Bob Fernley

Ecclestone finds an ally in Bob Fernley

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“We stand on the threshold of a new beginning. In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society, which I assure you will last for ten thousand years. An Empire that will continue to be ruled by this august … Read more

Pat Symonds describes Fernley comments as ‘ridiculous’.

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At his first F1 strategy group meeting, the once much loved straight talking Yorkshire man tried to stymie the 2015 entrance of the Manor team. Then following Manor’s inability to fix a problem on Will Stevens car in time for the qualifying session in Malaysia, Fernley alleged that Manor F1 never intended to run two … Read more

#F1 Daily News and Comment: Wednesday 18th March 2015

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A Daily Round up of Formula One news, inside whispers, opinion and comment. Today, OTD Lite 2008 – Jean Todt resigns from Ferrari Hamilton joins the chorus of Red Bull criticism Renault blame Red Bull for problems in Australia Force India’s Fernley sheds no tears for Red Bull Manor to race in Malaysia Bernie “detonates” … Read more

#F1 Features: Fernly explains again his reasons for blocking Marussia return to #F1

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There are times in life where discretion is the better part of valour. Understanding this in future may stand Bob Fernly in good stead. Having outperformed Lotus in 2014, Force India took their seat around the F1 Strategy Group table and at their first meeting the Silverstone based team were credited with blocking the former … Read more

#F1 Daily News and Comment: Monday 9th February 2015

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This page will be updated throughout the day. Please if you are on Twitter press the tweet button below. If you re-write and tweet individual story headlines don’t forget to include #F1. You may not realise how hugely important this is and has helped grow our community significantly Previously on TheJudge13: #TJ13 #F1 Courtroom Podcast: … Read more

Daily News and Comment: Tuesday 16th April 2013

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More tyres and more drivers Having sat his naughty boys down for a little chat following their first lap tete a tete during the race in Shanghai, Bob builder of fast cars has turned his attention to the bigger F1 picture. With the ‘support’ of one Mr. Bernard Charles Ecclestone, the assistant principal of the … Read more

Force India decision makers log jammed over both 2013 driver choices

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Di Resta confirmed debate

I am amazed at the people who are certain Paul Di Resta is driving for Force India in 2013. I have been repeatedly questioned in my assertion that Force India have not announced this. Prior to today I’ve been repeatedly told he has a seat fitting and that Vijay told us in September he would be offering an extension to his drivers – as rumours of Hulkenbergs departure began to surface.

We’ve seen today the value of an F1 driving ‘contract’ as the likeable Timo Glock departs F1. For those ‘unbelievers’ who think Di Resta is a done deal, google something like ‘Force India announce Di Resta’ – and you will see a plethora of news stories about the announcements made for the season just ended.

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Fernley criticises Hulkenberg, ‘Concorde’ agreement faces anti-competitive legal scrutiny, Williams lose 2 contracts in 1 week, SKY need new sposnor, McLaren target 2s stops ‘as normal’, Austrain GP no go, Barrichello to leave INDY

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Follow thejudge13: Why not follow thejudge13 by email. Click on the button at the top right of the page to receive an email when (and only when) a new article hits the interweb.

Fearnly criticises Hulkneberg: It appears Nico Hulkenberg’s move to Sauber may not have been the best decision of his career – if you listen to deputy team principal of Force India, Bob Fernley.”Nico has left the team at an inopportune moment for him,” he suggested in an interview with Autosport ‘.

He goes on to argue, “If you look at the stats since the summer break, the Force India car was clearly the fifth best performing. We’re still quite a distance off the top four, but since the summer break we’ve forged ahead of all the others.”

We then get the usual platitudes of separated lovers remaining friends, “We’re very sad to see Nico go,” he said. “He’s been a great asset to the team. We’ve enjoyed having him around and it’s a loss to us. There’s no question that we’re sad he’s leaving.”

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Indian GP Review: Newey to Ferrari? Less races for Europe? Bernie’s birthday bash, Alonso’s dig at Vettel

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The news stories together with post race thoughts following the interviews. First some news…

Less races for Europe: Whilst Bernie is usually newsworthy and highly entertaining, he is either actually becoming senile – or I am just sick and tired of his monotonous monologue on a certain subject. The race calendar and new circuits. We were told in an interview on SKY that Europe will be losing another 3 races on Friday, and then on Sunday according to Mr. E France and the Paul Ricard is close a 7 year deal.

Then after Nurburgring telling us they have a contract for an extended race deal, Ecclestone  contradicts this, “Yes, there are negotiations with Hockenheim about the race in 2013,” (Wirtschaftswoch).

I’m getting really bored with the silly track in/out game.

Bernie’s birthday bash: There was an unassuming gathering for champagne at breakfast on race day. Most team principals were there but only 2 drivers popped in – Grosjean and Hamilton.

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Caterham: Is Gascoyne leaving? NY 2013 – No, maybe.., Lauda unveils Mercedes new ‘concept’ for 2013, DRS zone altered for BIC, Ecclestone gets $400m bill

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Daily News

Indian GP, Race Strategy: For a full track characteristics overview and Indian GP race strategy report, no one does it better than James Allen on his F1 News site (http://connect.jamesallenonf1.com). Includes: form guide, weather forecast, likely tyre perfomance, pit stop strategy, chance of safety car, start performance table and pit stop table plus comment from one of F1’s most experienced specialist observers.

DRS zone strategy: The FIA have made changes to the Buddh International Circuit DRS zones. As well as having the original zone that runs along the maximum distance of the start-finish straight, there is a second DRS zone that runs from Turn 3 to Turn 4 and this has been extended by 80 metres.

It appears the FIA are getting to grips with DRS zone lengths. The tracks where the racing is less exciting is where they have taken gambles on going long on the zone lengths. The extended zones this year have been predominantly after tight hairpins/very slow corners. (Canada, Valencia, Korea, India), so it could be the first zone in Abu Dhabi is also extended. If this is the case then Austin is also likely to have a fairly extensive zone on the long straight.

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