In the round-up: AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda believes he is “in more control” as a driver ahead of his third season in Formula 1
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In brief
Tsunoda “definitely in more control” entering third season
AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda believes he is “in more control” as a driver ahead of his third season in Formula 1.
Tsunoda will compete in his third year in F1 and third with AlphaTauri in 2023. After making major errors at times during his first two seasons, Tsunoda is confident he will be a more consistent driver in 2023.
“I’m at a completely different level now, although I have still kept the good aspects of my first year,” Tsunoda said.
“But now, I am definitely more in control, more involved with the team when it comes to the development of the car and I also act differently, having learned lots of things, not just when it comes to racing but also in my life away from the track. Even that has a positive effect in how I race. I had underestimated what was involved, but now I’ve figured out the things that are really important.”
Russian, Belarusian dual-nationals permitted to race by FIA
The FIA will permit any drivers from Russia or Belarus who hold dual citizenship to compete in FIA sanctioned competitions in 2023, provided they compete under their second nationality.
The governing body of motorsport enforced emergency measures to prohibit FIA competitions from taking place in Russia or Belarus or display Russian or Belarusian flags at FIA events following the Russian military invasion of Ukraine last year. Russian and Belarusian drivers could compete in FIA events, but had to sign an FIA statement agreeing to condemn the invasion.
After a meeting of the world motor sport council in December, the FIA informed all its members that it will permit dual-nationals holding Russian or Belarusian citizenship to compete under their second nationality without signing the declaration. The FIA stated all competitors “shall remain liable to comply with the FIA’s principles of peace and political neutrality.”
Chambers wins race, Wurz takes FROC title win
Charlie Wurz sealed the Formula Regional Oceania Championship title with victory in the final race of the series in Taupo.
The 17-year-old son of former F1 driver Alexander Wurz won from pole position to take the championship over Callum Hedge after the pair entered the third and final race of the weekend.
Earlier in the day, former W Series driver Chloe Chambers took victory in race two, taking a hat trick of pole, victory and a fastest lap. She became the first female driver to take a race win in the series.
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Time is right for McLaren to succeed in F1 — and Oscar Piastri is key (Motor Sport)
“There’s no doubt that Piastri is a considerable talent, and it’s now down to him to show the world that he’s worthy of the faith that the team has put in him, especially in the wake of his messy escape from Alpine. He might not have a very long honeymoon period.”
No TV coverage of F1 testing in Australia (SpeedCafe)
“Speedcafe.com, however, has learned there are again no plans to broadcast testing on Foxtel or Kayo. Coverage of testing will be via the F1TV app, which will be available to Foxtel Sports but not Kayo subscribers. F1TV is set to be launched on the Foxtel set-top box but timings remain unclear as it remains in the ‘field trial’ stage.”
As the Grand Prix returns to downtown, organizers hope Detroiters feel welcome (Detroit Free Press)
“The 1.7 miles along East Jefferson, and to the south of it, that make up the IndyCar race course have been primped and polished, an operation that involved three controlling entities and 162 manhole covers on the straightaway alone. If the pavement holds up, that’ll be a significant head start over some of the previous races downtown and on Belle Isle. Also in the head start category: downtown itself, a far more lively and entertaining place than it was when jet-setting Formula One fans were wandering around looking for lunch in the 1980s.”
Inside the world of VIRTUAL Formula One: behind the scenes with McLaren’s eSports team (Daily Mail)
“When the real-life F1 drivers are prepping for a race, all of their practice is done in a simulator, and of course our F1 eSports team are fully on a simulator. So that’s sort of blurring lines of real-life racing and actual racing.”
Explosion of sports in Las Vegas attracting attention of sports retailers (Las Vegas Review Journal)
“Retail experts expect the trend to continue as Las Vegas will draw even more fans with major sporting events like November’s inaugural Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix and the 2024 Super Bowl, with the two estimated to have an economic impact of $1.3 billion and $600 million.”
Delphine Biscaye: Six seasons on track (Maserati MSG)
“Being described as a role model or being called an inspiration always surprises me but is something I’m very proud of, it means a lot to me. I’ve had a long journey in Formula E, I’ve evolved a lot, and I’ve grown over the last nine years, but most importantly for me, I’ve done it in my own way, in-line with my personal values. I’m happy with that, and I wouldn’t do anything differently.”
2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship certified by FIA ROUND 4 RACE 3 (FRMEC via YouTube)
The third and final race of the weekend for the Formula Regional Middle East Championship in Dubai.
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Social media
Notable posts from Twitter, Instagram and more:
Fred in red 🔴 #F1 @EG00 pic.twitter.com/LlcFD4yCP8
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 12, 2023
The exposed carbon. 😮💨 @LandoNorris’ 2023 helmet, everyone! pic.twitter.com/KIl1OZPE3f
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 12, 2023
Back in our natural habitat ➡️ The race track 💪#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/IV3C5OEyyg
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 12, 2023
The recent evolution of our @F1 challengers 💙#WeAreWilliams pic.twitter.com/sKieOq0JeT
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 12, 2023
On the championship deciding day, to put it on pole, lead the race, master the incoming drizzle on slicks, to pull away after safety car to win , thats it, thats now CHAMPION @WurzCharlie ! Well done son 💪 pic.twitter.com/zeTlWFb4Iy
— alex wurz (@alex_wurz) February 12, 2023
👍 on this weekends results. P8 in the first race, a WIN in race 2, and another P8 from P15. Great progression throughout the season, ending on a high. Huge thanks to the @gilesmotorsport team and @monoflointl for making it all happen. Now onto the 2023 season!! pic.twitter.com/lQu4ANiHer
— Chloe Chambers (@ChloeCRacing) February 12, 2023
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Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Geo132, Jason, Sebastien Carter, Shyguy2008 and Sparky!
