session will go ahead, although an official decision has not been made.
An alternative pre-season test could see the teams return to Barcelona. However, Pirelli executives are concerned this might leave them exposed as they already have tyres and equipment en route to Bahrain.
A quick note to let you know that AUSmotive is now on Facebook. So, if that’s your favourite method of staying in touch with whatever else floats your boat, then check out www.facebook.com/AUSmotive and add us to your list.
The opening race of the 2011 Formula One season in Bahrain on 13 March could be cancelled, according to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Civil unrest in Bahrain has been simmering away for several days now.
Shi’ite protesters have been asking for more rights and input into the running of the kingdom, ruled by a Sunni Muslim family. Three protesters were killed in the central Manama square overnight following a raid on a protest camp by Bahraini police. This comes after further deaths earlier in the week.
Speaking to Reuters, Bernie Ecclestone said, “We’ll make a decision by Tuesday or Wednesday (next week). If things stay as they are today, the answer is no.”
“If it’s not quietened down by Wednesday, I think we will have to cancel probably,” he replied when asked if the race would be cancelled.
A GP2 Asia race scheduled for Bahrain this weekend has already been cancelled because medical staff have been called for duty at the city’s hospitals.
The final round of Formula One pre-season testing is also due to take place in Bahrain on 3 March and must now be seriously in doubt.
According to the twitter account of Reuters correspondent Alan Baldwin the Bahrain Grand Prix could be rescheduled later in the year. Baldwin quoted Ecclestone as saying, “We might have a Christmas race,” although he wasn’t sure if Ecclestone’s comment was serious.
[Source: Reuters | Pic: Red Bull Racing/Getty Images]
Chris Harris, Evo motoring scribe, has unleashed a quality rant on the Ferrari PR machine over at Jalopnik that basically says “F@#k you, I won’t do what you tell me!” It’s a must read. Here’s a taste of why he’s fed up dealing with Maranello’s PR department:
“Like anyone with half a brain, I’ve been willing to cut Ferrari some slack because it is, well, Ferrari—the most famous fast car brand of all and the maker of cars that everyone wants to know about. Bang out a video of yourself drifting a new Jag XKR on YouTube and 17 people watch it; do the same in a 430 Scuderia and the audience is 500,000 strong. As a journalist, those numbers make you willing to accommodate truck-loads of bullshit, but I’ve had enough now.
“What does it say about a 458 if the only way its maker is willing to loan it to a magazine is if a laptop can be plugged in after every journey and a dedicated team needs to spend several days at the chosen test track to set-up the car? It says they’re completely nuts—behavior that looks even worse when rival brands just hand over their car with nothing more than a polite suggestion that you should avoid crashing it too heavily, and then return a week later.”
It’s a ripping exposé from Harris and the fallout could be very interesting. Will other journos stand up with “Monkey”, or will they quietly close ranks behind the alleged Maranello mafia?
[Source: Jalopnik]
First filed 16 December 2010.
A short while ago Driver Dynamics approached AUSmotive to support of their Summer Safe Driving Courses. Because we believe in the benefits of good driver education we were happy to help out. The following text has been supplied by Driver Dynamics and if you think you or a member of your family would benefit from such training we urge you to make a booking.
Despite the advances in automotive safety technology and road quality, vehicle accidents continue to be the number one killer of Australians aged under 25. While many factors can contribute to an individual incident, one thing keeps being brought up—are our young drivers being adequately trained?
Driver Dynamics, Victoria’s most experienced driver training school, believes there is certainly room for improvement and has launched a massive state-wide training campaign to help young drivers learn some basic skills that may potentially save their lives!
The Summer Safe Driving Program runs from December to March (the typically highest accident risk time of the year due to the number of people on the roads), and essentially brings affordable driver training to within reach of nearly every Victorian driver. Courses of this type normally cost up to $300, but for the program the cost has been reduced to just $99 per driver.
The latest update from Lotus Renault GP brings promising signs for the injured Robert Kubica. The full statement can be read below, but in brief he was woken this morning and informed of his injuries. He was able to speak to his relatives and was also able to move the fingers in his damaged right hand.
First filed 6 February.
News has come through that Lotus Renault GP driver Robert Kubica was injured in a rally accident earlier today.
Internet rumour has detailed varying degrees of injury for 26-year-old Kubica and while we don’t have any confirmed details it is known he is currently under observation in hospital and we believe he is conscious. It’s also understood his injuries are not life threatening.
Kubica was driving a Skoda Fabia S2000 car at the Ronde di Andora rally, near Genoa. It is being reported that Kubica crashed into a church wall. His co-driver was not injured.
An official statement from Lotus Renault GP can be read below. Out thoughts are with Kubica and when we hear more we will let you know.
UPDATE #1: BBC are reporting Kubica has suffered fractures to his right arm and right leg.
UPDATE #2 (1am 7 Feb): A new statement from Lotus Renault GP has been added below which confirms Kubica has multiple fractures to his right arm, leg and hand. Here’s best wishes to Robert for a speedy recovery. It now looks very likely that Bruno Senna will be racing for the team in Bahrain, and possibly beyond.
UPDATE #3 (8am 7 Feb): Video of an Italian TV news report has been added at the end of this article. Word overnight on BBC radio’s World Service was that surgeon’s were hoping to “restore the functionality” of Robert’s hand. A new update from Lotus Renault GP is expected soon. However, it is believed Kubica’s long-term racing career is under threat.
UPDATE #4 (9:30am 7 Feb): Autosport are reporting that Kubica is now expected to be sidelined for the entire 2011 Formula One season. Doctors managed to save his right hand overnight after there were fears it would need to be amputated. It’s expected it will take a week to see if the surgery is a success and, if it is, Kubica could need up to 12 months to fully recover. You can see video of Robert Kubica’s surgeon at the end of this article.
UPDATE #5 (10:45am 7 Feb): A new statement from Lotus Renault GP can be read below. Two teams of doctors spent a total of seven hours reconstructing Kubica’s right forearm which was cut in two places.
[Pic: Pixelrallye | Thanks to Simon for the tip]
The feature-length documentary about Ayrton Senna has won the World Cinema Audience Award (Documentary) at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.
The doco has been earning rave reviews from fans of F1 around the globe. Jonathon Noble, F1 writer for Autosport said in his review of the film, “Sitting there transfixed, I experienced almost every emotion under the sun and was left mentally shattered by the end. From laughter and smiling at one moment, I went on a journey that pushed me through intense pride, excitement, fear and also sadness.”
After hearing news of the award Manish Pandey, one of the film’s writers, had this to say on twitter, “Thanks for all your support for Senna film. We’ve made so many friends along the way and all the kind words created good karma!”
An Australian release date for the documentary is yet to be confirmed, although we suspect it won’t be until the latter half of the year. If that changes we shall let you know.
In the meantime you can find out more by visiting the film’s official website. An international trailer of the movie can also be seen after the break.
The current contract with Melbourne to host the Formula One Grand Prix expires in 2015. A statement from Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, published on the weekend speculates it is highly unlikely the Victorian Government will bid for the rights to host the race beyond the current deal.
Writing for the Sunday Herald Sun Doyle said, “Fast forward to 2015, the year the franchise ends. Though the documented benefits for the city may include hundreds of millions of dollars of advertising value, tens of millions of dollars of local revenue, an event that will draw between 250,000 and 300,000 people over three days will come at a cost that will approach 70 million taxpayer dollars.
“It is the old argument: pay up front but get many times the value of the upfront payment in downstream economic benefits.
“For most events that formula is persuasive. But $70 million?”
Doyle concludes with an even more frank assessment, “My judgment would be: Get ready. Time’s up.”
Ultimately the decision to seek an extension to the current deal rests with the new Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and his government. Controversy and Albert Park have gone hand in hand for most of race’s history in the Victorian capital. Would it be a prudent political move for Baillieu to announce his political leadership with a strong statement by snubbing F1?
So, if Melbourne lost the Grand Prix and it went elsewhere in Australia, would that be okay? What if the race was shipped off overseas for good? Let us know what you think.
[Source: Sunday Herald Sun]
Two days ago the South Coast Register reported on possible plans for a new racetrack just outside Nowra. The discussion came about following a push from CAMS to support the development.
Cr Greg Watson reckons it’s a great idea, “This is a major industry that could bring an enormous amount of wealth to the area and jobs. These opportunities only come along every so often.”
Today, though, Cr John Fergusson has sent the idea off into the armco when he claimed, “Eastern Creek continues to be burning a hole in NSW taxpayers’ pockets despite being centrally located in western Sydney, with a huge population base to support it.
“It’s difficult to contemplate that a high-cost, high-maintenance and seldom used facility (in Nowra) would have any economic justification.”
Despite the duelling councillors a committee has been formed to further investigate the idea.
So, with the Marulan Driver Training Centre and Wakefield Park facilities already within a two-hour drive of Sydney, would a Nowra-based circuit really make sense? Has the closure of the iconic Oran Park created a demand for a new facility in NSW? Is Eastern Creek really the white elephant that Cr Fergusson suggests? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.
[Source: South Coast Register | Thanks to Andrew for the tip]
The future of the Nürburgring Nordschleife is under threat thanks to some less than helpful and reportedly dodgy private management. While Sabine Schmitz might be all smiles and happy Christmas wishes in the above picture, she has just published a new video message to help promote the Save The Ring campaign.
In her message Sabine says, “I have to tell you something on behalf of the Nordschleife. We have really big problems here and to save the Ring, especially the Nordschleife, you have to inform yourself…
“We need your help very, very urgently. There are things happening you can’t imagine.”
Check out Sabine’s message in full after the break and don’t forget to join the Save The Ring group on Facebook. The Info page has more on this developing saga.