In the round-up: Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas says his team should target being “best-of-the-rest” behind Ferrari and Red Bull.
In letter
Alfa Romeo ‘should aim to be best of the rest’ – Bottas
Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas says that his team should target being “best-of-the-rest” behind Ferrari and Red Bull.
Bottas sits ninth in the championship after a sixth place finish in Bahrain and a retirement in Saudi Arabia. After qualifying sixth and eighth over the first two race weekends, Bottas says that being consistently at the front of the midfield is what Alfa Romeo should be aiming for over the rest of the season.
“I think that needs to be the target now,” Bottas said. “We seem to be more or less in the same place than in Bahrain, even though I thought [Saudi Arabia] could be maybe more difficult.
“I think aiming to be the best of the rest is good motivation and a good target. So hopefully eventually we can fight for fifth position in the race – that would be a good step for us.”
Ocon relishes racing against “legend” team mate Alonso
Esteban Ocon said fighting his world championship-winning team mate Fernando Alonso is a “privilege” following their spirited duel in the last round.
Ocon and Alonso fought hard over the early phase of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with Alonso eventually passing his Alpine team mate. Ocon believes it is a good sign that he and his team mate are able to race each other hard.
“He’s great on race craft, we know that,” said Ocon. “He’s extremely fast. Fighting the legend himself, it’s always a privilege. So it’s good that we can race so close and it’s good that we can push this team forward.”
Australia a “special race” for Norris
Lando Norris says that he is looking forward to racing at Albert Park for the first time since making his grand prix debut in 2019.
The Australian Grand Prix has not been held since the 2019 event due to the impact of the Covid pandemic. Norris is excited to race at Albert Park again.
“I’m looking forward to getting out on track in the new car in Melbourne, especially with the changes they’ve made since we last raced there three years ago,” Norris said.
“I’m excited to see what progress we can make. It’s a special race for me, as I made my debut there in 2019 and with the pandemic, we haven’t raced there since, so I’ve been working hard in the sim to get back up to speed with the track, especially with the new changes.
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Left
Motor racing links of interest:
Audi raises offer for stake in McLaren’s F1 unit, report says (Automotive News Europe)
“Audi has raised its offer to gain a foothold in British supercar maker McLaren to 650 million euros ($718 million) from 450 million euros, according to Automotive News Europe’s sister publication Automobilwoche. Audi wants to first take a stake in McLaren’s Formula One unit before possibly investing in the brand as a second step.”
‘Fed up’: Daniel Ricciardo’s real issue with 2021 F1 finale madness (News.com.au)
“A person in his position not having enough support and then too much interference. Like, that I didn’t like. Watching Saudi, the race before that, all this arguing during a race. It also doesn’t look professional. It all got a little bit messy.”
Hamilton battle ‘nearly killed’ Rosberg (TalkSport)
Heikki Kovalainen: “Since (Alonso’s) championship years with Renault he’s always made the wrong move and just sometimes I wonder if the trigger was the surprise of Hamilton’s speed.”
McLaren Racing retains FIA three-star Environmental Accreditation for ninth year (FIA)
“The three-star accreditation recognizes that McLaren Racing is operating at the highest level of the framework, demonstrating best practice and a commitment to seek continual improvement through the implementation of an environmental management system.”
Hulkenberg wants full-time F1 return after ‘fun’ 2022 super-sub experiences (Formula 1)
“Yes, of course, if there is a good opportunity, definitely I’m up for it (a full-time return to F1). Now having been away and having done Bahrain, the rush of qualifying, the excitement of the race, the battling on Lap 1, there’s a lot of great things that happen in Formula 1, and it’s a lot of fun.”
Grand Prix Corp sued for $8m over canceled Robbie Williams concert (The Age)
“World Touring Melbourne – part-owned by Hollywood actor Will Smith – is alleging the cancellation was a breach of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s obligations. The touring agency is seeking $7,594 million for costs it incurred, another $1,128 million in lost profits, and interest .”
Miami International Autodrome Fly-Through Campus Experience Revealed (Miami GP via YouTube)
DR3 II x St Hugo (Daniel Ricciardo via YouTube)
“This is what’s been in the works these past 362 days, 4 hours and 6 minutes. My new wine drop, the DR3 II and Ricciardo Decanter.”
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Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to Andy Mail, Red Andy and Matt88!
On this day in motorsport
Mansell’s march to the title continued today in 1992
- 30 years ago today Nigel Mansell led the third consecutive one-two for Williams at the start of the season at Interlagos.
