La Source-gate: McLaren Appeal to be Heard this Month

Hamilton's penalty

The FIA, Formula One’s governing body, announced on Wednesday that the appeal against McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton’s demotion at Spa-Francorchamps, from first to third, is likely to be heard before the end of this month.

She said the Paris-based governing body is hopeful the International Court of Appeal can deal with the matter before the teams head out to Singapore, for the first-ever night grand prix late in September, thus enabling the title fight to continue with both contenders clear of their positions.

23-year-old Briton Hamilton gave his first press interview since the Belgian grand prix.

He said he still feels he did nothing wrong during his fight for the lead with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, in what has become known as La Source-gate.

“If I had done something wrong, I would be the first to admit it. As a sportsman, this is something that is very important for me.”

He said it did not take long to reflect on the news that the three-man panel of stewards had annuled his race win.

“I do not feel guilty so there is nothing that I have to digest. It would be another matter if I had let my team down, but I did not.

“I feel like I deserve ten points instead of six. On the other hand it could have been zero if I had damaged my car in the difficult conditions.”

Neal’s View: Does anyone, seriously, expected the FIA to make a correct decision? The organisation has lost much credibility over its continued bias towards Ferrari.

Williams to test Spanish youngster

Dani Clos in the F3 Euroseries

Grove-based team Williams-Toyota are set to give a Spanish youngster his Formula One test debut this week.

19-year-old Dani Clos, a Catalan F3 Euroseries competitor, is set to conduct a 50km straight-line aerodynamic test with the British team at a local aerodrome, according to Spanish newspaper Diario AS.

It is suggested Clos may also get the chance to see action at the wheel of the Toyota-powered Williams next week at Jerez, the final in-season test of the 2008 season.

‘AS‘ said Clos is under evaluation to become a Williams test driver for 2009.

Neal’s View: Just supposing he gets the Williams gig for 2009, what happens to Nico Hulkenberg, their current test driver? Will he return to racing? Have Williams deemed him ‘not good enough’? This will pose more questions than it answers.

Formula One Needs Shorter Races?

Luca di Montezemola

Formula One’s team grouping, Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), is set to meet in the Monza paddock on Thursday, according to Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Top of the agenda is a proposal to shorten grands prix from their current distance of 300kms.

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali said:

“An hour and a half for a race is too long. We must aim to reduce the time, because often in the second half nothing happens.”

Ferrari president, and FOTA chief, Luca di Montezemolo is to chair the Monza meeting, whilst Honda team boss Ross Brawn takes charge of technical matters.

The other main topic for discussion is a FOTA Constitution, with all ten team chiefs expected to sign up.

Neal’s View: This is a big mistake. Formula One is the pinacle for race drivers. Shortening the race will mean drivers do not have to be as fit. Also, shortening the race means fewer pit-stops, which is where most of the changes in race order currently take place. How does shortening a boring race help: this would mean exciting races are also cut. A better idea is to continue working with the Technical Working Group (TWG) to get regulations that promote overtaking.

Ferrari To Confirm Alonso At Monza? Or Is Alonso Off To BMW?

Renault's Fernando Alonso

Formula One fans will be waiting with baited breath ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. It is when Ferrari traditionally reveal their lineup for the following season. Fans of the sport are waiting to find out whether world champion Kimi Raikkonen will retire, making way for former double world champion Fernando Alonso.

Fernando Alonso insists he is not part of those plans.

The Spaniard has said that he does not expect the Finn to retire this year.

“Ferrari tend to confirm their drivers at Monza. I don’t think there is going to be a surprise.”

Alonso also revealed that he thought his Renault team was lacking half a second per lap, purely because of the weaker engine.

He also took the time to dismiss team boss Flavio Briatore’s claims that “at least two more podium finishes” will be coming from the final five grands prix of the season.

When asked how he feels about his teammate Nelson Piquet Jnr. being the only Renault driver standing on the podium this year, Alonso said:

“It is going to be really difficult to be on the podium in the rest of the year, but I do not see it as a failure.

“In comparison with my teammate, this has been my best season ever. I have always been in front of him. He got a podium after a great race and with lots of luck.”

Meanwhile, BMW-Sauber boss Mario Thiessen refused to deny growing speculation Alonso has signed a three-year contract to drive for the Hinwil-based squad from 2009.

The chequered flag had barely fallen at Spa-Francorchamps before it was reported that the Spaniard would replace German Nick Heidfeld.

Thiessen told German newspaper Bild:

“I do not take part in speculation.

“Our driver decision has been postponed. At the latest we will announce our drivers at the end of the season.”

BMW spokespeople were also not available for comment.

However, the Spanish sports newspaper Marca believes BMW-Sauber will confirm the Alonso signing on Monday, after this weekend’s Italian grand prix at Monza.

Neal’s View: Many thought he was Ferrari-bound, but the BMW rumours refuse to go away. I would rule out Honda, but it could be any of BMW-Sauber, Ferrari, or staying with Renault.