1991 Ferrari 348ts "serviced, Beautiful, Original!!!" on 2040-cars

Auto blog

First test of Formula 1 shield cut short, Vettel reports dizziness

At this weekend's Formula One British Grand Prix, Ferrari driver and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel tested the "shield," a polycarbonate canopy intended to protect a driver in an accident. Teams have tested other protective devices like the "halo," but Vettel was the first to trial the new shield. In theory, the shield would protect from debris like a loose wheel or a bouncing spring without hampering visibility. Unfortunately, Vettel called it quits early after getting dizzy out on the track. There has been a big push in recent years to make the sport safer for drivers, especially after the death of Jules Bianchi in 2015. In 2009, Felipe Massa missed much of the season after being hit in the head by a broken suspension part. The shield is essentially a windshield or canopy, protecting the driver from anything coming into the car. The open top allows the driver to escape quickly. Vettel said the curvature of the shield distorted his vision and made him dizzy. He also complained about irregular airflow coming over the shield on the back straight, forcing his head forward. We'll have to wait to see how things develop. The FIA is determined to introduce some sort of head protection, but the current solutions are proving difficult to implement. Related Video:

Ferrari Names Sergio Marchionne CEO | Autoblog Minute

Sergio Marchionne is consolidating his power at the iconic Italian sports car maker. By adding the CEO title he will have even more power and control over the daily operations of Ferrari. Ferrari Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video Sergio Marchionne

Ferrari fined 50,000 euros after Kimi Raikkonen runs over mechanic

MANAMA, Bahrain — Ferrari was fined 50,000 euros ($61,385) on Sunday after one of its Formula One mechanics was hit by Kimi Raikkonen's car and suffered a broken leg during a Bahrain Grand Prix pitstop. Raikkonen, who had been in third place, was told to stop immediately and retired in the pitlane while teammate Sebastian Vettel went on to win. At an IndyCar race in Phoenix over the weekend, meanwhile, Alexander Rossi and Sebastien Bourdais both also were penalized when they made contact with their mechanics. Ferrari said the mechanic on the left rear wheel, named only as Francesco, had been taken to hospital with a suspected shin bone and fibula fracture. He was knocked over as the Finn was wrongly given the signal to leave with only three tires replaced and the other still to be removed. "I go when the light is green. I don't see what happens behind and unfortunately he got hurt," said Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion. "My job is to go when the light says so. Hopefully, he's OK." The Finn was left sitting in his car for a while before stepping out while the mechanics focused on their stricken team mate on the floor. Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne wished the mechanic a speedy recovery in his post-race statement. "I am sorry for Kimi who could certainly have finished on the podium," he added. It was the second time Ferrari had been penalized for an unsafe release over the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. It was fined 5,000 euros after Raikkonen was sent out of the pits with a loose wheel in Friday practice. Race stewards said that in Sunday's incident the car was released "in a manner endangering team personnel and causing injury." Reporting by Alan BaldwinRelated Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Image Credit: Getty Motorsports Ferrari Racing Vehicles F1 Kimi Raikkonen sebastien bourdais