After the FIA allowed drivers and teams to compete in their championships, provided they sign a strict declaration, Russian racer Rusinov has refused to do so on the grounds of discrimination against the people of his country and also Belarus.

While his fellow countryman Nikita Mazepin seemed ready to sign the FIA declaration, Rusinov isn’t going to do so which means not only him, but also his team G-Drive won’t be allowed to compete in World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series.

In WEC, G-Drive announced its entry in the LMP2 category with James Allen, Daniil Kvyat and Rene Binder, while in ELMS, the team decided to enter two cars with the support of APR. Rusinov is to pilot one car alongwith Sophia Floersch with a third not confirmed.

The other car, meanwhile, has Allen, John Falb and Alex Peroni. G-Drive also announced a LMP3 entry in ELMS with Russian Evgeny Kireev in the seat alongside Glenn van Berlo.  While Rusinov has released a statement on his social account, it remains to be seen what WEC and or ELMS does.

They already postponed the entry release date for the Le Mans 24 Hours event. Today, I, the pilot of the Russian G-Drive Racing team, refused to accept the discriminatory conditions of the FIA,” wrote Rsuinov. “The goal of each athlete is to hear the anthem of their country on the podium. Over 10 years of international experience, our team has done this many times. We raised the Russian flag, we heard and sang the Russian anthem.

“For the sake of my fans, for the sake of my teammates and sporting honor, I will not sign this document. Better not to drive at all. The GDR team has always been international: pilots, mechanics, engineers – they are all from different countries of the world. And if we asked everyone to give up their flag, experience and name, such a real sports brotherhood and victories would never have happened.

“It’s a pity that these guys won’t compete for GDR either. Now we are already considering various options for projects to develop motorsport in our country. I sincerely hope that we will be able to return to international racing once the sporting spirit and equal conditions for all participants return to them,” summed up Rusinov.

Here’s the decisions from the FIM

Here’s FIA detailing more on how Russian and Belarus drivers can compete

Here’s the full FIA WMSC decisions

Here’s Nikita Mazepin being disappointed after axe

Here’s Daniil Kvyat urging IOC and FIA

Here’s F1 terminating Russian GP contract

L'entrada Rusinov refuses to sign declaration; G-Drive unlikely to race in WEC/ELMS ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

It was again a divide for F2 teams and drivers, where they focused the morning session on qualifying runs, while the afternoon was more or less devoted on race runs, which is why DAMS’ Armstrong’s time of 1m42.173s from morning remained the fastest of the day.

The Kiwi ended the three-day F2 test on top from Hitech GP’s Lawson (1m42.218s) and his teammate Juri Vips (1m42.224s) as UNI-Virtuosi Racing’s Guanyu Zhou slotted in fourth, whereas MP Motorsport’s Lirim Zendeli rounded out the Top 5 positions.

The times were close still with half a second covering the Top 14 – in fact no one improved on their time in the afternoon session. Behind Zendeli was Prema’s Robert Shwartzman in sixth, with Campos Racing’s Ralph Bosching ending up seventh.

The Top 10 was rounded out by MP Motorsport’s Richard Verschoor – whose future as a F2 driver is still to be confirmed – in eighth, Prema’s Oscar Piastri ninth and UNI-Virtuosi Racing’s Felipe Drugovich 10th, as Charouz’s David Beckmann missed out in 11th.

Here’s F2 timings from AM session:

Here’s F2 timings from PM session:

https://twitter.com/FIA_F2/status/1369663987810508800?s=20

Here’s how Day 2 of Bahrain F2 test panned out

In other news, WEC unveiled a 62-car entry list for 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours, which will have five Hypercar entries along with 25 LMP2 prototypes, seven LMGTE Pro and 24 LMGTE Am. The 62nd entry is for an ‘Innovation Car’, which will run as a solo category.

The lead Hypercar class features two Toyota and Glickenhaus each, with one Alpine. The LMP2 category, meanwhile, has 11 Pro/Am cars, with 21 Oreca machines, two Aurus and two Ligier. It features 14 non-WEC cars, who are a mix of ELMS and ALMS.

Over in the GT classes, the GTE Pro sees only seven cars where three are Porsche, two each from Ferrari and Corvette. At the same time, the GTE Am class has 24 cars, where there are 12 Ferrari, eight Porsche and four Aston Martin Vantage.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said: “This year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans enters a new era. The introduction of Hypercars promises to bring even more spine-tingling action to the endurance racetrack. Sixty-two cars will line up for this 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans. In these challenging times, this number is a strong signal that our discipline is more appealing than ever before. We are eager to welcome fans once again to the racetrack to experience this historic edition together.”

Here’s the full entry list so far: https://assets.lemans.org/explorer/pdf/courses/2021/24-heures-du-mans/entry-list-24-heures-du-mans-2021.pdf

Here’s WEC calendar changes

L'entrada F2: Armstrong ends Bahrain test on top; WEC reveals Le Mans 24 entry list ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

After the change for Racing Point UK Limited to AMR GP, the UK Government’s Companies House has officiated another change, where ‘Renault Sport Racing Limited’ has become ‘Alpine Racing Limited’, as of January 6, 2021, after internal resolution passed by the board on December 15, 2020.

There was already a ‘Alpine F1 Team’ registered on September 2020, but it is not clear if that will be used, considering no activity has taken place under the same since its registration. Most of Renault’s updates took place under the RSR Ltd heading.

While the FIA entry list for the 2021 F1 season had the team name changed to Alpine, the company name remained as Renault. The last update is dated as December 22, 2020, but it is expected that the fresh release will have all the changes adjusted.

While the likes of Aston Martin and Red Bull have changed their website/social media channels, Renault is yet to switch to Alpine. A press conference is slated for January 14 where Luca de Meo will address about the company’s strategy under ‘Renaulution’.

While it is not clear at this juncture but it can be assumed that the change from Renault to Alpine will happen on the same day, wherein they should also reveal the management shuffle, as speculations of Davide Brivio joining the team rages on.

The Suzuki MotoGP team has already parted ways with Brivio, which more or less makes Alpine his certain future. The Italian’s switch to F1 comes as a shock, not only on the two-wheel side but also on four-wheel, considering his recent success in the former.

But looking into their past, de Meo’s previous links with Brivio came to light amid the speculations, as the latter was working with Yamaha when the former joined hands with Japanese manufacturer, through a partnership deal with Fiat.

Brivio’s role at Alpine remains unknown but it is expected to be a senior work. At the same time, Marcin Budkowski will be formally revealed as the new Executive Director, while the current team principal, Cyril Abiteboul is assumed to get a promotion too.

Here’s news on Suzuki confirming Davide Brivio’s exit

Here’s changes for Racing Point, Marcin Budkowski’s promotion

Manuel Maldonado secures ALMS/ELMS drive:

Staying with a former Lotus-Renault F1 driver, Pastor Maldonado’s cousin Manuel, has secured a drive with United Autosports, to compete in both Asian Le Mans and European Le Mans for the 2021 season – thereby switching to sportscar racing from single-seaters.

Maldonado will drive the team’s LMP3 Ligier JS P320 in ALMS, with his teammates in the third car yet to be confirmed. The other two cars entered by the team, will have Jim McGuire, Andrew Bentley, Duncan Tappy, Ian Loggie, Andy Meyrick and Rob Wheldon.

In ELMS, Maldonado will be driving in the LMP2 category, alongside Job van Uitert, with their teammate to be confirmed later on. “I am extremely proud to be joining United Autosports for the 2021 Asian Le Mans Series and the European Le Mans Series,” he said.

“It is now time for me to start a very exciting new chapter in my career and to be doing so with a top tier team like United couldn’t be better. The motivation is high and I can only wish to be adding more success to their tally. Racing in the Asian Le Mans Series is crucial to starting my endurance preparation as there is so much to learn in this new world of prototype endurance racing for me.

“I think that this is a great opportunity to get ready for the European season. The ELMS will be exciting with a very competitive field and an amazing car, which the LMP2 is, but I believe we have the right line up and package to aim for high results straight away. I can’t wait to get the season started.”

At the same time, team boss Zak Brown, stated: “I’m really pleased Manuel will be joining our team for 2021. The Asian Le Mans Series will be good preparation ahead of the European Le Mans Series for him and I can’t wait to see how he gets on.”

And Richard Dean, added: “I’m looking forward to welcoming Manuel to the team for the 2021 season, racing in both the Asian and the European series. Although this is his first time racing in prototypes, I’m sure he will settle into the team well and quickly get up to speed with both the LMP3 and LMP2 cars. I was very impressed when I first met Manuel and I felt he would fit into the team very well. Our aim is to be once again fighting for wins and championships and Manuel will be a crucial part of that.”

Here’s last news about ALMS, WEC

L'entrada Renault Sport becomes Alpine Racing; Maldonado gets ALMS/ELMS drive ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having finished second in Road to IndyCar’s USF2000 championship in 2020 in USA, Barrichello will move to Europe in 2021, to compete in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, for JD Motorsport.

Barrichello announced his plans in a special press conference as he became the fourth driver to be confirmed in the newly merged championship. The 2021 season starts end of April at Spa, with 10 rounds in all, ending at Monza at the end of October.

“I am delighted for the agreement reached with JD Motorsports, and I cannot wait to start my European career with the team,” said Barrichello. “This is set to be a really interesting season, and I am really looking forward to racing on so many venues that made motorsports history.”

“We are very happy for the agreement reached with Eduardo,” said team boss Roberto Cavallari. “Watching him in the USF2000 Series, he was really competitive. We will work hard to get him to adapt to our car quickly in every circumstance, so to be equally successful in Europe too. I thank all his staff and family for choosing JD Motorsport, identifying our operation as the most suitable environment for Eduardo’s technical and human growth in his first European experience.”

Moving on to Trulli, the Italian will be making his single-seater debut in 2021 after competing in the OK category of multiple karting championships in 2020. His first assignment will be F4 UAE, where he will partner Enzo Scionti at Cram Motorsport.

The 2021 season starts next weekend in Dubai and will alternate with races in Abu Dhabi, with five rounds in all until mid-February. Following the end of the winter championship, Trulli will head back to Europe to compete full-time in F4 Spanish Championship.

He is so far the sole racer announced by FA Racing Team by Drivex – a team which has the backing of Alpine F1 driver, Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard, in fact, visited his team during private testing, where Jarno was present too, overlooking his son’s progress. The 2021 season will start in mid-April and will end mid-November, with seven rounds in all.

Here’s calendar for Formula Regional by Alpine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Formula_Regional_European_Championship

Here’s calendar for F4 Spanish Championship: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_F4_Spanish_Championship 

In other news, Formula E confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s Ad Diriyah will host a double-header 2020/21 opener on February 26-27, after the postponement of the races in Chile, which were to take place in January. As known, it will be a night event.

#DiriyahEPrix will kick-off Season 7 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with Formula E’s first night races on February 26 & 27 2021 ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ #ABBFormulaE pic.twitter.com/i0Im1pLeuN

— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) January 5, 2021

Also, WEC and ELMS named Frederic Lequien as their new head, replacing Gerard Neveu. The Frenchman started his career as a project manager in charge of negotiations with local promoters and circuits at Eurosport International between 2002 and 2005.

He also developed the hospitality aspects of the LG Super Racing Weekends. Alongside it, he also held the deputy general manager role at Amaury Sport Organisation between 2005 and 2011, where he also a spokesman of the Dakar Rally.

In 2012, he opened a specialist marketing and events agency, organising the Silk Way Rally. “I am proud and honoured to join LMEM,” said Lequien. “The WEC and the ELMS are both world-renowned championships. We intend to continue attracting a mix of factory and private teams and are ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

At the same time, ACO’s Pierre Fillon added: “I extend a warm welcome to Frédéric Lequien, on behalf of the ACO and LMEM. This appointment is excellent news for the world of endurance racing. With 20 years in motorsport, Frédéric brings valuable expertise to this position.”

Here’s news on Formula E opener being postponed

L'entrada Barrichello to race in FR Alpine; Trulli reveals F4 plans; FE, WEC news ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

With Honda’s Marquez sidelined due to injury and surgery, the 2020 MotoGP has blown open with only four points separating the Top 4 riders in the riders’ standings, after halfway into the year with seven more races to go.

Marquez is glued to his TV sets, saddened that he cannot defend his title, as he feels that anyone can take it at this stage. He initially put Fabio Quartararo and Andrea Dovizioso as the key riders but feel Joan Mir and Maverick Vinales are not in a shoddy position too.

On his own brother Alex, Marquez feels that the Moto2 champion is slowly learning his way and that the year will only help him. He revealed that they discuss things during race weekends but it is not huge as he leaves him and his team to sort it out.

Regarding the injury and training, Marquez is slowly getting back up to speed, but it won’t be soon that he can ride a bike actually. He is certainly aiming to compete in the finale of 2020 MotoGP season at Algarve, but won’t rush into it.

On his training, feelings –

Marquez: “About the physical side, now I am in a good moment. But of course, I am still far from my normal level. It’s true that last week, I started to do some running and cycling. From the cardio side, the legs and the left arm, my condition is quite good. But about the right arm, still I need to make some big steps but now we are starting to do more exercises. I am looking forward to starting to push a little bit more in the gym.

“But at the moment we must respect the timings and just be patient. From the mental side it was hard in the beginning. Because you know, there was nothing to do at home, the days and even the hours were very, very long but now we have a plan a for each day. We do two sessions of physio and then we also train in the gym with my trainer, the left arm, the legs, along with some cardio.

“So now the mental side is feeling much better, the moment where I suffer the most is during the race weekend because you are watching the race, all the practice sessions from the TV and it is not easy. Aside from this, we can say that I’m happy now. I’m happy because I already feel that we have made some steps forward.

“We have had some different kinds of protections. In the beginning I had a lot of protection, from the hand to the top of the arm and it was like completely rigid. Then step by step we used this carbon protection that you saw on social media that was from the elbow to the shoulder. And now, in normal life I am not using anything expect for training, especially when I am cycling, still I am using that carbon protection because it fixes the bone and the arm in place a little bit better.

“Now I am starting to forget about the protections, and I hope that next week we are already able to remove the protection from all the things we do. I have started cycling and running and I expected it to be much worse because for like four, five weeks I was completely just on the sofa watching TV. But I started running and immediately from the first day I felt good and I started to see improvements, with cycling too.

“The most difficult thing is the muscle on the right arm but even this is better than I expected. The muscle is still there, it’s working well. The most important thing is that all the movements are ok and now step by step with my physio Carlos, he is living with me in my house, we will start to work hard to improve, following the correct steps in the correct time.”

Situation with Alex, helping him –

Marquez: “Alex is in the process, one important thing for rookie riders is when they have two races in a row in the same circuit. This helps a lot, the most difficult thing in MotoGP is arriving at a circuit with a MotoGP bike and trying to adjust everything. Alex will arrive in Montmelo at the Catalunya Circuit and he will start the process again. But let’s see if he did a step. To do a step is just to be racing from P8 to P12, this is the first step that he needed to do and then from there it is about trying to learn, see where you can improve and then make another step.

“It’s difficult for a rookie, but also for everybody. The times are really close, I mean in one second there are 17 riders, 18 riders and this is something amazing because I think the level in MotoGP is really equal now and this is good for the riders because in the end, the final improvement comes from them. It’s a difficult season for everybody but especially for a rookie it’s difficult because you have many races in a row.

“It’s strange because when you race one time you go home then the body can understand how to improve, but now everything is happening really fast – too fast for a rookie rider. And we don’t have tests, they had a one-day test in Misano and normally during a season we have four or five days test that help a lot. I try to help Alex and on Thursday when they have the tyre allocation, he sends me the photo and I try to give some advice, maybe this tyre can be the option because last year and all these things.

“But then we have like a rule, he needs to work with his team, we have to be professional and he is working with his team. If he has a doubt about riding style or something like this, he calls me, but I never call him. He needs to call me because he is in the circuit working with his team and he has Alberto there, who also has a lot of experience, and Emilio. But of course, every day we have two, sometimes three phone calls.”

Crazy season, who has the chance –

Marquez: “It’s strange, it’s strange because it looks like nobody wants to win! Nobody wants to be at the top, I mean is difficult to understand but if you are a rider you can understand it a little bit. One thing is to be a rider that if you win, it will be fantastic and if you win it will be something incredible but when you are the rider that needs to win then something changes and you have many more doubts because you don’t know if you should attack, if you should defend.

“You know when you are the rider that is coming from second place, third place, fourth place and you have something in front of you, you  have nothing to lose, you just attack and then you ride with more confidence because you don’t have anything to lose but when you are at the top and you have to win, this is when the doubts start to be in your mind, in your body and it becomes more difficult.  It’s difficult to say, but it’s true that in Austria I said Quartararo or Dovizioso but, honestly speaking, I expected more from them.

“Especially from Quartararo, I expect much more because he won the first two races with an incredible level and now, I don’t know what is going on. He struggles a lot, even in one of his strongest points: Qualifying practice. But then Dovizioso is consistent, he is there but he needs more speed if he wants to win the title and we see that Vinales is there, Mir is there, I mean we have eight, nine riders within 25 points so it will be interesting to see the end of the season. And yeah, we will try to experience the show from the inside!”

Talk about ‘bike only made for Marquez’ –

Marquez: “I mean of course a MotoGP bike is a MotoGP bike. I mean every MotoGP bike has a different character and then the riders must adapt to the bike. Honda has this philosophy for many many years in the 500cc and MotoGP classes. For example, when I speak with Doohan, with Criville, the philosophy was the same. Honda have a good bike, but you need to be 100% fit, you need to push the bike a lot but then when you get the feeling with the bike, you can be really fast. Then when I read ‘no the bike is made only for Marquez style and blah blah’, it’s not like this.

“I mean we have three official bikes on track, last year it was me, Lorenzo and Crutchlow and all the riders have the same comments. It’s another thing if one rider is faster or slower. But I am the first one that wants a faster bike and an easier one, it will be easier for me as well. But is not like this, it’s a competitive bike and in the last race for example they finished P6 with Nakagami and P7 with a rookie rider, Alex. So, it is a good bike, it has potential but if you want to understand the bike, you have to crash many times, but you will understand it.”

Possible return in Portugal –

Marquez: “Portimao will be interesting to finish the season. I hope to be there, I hope to race there with MotoGP because I tested there with a Moto2 bike in 2012 – a long time ago but I remember the circuit and it was very nice. Many ups and downs, following the natural layout of the land, it was really nice, and it was very fun to race there. I hope I will be able try to be there and to finish the season in a good way.”

The time for Honda is also hardened not only with Marquez missing but also Cal Crutchlow having wrist surgery too. In fact, the Brit is to return this weekend but LCR Honda noted a freak incident at Barcelona, where he twisted his ankle.

“As planned, today LCR Honda CASTROL rider Cal Crutchlow arrived in BCN and went to see Dr. Xavier Mir for a final check on his right forearm, previous to the GRAN PREMI MONSTER ENERGY DE CATALUNYA,” said the statement. “The scar appears to be healing and is in much better condition than last week.

“Unfortunately, upon his arrival to Circuit de Catalunya, Cal slipped as he stepped out of the PCR Testing Booth, rupturing his left ankle’s ligaments as confirmed by Dr. Max Ibañez, member of Dr. Mir’s team. Nevertheless, despite this misfortune, he and the team will try their best to regularly start the Catalan GP on Friday.”

WEC news:

Moving on to WEC, longtime CEO Neveu has decided to step down after December 2020 from his role in ELMS as well, as the endurance series looks towards a new future where they combine forces with IMSA and bring about a common ground.

“After nine years at the head of this superb motorsport programme, I think it is time for me to hand over the baton and allow new life to be breathed into the organisation under the leadership of Pierre Fillon,” said Neveu. “Great pages in endurance racing’s history books will open in a few months, in particular with the arrival of LMH and LMDh, and I have no doubt about the successes to come for these championships under the ACO umbrella.

“Until then, I will do my best to finish the 2020 season in the best way possible. Then it will be time for me to set off on a different personal path in 2021.  The mission entrusted to me by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has been intense and exciting and it has been with great pride that I have led these championships under the aegis of the ACO and the FIA.

“For their trust, I would like to thank all the WEC and ELMS competitors, the partners, the suppliers, the media who have followed us, local promoters and all the circuits that have welcomed us around the world. My very special thoughts are for the wonderful LMEM team that I have had the privilege and immense pleasure of leading during this entire period. It will remain a superb human adventure and a unique experience that cannot be erased.”

At the same time, Pierre Fillon, added: “In a team, in order to achieve success, every man or woman within this entity plays an essential role. In creating and, above all, developing our FIA World Endurance Championship, Gérard Neveu was one of the fundamental building blocks for two reasons. He was not only part of the foundation of this championship from the very beginning, but he was also the originator of this FIA World Endurance Championship organisation.

“Alongside the team from the ACO, they make this championship happen for all our competitors. The ACO and WEC has progressed together, and we have fought many battles to establish our championship within the world of motor racing. The victories have therefore been greater and above all more significant and more fruitful. Creating such a world championship is not an easy task, and making it shine in the world even less so.

“For all these professional and human adventures we have experienced together, I sincerely thank Gérard. I particularly salute his commitment, his involvement and his extraordinary energy. From here on I wish him the best in his future professional activities. From a personal point of view he will remain a member of our endurance family and, whatever his activities are, there is little doubt that future joint collaborations will emerge.”

Here’s some of the reactions from Misano MotoGP race

Here’s news on WEC Hypercar

L'entrada Marquez talks Alex, 2020 MotoGP, return; Neveu to leave WEC role ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

F3:

On the F3 side, Schumacher announced his departure from Charouz Racing System ahead of the Spa-Francorchamps weekend with the German adding that he already has some plans in store. Both Ralf and David posted the same on their social media account.

“A little update for all of you, we stopped for the rest of the season with Charouz Racing and will give you some big news soon. Thanks for the work and good partnership with the Team Charouz,” noted Schumacher Jr.

At the same time, Schumacher Sr added: “Big thanks to Charouz Racing Team for supporting my son. We have decided to stop our partnership and looking forward to announce some news soon.”

It has been a difficult year for Schumacher and Charouz team as a whole in F3 with just the lone points finish courtesy Igor Fraga as they sit last in the teams’ standings. Already, the Czech outfit had to replace Niko Kari with Roman Stanek at 2020 start.

It will be interesting to see where Schumacher ends up as F3 rival Floersch is likely to miss the Spa-Francorchamps weekend as she has been named in the entry list of the 2020 European Le Mans Series’ 4 Hours of Le Castellet event at Paul Ricard.

It is scheduled for the same weekend as F3 on August 29. As it is the last ELMS event before the Le Mans 24 Hours, Richard Mille Racing Team wants Floersch to get some track time after she missed both the opening rounds of the 2020 season.

She is the lone driver on the list so far for the team in the LMP2 category as Tatiana Calderon is to miss the weekend due to her commitments in Super Formula, while it is unclear when Katherine Legge can return from her injury.

Super Formula:

Continuing on about Super Formula, as mentioned Calderon will be racing Drago Corse with ThreeBond in the 2020 opener at Twin Ring Motegi but there will be several to be missing which includes Red Bull junior Team Mugen Honda’s Juri Vips.

The Estonian was trying hard to make it into Japan amid the COVID-19 restrictions but has given up with Ukyo Sashara to fill in for him. There are questions marks over Sergio Sette Camara’s participation as well with B-Max Racing with Motopark.

Some of the Super Formula drivers can afford to miss two rounds at max in 2020, with the series introducing a rule where each driver’s best five scores out of seven will be counted towards the championship. A final entry list is awaited.

Here’s news on Juri Vips racing in Formula Regional

L'entrada Schumacher leaves Charouz, Floersch may skip Spa; more from SFormula ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

A statement from ELMS has confirmed injuries to Legge, who had a heavy crash during the morning session of Day 2 in the pre-season test at Paul Ricard, ahead of the 2020 opener – the 4 Hours of Le Castellet – at the same venue this weekend.

Legge is part of the #50 Richard Mille Racing Team outfit alongside Tatiana Calderon and Sophia Floersch. Driving the Oreca-07 Gibson in the lead LMP2 class, she went off at 11h39 (local time) on the exit of Signes corner and made contact with the guardrail.

The session was immediately red-flagged as Legge was rushed to the medical center. Upon checks, the team at ELMS has said that the Brit has suffered broken bone in her lower left leg and a broken right wrist, but fortunately, it is not life threatening. The note added that she was conscious in the whole extraction process.

She is currently at the Sainte Anne hospital in Toulon undergoing treatment. Considering it is a pre-season test with limited number of personnel, no photos and or video footage has surfaced so far. In the three sessions, the team finished 13th in all of them.

Here’s an interview of the team undertaken by ELMS:

L'entrada Legge suffers broken bone/wrist in crash during ELMS test ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Alfa Romeo Racing development F1 driver Calderon was the latest guest for on Pirelli’s live chat where she spoke with Mario Isola on multiple topics. They started with her career from Colombia to America to Europe, starting from karting to single-seaters now.

Calderon noted that her father pushed her to race while her mother needed to be convinced but when that happened, she decided eventually to move to Europe with the goal to make it into F1, instead of staying in America with IndyCar.

They joked about cooking, which they continued on for the whole of the chat. They moved to discussing about the cars she has driven, where she rated F2 as the toughest so far. Although she is to compete in Super Formula, but she is yet to race in it.

She admitted to the lack of testing in F2 or in motorsport in general, especially in official capacity. She feels, there needs to be a balance because drivers with good budget still manage to drive older cars on track, even if there is limited testing.

They moved to discuss about her F1 test with Alfa Romeo at Mexico in 2018, where she drove the then current car as an exhibition. She also drove the 2012 Sauber at Fiorano, her only runs in the top-end car, something which made her believe that she can do this.

Moving on to the endurance side, she shared her experience from the Daytona 24 Hours along with her future in European Le Mans Series. Calderon is to compete not only in Super Formula but also ELMS along with her Alfa Romeo’s F1 role.

They discussed about the Dare to Different and FIA’s role in helping female racers as she added that she is open to drive any type of race car, although, she is not a fan of ovals and so NASCAR is unlikely. Isola asked her to try rally cars in future, though.

Here’s Guenther Steiner on last chat with Mario Isola

L'entrada Calderon speaks on limited testing, F1/F2/Endurance racing & more ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The circuit in Portugal, which was built in the Algarve region – specifically in Portimao – 12 years ago, has made some modifications that has granted it the FIA Grade 1 license. It represents the highest safety certification confirmed by the governing body.

It, therefore, has a license now to host, not only F1 races but also tests – that is unless there is anyone to back it up to bring the sessions to the circuit. Back in time, Portugal staged the grand prix races between 1984 and 1996 at the Estoril Circuit.

Portimao, on the other hand, has held F1 tests before and it was close to secure a grand prix around 2009-2010, before it fell through. It hosts other championships like World Toruing Car, World Superbike, European Le Mans Series and more.

Upon receiving the Grade 1 license from the FIA, Paulo Pinheiro, circuit director, stated: “We have been working on this since last year, since we received an inspection and the approval of Late Charlie Whiting and Eduadro Freitas.

“The required modifications have been made and we have received the highest certification from the International Automobile Federation,” he summed up in a report on Lusa Agency. It is not certain that Portiamo will return but closed door testing can still happen.

In fact, reports from MotoGP side suggests that Portimao is being kept as a reserve for future if some of the current grand prix doesn’t happen. It is too early to talk about F1 but with the return of Zandvoort, it could be an option, for testing at least.

Here’s latest on 2020 F1 calendar with Canada postponed

Here’s the latest from FIA on 2020/2021 changes

The article was co-written by Adria Roldan Murillo

L'entrada Portimao circuits gets FIA Grade 1 license, can now hold F1-level races ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

It will be the fourth straight season that Calderon will remain with Alfa Romeo in F1 as she is named as the test driver and also a team ambassador. She joins Robert Kubica, who was named the reserve driver and is already driving the C39 at Barcelona.

Calderon joined the squad in 2017 and has not only tested the current machine but she also had a special test run in the 2012 Sauber car at Fiorano – Ferrari’s test track. No run plan has been announced yet but she will represent the team in world motorsport.

“I’m extremely happy to continue as a Test Driver and become Team Ambassador for Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN in 2020,” said Calderon, who was also present for the team launch at Barcelona earlier in the day alongside Kubica and regular drivers.

“Continuity is so important in our sport, we have been together four years and it has been a great journey which has provided me with some great opportunities to grow and learn. I’m very thankful to the team for their continued belief and support to my career.

“We are all ready to give our best this year.” At the same time, Alfa Romeo Racing team boss Frederic Vasseur added: “I am delighted Tatiana will stay with our team for 2020, taking over the role of Team Ambassador as well.

“Over the last three seasons, she has become a part of the family and her contribution to the team is increasingly valuable. She has been faultless every time she stepped in the cockpit and we are looking forward to working with her again.”

For 2020, Calderon is not racing in F2 but will make her sportscar full-time debut in European LeMans Series with Richard Mille outfit in the leading LMP2 class, where she will partner with female racers Katherine Legge and Sophia Floersch.

She is currently racing in the Formula 3 Asian Championship in single-seater category and will make her Super Formula debut as well in Japan with Drago Corse with ThreeBond Honda. It is a packed up 2020 season for Calderon.

Here’s news on Tatiana Calderon racing in ELMS

Here’s news on Tatiana Calderon racing in Super Formula

L'entrada Calderon continues with Alfa Romeo as F1 test driver and ambassador ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

With the 2020 ELMS entry list out, a new entrant in the form of Richard Mille Racing has got an all-women line-up of Legge, Calderon and Floersch in the LMP2 category, where they will share a Oreca 07/Gibson machinery using the Michelin tyres.

The team will have the support of Signatech, with the aim to make it into Le Mans 24 Hours. In fact, Richard Mille Racing is for the long haul as they have signed up not only for 2020 but also 2021 as the watch maker plunge into becoming a racing outfit.

Legge is the senior-most of the three drivers as she will bring experience from GT racing into the team to lead them as Calderon will dovetail her commitments while also competing in Japan’s Super Formula championship with Honda.

It is a switch for Floersch, though, as the youngster moves into endurance racing after competing in Regional F3 last year. It is unclear if she will continue in single-seaters or her full programme will be ELMS only – as there are seats still available in FIA F3.

The statement adds: “The team’s objectives for 2020 are to take the measure of specificitics related to endurance racing, notably tyre management and fuel consumption, and then to take advantage of competition at the highest levels to make headway towards the podium.”

“This is an incredible opportunity with Richard Mille and his team,” said FIA Women in Motorsport Commission President, Michele Mouton. “For the last few years we have been focussed on working with our own FIA commissions, independent teams and manufacturers to help provide some of the world’s most successful female racers with opportunities to show they have the talent to line up alongside the best and fight for the top positions.

“To have two all-female crews now doing this is huge progress and testament to the faith teams, and Richard Mille, justifiably have in our racers. Richard has a strong belief that access to our sport for women has its challenges, like it does for men, but he has taken concrete action with this project and shown belief in Katherine, Tatiana and Sophia.

“I can’t wait to see how the team progresses on this incredible journey, which hopefully will take them to Le Mans and beyond.” Here’s the entry list for the 2020 ELMS season with only Driver 1’s name: https://www.europeanlemansseries.com/assets/PDF/2020/Entry-List/ELMS2020_Season_entry-list_11022020.pdf

L'entrada Richard Mille takes Legge, Calderon and Floersch for 2020 ELMS season ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The traditional qualifying session for the 2020 Le Mans 24 Hours will see a change as per the announcement from WEC. On Wednesday, from 23:15 to 00:00, there will be a 45-minute session when all entries in the race will take to the track at the same time.

At the end of this qualifying session, 24 competitors – the six best in each class – will go on to compete in a new ‘Hyperpole’ session on the following day when the first six places on the grid will be determined for each categories.

So, the Thursday session from 21:00-21:30, the 24 cars (six LMP1s, six LMP2s, six LMGTE Pros and six LMGTE Ams) will all head out on track to set fastest time and they will not be permitted to return to their garages but will have a free tyre choice.

This is how the sessions will pan out:

Wednesday
15:30–20:00: free practice
22:00–23:00: free practice
23:15–24:00: qualifying

Thursday

17:00–19:00: free practice
21:00–21:30: Hyperpole
22:00–24:00: free practice

Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO, said: “It’s all change at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans. With this new qualifying format and the Hyperpole showdown for the fastest 24 competitors – six from each of the four classes – we are guaranteeing two exciting sessions for both drivers and spectators, where all the focus will be on sheer speed in a quest for the perfect lap.

“Adrenalin, suspense and concentration will be at a max for every team out there. It will be a thrilling prelude to the ensuing 24-hour battle on our iconic 13 km track. Le Mans will once again be a celebration of racing that goes on for several days, and not just a weekend.”

The release also explained how the entries for 2020 and 2021 WEC Le Mans 24 Hours will work:

“As usual, the entry list for the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans will be drawn up by the Selection Committee. They will first validate the invitations already allotted and the entries from the WEC grid, before studying the applications submitted between now (18 December) and 13 February.

The number of applications increases every year but we already know nine names on the entry list, based on the results of the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans, the European Le Mans Series, the Michelin Le Mans Cup and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship:

Toyota Gazoo Racing: winners in the LMP1 class at the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans. Invited to compete in LMP1;

Signatech Alpine Matmut: winners in the LMP2 class at the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans. Invited to compete in LMP2;

AF Corse: winners in the LMGTE Pro class at the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans. Invited to compete in LMGTE Pro;

Team Project 1: winners in the LMGTE Am class at the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans. Invited to compete in LMGTE Am;

IDEC Sport: winners in the LMP2 class in the European Le Mans Series. Invited to compete in LMP2;

G-Drive Racing: runners-up in the LMP2 class in the European Le Mans Series. Invited to compete in LMP2;

The LMP2 invitation extended to the winners of the LMP3 class in the European Le Mans Series is pending confirmation (subject to appeal).

Luzich Racing: winners in the LMGTE class in the European Le Mans Series. Invited to compete in LMGTE (*);

Dempsey-Proton Racing: second in the LMGTE class in the European Le Mans Series. Invited to compete in LMGTE (*);

Kessel Racing: winners in the GT3 class in the Michelin Le Mans Cup. Invited to compete in LMGTE Am;

Two invitations are also awarded at the discretion of the organisers of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. (*) The competitor can choose to field either a Pro or an Am entry.

Four more invitations will be extended based on the outcome of the 2019-20 Asian Le Mans Series finale in Buriram (Thailand) on 23 February. They will be allotted as follows:

-the winners of the LMP2 class will be invited to compete in LMP2 at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans;
-the winners of the LMP2 Am class will be invited to compete in LMP2 or LMGTE Am;
-the winners of the LMP3 class will be invited to compete in LMP2 or LMGTE Am;
-the winners of the GT3 class will be invited to compete in LMGTE Am.

“Full-season FIA WEC entrants will also feature on the grid at the 88th Le Mans 24 Hours because the legendary endurance race is the final round of the 2019-20 WEC season. The grid will be completed by the teams selected among the applications submitted as of today.”

INVITATIONS TO THE 2021 24 HOURS OF LE MANS

“For the 89th Le Mans 24 Hours, to be held on 12–13 June 2021, the invitation process will be somewhat different. In the European Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series, invitations will be based on the number of cars fielded in each category:

“In the European Le Mans Series, in LMP2, one LMP2 invitation will be awarded to the winner on a grid of between 6 and 11 cars; two invitations will be awarded to the winner and runner-up on a grid of between 12 and 17 cars.

“In LMGTE, one LMGTE invitation will be awarded to the winner on a grid of between 4 and 7 cars; two invitations will be awarded to the winner and runner-up on a grid of between 8 and 11 cars. The winner in LMP3 will receive an invitation to compete in LMP2.

“In the Asian Le Mans Series, the same procedure will apply in LMP2 and in GT3. The winner in LMP3 will also receive an invitation. Based on the results of the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans, there will be:

-one invitation awarded to the winner of the LMP2 class.
-one invitation to the winner of the LMGTE Am class.

“These changes mean that the number of invitations for European Le Mans Series and Asian Le Mans Series competitors will be proportional to the size of the grid in those championships. There are no changes to the invitations extended to the winner of Michelin Le Mans Cup or those awarded to IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship competitors.”

Here’s the provisional WEC calendar for 2020/21

L'entrada WEC announces new ‘Hyperpole’ quali format for 2020 Le Mans 24 Hours ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having raced for Kessel Racing in the Gulf 12 Hours where they finished sixth overall and second in GT3 Pro/Am podium at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the team has decided to stick with the same trio for a full season in ELMS in 2019.

Frey, Gostner and Gatting will continue to drive the Swiss outfit’s #83 Ferrari 488 GTE car in the LMGTE category with its sister #60 car to be driven by Claudio Schiavoni – the remaining two members are yet to be confirmed.

For now, they have to tackle the six rounds in the ELMS calendar starting with Paul Ricard (April 14), followed by races in Monza (May 12), Barcelona (July 21), Silverstone (August 31), Spa-Francorchamps (September 22) and Portimao (October 27).

There is also a chance for them to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours race in June with the ACO yet to announce the remaining 18 teams for the grand event after the initial 42 names were revealed earlier in the month.

Michele Mouton, President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission said: “After a great first outing together at the Gulf 12 Hour race in Abu Dhabi last year, Manuela, Rahel and Michelle have been given a well-deserved opportunity to compete in the full ELMS season.

“Being given that chance by Kessel Racing, which fields top-class racing cars, really goes to show that female racers are more than capable of fighting at the front when they are given the right opportunities. A really big thank you to Kessel Racing, to the ELMS and the ACO for their support. Naturally we will be following their results with great interest.”

Gerard Neveu, CEO ELMS, added: “We are really proud to welcome Manuela, Rahel and Michelle to the ELMS paddock and with the FIA and the ACO we will support them in their ambition to compete at the very top of endurance racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“The ELMS has always been supportive of women taking part in our sport, whether as a team manager, engineer, mechanic or as driver. We hope that this 100% female line-up will become a source of inspiration for the next generation of competitors.”

L'entrada Frey, Gostner & Gatting form first all-female team for 2019 ELMS season ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

With an extensive experience in the single-seater championships, Carlin will now expand into sportscar racing with the announcement of the team joining the ELMS grid in the LMP2 category from the 2019 season onward.

The British team will use the Dallara P217 prototype and has revealed 20-year-old Jack Manchester – who races in the Blancpain GT – as its first driver signing. The full driver line-up for 2019 will be revealed at a later stage.

The team will use its workshop at Farnham to work on the car. It states that an expansion into Asian Le Mans series is a possibility. “The whole team are very excited about our move into LMP2,” said team boss, Trevor Carlin, upon the announcement.

“It’s an exciting category and a move that we’ve been assessing for a while. We see a lot of great drivers now move up the single-seater ranks and aim for professional drives in endurance racing rather than Formula 1, which shows the high respect this category of racing is held.

“For us, it’s another opportunity to hold onto and work with some great former Carlin drivers who are now at the professional level. In Jack, we have a very promising young British driver, right at the start of his career.

“We’re excited to work with him further and help him show his potential in LMP2.” Further details will be announced in due course of time. While this is Carlin’s first endurance programme, it has raced with roof-top cars when it entered 2001 Porsche Supercup series.

As Trevor said in this announcement quote, they have been long asked if the team will ever compete in F1 especially when they joined America’s IndyCar series, but with the expenses quite high in the category, they have long evaded joining F1.

With them joining the sportscar racing scene, it has opened up gates for several young drivers racing for them at junior levels where if they cannot make it to F1, they have an option to join its LMP2 programme in a bid to become professional racers.

Check out the full entry list for 2019

L'entrada Carlin expands to LMP2 from 2019 with Dallara as it joins ELMS grid ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having raced in the single-seater competitions thus far in his career, Maini makes a move to sportscar and endurance racing, joining RLR MSport team to compete full-time in the ELMS series which also includes a Le Mans 24 Hours drive in 2019.

The Indian will drive the Oreca 07 in the LMP2 class – the lead category in the series – alongside ex-F1 driver Bruno Senna and gentleman racer John Farano. Senna, though, won’t drive with them in Le Mans with the team to confirm its third driver soon.

“I’m extremely excited to make my endurance racing debut this year in the European Le Mans Series,” said Maini. “The highlight of the year will surely be the race at Le Mans and I’m hoping I can do my country proud as it is one of the most prestigious events in motor racing.

“It is imperative for anyone to succeed to be backed by a strong team and I think the team at RLR MSport will provide the perfect environment for me to perform at my very best, especially considering I will be racing in a category I have no prior experience in.

“Given that they are the reigning ELMS LMP3 Champions, the expectations for the 2019 season will be quite high and I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.” The Indian was contemplating a move elsewhere after a luckless rookie F2 campaign.

He also tested in the winter in Japan’s Super Formula series after being certain of no F2 return in 2019. It remains to be seen if he continues on with Haas F1 Team as their development driver, considering his move to sportscar.

Meanwhile, RLR MSport’s Nick Reynolds added: “RLR MSport’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the European Le Mans Series’ headlining LMP2 class is an important milestone for the team and we feel it’s absolutely imperative to maximise our chances of achieving great results by recruiting the best drivers.

“Arjun Maini has shown a great deal of innate speed during his illustrious single-seater career and his talent is unquestionable. I’m certain his transition to prototypes will be a successful one and that he will give a positive contribution to RLR MSport’s 2019 programme at Le Mans and throughout the European Le Mans season.”

While Maini is set to make his debut in endurance racing, the British outfit is making their return to the LMP2 class with a Oreca 07 Gibson, after a successful and title-winning (2018) LMP3 campaign with a Ligier JS P3.

L'entrada Maini moves to sportscar with full-time ELMS seat and Le Mans outing ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) teamed up with GreenGT and collected bottles of water which is said to be the only emission produced by the GreenGT LM PH2G hydrogen-powered car.

Four-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Yannick Dalmas drove the LMP3 prototype car powered by hydrogen for few laps around the famed Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with the run included a fuel pit stop demonstration.

“It’s a privilege to be part of such an event, to take the wheel of a hydrogen-powered car,” said Dalmas. “I can assure you I was not at all worried about driving a car with hydrogen on board. Everything is perfectly under control with numerous safety measures and checks.

“The stealthy silence of the prototype as it leaves the pit lane is remarkable. It feels different to drive and I needed to have several procedures explained. For a machine that is yet to enter the development stage, the whole package is really promising.

“For a brand-new machine without any performance development, it’s really promising. More than all when you know that the only emission out of this car is water vapor.” The media were presented with a bottle of ‘Eau de Voiture’ collected from the car’s exhaust.

ACO’s president, Pierre Fillon said: “Hydrogen is the future because we are aiming for zero-emission mobility. It is our role to develop high-performance, environmentally friendly technologies.”

Spa-Francorchamps’ director Nathalie Maillet added: “We’re honoured that Spa is the venue for this world premier. We were eager to see the demonstration of a hydrogen racing car. It’s great that Spa is the launchpad for Mission H24.”

The team stressed that the car is still in the experimental phase with engineering and reliability tests continue on while the development and optimisation programme along with performance yet to be touched upon.

During the 2018 Le Mans 24 Hours weekend, the annual press conference concluded with a presentation on hydrogen-powered cars by the ACO, which targeted to run the cars in the year 2024 especially in Le Mans.

Spec details released by Mission H24:

Chassis:

• Carbon LMP Chassis with steel frame
• Double wishbone pushrod suspension
• Carbon brakes

Engine:

• GreenGT electric-hydrogen powertrain (4-stack fuel cell with polymer electrolyte membrane) producing a constant 250kW
• 4 electric motors (2 per rear wheel)
• Maximum output of 480 kW at 13000 revs (653 hp)
• 2.4kWh KERS delivering 250 kW for 20 seconds

Transmission:

• Direct drive to rear wheels (ratio: 1:6.3)
• No gear box, no clutch, no mechanical differential
• Electronic torque management system

Hydrogen Storage:

• Fuel tank capacity: 8.6kg of hydrogen
• Storage pressure: 700 bars

Kinetic energy recovery system (KERS):

• 750V battery, nominal voltage
• Capacity: 2.4 kWh

Measurements:

• Length: 4 710 mm
• Height: 1 070 mm
• Width: 1 970 mm
• Wheelbase: 2 970 mm
• Front overhang: 1 000 mm
• Rear overhang: 740 mm
• Weight: 1 420 kg in working order (front: 39,8 % – rear: 60,2 %)
• Weight variation at refuel: 8.6kg

Wheels: A VERIFIER

• Front 30/68-18 Michelin Pilot Sport GT (hub 12X18)
• Rear 31/71-18 Michelin Pilot Sport GT (hub 13X18)

Performance:

• Maximum speed: + 300 kph
• 0–100 kph: 3.4 seconds
• 400 metres, standing start: 11 seconds
• Range: equivalent to other racing cars with comparable performance
• Refuelling time: 3 minutes.

Emissions into the atmosphere:

• Water vapour only

https://twitter.com/MissionH24/status/1043475505721356289

https://twitter.com/MissionH24/status/1043479017557557248

And first pit stop for #MissionH24! pic.twitter.com/wS38zlJFxg

— Mission H24 (@MissionH24) September 22, 2018

L'entrada Hydrogen-powered sportscar makes track debut at Spa-Francorchamps ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

LMP2

The main category of the series will set a record with the biggest amount of entries the series has ever seen. Seventeen LMP2 cars will be on the grid.

One of the most important changes is that 2017 champions G-Drive are to line-up two full-time cars, with FIA Formula E current leader Jean-Éric Vergne to make his series debut on G-Drive new entry. United Autosports and Algarve Pro Racing also swith from one entry to two. The second APR entry will be shared with Rebellion Racing and will have current ALMS champions Harrison Newey and Thomas Laurent on the nº. 31 car.

There will also be new teams. Spanish teams Racing Engineering and AVF by Adrián Vallés will make their series debut. Racing Engineering will line-up the nº. 24 Oreca with GP2/F2 race winner Norman Nato as its only driver confirmed so far; while AVF will be one of the few Dallara entries. The other new team is Duqueine Engineering, which switches from LMP3 to LMP2.

There will be a total of 17 cars: Seven Orecas, six Ligiers and four Dallaras.

LMP3

On LMP3 class, it will be eighteen cars that will fight for the title with United Autosports defending it. 2017 Michelin Le Mans Cup champions and runner-ups, DKR Engineering and Ecurie Ecose will make their series debut. BKH Motorsport also joins the series while the rest of the field stays the same. There will be a total of 15 Ligiers and three Normas.

LMGTE

Like it happened last year, six LMGTE cars will be lined-up in 2018. Three Ferraris and three Porsches will fight for the GT title with Michelin Le Mans GT3 Cup champions Ebimotors joining the series and Krohn racing returning to the class.

Season will start the 15th of April at Paul Ricard Circuit in Le Castellet, France. It will be a six-race (4 Hours each) season that will come to an end in October, with the race in Portimao as the season ender. Pre-season testing is to begin the 9th of April at the same venue that will hold the first round.

L'entrada ELMS official entry list released ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.