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Hungarian Grand Prix press conferences

The FIA has confirmed the press conference schedule for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

On Thursday at 15H00 Valtteri Bottas (Williams), Paul DiResta (Force India), Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber), Lewis Hamiton (Mercedes), Pastor Maldonado (Williams) and Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) will be fielding questions from the established F1 journalists.

Then on Friday at 16H00 Cyril Abiteboul (Caterham), John Booth (Marussia), Franz Tost (Toro Rosso), Claire Williams (Williams) and Toto Wolff (Mercedes) will have their time in front of the F1 establishment.

Hmmm, a question for Mr Tost, ‘Who will be replacing Ricciardo at Torro Rosso when he moves to Red Bull‘? Maybe one for Kimi as well (should we dare), ‘What made you decide to stay with Lotus‘? Let us see…

Hungarian Grand Prix Race Stewards confirmed

GARRY CONNELLY
DEPUTY PRESIDENT, FIA INSTITUTE; DIRECTOR, AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MOTOR SPORT SAFETY; F1 AND WTCC STEWARD; FIA WORLD MOTOR SPORT COUNCIL MEMBER

Garry Connelly has been involved in motor sport since the late 1960s. A long-time rally competitor, Connelly was instrumental in bringing the World Rally Championship to Australia in 1988 and served as Chairman of the Organising Committee, Board member and Clerk of Course of Rally Australia until December 2002.

He has been an FIA Steward and FIA Observer since 1989, covering the FIA’s World Rally Championship, World Touring Car Championship and Formula One Championship. He is a director of the Australian Institute of Motor Sport Safety and a member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

JOSE ABED
FIA VICE PRESIDENT

José Abed, an FIA Vice President since 2006, began competing in motor sport in 1961. In 1985, as a motor sport official, Abed founded the Mexican Organisation of International Motor Sport (OMDAI) which represents Mexico in the FIA.

He sat as its Vice- President from 1985 to 1999, becoming President in 2003. In 1986, Abed began promoting truck racing events in Mexico and from 1986 to 1992, he was President of Mexican Grand Prix organising committee.

In 1990 and 1991, he was President of the organising committee for the International Championship of Prototype Cars and from 1990 to 1995, Abed was designated Steward for various international Grand Prix events. Since 1990, Abed has been involved in manufacturing prototype chassis, electric cars, rally cars and kart chassis.

ALLAN MCNISH
EX-FORMULA ONE RACER, LE MANS WINNER AND FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER

With three Le Mans wins, four Sebring 12-Hour victories and three ALMS titles to his credit, Allan McNish has carved out a reputation as one of the world’s top sportscar racers. However, he began his career in single seaters, racing in Formula Vauxhall, British F3, and International F3000 before landing a seat with the Toyota F1 team for its debut season in 2002.

At the end of 2002 he parted company with Toyota and became a test driver for Renault. He then returned to sportscars where he once again built a hugely successful career.

This year he is again racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship and after wins at the 6 Hours of Silverstone and at Le Mans he currently leads the series alongside team-mates Tom Kristensen and Loïc Duval.

Ecclestone playing golf and other games

Can one of the TJ13 readers please assist a judge’s memory. When last have you seen Mr E on the golf course?

In an interview with Sport Bild Ecclestone was asked who is most likely to succeed him as CEO of Formula 1.

He replied, “Why not a woman? I can imagine that absolutely. I believe that women generally don’t have such big egos, and they don’t need to go and play golf in order to close deals.”

So let me get this straight, you play golf no? Mr E then went on to say, “They simply work harder to get the same recognition as men. And because their ego is less important, they are also less emotional in making decisions“.

With Monisha Kaltenborn likely to loose her position as team principal at Sauber her name has now also been thrown into the pot.

It is not news that questions are being asked about Mr E and his possible successor. Rumours have been swirling around for a while with potential candidates being linked to the role and with Mr E’s court case looming on the horizon these rumours are bound to increase.

So, if you are a lady and want the job then no emotions and hard work will get it for you, if you are a gentlemen hopefully you can play some golf…