Alpine is resisting the urge to introduce minor updates to its Formula 1 car, opting instead to focus on a substantial upgrade package that could provide a significant edge over its rivals. Driver Pierre Gasly discusses the team’s strategy and their determination to turn their season around.
Author: Maeve Mournblade
WRC driver Pierre-Louis Loubet is set to make his rally raid debut in the Africa Eco Race, piloting the cutting-edge Apache APH-01 hybrid side-by-side vehicle. This marks a new challenge for the seasoned rally driver as he transitions from the WRC to the world of cross-country racing.
As the WRC and FIA strive to introduce more varied event formats, this weekend’s Sardinia rally will trial a new compact sprint format, marking a significant departure from the traditional four-day events. This innovative approach is part of the FIA’s vision for the future of rallying and could become an option for other organisers in the near future.
The FIA has unveiled a detailed roadmap for the future of the World Rally Championship, aiming to attract new manufacturers and optimize the sport’s technical regulations. Stellantis, a key player in the WRC, shares its perspective on the proposed changes and the potential for a Lancia rally return.
In an exclusive interview, D’Station Racing driver Erwan Bastard expressed his concerns about the relationship between Hypercar and LMGT3 cars in the 2023 FIA WEC season, citing incidents caused by contact from Hypercar machinery. Bastard believes Hypercar drivers often expect LMGT3 cars to yield, which is not always possible, leading to dangerous situations on track.
The FIA has announced significant Balance of Performance (BoP) changes for the upcoming Spa 6 Hours, round three of the 2024 WEC, with Ferrari’s 499P Le Mans Hypercar being the most heavily impacted. The Italian marque’s dominant performance at Imola last month has led to a 12kg increase in minimum weight and a 4kW (5bhp) reduction in maximum power for the Spa event.
Since acquiring Formula 1 in 2017, Liberty Media has made significant strides in transforming the sport, as highlighted by the company’s president Greg Maffei. From embracing social media to enhancing the fan experience, the new regime has capitalized on the ‘low-hanging fruit’ left by the previous administration. However, Maffei warns that complacency is a threat, and the sport must continue to evolve to maintain its competitiveness and sustainability.
NASCAR champion Kyle Larson is set to make his Indy 500 debut, driving the No. 17 Arrow McLaren-Rick Hendrick Chevrolet. Larson shares his excitement and openness to future Indy 500 attempts, as the historic Hendrick-McLaren partnership gears up for the big race.
In a dramatic qualifying session at the Shanghai International Circuit, Britain’s Jake Hughes claimed his second pole position of the 2023 Formula E season, beating Stoffel Vandoorne by just 0.001s. This result puts Hughes in a strong position to challenge for the win in the upcoming Shanghai E-Prix, as the championship race reaches its midpoint.
With four double-headers remaining in the 2023 Formula E season, including the upcoming Berlin races, DS Penske drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne are bracing for a grueling schedule. The duo are working tirelessly with the team to ensure they are in top form for the demanding season finale, which could prove crucial in the championship battle.