F1 Grand Prix Corner

The world of Formula One, until recently, generally perceived as a man’s world, a place exclusively reserved for men where mechanics and engineers come together along with the drivers - strictly XY chromosomes! So does this mean that the F1 gene is only carried by the Y chromosome? Not at all! For a few years F1 has been slowly turning the page and while we are still far from being equal in numbers, women are slowly making their mark on the F1 world.

At Panasonic Toyota Racing, women actually play a key role and they are an essential link in connection with the success the team, including Public Relations officer, Fernanda Villas-Bôas. Fernanda and her team must make sure that the media are satisfied, and that includes organizing interviews and photoshoots, and when the camera’s are rolling, her team is never very far away. Constantly answering requests from the media, while unceasingly seeking out new ideas to increase the team’s interest in the media are all part of her job description.

Fernanda agreed to let us interview her this time, rather than set up an interview with someone else and on a flight between Paris and Cologne, she took the time to answer our questions and allow us to better understand her role within Panasonic Toyota Racing.
Continue reading Women and F1 - an interview with Fernanda Villas-Boas »

BMW Sauber F1 driver Robert Kubica, took part in the first official FIA press conference ahead of the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, round five of the 2007 Formula One season, and he revealed that he is feeling more than confident ahead of his first race here behind the wheel of an F1 contender….

Robert Kubica, fourth for the team in Spain yet again, but I’m sure you were happy with it.
Well, of course I was happy, not only because of the fourth place but because this was the first race this season without any problem, that the car was working 100 percent, and that we hadn’t made any mistake in qualifying. Everybody has worked well, so the results come. The results should have already come in the first race in Australia, but I hope that Barcelona was not our first race without problems and not the last one this season.
Continue reading BMW Robert Kubica eager for Monaco debut »

Renault rookie Heikki Kovalainen is one of several drivers on this year’s grid that may have raced around the Monaco circuit at some stage of their motor racing careers, but this weekend will be the first time in their short Formula One careers that they will get to realize the complete challenge that makes up the race around the tight and twisty streets of Monte Carlo.

However, the daunting layout and the threat of rain has not dampened the young Finn’s excitement about this weekend’s race in any way shape or form and he is looking forward to what he believes will be a fantastic challenge.

Heikki, you raced in Monaco in GP2. Are you looking forward to racing on the streets in an F1 car?
Continue reading Renault: Heikki Kovalainen looking forward to a fantastic challenge »