LONDON: John Booth replaced Alex Tai as Virgin Racing team principal on Tuesday, less than a month after British entrepreneur Richard Branson launched the Formula One newcomers.
The team, whose entirely digitally-designed car has yet to turn a wheel on a racetrack, added in a statement that Graeme Lowden would take the role of chief executive.
Booth is the founder of British-based Manor Motorsport, who have a strong record in junior series and secured the original Formula One entry before doing a deal with Virgin, and was previously sporting director.
Virgin Racing said the change was “part of the planned evolution of the team and continued development of the business.”
“These appointments reflect our long-term commitment to fully addressing the complexity and challenges of the newbusiness and to creating a team with the appropriate skills and experience to ensure its sustainable success,” added team chairman Etienne de Villiers.
Tai will continue as director of special projects for Branson’s Virgin Group.
Virgin Racing are one of four new teams due to make their debuts when the season starts in Bahrain on March 14.
Tai said on December 15, at the formal launch, that Virgin Racing was fully funded for the season ahead. The team have signed Germany’s Timo Glock and Brazilian Lucas di Grassi as their drivers. Investors include the private equity arm of Britain’s bailed-out Lloyds Banking Group.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Schumacher must fear Alonso, says Ferrari boss
MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO, Italy: Michael Schumacher could rue his departure from Ferrari because Fernando Alonso is perfectly placed to beat the German to the world title again, team boss Stefano Domenicali said on Wednesday.
The former Renault driver beat Schumacher to the 2005 and 2006 world titles and Domenicali is confident his new recruitcan repeat the trick.
“Let’s not forget Fernando is the only driver on the track who in his career has beaten Michael (to the world championship),” Domenicali told a packed news conference at Ferrari’s winter ski retreat.
“Fernando has everything to beat him.”
Ferrari fans around the world were upset by Schumacher’s exit, especially after he nearly returned for the Italian team last season as a temporary replacement for the injured Brazilian Felipe Massa.
A neck injury prevented the German from making a comeback on that occasion.
“Of course, it is right not to forget that what has happened has left its mark. Now we have to turn the page. We have to show Michael that this is a strong team. We want to win,” he added.
“We thought of Michael last year because he is an extraordinary and strong driver. But Fernando and Felipe are able to beat him even if Michael is still very strong.”
Schumacher is testing a GP2 car in Jerez this week and has caused controversy in Italy by wearing a red helmet, like the one he sported during his years of triumph at Ferrari.
“Obviously to leave a family is difficult. Some feelings clearly remain,” Domenicali added with a smile on his face.
A relaxed Alonso, who has replaced Kimi Raikkonen, has been enjoying himself at the annual ski retreat, his first official Ferrari engagement, and many fans and journalists have commented how natural he looks in the red uniform. But the cars themselves will make the difference and Domenicali acknowledged that fuel consumption, where Mercedes are expected to have an advantage, could be crucial for the coming season which starts in Bahrain on March 14.
“I believe this year consumption will be fundamental. We are working very hard with Shell on this. We have relative expectations but we are going in the right direction. Let’s not forget Renault too,” he said.
The former Renault driver beat Schumacher to the 2005 and 2006 world titles and Domenicali is confident his new recruitcan repeat the trick.
“Let’s not forget Fernando is the only driver on the track who in his career has beaten Michael (to the world championship),” Domenicali told a packed news conference at Ferrari’s winter ski retreat.
“Fernando has everything to beat him.”
Ferrari fans around the world were upset by Schumacher’s exit, especially after he nearly returned for the Italian team last season as a temporary replacement for the injured Brazilian Felipe Massa.
A neck injury prevented the German from making a comeback on that occasion.
“Of course, it is right not to forget that what has happened has left its mark. Now we have to turn the page. We have to show Michael that this is a strong team. We want to win,” he added.
“We thought of Michael last year because he is an extraordinary and strong driver. But Fernando and Felipe are able to beat him even if Michael is still very strong.”
Schumacher is testing a GP2 car in Jerez this week and has caused controversy in Italy by wearing a red helmet, like the one he sported during his years of triumph at Ferrari.
“Obviously to leave a family is difficult. Some feelings clearly remain,” Domenicali added with a smile on his face.
A relaxed Alonso, who has replaced Kimi Raikkonen, has been enjoying himself at the annual ski retreat, his first official Ferrari engagement, and many fans and journalists have commented how natural he looks in the red uniform. But the cars themselves will make the difference and Domenicali acknowledged that fuel consumption, where Mercedes are expected to have an advantage, could be crucial for the coming season which starts in Bahrain on March 14.
“I believe this year consumption will be fundamental. We are working very hard with Shell on this. We have relative expectations but we are going in the right direction. Let’s not forget Renault too,” he said.
Ecclestone proposes grand prix shortcuts
MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO, Italy: Bernie Ecclestone wants to introduce “shortcuts” on race tracks to boost entertainment and allow the top drivers to do more overtaking, the Formula One supremo said on Wednesday.
The idea, which has yet to garner support from teams, would be another radical change to the sport with nothing similar ever having been adopted.
“I’ve tried to push the teams with a number of proposals. Imagine a shortcut which a driver can use five times every race. It would stop people getting stuck behind others. It would be good for TV,” the 79-year-old told reporters at Ferrari’s pre-season ski retreat.
Ecclestone also complained that brakes in Formula One cars were too efficient and reduced the amount of overtaking which fans like to watch.
In spite of believing the sport can be improved, the Briton reckoned this season would be among the best with Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and the returning Michael Schumacher all on the grid.
Ecclestone, who laughed and joked with Alonso after a day’s skiing, repeated his belief that some of the new teams added to Formula One this season may struggle to race.
Elsewhere, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher said he was satisfied with the crucial track time he secured on his second day of testing in Jerez in spite of rain restricting his programme.
Schumacher, who has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in the Formula One world championship on a three-year, 30-million-dollar deal, again drove a GP2 car as F1 testing is banned until February.
Schumacher’s first day on the track, Tuesday, was restricted by heavy rain, but he is due to drive again at the Spanish venue on Thursday.
The idea, which has yet to garner support from teams, would be another radical change to the sport with nothing similar ever having been adopted.
“I’ve tried to push the teams with a number of proposals. Imagine a shortcut which a driver can use five times every race. It would stop people getting stuck behind others. It would be good for TV,” the 79-year-old told reporters at Ferrari’s pre-season ski retreat.
Ecclestone also complained that brakes in Formula One cars were too efficient and reduced the amount of overtaking which fans like to watch.
In spite of believing the sport can be improved, the Briton reckoned this season would be among the best with Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and the returning Michael Schumacher all on the grid.
Ecclestone, who laughed and joked with Alonso after a day’s skiing, repeated his belief that some of the new teams added to Formula One this season may struggle to race.
Elsewhere, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher said he was satisfied with the crucial track time he secured on his second day of testing in Jerez in spite of rain restricting his programme.
Schumacher, who has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in the Formula One world championship on a three-year, 30-million-dollar deal, again drove a GP2 car as F1 testing is banned until February.
Schumacher’s first day on the track, Tuesday, was restricted by heavy rain, but he is due to drive again at the Spanish venue on Thursday.
Ferrari inspired by Schumacher challenge
ROME: Ferrari insisted on Wednesday that they are desperate not to be upstaged by Michael Schumacher’s high-profile Formula One return.
Seven-time world champion Schumacher, who enjoyed a 14-year association with Ferrari, has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in the world championship which gets underway in March. But Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali believes that his new signing, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, can trump whatever Schumacher can produce.
“He (Schumacher) decided to accept this challenge so I think that he is convinced that he has the possibility to prevail, confirming the confidence we had in him,” said Domenicali. “Now he’s a competitor and we’ll give it our all to be ahead of him, as we do with all the others, too. For the whole team his decision is a further stimulus.
“Naturally, seeing him yesterday (at testing in Jerez) with the red helmet he wore when he was with us, it seems that also he has some difficulties drawing a line under the past.”
With Formula One in the middle of a winter testing ban, the 41-year-old Schumacher got behind the wheel of a GP2 car, which is close to F1 specifications, at Jerez in Spain on Tuesday.
The German legend, who signed a three-year, 30-million-dollar deal with Mercedes, was due to test again on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meanwhile, world motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi will test a Ferrari in Barcelona later this month.
The test on January 20-21 in an F2008 Ferrari will not be the first time Rossi has tested an F1 car.
Domenicali refused to rule out the possibility of Yamaha’s Rossi switching racing codes.
“Never say never. There has been a lot of discussion about a third car and this could be an interesting improvement,” said the Ferrari boss.
Domenicali also announced the season’s new car would be unveiled on January 28 and insisted that the team has worked extensively on reliability issues.
Seven-time world champion Schumacher, who enjoyed a 14-year association with Ferrari, has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in the world championship which gets underway in March. But Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali believes that his new signing, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, can trump whatever Schumacher can produce.
“He (Schumacher) decided to accept this challenge so I think that he is convinced that he has the possibility to prevail, confirming the confidence we had in him,” said Domenicali. “Now he’s a competitor and we’ll give it our all to be ahead of him, as we do with all the others, too. For the whole team his decision is a further stimulus.
“Naturally, seeing him yesterday (at testing in Jerez) with the red helmet he wore when he was with us, it seems that also he has some difficulties drawing a line under the past.”
With Formula One in the middle of a winter testing ban, the 41-year-old Schumacher got behind the wheel of a GP2 car, which is close to F1 specifications, at Jerez in Spain on Tuesday.
The German legend, who signed a three-year, 30-million-dollar deal with Mercedes, was due to test again on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meanwhile, world motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi will test a Ferrari in Barcelona later this month.
The test on January 20-21 in an F2008 Ferrari will not be the first time Rossi has tested an F1 car.
Domenicali refused to rule out the possibility of Yamaha’s Rossi switching racing codes.
“Never say never. There has been a lot of discussion about a third car and this could be an interesting improvement,” said the Ferrari boss.
Domenicali also announced the season’s new car would be unveiled on January 28 and insisted that the team has worked extensively on reliability issues.
Qasim, Asif retained as PHF president: secretary
KARACHI: Congress of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) met here on Tuesday at Hockey Club of Pakistan and has retained Qasim Zia as President and Muhammad Asif Bajwa as Secretary unanimously for the term of next four years.
Representatives from the country approved the proposed panel in the meeting of 46th Congress of PHF.
The other elected members are Vice Presidents Nawab Lashkari Raisani (Balochistan), Saeed Khan (NWFP), Wasay Jalil (Sindh), Barrister Shahida Jamil (Women’s Wing), Associate Secretary Rana Mujahid Ali and Treasurer Khalid Rasool.
Chief Election Commissioner Rao Iftikhar and Ejaz Gul conducted the elections proceedings. Congress also approved the amendment in the constitution of PHF.
However, the agenda of the meeting, which was circulated in Pakistan Olympics Association, Pakistan Sports Board and other different units, didn’t mention about any amendment in the constitution.
“Only notices were sent to PHF units, which was not the right way to make an amendment in the constitution. They should have informed POA, PSB and other units before making any amendment in the constitution,” a source told PPI.
According to the amendment, the members of the PHF Executive Board have been increased from 14 to 18. Now Executive Board members will be President PHF, four vice presidents, Secretary General, Associate Secretary, Treasurer, two representatives from the departments, three technocrats and four provincial secretaries.
PHF President Qasim Zia addressing the press briefing after the Congress meeting said that the Pakistan Hockey is moving in the right direction and new players are now hopeful of a secure future in the national game.
“After many years, Pakistan team has displayed brilliant performances and recently reached the final of Champions Challenge League final,” he said.
He said that Pakistani players are very talented and they only need proper guidance and direction to represent Pakistan strongly in the international arena.
“I don’t promise that Pakistan will clinch World Cup. But we are hopeful that that our team would make worthy achievement in the prestigious event and will not let down their fans,” he said.
He further said that their target is Asian Games title and they are preparing their team accordingly.
He said that international tournaments in the country are very important for the promotion of hockey in the country but the prevailing security issue is posing hindrance for holding of such event.
“It is good to see Pakistan Boxing Federation holding an international boxing event in which many countries are participating. But the story is different in hockey. Hockey needs a vast open ground which is difficult to secure whereas boxing is an indoor sport,” he said.
However, he said that PHF is making efforts to bring international events back to the country and the coming of FIH president to Pakistan is a proof of their efforts.
“We got some positive responses from international bodies and hopefully we would be able to host some international event in near future,” he said.
Representatives from the country approved the proposed panel in the meeting of 46th Congress of PHF.
The other elected members are Vice Presidents Nawab Lashkari Raisani (Balochistan), Saeed Khan (NWFP), Wasay Jalil (Sindh), Barrister Shahida Jamil (Women’s Wing), Associate Secretary Rana Mujahid Ali and Treasurer Khalid Rasool.
Chief Election Commissioner Rao Iftikhar and Ejaz Gul conducted the elections proceedings. Congress also approved the amendment in the constitution of PHF.
However, the agenda of the meeting, which was circulated in Pakistan Olympics Association, Pakistan Sports Board and other different units, didn’t mention about any amendment in the constitution.
“Only notices were sent to PHF units, which was not the right way to make an amendment in the constitution. They should have informed POA, PSB and other units before making any amendment in the constitution,” a source told PPI.
According to the amendment, the members of the PHF Executive Board have been increased from 14 to 18. Now Executive Board members will be President PHF, four vice presidents, Secretary General, Associate Secretary, Treasurer, two representatives from the departments, three technocrats and four provincial secretaries.
PHF President Qasim Zia addressing the press briefing after the Congress meeting said that the Pakistan Hockey is moving in the right direction and new players are now hopeful of a secure future in the national game.
“After many years, Pakistan team has displayed brilliant performances and recently reached the final of Champions Challenge League final,” he said.
He said that Pakistani players are very talented and they only need proper guidance and direction to represent Pakistan strongly in the international arena.
“I don’t promise that Pakistan will clinch World Cup. But we are hopeful that that our team would make worthy achievement in the prestigious event and will not let down their fans,” he said.
He further said that their target is Asian Games title and they are preparing their team accordingly.
He said that international tournaments in the country are very important for the promotion of hockey in the country but the prevailing security issue is posing hindrance for holding of such event.
“It is good to see Pakistan Boxing Federation holding an international boxing event in which many countries are participating. But the story is different in hockey. Hockey needs a vast open ground which is difficult to secure whereas boxing is an indoor sport,” he said.
However, he said that PHF is making efforts to bring international events back to the country and the coming of FIH president to Pakistan is a proof of their efforts.
“We got some positive responses from international bodies and hopefully we would be able to host some international event in near future,” he said.
Former Olympians requst SC to interfere in PHF matters
KARACHI: More than twenty former Olympians and hockey players have submitted an application to Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan requesting him to interfere in the bizarre running of Pakistan Hockey Federation.
According to sources, an application signed by 21 former Olympians and hockey players to the Chief Justice, requesting him to interfere and replace present PHF setup, that has been elected through absurd elections and induct an Adhoc body based on legendary Olympians in the best interest of hockey.
“We only want to see hockey on the right track and regain former glory. We have no personal vendetta with anyone and we have only come together in the best interest of hockey,” one of the applicant Olympian, on condition of anonymity said.
He said that the former Olympians and hockey players have realised that hockey need a thorough change and the present setup is not working in the best interest of hockey.
“We want to bring neutral and dedicated legends in the offices of PHF. Federeation posts should not be given on political basis and the criteria should be on merit base. Only the legendary players who are national heroes must occupy these offices in order to retain the lost glory,” he said.
“The elections held in the PHF Congress meting was a joke as former office bearers get themselves elected back, it is immoral and violation of PHF, FIH, POA and PSB constitutions,” he added.
According to sources, an application signed by 21 former Olympians and hockey players to the Chief Justice, requesting him to interfere and replace present PHF setup, that has been elected through absurd elections and induct an Adhoc body based on legendary Olympians in the best interest of hockey.
“We only want to see hockey on the right track and regain former glory. We have no personal vendetta with anyone and we have only come together in the best interest of hockey,” one of the applicant Olympian, on condition of anonymity said.
He said that the former Olympians and hockey players have realised that hockey need a thorough change and the present setup is not working in the best interest of hockey.
“We want to bring neutral and dedicated legends in the offices of PHF. Federeation posts should not be given on political basis and the criteria should be on merit base. Only the legendary players who are national heroes must occupy these offices in order to retain the lost glory,” he said.
“The elections held in the PHF Congress meting was a joke as former office bearers get themselves elected back, it is immoral and violation of PHF, FIH, POA and PSB constitutions,” he added.
Hockey team fined for hugging woman
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s parliament has fined members of it’s national hockey team Rupees 200,000 after photos surfaced of them hugging a female liaison officer at the Champions Challenge tournament in Argentina last month.
Player Rehan Butt was fined Rupees 100,000 while coach Shahid Ali Khan and manager Asif Bajwa have to pay Rupees 50,000 each.
Pakistan team members took pictures with the liaison officer during the official players’ night at the end of the tournament. The dinner was also attended by other participating teams and their officials.
“It is not our culture to hug a lady,” said Jamshed Dasti, chairman of Pakistan’s lower house standing committee on sports.
“The players are ambassadors of their country and they should remember this well.”
Coach Shahid Ali said that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had already taken a serious note of the pictures which were even uploaded on a popular website.
“The PHF has warned all the team players and officials to be careful in future,” Khan said. “It was an official players’ dinner and the lady requested us to have photos with her. But I agree with the committee members that some pictures were objectionable and it should have been avoided.”
Butt, who is due to compete in the World Cup in India next month, escaped a heavier punishment, as Dasti proposed to ban the forward from the national team.
“He is our key player for the World Cup and it would deal us a severe blow if you ban him,” pleaded Irfan Khokhar, chief coordinator of the PHF.
One of the female members of the committee Nasim Akhtar Chaudhry was furious after seeing the pictures.
“We live in an Islamic country,” she said. “We have our own traditions, our own culture which should be portrayed abroad.
Dasti instructed director general of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Amir Hamza Gilani to ensure the fine is paid, with receipts provided to the committee.
Player Rehan Butt was fined Rupees 100,000 while coach Shahid Ali Khan and manager Asif Bajwa have to pay Rupees 50,000 each.
Pakistan team members took pictures with the liaison officer during the official players’ night at the end of the tournament. The dinner was also attended by other participating teams and their officials.
“It is not our culture to hug a lady,” said Jamshed Dasti, chairman of Pakistan’s lower house standing committee on sports.
“The players are ambassadors of their country and they should remember this well.”
Coach Shahid Ali said that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had already taken a serious note of the pictures which were even uploaded on a popular website.
“The PHF has warned all the team players and officials to be careful in future,” Khan said. “It was an official players’ dinner and the lady requested us to have photos with her. But I agree with the committee members that some pictures were objectionable and it should have been avoided.”
Butt, who is due to compete in the World Cup in India next month, escaped a heavier punishment, as Dasti proposed to ban the forward from the national team.
“He is our key player for the World Cup and it would deal us a severe blow if you ban him,” pleaded Irfan Khokhar, chief coordinator of the PHF.
One of the female members of the committee Nasim Akhtar Chaudhry was furious after seeing the pictures.
“We live in an Islamic country,” she said. “We have our own traditions, our own culture which should be portrayed abroad.
Dasti instructed director general of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Amir Hamza Gilani to ensure the fine is paid, with receipts provided to the committee.
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