Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Wednesday, July 29.
Wednesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
F1 'fully open' to Russian team - Brawn
© Reuters
Formula 1 is "fully open" to welcoming a new Russian team to the sport, according to sporting boss Ross Brawn.
Rumours about Russian interest have been circulating for some time, especially since last September, when trade minister Denis Manturov said a Russian team is "not far off".
Around the same time, SMP Bank founder Boris Rotenberg, who backs Sergey Sirotkin, said: "Do we want to create a Formula 1 team? I think the more teams there are, the more opportunities there will be for our drivers."
Brawn says he would be open to the idea of a Russian team, but only once the coronavirus crisis is behind Formula 1.
"We need a period of stability after this global pandemic and we also want to ensure the new rules settle down from 2022," he is quoted by RT.
"We have a great grid with ten exciting teams and it is not essential to increase this number. However, the new economic climate within Formula 1, budget caps and a more fairly distributed prize fund makes an investment in a Formula 1 team far more attractive," Brawn added.
"If there was interest from a Russian team or any other that we thought was sustainable then we would be fully open to exploring the opportunity."
Portimao to Imola logistics 'insane' - Zehnder
© Reuters
Imola's 2020 grand prix has been reduced to two days instead of three for logistical reasons.
As the races in the US, Brazil and Mexico were cancelled due to the pandemic, Formula 1 also announced that new races at the Nurburgring, Portimao and Imola will all take place in October and November.
Imola's round, however, will be the only one with a two-day schedule - minus the usual Friday. The details are yet to be clarified.
But according to Alfa Romeo team manager Beat Zehnder, the decision to drop Friday is because of the logistical challenge of travelling from the south of Portugal to northern Italy within mere days.
"The logistical effort is insane," Zehnder told the Swiss newspaper Blick.
"There are 2500 kilometres between Portimao and Imola. The team trucks will have to drive straight through, only stopping to refuel."
He explained that the usual two drivers per truck is not even enough, revealing "We'll have to bring in external drivers".
So with all the coronavirus measures in the paddock, and with staff confined to their 'bubble' at either the circuit or the hotel, Zehnder admitted that 2020 is not the most enjoyable year in his long F1 career.
"It's very easy to complain," he said. "But it was especially important for Formula 1 to set an example. So far there has not been a single corona case and everything is running smoothly.
"We can be proud that we got it going at all."
More news from Formula 1:
Brazil, Mexico may sue F1 over axe of 2020 races
F1 race promoters in Brazil and Mexico could sue Liberty Media over their cancelled 2020 races. Read more.
Wolff seeks answer to Mercedes' smoky 2020 engine
Mercedes wants to get to the bottom of a conspicuously smoky issue with its 2020 engine, according to team boss Toto Wolff. Read more.
Sainz, Leclerc to move to Maranello in 2021 - Elkann
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc will move to Maranello next year, Ferrari chairman John Elkann has announced. Read more.
Wolff says talks with Mercedes 'on right track'
Toto Wolff says his talks with Daimler over his future at the top of Mercedes' works team are "on the right track". Read more.
2021 'token' system not fair on McLaren - Seidl
McLaren has added its concerns to the complex 'token' system that will govern car upgrades for 2021. Read more.
British Grand Prix: Five talking points ahead of Silverstone race
5 Talking Points ahead of the British Grand Prix Read more.
British Grand Prix: Five of the best editions at Silverstone
Sunday's race is the British Grand Prix, with teams set to reconvene at the same venue a week later for the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. Read more.
Heidfeld says expectations on Leclerc 'unrealistic'
Charles Leclerc has not had a good start to 2020, according to former F1 driver Nick Heidfeld. Read more.
Red Bull, Honda to hold meeting before Silverstone
Honda officials are meeting with their Red Bull counterparts this week to discuss the disappointing start to their 2020 championship campaign. Read more.
Haas undeterred by Hungary radio penalty
Gunther Steiner says Haas will not change its approach to racing, even though it cost the small American team in Hungary. Read more.
Aston Martin deadline looming for Vettel - report
Sebastian Vettel has mere days to decide if he wants to join the Racing Point team - set to become Aston Martin - in 2021. Read more.
