In the round-up: Carlos Sainz Jnr says he appreciates George Russell apologising to him after the Mercedes driver pitched him into a spin in COTA which ultimately lead to him retiring from the United States Grand Prix.
In letter
Sainz accepts Russell’s apology for COTA start clash
Sainz revealed Russell sought him out after the Sunday’s United States Grand Prix to apologize for their first-corner collision.
“It’s the kind of incident you expect more to see in the midfield when you have so many cars around you,” said Sainz. “But in the top four, you don’t see that incident happen that often and that’s why I was so frustrated after the race. I obviously accepted George’s apologies, because it was good from him to do it, but there was nothing I could have done on track.”
Russell was given a five-second time penalty from the stewards, who held him responsible for the accident. Sainz said “the FIA maybe was a bit easy on him for the consequences that happened.”
However, he added, “it always honors the guy that [apologises] straight away after the race and I always respect that. But that doesn’t mean that I’m happy.”
Alfa Romeo’s single lap pace proves upgrades work – Zhou
Alfa Romeo made a “huge step” said ZhouZhou Guanyu says Alfa Romeo’s improved single-lap pace in recent rounds shows that their recent upgrades have worked.
The team have only scored one point over the last ten races and Aston Martin have closed to within one point of them in the first for sixth place in the constructors’ championship. But after the team introduced new upgrades at Suzuka, Zhou’s team mate Valtteri Bottas reached Q3 last weekend in Austin, Zhou missing out only due to a late deleted lap time.
“Now finally, we were actually able to reach both cars in Q3, but my lap obviously got deleted,” said Zhou. “I always knew it would be a difficult race and somehow I finished P11 after finishing 13th.”
The team “have to maybe work a little bit more on the race pace,” he believes. “What was quite clear is that on one-lap performance we made a huge step up compared to the last few races, so clearly the upgrade package is working.”
Magnussen would have “no problem” racing alongside Hulkenberg
Kevin Magnussen says there would be “no problem” racing alongside Nico Hulkenberg, who he infamously fell out with after clashing in the media pen after the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Despite their argument, Magnussen insists the 35-year-old would be welcome alongside him in the team, even if he believes that Mick Schumacher has improved in his second year in the team. “I think I’ve said many times that I don’t have a problem with Nico at all,” said Magnussen.
“I respect him as a racing driver, I always respected him. I don’t have an opinion on whether or not he should be inside the car. Certainly I’d say Mick is doing a good job at the moment. We had some issues in the beginning of this year – a few crashes – but he’s certainly faster right now.”
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Left
Motor racing links of interest:
W Series told ‘it’s not an option’ for female-only championship to fail (Independent)
“Aston Martin driver ambassador Jessica Hawkins says it should not be an option to allow the W Series – motor racing’s female-only championship – to become extinct. There are grave concerns for the future of the series after it was forced to abandon its most recent season with three rounds remaining.”
Insider: Why Jimmie Johnson, best NASCAR driver of his generation, struggled in IndyCar (Indy Star)
“You’re on this emotional rollercoaster throughout the season, and I’m thankful I have partners and a team owner that said, ‘Man, take your time. Decide when you want,’ so I didn’t have that pressure and wasn’t ‘t held to the gun to make a (quick) decision.”
Was the Formula Ford Festival’s farcical finish avoidable? (Formula Scout)
“Rain and reduced visibility meant last Sunday’s Formula Ford Festival was declared after just two laps under dark clouds – literally and metaphorically. The paddock wasn’t pleased, but how avoidable was it?”
FIA Motorsport Games action kicks off with rallying and Esports (FIA)
“Sim racers competing in the hotly contested Fanatec Esports Cup, featuring a 55-strong entry, also had their first flavor of competition today. Igor Rodrigues of Brazil topped the qualifying session, with Netherland’s Chris Harteveld and UK’s James Baldwin rounding out the top three .”
Racing around the world (Formula E via YouTube)
“Have you ever wondered how we take a World Championship racing series around the world sustainably? Find out what exactly goes into racing in city centers all over the world from the people that make it work.”
F1 22 | The Racing Line: Episode 8 (Codemasters via YouTube)
“The eighth episode of The Racing Line is here. This week they’re looking ahead to the Mexico GP and sharing all the latest F1 22 game updates, including the upcoming Sport Liveries Update.”
Introducing the Bahrain International Circuit for rFactor 2 (Studio 397 via YouTube)
“The first of our Q4 2022 content announcements is here – and we are starting off with a big one – the very first laserscanned version of the Bahrain International Circuit in rFactor 2! “
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On this day in motorsport
Sebastian Vettel continued to close on the 2012 title with another win in F1’s short-lived Indian Grand Prix
