Speedcafe wrote:MRT Delighted with Early Form
As the Australian double-header to start the 2018 AWRS season comes to a close, Melrose Racing Team have much reason to be optimistic. The Anglo-German squad has capped off a remarkable fortnight with a 1-2 at the New South Wales Grand Prix, and are 18 points clear of Simpson Motorsport after 2 races.
"To be in the position we're in after 2 races is simply incredible, especially when you consider the level of competition we're up against." exclaimed MRT team principle Pierre Depault after the Bathurst victory. "Alberto has simply been a revelation in the #8 this year, and Phillippe's remarkable consistency has put him in the lead of the title race at this early stage. We know we have a lot of stiff competition that can win on any given weekend, so to be ahead like we are after 2 races is a dream start to the year. Even so, we know what we're up against, so our aim is to maintain this level of performance for the rest of this season."
With the start of the European season a few weeks away in Monza, many teams are taking advantage of the time to conduct private testing, including MRT at the Nurburgring.
AutoAction wrote:ARWS Wrap: Tomo's Tassie Tragedy
After a horror start to the 2018 season, Tassie Racing hasn't looked close to making it past the pre-qualifying gauntlet after two events, and the blame game has begun. Many outsiders have pointed the finger at the latest iteration of the Audi AF1 engine being deficient on power coupled with an ill-handing chassis leading to woeful showings in the first two races.
Despite doing their best to overcome the deficiencies of their car, neither Japanese superstar Tomo Kazama or rookie Akira Yamamura have managed to extract enough pace out of the car to pre-qualify, which has been particularly galling for Kamaza, who many tipped to be a future champion after winning back-to-back F3RWRS and F2RWRS campaigns in her career. As a result, rumours are starting to emerge that Kazama's patience with the team is fast running out, and she may be looking for to leave the team as soon as after the Italian Grand Prix in a few weeks from today in order to pursue further ventures. While nothing is yet to be confirmed by the team, the grapevine has it that German F2RWRS veteran Johannes Rueckert is in talks with the team to jump in the car in time for the European season.
ARWS Wrap: Cara Day Declared in Tropico
It's no secret that the Caribbean nation of Tropico love their motor racing, as it is home to the world-class Marfield facility, have declared their national sport and even have 'Mad Uncle' Daniel Melrose as ceremonial El Presidente. However, few could have predicted the jubilation that resulted when their hometown hero Alberto Cara took his first win in the AWRS season with a measured drive on the daunting Mount Panorama circuit. With celebrations of the victory being taken to the streets, the Tropican Government has been quick to declare March 19th will be a public holiday to commemorate the triumph of the small nation. When asked whether this will be an annual occurrence, the Tropican Government spokesperson Penultimo briefly stated that it was "under consideration".
AWRS WRAP: Mystery Man in Fusion Motorhome, Esposito Makes Cameo
After a difficult day at the mountain for Terry Hawkin and the Fusion team, he was seen with a mystery well-spoken man in the paddock dressed in DGNgineering F1 gear, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat animated in discussion. After a short time, the pair along with a number of Fusion mechanics returned to the motorhome at the back of the garage, where "You're the Best" by Joe Esposito was heard from a few minutes later. While Fusion management were tight-lipped about the whole situation, many believe the mystery man was former F1 champion Chris Dagnall making a visit on behalf of close friend Sammy Jones in order to mentor and motivated his young protege. Esposito was unavailable for comment when asked about the use of his song during the 'pep talk'.
AWRS WRAP: Schiller the Quiet Achiever
After the first two races of the season, there have been many talking points up and down the AWRS field, including the difficult starts for Voeckler and Jones, the rise of Fusion, and Aeroracing's downfall. However, one of the other major talking points has been the performance of Simpson's lead driver Jean-Luc Schiller in the opening rounds.
After 2 seasons in the re-building MRT, he was dropped to make room for Frenchman Phillippe Nicolas, but not before MRT owner Daniel Melrose left a note to Simpson team owner and friend Dave Simpson to pick up the Swiss driver for the 2018 season. After a quick deal was arranged with Schiller's management, all looked well for the then Dacia squad until disaster struck and the team lost their Renault engine deal at the 11th hour to the up-start Kjellerup organisation. Having to retrofit their 2018 car with the Yamaha engine, many expected the team to struggle in the opening races.
However, outside of the MRT duo, Schiller has been one of the start performers in the Australian races, scoring a terrific second place in Adelaide followed up by more points at Bathurst. Coupled with the misfortune of other cars, it has left the Swiss driver and his team an excellent 3rd and 2nd in their respective championships in the early going. Coupled with a comprehensive development program and some are starting to believe that a Simpson title challenge with Schiller at the helm is now possible. Regardless of whether a championship challenge will emerge or not, one thing remains for certain: Jean-Luc and his team will cause plenty of more headaches for the front-runners over the course of this season.
Fushida still shafted us, sadly.
