2017 RWRS Universe Silly Season Thread

[TomWazzleshaw]

13 Year Old joins +1 Program

After their recent championship win in the F2RWRS with Spaniard Diego Alvarez-Torrente, there are reports floating out of Plus One Headquarters that they've added 13 year old British karting champion Sabrina Mann-Melrose to their young driver lineup. The Brit, who is the daughter of 4 time F1 world champion Daniel Melrose, allegedly rejected an offer to join the MRT Young Driver squad amidst ongoing issues with her estranged father, was reportedly excited to take up the +1 offer. While neither Mann-Melrose or Plus One owner Luke Knight were available for comment, due to her age, it's expected that Sabrina will not move up to an RWRS-affiliated series until 2019 at the earliest.

[dr-baker]

13 Year Old joins +1 Program

After their recent championship win in the F2RWRS with Spaniard Diego Alvarez-Torrente, there are reports floating out of Plus One Headquarters that they've added 13 year old British karting champion Sabrina Mann-Melrose to their young driver lineup. The Brit, who is the daughter of 4 time F1 world champion Daniel Melrose, allegedly rejected an offer to join the MRT Young Driver squad amidst ongoing issues with her estranged father, was reportedly excited to take up the +1 offer. While neither Mann-Melrose or Plus One owner Luke Knight were available for comment, due to her age, it's expected that Sabrina will not move up to an RWRS-affiliated series until 2019 at the earliest.

When asked whether Sabrina Mann-Melrose was the result of an affair between herself and Daniel Melrose around 14 years earlier, Pippa Mann issued a firm rebuttal, and said that although she might have been young and reckless, having a baby at that age would have ruined her racing career, and that it would have been obvious if she had quit racing for 9 months, something that her CV does not make apparent.

[Salamander]

When asked whether Sabrina Mann-Melrose was the result of an affair between herself and Daniel Melrose around 14 years earlier, Pippa Mann issued a firm rebuttal, and said that although she might have been young and reckless, having a baby at that age would have ruined her racing career, and that it would have been obvious if she had quit racing for 9 months, something that her CV does not make apparent.

Incorrect. Pippa Mann has no commitments to any canon series in 2003/4.

[dr-baker]

When asked whether Sabrina Mann-Melrose was the result of an affair between herself and Daniel Melrose around 14 years earlier, Pippa Mann issued a firm rebuttal, and said that although she might have been young and reckless, having a baby at that age would have ruined her racing career, and that it would have been obvious if she had quit racing for 9 months, something that her CV does not make apparent.

Incorrect. Pippa Mann has no commitments to any canon series in 2003/4.

All because she didn't have a canon series career at that point doesn't mean she wasn't seeking alternative employment elsewhere...

[pasta_maldonado]

When asked whether Sabrina Mann-Melrose was the result of an affair between herself and Daniel Melrose around 14 years earlier, Pippa Mann issued a firm rebuttal, and said that although she might have been young and reckless, having a baby at that age would have ruined her racing career, and that it would have been obvious if she had quit racing for 9 months, something that her CV does not make apparent.

Incorrect. Pippa Mann has no commitments to any canon series in 2003/4.

All because she didn't have a canon series career at that point doesn't mean she wasn't seeking alternative employment elsewhere...

Oh, is that what they call it these days?

[Salamander]

When asked whether Sabrina Mann-Melrose was the result of an affair between herself and Daniel Melrose around 14 years earlier, Pippa Mann issued a firm rebuttal, and said that although she might have been young and reckless, having a baby at that age would have ruined her racing career, and that it would have been obvious if she had quit racing for 9 months, something that her CV does not make apparent.

Incorrect. Pippa Mann has no commitments to any canon series in 2003/4.

All because she didn't have a canon series career at that point doesn't mean she wasn't seeking alternative employment elsewhere...

Such as...?

[TomWazzleshaw]

Hey, I never explicitly stated anything. You guys simply came to that conclusion

Also, does Foxdale's secretary ever check their mail more than once in a blue moon?

[dr-baker]

Also, does Foxdale's secretary ever check their mail more than once in a blue moon?

Yes, but Foxdale have had two chassis deal offers, and we are simply waiting to hear from our accountants what our budget for the upcoming season is before we decide!

[TomWazzleshaw]

O'Lauchlan to return to F1RWRS?

After two largely fruitless seasons in IndyCar, Australian Dean O'Lauchlan is making plans to return to the F1RWRS for the 2017 season. The former F1RWRS team owner has shown many flashes of pace in the Euromotor Lola in the 2016 season, but after a spate of accidents and mechanical failures, O'Lauchlan's long-term sponsor UPS is looking at brokering a deal which would see him return to the grid for the first time since two one-off drives in 2015 for Australian team Autodynamics.

"We've had some decent runs in IndyCar this year, but we've had far too much bad luck to do anything about it" lamented O'Lauchlan. "UPS and myself are looking at a package to get my back into the F1RWRS for 2017, and we are looking at several potential options. Boxtel in particular looks like an interesting proposition, but we're open to all offers. With the grid as competitive as this, any chance to be in the F1RWRS is one worth considering, regardless of who it's from."

[DemocalypseNow]

AUTOMERCATO: F1RWRS game of musical chairs reaching a climax

With 2017 now on the horizon for F1RWRS teams, the driver market is reaching a saturation point. There is a high demand for paying drivers but a lack of skilled pilots with the cash to match. This has left a number of sponsor-less drivers heading out of the top flight series already - Jari Kekkonen has left Boxtel for IndyCar, James Davies has departed Sunshine for GTRWC, and despite having a chequebook the size of a barge, Calvin Brooks has joined Porsche's works Le Mans Cup effort, to name a few. It seems many more of the current field will be left out, displaced by rookies with talent or, in most cases, cash.

Many teams have already confirmed their full lineups already, so we'll look at the seats vacant for unemployed drivers to seek shelter in.

ARROWTECH ART
Nicolas is retained, however Mirko Bosevic has been released from the team at the end of his contract. Rumours are rife that the decision on the driver in the second seat has already been made, and all that is left is a formal announcement. That driver is expected to be Hansuke Shioya, who secured a surprise 2nd place finish for Gauthier this year in Canada. An outside chance for the seat is Aston F2RWRS mid-season replacement Marie Simon, who previously drove part-time for Sunshine in 2015. However, her form has dropped off a cliff in the feeder series since winning at Zandvoort, making a full time appointment look less and less likely.

BOC AUTODYNAMICS GRAND PRIX
Nicolas Steele remains for 2017, and Jean-Vincent Albertini is highly regarded by the team, but recent reports indicate contract renewal talks have stalled between the Monegasque driver and team representatives. If a contract renewal does not come to fruition, the Australian team are expected to be on the lookout for a driver with some cash to burn. F2RWRS midfielder Jason Hamilton may be their first choice, as the Aussie is an MRT academy member, and the two outfits have a close relationship. Miko Fäkkinen had a reserve role with Autodynamics last season, and also has the funds to purchase a seat, so is an outside chance for the drive. Despite their very poor form in F2RWRS this year, both Daniel Melville and Sebastien Prost are wildcards for the drive - however, Prost does at least come with some single seater success to speak of, being a former Rejects of LFS runner up.

SUNSHINE DAIHATSU
With James Davies announcing his retirement from F1RWRS for pastures new, Yuka Katayama has been drafted in from F2RWRS has his replacement. The younger sibling of Shinobu Katayama, Yuka is a surprise hire by Sunshine, given her poor form in junior formulae to date. Her team-mate looks like a two way contest; Daniel Martins is the current second driver, and a contract renewal for the Portuguese driver is 50/50. Should Martins not renew with Sunshine, Katayama's manager Barii Mori is widely tipped to take the other seat. Should a deal for Mori not materialise, Andrea Battani will be on their radar. However, there is a chance they could also turn to a non-rookie pay-driver to pour more money into car development - Brucie Kibbutz and Ben Fleet are the best picks of a very small collection in that category. Dean O'Lauchlan could be a wildcard for that seat as well.

FOXDALE AUTO RACING TEAM
While they haven't formally announced their drivers as of yet, it is almost guaranteed they will start 2017 with a lineup of Pippa Mann and Martin McFry. Mann was released from her Aeroracing contract after being thoroughly beaten by Kay Lon in 2016, and will return to her own team to keep her career alive. Both McFry and Fleet had bad seasons in 2016, but McFry has proven to be the faster of the two, and will retain his place in the lineup. Ben Fleet will remain as test driver if no drives elsewhere are forthcoming - however, this could be considered unlikely, given the current demand for pay drivers.

BOXTEL ENGINEERING
Both Andrea Battani and Jari Kekkonen have gone, in favour of piles of money from pay-drivers. Junior formulae journeyman Benoit Voeckler is already signed, but the second seat is less clear. Initially it looked like Wouter Lamberigts would be Voeckler's team-mate, hired for his fast one-lap pace and Lotus money, but with the Belgian being poached by Simpson, they are still looking. Any number of pay drivers could end up here, Ben Fleet, Brucie Kibbutz, Miko Fäkkinen, Marco Bizzarri, just to name a few. The certainty is that any driver without cash is not welcome.

TEAM MECHA RACING
Mecha have released both Nathan Scott and Renaldo Jimenez from their contracts. The lead driver situation is a complicated one - Hansuke Shioya has a provisional full-time contract for 2017 with Mecha, but this depends on him not getting a drive for a better team. With Shioya strongly rumoured to be signed with ArrowTech, this leaves Mecha looking for two drivers again.
Shioya is part of Chris Dagnall's management setup, and a fellow client of the Brit is Jesus Plaza, who was cast astray by Gauthier at the end of 2016. Plaza has signed with Voeckler GPE as a reserve driver, but Plaza may attempt to terminate that deal before the season has even begun if the Mecha seat is offered. With Mecha heavily favouring hiring an experienced driver to lead the team over the two-pay-driver approach of most other backmarkers, other free agents such as Andrea Battani, Barii Mori, Mirko Bosevic and Darren Older Jr may appeal to them. As for the second seat, a pay-driver is a certainty, but which will be chosen is not clear. Yui Megumi is a possibility if she can secure a Reject License, and Hiroto Tojo may also make an F1RWRS return after being released by Dofasco mid-season. Marco Bizzarri is also rumoured to be interested in the drive.

PEMBERTON PROSPEC RACING
One of the the biggest names in F1RWRS history is stuck in a deep, deep rut. More of a fjord than a rut. Ashley Watkinson almost delivered them a miracle result at Zandvoort, but the car gave up on him, and with it went any hope of redemption for the ailing veteran team in 2016. If Prospec decide against hiring two pay drivers, then Watkinson is a near certainty for renewal. Fredo Mestolio departed for Jones mid-season and now moves to MRT for 2017, which leaves replacement Martyn Rietacher to fight for a contract renewal. His performances were poor, but with few other talented pay drivers available, he has half a chance of a renewal. However, they will almost certainly look to Ben Fleet, who lost his drive at Foxdale, but crucially is both a good qualifier and comes with money.

REVOLUTION ENGINEERING
Last year they had what was on paper a good driver combination - two series veterans in Hagane Shizuka and Shinobu Katayama. The car turned out to be terrible, but Katayama was even worse, and she moves to a reserve driver role at NRE. Shizuka meanwhile has left his own team in search of wins at Kamaha, leaving both seats free for 2017.
Revolution are a team in dire need of cash, almost going bankrupt towards the end of the season. This means securing two pay drivers is at the top of their agenda. They have been very quiet in the driver market so far however, with their only confirmed interest being in Italian rookie Marco Bizzarri. They have indicated they are likely to go with two pay-driver rookies, however there is a huge shortage of these, with almost all already signed elsewhere. This will likely leave them to pick up crumbs from elsewhere, with Miko Fäkkinen, who drove six races for the team in 2016, the most likely option. Martyn Rietacher and Brucie Kibbutz are outsiders.

NURMINEN GRAND PRIX ENGINEERING
Again, this team has not officially announced its lineup, but is almost certainly expected to be Gregor Pascal in one seat. The other was originally intended to be Shinobu Katayama, but she was demoted to test and reserve after her horrendous form during the 2016 season. Her replacement is not confirmed but is expected to be series returnee Tristan Jung.

THE FINAL GRID SLOT
The 20th team for F1RWRS hasn't even been finalised yet, but is expected to be held by either Astro Racing Group, or an unnamed investment group from Singapore. Of these two, Astro have made their intentions much clearer, and are said to have already secured a pre-contract with Italian rookie Marco Bizzarri should they make the grid. Despite having several talented drivers in their roster, Astro have indicated they won't promote any of their youth prospects to their F1RWRS outfit in the near future, and will instead opt for pay drivers. This puts them in competition for the same group of drivers as Revolution, Prospec, Mecha and Boxtel.
As for the mysterious Singaporean consortium, very little is known of their intentions. Rumours are swirling that Fabian Rei is involved in the project, and he will head up racing operations for this group. He is known to favour drivers from his own part of the world, which could give Yu Hiang-Ha a way back into the sport.

[Pointrox]

JV Albertini "hopeful" about his future in F1RWRS
Young Monegasque driver is looking for a team to continue his already fruitful career in F1 Rejects World Race Series.
Son of a naval industry magnate, he is following the steps of his father, however doing it on merit - finishing 4th in the 2015 F2RWRS championship after having a change of mind and deciding to drop his plans of early retirement in order continue his racing career with the Belgian outfit, Gillet. Last year brought another surprising twist to his career - signing with the minnows of 2015 season, Autodynamics, he hit a gold mine and with this year's surprisingly competitive machinery he scored his first win at Zandvoort.

Given his massive stimulus package and knack for racing, he will certainly try to get quality for the money he pays. Possible ArrowTech move is in the talks, but given Aerodynamics' strong form last year he might remain with the Australian team for 2017.

Hydook set for possible comeback
The Bosevics have been quiet since their domination campaign in RWRS eventually failed to materialize and after repaying their multi-million debts they decided to wind-up the business. However their F1RWRS car is still developed and as of now is waiting to be given a proper go.
Ex-F1RWRS driver Mirko Bosevic is mustering up the money for a possible 2017/2018 Hydook return, and despite little chance to make it to the grid for this year's competition, he is not giving up on his plans.

[Nuppiz]

Gregor Pascal confirmed at NRE for the 2017 F1RWRS season

Blah blah publicocrap blah blah.

Yeah, just to shut off one part of the rumor mill.

Also:

*Packs dollars into a suitcase, ready to be given to any F1RWRS team that signs him*

[Aerospeed]

Also:

*Packs dollars into a suitcase, ready to be given to any F1RWRS team that signs him*

Would he be interested in signing with Aston in the F2RWRS?

[Salamander]

Also:

*Packs dollars into a suitcase, ready to be given to any F1RWRS team that signs him*

Would he be interested in signing with Aston in the F2RWRS?

There's the key word in that sentence.

[Nuppiz]

Let's put it this way: F1RWRS is currently Nurmester's main option, but he won't take up just any deal offered to him as he prefers to have a good chance at qualifying for the races. Given that F2RWRS probably won't be a massive clusterbathplug next year, he might still reconsider spending one more year in the junior categories.

[dr-baker]

So is there any interest in taking either Ben Fleet or Martin McFry as a driver in F1RWRS this season?

[Nuppiz]

So is there any interest in taking either Ben Fleet or Martin McFry as a driver in F1RWRS this season?

Would Mr. McFry be interested in leading a new team in their first season?

[dr-baker]

So is there any interest in taking either Ben Fleet or Martin McFry as a driver in F1RWRS this season?

Would Mr. McFry be interested in leading a new team in their first season?

Yes. I am sure he would. And Foxdale would be happy to have Pippa Mann and Ben Fleet in their car, getting up to who-knows-what together (just so long as Douglas Mann doesn't have to find out...).

[Shizuka]

AUTOMERCATO: F1RWRS game of musical chairs reaching a climax

REVOLUTION ENGINEERING
Last year they had what was on paper a good driver combination - two series veterans in Hagane Shizuka and Shinobu Katayama. The car turned out to be terrible, but Katayama was even worse, and she moves to a reserve driver role at NRE. Shizuka meanwhile has left his own team in search of wins at Kamaha, leaving both seats free for 2017.
Revolution are a team in dire need of cash, almost going bankrupt towards the end of the season. This means securing two pay drivers is at the top of their agenda. They have been very quiet in the driver market so far however, with their only confirmed interest being in Italian rookie Marco Bizzarri. They have indicated they are likely to go with two pay-driver rookies, however there is a huge shortage of these, with almost all already signed elsewhere. This will likely leave them to pick up crumbs from elsewhere, with Miko Fäkkinen, who drove six races for the team in 2016, the most likely option. Martyn Rietacher and Brucie Kibbutz are outsiders.

Yeah, Bizzarri is offered a seat for 2017 here - I'd take up this offer.

[DemocalypseNow]

Yeah, Bizzarri is offered a seat for 2017 here - I'd take up this offer.

Bizzarri accepts the offer, and brings with him plentiful cash from Lavezzi Caffe - which is a nice fit for Revolution, seeing as their colours are gold on a black background!

Bizzarri wishes to thank Astro Racing Group for the interest shown in him, and hopes they understand his decision to sign for a team that is certain to be on the grid over an outside chance of making the grid.

[FMecha]

TEAM MECHA RACING
Mecha have released both Nathan Scott and Renaldo Jimenez from their contracts. The lead driver situation is a complicated one - Hansuke Shioya has a provisional full-time contract for 2017 with Mecha, but this depends on him not getting a drive for a better team. With Shioya strongly rumoured to be signed with ArrowTech, this leaves Mecha looking for two drivers again.
Shioya is part of Chris Dagnall's management setup, and a fellow client of the Brit is Jesus Plaza, who was cast astray by Gauthier at the end of 2016. Plaza has signed with Voeckler GPE as a reserve driver, but Plaza may attempt to terminate that deal before the season has even begun if the Mecha seat is offered. With Mecha heavily favouring hiring an experienced driver to lead the team over the two-pay-driver approach of most other backmarkers, other free agents such as Andrea Battani, Barii Mori, Mirko Bosevic and Darren Older Jr may appeal to them. As for the second seat, a pay-driver is a certainty, but which will be chosen is not clear. Yui Megumi is a possibility if she can secure a Reject License, and Hiroto Tojo may also make an F1RWRS return after being released by Dofasco mid-season. Marco Bizzarri is also rumoured to be interested in the drive.

Tojo and Megumi are not options for me due to experience and OOC conflict of interest issues. I'll look for Bosevic and Battani for first seat (or even Plaza) and look for Ben Fleet for second one.

Also:

*Packs dollars into a suitcase, ready to be given to any F1RWRS team that signs him*

Would he be interested in signing with Aston in the F2RWRS?

Would Aston be interested in Hiroto Tojo or Yui Megumi?
(Being banned from IRC poses me a communication disadvantage with possible clients... especially given why I got banned was for a misunderstanding on my part)

[Ataxia]

No space for Astro?

With the final space on the F1RWRS grid yet to be decided, it has become apparent that there are two contenders left to fill the void left by CR Motorsports. Although there has been no word from the Singaporean consortium behind one of the bids to join the series, a few insiders suggest that they may pip Astro Racing Group to a 2017 entry.

"We heard some months ago that there would be a good chance we'd be on the grid" said team principal and co-owner Jacques Couteau. "Boxtel and Revolution were in poor financial health, and other team owners started offering us chassis and drivers in the assumption that we would be on the grid."

"However, since the engine prices were reduced the teams with less money have earned some kind of a reprieve, and we've been slowly edged out of contention."

Astro would enter with the Fusion Motorsports name, and according to Couteau the team have devised a strong strategy to ensure the team is competitive.

"For 2017, we'd have needed two paydrivers. I can announce that we currently have something of a pre-contract Geoff Donnelly, which we also held with Marco Bizzarri. However, Marco's been offered a certain drive elsewhere, so it is completely understandable that he would want to pass up on us."

Couteau would not divulge in any more information regarding their entry plans.

[Shizuka]

Bizzarri accepts the offer, and brings with him plentiful cash from Lavezzi Caffe - which is a nice fit for Revolution, seeing as their colours are gold on a black background!

Hm, gold on black - that's a nice fit. Welcome btw

[pasta_maldonado]

(Being banned from IRC poses me a communication disadvantage with possible clients... especially given why I got banned was for a misunderstanding on my part)

You are no longer banned from the IRC.

Also, pay-driver Martyn Rietacher is available for hire. He would like to get a drive in F1RWRS, but offers from other series will be considered.

[Nuppiz]

So is there any interest in taking either Ben Fleet or Martin McFry as a driver in F1RWRS this season?

Would Mr. McFry be interested in leading a new team in their first season?

Yes. I am sure he would. And Foxdale would be happy to have Pippa Mann and Ben Fleet in their car, getting up to who-knows-what together (just so long as Douglas Mann doesn't have to find out...).

Alright then. The contract for NRE's #1 driver seat is on Martin McFry's table and waiting for his signature.

[dr-baker]

Alright then. The contract for NRE's #1 driver seat is on Martin McFry's table and waiting for his signature.

OK, the contract's signed then. And this confirms Foxdale's drivers as Pippa Mann and Ben Fleet.

[Aerospeed]

The wait is over: Shioya to drive for ArrowTech in 2017
Months of speculation have come to an end, as The Fox announced that Hansuke Shioya will drive for the team in 2017. Shioya's career has been temporary so far, having part-time rides with DGNgineering in 2014 and 2015, before securing a full-time drive for Gauthier in 2016. Despite having not qualified the car in eight races (sometimes through no fault of his own), he showed his pace in many races, despite the bad car that Gauthier had that season. "He definitely punched above his weight with Gauthier," said The Fox, "and he has shown his talent with Dagnall's team. There is no denying that he is the best fit for ArrowTech." Asked if he brings a bit of money as well, he said, "any driver who brings a pile of money is welcome to do what they like in our team, it it's reasonable." The Fox also hinted that they have made some advances in their chassis. "I'm very pleased with the technical team so far in the off-season, it looks like we'll have a great car this season."

In other words: I've finally made up my mind

[WaffleCat]

"Give it two years, but not this year"-Singaporean Consortium cancels F1RWRS plans

After a few agonising weeks from their announcement released in a press conference, the Singaporean consortium-mentioned in Autosport's latest report- has backed out of entering a team in the F1RWRS, leaving the door well and truly open for Astro Racing Group to claim a spot in the 2017 F1RWRS field.

"We were planning a bit too much in too short a time",said the head of the consortium Luke Le Wei in the announcement yesterday. "We had a major alliance that seemed ready to be formed. We had gotten F3RWRS and IFRC team Linton-Solindahl Motorsports on board, and GTRWC team Gerald Pereria-Pan Asia Alliance expressed interest in collaborating with us. But with such a distance between us,from USA to Singapore to Denmark, it was hard to truly establish any connection. Besides, we hadn't settled on a truly catchy team name,otherwise the "Linton-Solindahl/Gerald Pereria-Pan Asia Alliance Alliance Singapore F1RWRS Team" name would be a bit too cumbersome on results lists."

A future entry is not out of the cards for them,though. Certainly, as Le Wei says, "We still have contacts, we still have intentions. Just a bit more time, give it two years, but not this year. Astro is definitely more prepared, hell, we don't even have any plans for engines yet. Good luck to them and to all other F1RWRS teams, wish you all the best. We'll be back."

In short, I just cannot find time to join. I don't want to inconvenience you all with the minimal time I have on the internet, getting a social life and homework and so on. Hell, I have yet to grasp the driver pay rules fully yet. And thus, I'm pulling out of submitting a team for the next two years, or sometime like December next year, which is when I'll be released to do whatever I want. I'll let Ataxia take my spot, and I'll tell you when the time is right for me to rejoin. I'll tell you when I'm ready to join, but in the meantime, running F1RSTC as well as my well-performing IFRC and GTRWC teams,not to mention the not so well performing F3RWRS team will do just fine for now. Have fun, everyone.

[Ataxia]

Astro confirm F1RWRS entry

After an unnamed Singaporean consortium withdrew from the running to take the last F1RWRS grid slot, Astro Racing Group have confirmed that they will join the grid with their Fusion Motorsports operation. The Bath-based Fusion team have been running in F2RWRS this season, and will make the step up in 2017.

Current title sponsors Energy T.I. will continue to adorn the car; the Italian energy company will back the team's efforts on a one-year rolling contract. The team will also have support from French oil giants Total and media company Lagardere, as well as Swiss watch manufacturer Certina and Coca-Cola affiliate VitaminWater.

"It gives us great pleasure to join the F1RWRS grid" said team principal and co-owner Jacques Couteau. "Our first season is nothing more than a building year, but we hope to be very competitive in future seasons. The car will be designated the CL1/17, as a deference to both Jake [Legge, the other owner of Astro] and I, the car belonging to the premier series, and the year."

"You'll have to wait and see with the rest of the contracts, we've got a good strategy coming. We are also planning to put Geoff Donnelly into a race seat, since he's got a good amount of talent and an even greater chequebook. We're currently looking for another driver with a similar set of criteria."

Fusion will have the pleasure of the numbers #39 and #40 for their first season.

EXTRA, EXTRA! BREAKING NEWS!

Fusion have signed Finnish driver Miko Fakkinen to be their second driver in 2017. Fakkinen brings vital money to the team as they attempt to lift themselves off the back of the grid.

I'm also looking for a reserve pay-driver in case Donnelly doesn't manage to bag a Reject License.

[RonDenisDeletraz]

Geoff Donnelley in F1RWRS, I assume you are gunning for reject glory then

[TomWazzleshaw]

MRT confirm Pazzini, Taki for 2017

One of the first major pieces of the 2017 F2RWRS grid fell into place earlier today, with MRT team principal Pierre Depault confirming that incumbent Italian Gianluigi Pazzini will be paired up with MRT young driver Takuma Taki for the 2017 F2RWRS season. Both have had career-best seasons in their respective categories, and has confirmed MRT's championship intentions heading into the new-look feeder category for next season.

"Obviously, we were disappointed that Gigi didn't get an F1RWRS drive for next year" lamented Depault, "But on the other hand, it's meant that we could renew our successful partnership for another season and make a real charge for both titles next year." When asked about Taki, Depault had this to say; "Takuma's been a new addition to the stable this year, and he has performed admirably for Red Bull in F3, and he's more than capable of making the step up to F2 next season with the new-look cars."

While the new look is yet to be released, it's been rumoured that MRT will be the first to launch the car in December with a new-look PDVSA livery. In addition, it's expected that both Pazzini and Taki will be announced as the Cologne squad's F1RWRS reserve drivers for 2017.

[RonDenisDeletraz]

MRT confirm Pazzini, Taki for 2017

One of the first major pieces of the 2017 F2RWRS grid fell into place earlier today, with MRT team principal Pierre Depault confirming that incumbent Italian Gianluigi Pazzini will be paired up with MRT young driver Takuma Taki for the 2017 F2RWRS season. Both have had career-best seasons in their respective categories, and has confirmed MRT's championship intentions heading into the new-look feeder category for next season.

"Obviously, we were disappointed that Gigi didn't get an F1RWRS drive for next year" lamented Depault, "But on the other hand, it's meant that we could renew our successful partnership for another season and make a real charge for both titles next year." When asked about Taki, Depault had this to say; "Takuma's been a new addition to the stable this year, and he has performed admirably for Red Bull in F3, and he's more than capable of making the step up to F2 next season with the new-look cars."

While the new look is yet to be released, it's been rumoured that MRT will be the first to launch the car in December with a new-look PDVSA livery. In addition, it's expected that both Pazzini and Taki will be announced as the Cologne squad's F1RWRS reserve drivers for 2017.

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

That screws me over in both F3RWRS and F2RWRS. I guess Hamilton is a free agent for any F2RWRS drive now

[tommykl]

Jason Hamilton to Gillet!

...in F2RWRS. Following the full-time move to F1RWRS for both Jean-Vincent Albertini and Gregor Pascal, young Australian Jason Hamilton will fill one of the empty seats at the Belgian squad after spending a season at Melrose Racing Team in 2016.

The 21-year-old Hamilton has previously competed in F1RWRS in 2014 for Holden, retiring in both races, before returning to RoLFS in 2015 and F2RWRS in 2016.

[DemocalypseNow]

Voeckler renew drivers, engines for 2017

Voeckler GPE have announced they will continue into 2017 with the same combination as they finished the 2016 season with, despite what was a rocky season for the team previously known as Il Barone Rampante.

Despite up and down seasons for both, including race suspensions and multiple accidents, Dan Greenlaw and Marcel Agyemang-Badu will continue on with the team for next season. While both have scored a win each in 2016, it has been a disappointing campaign for both, with a lack of consistency leaving both a long way off challenging Diego Alvarez Torrente for the title. However, both are champions at junior level, Greenlaw the F3RWRS title winner in 2015, and Agyemang-Badu the title winner in Rejects of LFS in the same year.

They also confirmed they would take the new Renault powerplants for next season as expected, continuing their relationship from F1RWRS, where they are the works representative for the French marque.

Voeckler GPE also inherited IBR's junior programme in the recent takeover, and they have honoured contracts already in place for their other young drivers. Alessandro Lucarelli will move to Simpson Motorsports permanently after an excellent part-time run for the Australian team at the end of the 2016 season, picking up a win and two podiums in four appearances this season.

Salvatore Miccoli was widely expected to replace the outgoing Bastiaan van Nieuwenhuijzen at RonDen Racing Engineering, but contract talks have stalled in the last few days, potentially leaving the Italian without a drive at all.

[Pointrox]

JV Albertini renews Autodynamics contract for 2017
After some uncertainty regarding Albertini's future in F1RWRS, young Monegasque driver decided to continue his
cooperation with Autodynamics, signing a new contract for 2017 season.
"I tried to look for something else, but at the end of the day Autodynamics has the best package of all and if I want to keep racing in F1RWRS, I put my money on them.", Albertini said in a short press conference announcing the line-up.
JV's teammate this year will be Nicolas Steele - long-time F1RWRS driver entering his 7th season in the series.

[pasta_maldonado]

Plus One Kingfisher announce Neuberg, McKane for 2017 assault.

After recording their best ever finish in the Constructor's Championship (10th, 11 points), Plus One Kingfisher continue into 2017 with the driver line-up that closed out the 2016 season. David Neuberg was almost guaranteed to be staying on, but McKane's contract renewal is a shock, with some believing the team are punching above their weight to secure the ex-F1 driver and RoLFS champion.

"It's a massive line-up" said joint team principle, Luke Knight "Neuberg has clearly got the speed with another fantastic podium for us, and also brings cash to the team, whereas McKane's talent is plain for all to see."

Plus One Kingfisher have also renewed their engine contract with Ford ahead of the season.

Martyn Rietacher, who is not a pay driver, is available for hire by anyone in any series he is eligible for.

[Aerospeed]

Marie Simon signed as ArrowTech reserve
Following the signing of Hansuke Shioya to ArrowTech, Simon was left out of a chance for a F1RWRS seat. However, Simon has been linked to be signed as a reserve driver for the 2017 season. "There is still room for her on the team. We think that Simon will be very valuable on the team." Many sources are speculating that Simon also has some sponsorship money with her, and that Simon was highly touted by shareholder Prince Falik due to her recent results in the F2RWRS.

[Ataxia]

Geoff Donnelley in F1RWRS, I assume you are gunning for reject glory then

In time, you will see.

[SuperAguri]

Barii Mori still looking for a drive
Barii Mori who despite a reasonable season is still looking for a drive, he was ACO LMS bound before difference of opinion meant he was released twice. He won't drive for the Kamaha team but is still hoping for a drive with Sunshine or another low end midfield team. Although scoring two points in 2016 he took the CR to it's last ever point and scored the first point for Kingfisher before being released. He also gave Kay Lon a run for his money in the Aeroracing car.

[DemocalypseNow]

Martyn Rietacher, who is not a pay driver, is available for hire by anyone in any series he is eligible for.

Voeckler is interested in hiring him as a janitor