In the round-up: Alexander Albon says he has not only returned to full fitness during the off-season after an appendicitis setback last September, but has now surpassed his physical condition from the start of 2022.
In brief
Albon’s physical recovery now complete
The Williams driver went into 2022 having spent a year out of F1 and racing in the DTM instead, meaning he had to work harder to become race-fit, then during his comeback campaign he had to miss the Italian Grand Prix when he went down with appendicitis and had to have surgery during the race weekend.
At Williams’ 2023 livery presentation Albon said he was now “definitely” back to 100% fitness, and in a better shape than when he returned to F1.
“I spent a lot of time travelling the world [in 2022]. It sounds like I’m like a big old jetsetter,” Albon explained. “I spent a lot of time in Thailand and Los Angeles, just making sure I got back that fitness that I felt like I got to a good point, but not pre-Monza, let’s say.
“Whereas now I feel like I’m sort of actually better than I was even this time last year. So feeling in a good position. Getting ready for these 23 races.”
Ferrari 643 sold at auction
A Ferrari 643 piloted by Jean Alesi and Gianni Morbidelli during the 1991 Formula 1 has just been sold by auction house RM Sotheby’s for €3.66 million (£3.27 million).
The car, powered by a 3.5-litre V12 engine and using an early example of a semi-automatic gearbox in F1, is chassis number 127 and made its debut in the hands of Alesi at the French Grand Prix, the seventh race of the season. He finished fourth, then retired from the British Grand Prix following a collision.
The chassis appeared on track again at the season-ending Australian Grand Prix and was driven by new Ferrari signing Gianni Morbidelli, who was substituting for Alain Prost. Morbidelli achieved his first points finish, scoring half a point by finishing sixth in what was the shortest race held until that point.
The car was then sold to a South African collector, and following a sale in 2010 it remained in that country but finally returned to action at the Kyalami track. The next owner even entered the car into races, including the Nurburgring’s Oldtimer Grand Prix.
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IndyCar driver to contest NASCAR’s biggest race
Ed Carpenter Racing’s Conor Daly will warm up for the 2023 IndyCar season by entering this month’s Daytona 500, the opening race and blue riband event of the NASCAR Cup season.
Daly will attempt to qualify for the race, which has more entrants than starting spots, and will also race in NASCAR at Circuit of the Americas in March and during the ‘Brickyard’ weekend in August where IndyCar races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday and NASCAR on Sunday.
He will drive for The Money Team Racing, co-owned by boxer Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who he made his Cup Series debut with last year.
Penske continue long-term Verizon partnership
Team Penske has announced a multi-year extension to its sponsorship agreement with telecommunications company Verizon in IndyCar. Reigning champion Will Power’s car will continue to have Verizon as its primary sponsor, as has been the case since 2009.
“Very few drivers are lucky enough to have the support of one partner for as long as I’ve had the opportunity to work with Verizon,” said Power.
“They have been instrumental in my career – a career that would likely have looked much different without them. I still have things I want to accomplish, and I look forward to representing them and bringing the Verizon Chevy back to the winner’s circle.”
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Pruett: Some surprise takeaways from IndyCar’s Thermal test (Racer)
‘If the things I saw at Spring Training hold firm through to the September finale at Laguna Seca, we’re in for one heck of a season. Two drivers starred at the test, and I couldn’t be happier for them as sophomore Kyle Kirkwood was the fastest person across Thursday and Friday for Andretti Autosport and rookie Agustin Canapino silenced a lot of doubters with his efforts for Juncos Hollinger Racing.’
South African rising star Mika Abrahams joins Fortec for 2023 British F4 campaign (British F4)
‘Abrahams arrives in Britain after four years of karting in South Africa and Italy and an impressive campaign in last year’s Danish F4. Denmark’s championship uses the first-generation Mygale chassis – rather than the latest generation Tatuus T-421 found on British grids – and is open to 14-year-olds.’
Safe extrication: How ‘Red car’ exercises protect personnel in electric racing (FIA)
‘A feature in the FIA Formula E World Championship since its inception, ‘red car’ extrication exercises serve to keep drivers, medical and rescue teams safe from harm and ready to face electric hazards.’
The ultimate Renault Clio Williams stunningly restored for auction (CarScoops)
‘One of the greatest hot hatches of the ’90s in pristine condition inside-out will soon be offered by Silverstone Auctions.’
MSc Motorsport scholarship programme (Royal Academy of Engineering)
‘The MSc Motorsport scholarship programme, a new programme created with the support of the Ignite Partnership, aims to support individuals from Black or mixed Black ethnic backgrounds who wish to study a master’s degree in motorsport (or a related eligible course). If you are in the final year of your undergraduate degree, or you have graduated within the last 3 years and you meet all other eligibility criteria, you can apply.’
TSN, TSN+ to provide live TV coverage of 2023 IndyCar season in Canada (IndyCar)
‘TSN and TSN+ are Canada’s new home for live coverage of the IndyCar series. Eight races will be available on TSN’s national television feeds, including the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the Indianapolis 500 and Indy Toronto. TSN+ will provide complete live coverage of all 17 races on the schedule.’
Matteo de Palo joins roster for 2023 Spanish F4 (Campos Racing)
‘The young Italian karter is another addition for this season’s title defense in the Spanish F4 series. De Palo is one of the most remarkable young talents on the international motorsport scene.’
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Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Straightline, Sandlefish, Yogesh and Manox!
On this day in motorsport
- 40 years ago today Lotus launched the 93T, designed by Martin Ogilvie, its first new F1 car after Colin Chapman’s death
