Latest news with #Nurburgring
Top Gear
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Franz Hermann roars to Imola victory on F1 debut
Formula One Little known GT3 driver becomes overnight star just days after Nurburgring outing Skip 6 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Franz Hermann, who was completely unknown until a week ago, primarily because he doesn't exist, has powered to victory at the Emilia-Romag- nope, not saying it again, Imola Grand Prix. The newcomer set up his maiden victory with a stunning overtake on McLaren's Oscar Piastri on the opening lap, after which he was completely untroubled on his way to the chequered flag. Advertisement - Page continues below If you're wondering what parallel universe is broadcasting from today, stand down: we're of course referring to the false identity Max Verstappen used to test a 296 GT3 at the 'Ring last week. Clearly having a pseudonym works. Bearing down on the first corner Piastri took a cautious approach into the braking zone, not the slightest bit worried that the German rookie on his outside might dare challenge for the lead from that far back. Oops! Wrong. You might like In all seriousness, this was Verstappen at his outrageous best: not only sensing the move was on, but sending it right on the limit and bulldozing past, both within the white lines and without a shred of carbon fibre sacrificed. No stewards inquiry needed for that one. From there neither McLaren could live with the pace of the Red Bull, and even a late-ish safety car failed to put Verstappen's win in jeopardy. Simply lovely. Advertisement - Page continues below Whatever the struggles in the second Red Bull seat – Yuki Tsunoda recovered from a violent barrel roll in qualifying to finish P10 from a pit lane start – we can safely say the RB21 isn't the fourth-fastest car on the grid any more. In Verstappen's hands it's won more races than the supposed pre-season favourite (Lando Norris had a quiet run to P2) so far, and the Dutchman is still in touch with championship leader Piastri, 22 points down. And we're not even a third of the way into the season yet. World championship #5 is very much on. Further back, there were any number of talking points: Hamilton's surge from P12 to P4, Albon's second P5 on the bounce for Williams, and Isack Hadjar impressing again with yet more points for RB. Any alternative shouts for Driver of the Day out there? Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Next stop, Insomniac Heaven. Yep, Monaco. Now with two lots of pit stops to wake up for...
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
A date with my motorbike is better than with any man
DATE NIGHT I wheel the black Hayabusa from the garage. The word 'Hayabusa' is more motorbike Than a Japanese falcon that feeds on blackbirds, When Honda's Blackbird was fast on two wheels with an engine. In a car park, my learner plates still flapping from my 125, I saw its muscle mass for the first time and was mesmerised. Speechless, in love at last, I wanted mine. I passed my test for it; I worked out with weights So its many kilos wouldn't topple me; I lost poundage To better fit my leathers so my chest wouldn't rest on the petrol tank. I wore mascara and lipstick to dress myself up for it, And before committing to a permanent partnership I learned to ride sports bikes on track, until at last I felt ready. My soon-to-be-ex, angered by my defection, Complained that the motorbike would be in the bedroom If I ever found the means to get it there, and he was right. That motorbike was better company, less critical, more responsive, And faster round the Nurburgring in Germany. This evening it's just the two of us and an open road; Date night.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Here's why Haas banned its F1 drivers from copying Max Verstappen's GT3 test
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen provoked rampant intrigue in the motorsport community last weekend when he drove a Ferrari – of all things – in a test at the Nurburgring Norschleife. Now, Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu has put his foot down and says his team's driver's won't be following the Red Bull racer's example. Verstappen took advantage of the gap between the F1 Miami GP and this weekend's Emilia-Romagna GP to have some fun under the pseudonym 'Franz Hermann.' Under the guise, he tested a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the Nurburgring, raising a few eyebrows in the process. Advertisement The Ferrari 296 GT3 was run by Emil Frey Racing, which operates Verstappen's own team in the GT World Challenge, and was bedecked in Verstappen's livery, so it didn't remain secret for long. But the clandestine nature of the initial entry, and rumours that Verstappen broke the lap record, nevertheless created more than a small ripple of interest. But while it is believed to be enshrined in Verstappen's contract that he is allowed such hobbies, other drivers are less fortunate. 'No,' was Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu's unequivocal response when asked if he would permit Oliver Bearman or Esteban Ocon to follow suit. 'Step by step,' Komatsu told ahead of the Imola GP. 'Max is a multiple world champion, right? Oli is a rookie. Max Verstappen, Emil Fray Racing Ferrari 496 GT3 Max Verstappen, Emil Fray Racing Ferrari 496 GT3 Max Verstappen Max Verstappen Advertisement 'Even Esteban, he's got still lots to prove. He's focused. What's the benefit of them racing in another race? 'I think they're pretty lucky that they're driving an F1 car for their job. That's lots of fun, I think. 'Honestly, it's busy enough, really. You know, in between these 24 races – it's not like we haven't got enough races, right? – they need to look after their physical condition, mental condition. 'In between, they have to work with engineers, simulators. It's not like they're sitting at home thinking about what to do. So, I think they've got plenty on their hands.' Advertisement Engaging in extracurricular racing also has its risks. As Verstappen pointed out during his test, he had the benefit of hundreds of hours of sim racing in his spare time, so had the necessary experience of managing the presence of slower cars and knowing where to pass. And he was in the right car. 'It's definitely more dangerous for me to sit in a slower car and be dependent on the faster cars,' Verstappen said during his Thursday media session at Imola. While F1 drivers in previous decades raced every weekend, often in a broad variety of categories – Jim Clark was as fluent and spectacular in a Lotus Cortina as he was in a Lotus grand prix car – the nature of motor racing has changed. Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Fernando Alonso, Andretti Autosport Honda Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Fernando Alonso, Andretti Autosport Honda Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images Advertisement The F1 calendar has expanded, its drivers have become more professional and they no longer need the money that, say, sportscar racing would bring. What's more, contracts and branding concerns militate against driving cars from different manufacturers. In the modern era, some drivers have been able to negotiate racing in other categories into their contracts, but the fate of Robert Kubica looms large. Among the most promising drivers of his generation, he was hurling a Skoda Fabia Super 2000 car around the hills of Liguria in the 2011 Ronde di Andora rally when he speared off the road and a guardrail penetrated the cabin, partially severing his right hand. Fernando Alonso had enough contractual weight for McLaren to excuse him from the 2017 Monaco GP so he could contest the Indy 500, but even that would probably not have come to pass had Bernie Ecclestone still been pulling F1's strings at the time. In 2015, the Canadian Grand Prix did not clash with the Le Mans 24 Hours and Nico Hulkenberg took advantage of this to race for Porsche in the legendary enduro. Since he raced with Force India at the time, there were no manufacturer clashes to act as obstacles. Advertisement But when Hulkenberg returned to the F1 paddock in Austria, widely feted as a Le Mans winner, there were ructions at the top. Ecclestone found all the attention directed towards the world of sportscars and the then-new World Endurance Championship commercially vexatious and bothersome. As such, Hulkenberg was duly summoned to the 'Bernie Bus', instructed to put a sock in it, and emerged from the smoked-glass environs of Ecclestone's cloister with rather less of a spring in his step. Head here to stay up to speed with the latest F1 Imola Grand Prix news, expert analysis, photos and videos. Read Also: Who is Franz Hermann? Max Verstappen shares details of Nurburgring GT3 test Esteban Ocon hails "best quali of the year" as Haas hunts points in F1 Miami GP To read more articles visit our website.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Max Verstappen slammed for ‘incredibly dangerous' decision ahead of F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix by Ralf Schumacher
MAX VERSTAPPEN has been blasted for his "incredibly dangerous" decision to race under a secret identity at one of motorsport's deadliest circuits. The reigning world champion went incognito last week to test a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the official session ahead of the third round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS). 4 4 4 Racing under the name, Franz Hermann, he was seen running with the Emil Frey Racing team, who employ Thierry Vermeulen, son of Verstappen 's manager, Raymond. However, Verstappen - who celebrated becoming a dad before the Miami Grand Prix - has been slammed by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher for racing at such a dangerous track. The German ace gave his view on the Dutchman's appearance while on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, saying: "If I had been the team principal, I'd have asked Verstappen if he's still all there. "To do something like that on the Nordschleife of all places is not very smart. I know, for many, it's a viewpoint they don't want to hear, but I find the Nordschleife incredibly dangerous. "That's just the way it is, especially at this level and at these speeds." The Nurburgring Nordschleife is one of the most deadly circuits not only in F1, but in motorsport history. The Nordschleife - which at 12.9 miles is the longest permanent racetrack in the world - was dubbed the "green hell" by Sir Jackie Stewart, while there are estimated to have been at least 70 reported deaths there. Three-time F1 champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns during a terrifying crash at the track in 1976, which had come after he had protested the race going ahead on safety grounds. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Recalling his time on the circuit, Schumacher said: "I then think back to when DTM races were banned here because those cars were going too fast, but today's GT3 cars are also insanely fast and everything happens neck-and-neck. "Something happens faster than you think. Doing this somewhere else, okay, but for most people the Nordschleife still represents the biggest challenge." Following the test there, Verstappen will now be focused on the Emilia Romagna GP. The 27-year-old trails by 32 points to championship leader Oscar Piastri. Red Bull have brought a major upgrade package to Imola including a dramatic overhaul of the sidepod design as F1 kicks off a European triple-header of races. Speaking to media before the race, Verstappen said: "The team has been working really hard, and we will need to hit the ground running. "Imola is a really old school and iconic track that is really technical, and I always enjoy racing here. "It is difficult to overtake, so qualifying will be key here." Verstappen has won each of the last three races at the track dating back to 2021, with the 2023 race not being held due to floods in the region surrounding the circuit.
Auto Express
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Hardcore Porsche 911 GT2 RS spied with wild aero and track-ready looks
It's difficult to pin down what the ultimate variant of Porsche 911 is, but there's lots of evidence to suggest it might just be the GT2 RS. This low-volume and scarily expensive model has long been a sign-off of a 911 generation, pairing the most extreme chassis derived from a GT3 RS with an even more powerful variant of a turbocharged powertrain nicked from the Turbo. For the 992 generation, Porsche looks to be going even further on both counts – if the wild prototype spied testing at the Nurburgring is anything to go by. Advertisement - Article continues below First of all, the bodywork looks to be even wider than the one found on the GT3 RS, with cladding fitted on top of the standard rear haunches to hide a new set of prototype wheels that we've never before seen on previous Porsche test cars. This is matched at the front, with fat mocked-up arches that retain the arch vents and ducting from the GT3 RS, only much, much wider. The carbon-fibre bonnet with the vast openings that vent the radiator is fitted, as is the carbon roof with its longitudinal vanes. These channel air to the motorsport-sized rear wing and its DRS function. However, look closely at the back and you'll see a number of changes compared with the naturally-aspirated GT3 RS, because not only are new 992.2 rear lights fitted, but also a different lower bumper that evidently hides a new exhaust system. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below In place of the GT3 RS's twin central pipes are a pair of makeshift tips mounted on the inner part of the rear bumper. While the outlets don't represent the ones we'll see on the production car, their placement likely is, suggesting a brand-new rear end will be required to fit the Turbo's exhaust system. Advertisement - Article continues below Details are otherwise extremely thin, but until we see the new 922.2 Turbo coming later this year, we can only speculate on the extreme powertrain. It could integrate a similar hybrid system, such as the one fitted to the GTS, which incorporates a small e-motor mounted inside the dual-clutch transmission and another one inside a single large turbo. However, how the new Turbo will integrate this technology remains to be seen, by extension informing what we might see on this GT2 RS. In terms of power, Porsche could push the figure well beyond the 690bhp figure of the last GT2 RS that appeared in 2017. With the next 911 Turbo S likely to get close to that figure, we suspect the 992.2 GT2 RS will easily eclipse 700bhp, potentially treading closer to the 800bhp mark – something especially viable if Porsche wants to go the ultimate extreme before European emissions regulations render creating these figures impossible. Power will almost certainly be sent only to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission – a manual option is not likely with such huge power and torque estimates. There's also no reason not to suggest that substantial aero and chassis upgrades will be part of the package, with Porsche certain to utilise carbon fibre for a majority of the body panels and interior. High-end elements found on cars such as Ferraris and McLarens, for example spool valve or hydraulically cross-linked dampers, are the next logical step when it comes to supercars of this nature, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Porsche using its flagship 911 as a test bed for future generations. Come and join our WhatsApp channel for the latest car news and reviews... Find a car with the experts Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it's a 'monster' Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it's a 'monster' VW is taking the iconic hot hatchback brand into the electric era with the new Golf GTI EV already in development… Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
