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A NOTE TO ALL READERS:
WE ARE CURRENTLY UNDER RECONSTRUCTION. WE WILL RETURN SOON WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND RUMOURS FROM OUR CRACK STAFF.
RED BULL TO BUY MINARDI?
By: Alan Bischoff (GR&D)September 2, 2005
MONZA, Italy -- The paddock at Monza is buzzing with the latest rumour to potentially shake up the F1 scene in a big way. According to our sources, Red Bull is on the verge of buying Minardi from Paul Stoddart. The deal is said to be almost complete and could be signed as early as this weekend with it being finalized next week before the Belgian Grand Prix.
Our sources have told us that the new team would be badged Red Bull USA. This would be a satellite team to Red Bull Racing likely sharing technical data and operations. The team would feature American driver Scott Speed, who is currently signed to be a Red Bull test driver. The loser of the Christian Klien vs. Vitantonio Liuzzi duel for the second RBR seat will get the second seat at Red Bull USA. Other driver rumours have Klien getting the RB USA seat while Liuzzi takes the RBR seat.
On the engine front, given Red Bull Racing's new ties with Ferrari, Red Bull USA could have access to the 2005-spec Ferrari V10 engine. Minardi currently has a contract to run 2005-spec Cosworth V10 engines in 2006 but running Ferrari engines may benefit the team in the long-term.
The possible purchase of Minardi by Red Bull also changes the landscape of the Formula One political spectrum. Red Bull is one the Bernie Ecclestone supporters while Minardi is currently aligned with the anti-Ecclestone teams. This purchase would make four teams in support of Ecclestone and six against.
HEIDFELD TO BAR-HONDA?
By: Alan Bischoff (GR&D)August 13, 2005
Latest word from Formula One insiders has Williams-BMW's lead driver, Nick Heidfeld, going to BAR-Honda for the 2006 season as opposed to the more often rumoured move to the new BMW squad. BAR-Honda sources state the team has signed Heidfeld to a pre-contract that gives him a seat contingent on Williams not picking up his contract.
The move is believed to spite Williams from getting their higher driver in the points standings from driving for them next season. It is unlikely that "Quick Nick" will return to Williams as BMW is leaving the British team to start their own effort. Therefore, Williams is unlikely to pick up the option on an unhappy driver.
Another scenario regarding the German is Williams picking up the 2006 option on Heidfeld. His contract would then be sold to BMW, BAR-Honda, or any other team willing to be the highest bidder. Current rumours have BAR willing to pay $5 million to the German.