6 things we didn’t know last week!
6 things we didn’t know last week!
A week is a long time in motorsport… it might be the off-season and the first week of 2017 but that hasn’t held back on BIG news breaking.
A week is a long time in motorsport… it might be the off-season and the first week of 2017 but that hasn’t held back on BIG news breaking.
Will F1 have any Manors in 2017?
On Friday the news broke that Manor's parent company Just Racing Services was put into administration and early indications are not bright for the Banbury-based team. Sadly for its employees, it is a repeat of the same events from two years ago before current owner Stephen Fitzpatrick rode to the rescue. Can the same be done this time around? Let's hope so.
Silverstone ponders its F1 future
Trouble could also be brewing at Silverstone after a letter circulated to BRDC members stated it may need to drop hosting the British Grand Prix to avoid a financial collapse. BRDC chairman John Grant has suggested a potential 'break clause' to see it pullout of its remaining contract with Bernie Ecclestone after 2019. A decision isn't expected until July around the time of this year's British Grand Prix.
Hickman and Jackson form potent Smiths Racing BMW line-up
The MCE British Superbike championship announcements continued to trickle out with Peter Hickman and Lee Jackson named as Smiths Racing BMW's rider line-up for 2017. Hickman will also take Smiths Racing back on to the Road Racing scene using the trusted BMW Superbike and Triumph for Supersport races.
Circuit of Wales goes Extreme!
Positive news came out from Circuit of Wales on Thursday with the announcement of a new partnership with Extreme to brand a sports action park plus campsite and hotels. Extreme isn't directly helping with funding or development but comes under the same private banking firm which is set to stump up to £100 million. A new project submission to the Welsh Assembly is 'close', so watch this space...
Evans and M-Sport ready for the Monte
Elfyn Evans is preparing to return to the premier class of WRC after 12 months away having been confirmed as a third M-Sport Ford entry for Rally Monte Carlo alongside Sebastien Ogier and Ott Tanak. Alongside the Dakar Rally in South America, the world of motorsport properly kicks off for 2017 with the traditional WRC curtain raiser.
F1 teams announce due dates
Save the dates: 22nd, 23rd, 24th February. That is when we will get to see the first 2017 F1 cars, starting with Force India at Silverstone before being followed up by defending world champions Mercedes a day later. Over in Italy, Ferrari will reveal their challenger on the 24th, just days before the first F1 pre-season test.