Ferrari Reveal The F60

By Ashleigh Morris

The 2009 Formula One season may not begin until March 29 in Melbourne, but Ferrari showed they are more than prepared for the new season when they revealed their new car on Monday.

Photo courtesy of www.sassuolo2000.com

The F60′s debut at the Mugello circuit in Italy had some small technical problems but is expected to give McLaren a run for their money when the season starts.

The F60 is the 55th car built by Ferrari to compete in F1 but it is very different to the teams previous cars due to the new 2009 regulations.

The car’s next appearance is to be a test session at the Parc Algarve circuit  in Portugal from 19th – 22nd January.

Subaru Withdraw From World Rally Championship

 

Photo courtesy of www.freefoto.com

By Ashleigh Morris

The world of motorsports has been dealt another blow with Subaru’s announcement that it is withdrawing from the 2009 World Rally Championship after 20 years in the sport.

The decision was in response to the economic downturn and follows Suzuki’s decision to withdraw the previous day.

Tom Morris, former winner of the Scottish Tarmac Championship told Dunedin Napier News: “Now Subaru have pulled out there are only two main players: Citroen and Ford. If anyone else pulls out the championship is finished. Ford are in financial difficulty in America. If they are forced to pull out I don’t see a future for the whole sport.”

But Gavin Miller from The Inside Line, a public relations company for the motorsport industry, remains optimistic about the future of the WRC. “It’s disappointing to see. Subaru are an iconic brand associated with rallying. But the championship is in a strong position to move forward. 2009 will be tough but the new super 2000 rules will allow for cost reductions in 2010. This will make World Rally an economically viable platform for manufacturers to promote their products. It will be possible to run a car at one tenth of the cost of a Formula 1 car.”

The FIA offices in France were closed when we tried to contact them and the International Motorsports Association Limited refused to comment.