Ferrari unveil SF1000 in spectacular style

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Brendan Lines

February 12, 2020

Ferrari lifted the covers off its 2020 challenger the SF1000 in spectacular fashion at a launch ceremony near their Maranello factory last night.

A grand entrance – Image F1.com

So far Ferrari’s rivals’ 2020 livery and car launches have been very tame by comparison. Last nights ceremony was a throwback to the halcyon days pre the Global Financial Crisis when teams were more liberal with their budgets.

But it is with good reason the arrival of the SF1000 was heralded by the swell of an orchestra and Ballet dancers.

As the aptly named SF1000 will compete in Ferrari’s 1000th Grand Prix later this year.

1000th race in 2020: Image-F1.com

But the real significance of this Ferrari is; it could be the car that finally topples Mercedes for the Drivers and Constructors World Championship.

Team Principle Mattia Binotto spoke at the event about the SF1000’s development.
“The starting point was the car of last year, the SF90,” said Binotto. “But certainly we have been extreme on the concept as much as we could… It may look similar to last year but it’s completely different to the one of last year, and a lot of the concepts are very extreme on [the SF1000],” he said.

Drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc’s first outing head-to-head with Mercedes will be at the Australian Grand Prix in March.

It’s hoped the SF1000 will adapt more quickly to the Albert Park circuit than its SF90 predecessor, which Vettlel and Leclrec finished fouth and fifth respectively.

Vettel said to F1.com that the team and more importantly the drivers are united after the ‘blow-up’ in Brazil last year.
“We both learned the lesson what happened in Brazil,” he said.

“We are free to race but we are also team mates. A lot of people [work] on the car, we are a team, and things in Brazil shouldn’t happen. I’ve learned from it. The margins will probably be a bit bigger.”

The SF1000 will make its track debut at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya for pre-season testing on February 16.

Mercedes new look at the future

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Brendan Lines

February 10, 2020

Mercedes have unveiled their 2020 livery ahead of the Australian Grand Prix at an event in London to coincide with a five-year deal with new principle partner INEOS.

A splash of red – Image: Mercedes AMG Petronas.

Retaining the iconic silver arrows livery with green striping, Mercedes have added a splash of red to highlight the INEOS partnership.

Yet despite the new look livery, Mercedes featured its new paint work on the 2019 World Championship winning W10 for the event.

Mercedes Team Principle Toto Wolff said the new partnership is a ‘perfect fit.’

“It is a very proud moment for us to welcome INEOS to Mercedes in their new capacity as Principal Partner. The company’s ambition, dynamism and entrepreneurial flair are a perfect fit for the spirit of Mercedes-AMG Petronas.

“Both companies share a restless desire to improve every day and a strong commitment to achieving the very best results. Our partnership will be defined by tackling great challenges together – on the race track, on water and on the stages of the Grand Tours – and we will be aiming to raise the bar in each of them,” he said.

Lewis Hamilton’s W10 in red – Image: Mercedes AMG Petronas.

Amid recent doubts over Mercedes ongoing committment to Formula 1, the new deal demonstrates the teams long term vision says Wolff.

“Furthermore, this new partnership is an important cornerstone of our future plans in Formula One. It once again serves to demonstrate the attraction of the sport for ambitious, global brands with a long-term vision for success,” he said.

Mercedes’ dominance of the Turbo-hybrid era continues to sew the seed of Mercedes being one of world sports most attractive brand partners.

As the reigning world champions retain the super-star talents of six time champ Lewis Hamilton, and the re-booted ‘Valterri 2.0’ Bottas for 2020 — Mercedes are likely to be outright favourites to finish on the podium at Albert Park.

Mercedes is set to launch its 2020 car on Feburary 14th.

Haas first to launch in 2020 with ‘throwback’ livery

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Brendan Lines

February 7, 2020

US based Haas F1 Team are the first to unveil its livery for the 2020 season launching the VF-20 in traditional colours that is hoped to correct the mistakes of the past. But all has not been fully revealed as the physical version of VF-20 is yet to take shape before it turns a wheel at Albert Park in March.

VF-20 livery – Image: Haas F1 Team

The VF-20 will sport a familiar look this year, harking back to the colours of founder Gene Haas’ Haas Automation. Fans will instantly recognise the black, red and white livery that has been a constant theme since the teams F1 debut in 2016.

Despite the teams forgettable performance in 2019, coupled with the defunct title sponsor deal with Rich Energy — which saw Haas adopt the energy drink company’s black and gold livery for the VF-19.

Last year’s Australian Grand Prix yielded a rare points finish for the VF-19 as Driver Kevin Magnussen took 6th at Albert Park in 2019.

The familiar yet fresh look of the VF-20 is hoped by Gene Haas to be a return to form.

“Frankly, I’m hoping the VF-20 will return us to the kind of form we ran in 2018 when we finished fifth in the constructors’ championship. 2019 was a tough season to endure.” – Gene Haas

VF-20 livery – Image: Haas F1 Team

Haas will wait until the opening day of pre-season testing on February 19 at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain — for the VF-20 to make its physical debut.

Team Principle Guenther Steiner said on Twitter today:

“We are back to the old days, which are not this old.”

A great deal of expectation in the VF-20s performance is pinned on capitalising from stable regulations in place this season.

Steiner hopes stability will allow the VF-20 to deliver where the VF-19 did not.

“It’s allowed us to improve our understanding of the car and to scrutinize ourselves more in order to find solutions and applications to channel into the design of the VF-20. Last year was definitely a set-back, one I would never have asked for, but you learn from such situations – we all have. Everybody at the team was forced to look at themselves and understand what they can do better. I’m looking forward to seeing the VF-20 make its track debut. As always in testing, you want many things, but lots of mileage, reliability and speed would be welcomed as we ready ourselves for the first race in Australia,” he said.

As Haas fans wait with bated breath for the pre-season reveal, there is still much to play out that will affect just what car will line up on the grid at Albert Park.

If we can learn anything from Haas’ links to engine partner Ferrari, there is likely to be some similar ideas.

Gouger Street Party revs up

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Image: Adelaide Rally

Brendan Lines

December 6, 2019

As cars in the Adelaide Rally race across the state, motorsport fans will be able to take a more casual pace getting up close to the machines tonight at the Gouger Street Party 2019.

The fan favourite event will see all of this year’s entrants park their machines in Adelaide’s west-end restaurant district to celebrate motorsport in the city of Adelaide.

Previously a feature of the for now scaled back Adelaide Motorsport Festival, the Gouger Street Party has been retained, but for the first time ever it will be a fully licensed event.

Allowing for more casual fans and die-hards alike to enjoy the event says rally spokesperson and keen racer Tim Possingham.

“ One thing we have seen in previous years is that the crowds are incredibly diverse. We obviously have the car enthusiasts coming along, but we also see city workers joining in for the buzz in the street, families with young kids and lots of people who become the car enthusiasts of the future as a result of seeing not just the beauty, power and style of the cars, but also the camaraderie and carnival atmosphere of the event.”

Attracting near 43 000 visitors over the three days of last year’s event, it’s a boon for local business as traders and sponsors invest more towards the bustling crowds says Possingham.

“This year our sponsors, Amadio Wines, will be operating their pop-up Ruby’s Wine Bar and the entire street is licensed, so people can check out the field of more than 250 rally cars with a glass of wine in hand.

“The Gouger St Traders Association are preparing for the crowds with all restaurants offering extended al fresco dining, plus there will be star drivers, live music, and even an appearance from Adelaide’s own supercar, the Brabham BT62,” he said.

Another home grown racing legend in attendance will be Formula 1 World Champion Alan Jones who is competing in a McLaren 720s Spider.

Jones who raced at the first Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Adelaide in 1985, said to The Advertiser Adelaide continues its good reputation for hosting motorsport events.

“Adelaide is big enough to hold it and do it properly, but small enough to embrace it on a more personal basis,” he said.

The Gouger Street party kicks-off tonight from 5.30pm.

https://www.adelaiderally.com.au/gouger-st-party

Country and city school tennis aces win state champs

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Brendan Lines

November 29, 2019

The 2019 South Australian ANZ Tennis Hot Shots state school championships wrapped up this week at Memorial Drive’s clay courts, as Cobdogla Primary School and Prince Alfred College won respective divisions competing against schools from across the state.

210 students from 23 schools descended on to Memorial Drive on Tuesday and Wednesday to compete in respective country and city round-robin style competitions, to decide which schools would win the opportunity to an Adelaide International experience in January 2020.

The Hot Shots program, run locally by Tennis SA engages with children of all ages and abilities to play tennis through its program holding 34 district school carnivals throughout the year..

Tennis SA School Development Co-ordinator Shane Leathem says Hot Shots plays a vital part in promoting tennis at a school level.

“In carnivals around the districts we promote as many students from years three and four, we aim that we focus on participation, engagement and sportsmanship.”

The program introduces students to a modified version of tennis that includes smaller courts, racquets and coloured low compression balls designed to improve skill outcomes says Leathem.

“It just makes it a lot easier easier for kids who might struggle initially with that hand-eye coordination to be able to feel that ball and control it over the net.”

Not only does the Hot Shots program get young players on the court, it also helps schools apply for funding to buy equipment through the government’s Sporting Schools initiative.

Leathem says the program can identify talent, highlighting Tennis SA’s border aim towards grass roots support that may help to uncover the next Ash Barty or Alex di Minaur.

“Days like this really showcase what talent is out there, the program for us, is definitely focussed on that initial engagement of students as well, “ he said.

The winners from Cobdogla Primary School and Prince Alfred College will now be special guests at The Adelaide International to be held and the newly developed Memorial Drive in January 2020.

https://www.tennis.com.au/sa/

https://hotshots.tennis.com.au/about/

McLaren’s long road back to the F1 podium

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Above Image: Getty Images

Brendan Lines

November 22, 2019

At last Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix McLaren secured its first podium finish in 2,072 days locking away fourth place in this year’s constructors championship, after a post-race time penalty handed to Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton promoted Carlos Sainz on to the podium, so just how has McLaren risen from the ashes of its past woes?

It hasn’t been a straight road by any means for McLaren after the failed rekindling of the Honda partnership, departure of Adrian Newey, loss of Lewis Hamilton and the infamous ‘Spygate’ saga that caused instability on and off the track — McLaren have finally turned the tide toward a brighter future.

Team Principle Andreas Seidl said to McLaren.com it was a team effort pulling off the great result in Brazil.

“P4 in the Constructors’ World Championship for McLaren secured. First podium for Carlos in his F1 career and first podium for McLaren since 2014. What an amazing achievement for the entire team back home in the factory plus here at the track, and for Carlos and Lando after putting in so much hard work throughout the year.”

Winning on their own terms is very much accustomed to the Woking based team, who over their 56-year history have seen dominant eras gilded by silverware from 12 Drivers’ and eight Constructors’ World Championships.

There has almost been an expectation that McLaren would always be a winning team. Yet not to have won a race in seven years, that being Jenson Button at Interlagos in 2012 — is unprecedented. McLaren’s last taste of ultimate success came when Lewis Hamilton won his first Driver’s World Championship in 2008.

But the cracks were just appearing at McLaren in 2007 during the fallout of the ‘Spygate’ espionage controversy. Off the track, ‘Spygate’ signalled there was instability in McLaren’s ranks.

It was a tumultuous time that exposed alleged theft of Ferrari technical data and a rift between then Team Principle Ron Dennis and Fernando Alonso, as Alonso accused the team of favouring Dennis’ young protege Hamilton.

Dennis retired as team principle in 2009 and eventually parted completely in 2017 after his 37 year association with the McLaren Technology Group. During his time Dennis oversaw McLaren’s most successful period across the 1980s and 1990s.

In 2015 McLaren went back to Honda engines for the first time since 1992, in what began as a hark back to the halcyon days of the Honda powered MP4/4 winning 15 out of 16 races and Ayrton Senna’s first world championship in 1988.

But the ‘McLaren-Honda 2.0’ partnership ended in an unmitigated disaster as the team slumped to ninth in the constructors’ championship in 2017.

Yet like any good comeback story there has to be a pivotal point where the fight back to the top begins.

That began when motorsport marketing guru Zac Brown took over as McLaren CEO, Brown said to McLaren.com he took over at the most difficult time.

“I definitely joined in probably the most difficult period in the team’s history, but to me that’s the exciting part. That’s the challenge. What we needed to do was provide clear leadership and direction, and ensure the right people were in the right places. I think we’re now going in the right direction. The decisions we have made are paying off, but there’s still a long way to go.”

The first milestone on the road back success came when Brown divorced McLaren from its partnership with Honda in 2016, striking a new engine supply with Renault.

Brown also oversaw the increase of sponsorship investment and was instrumental bringing Seidl to the team along with James Key as Technical Director.

Brown also attributes the teams renewed stability from retaining the services of drivers Sainz and Lando Norris.

“We’re currently in a period of rebuilding and we want stability. Both Carlos and Lando are performing well and we’re very happy with them, therefore we wanted to confirm them early. I’m sure there are many teams that would love to have either of them in a race car and by confirming them when we did, we avoided getting caught up in ‘silly season,” he said.

It was quite fitting that Sainz’s P20 to P3 drive at Interlagos very much echoed McLaren’s fight back to the podium, but despite the much welcomed success, Seidl said to McLaren.com he is now looking for success on the teams’ own terms.

“We keep our heads down and now focus on securing our positions in the Drivers’ World Championship. The achievement this year together with the podium today is the perfect motivation for all of us to keep working hard in order to score podiums again in the future for McLaren based on our own outright performance.”

With great results in the bag for 2019 and a revitalised partnership with Mercedes as their new engine supplier in 2021, the team as a collective appears now to have their heads in a good space for the challenges ahead, to finally get that elusive win they so desperately hunger.

Matildas settle the score on World Cup bid

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Brendan Lines

November 14, 2020

The Matildas 1-0 victory against Chile at Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday night not only settled the score on the field, but set Adelaide’s World Cup bid straight giving women’s football in Adelaide the attention it rightly deserves on the world stage.

Matildas captain Sam Kerr gives her shirt to a young fan after the match. Picture: AAP

Image: Daily Telegraph – Sam Kerr gives away her strip to local Adelaide fan.

A record 10,342 strong crowd attended the women’s international friendly, smashing the previous record in Adelaide of 5186 set in 2006.

From the resounding cheers at the climax of Advance Australia Fair, to the raptures engulfing the moments just after Emily Gielnik’s goal in the 23rd minute — alone would have been more than enough for Premier Steven Marshall to come to his senses.

The roar of approval for The Matildas:

Recent public and political pressure forced the Liberal government to re-think its World Cup bid, before Adelaide was lost to the complete alienation of the country’s football and wider sporting community.

Just hours before kick-off the Premier made a statement re-committing his support.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is a massive event to add to our sporting calendar, and Adelaide will be a fantastic location for the competition,” he said.

In August, Marshall balked at the chance for Adelaide to support Football Federation Australia’s bid to host the World Cup, on the grounds of affordability to upgrade Hindmarsh Stadium.

Tourism minister David Ridgway argued that losses of business would have to be paid to the Crows and Port Adelaide AFL clubs if games were to be played at Adelaide Oval — despite InDaily revealing the government was not under any obligation to compensate the Stadium Management Authority.

The opposition’s recreation spokesperson Katrine Hildyard who criticised Marshall for a $24m cut to the Female Facilities Program, later said on Twitter that supporters made their voice heard on Tuesday night.

The government’s change in tack came as Ridgway said “The State Government has negotiated a good outcome for South Australian sports fans and taxpayers.”

But all the politics aside, it was the spectacle that mattered in the end as the Matildas headed by Sam Kerr were dominant against the Chileans.

As their fluent attack wrecked havoc on the Chilean defenders and keeper Natalia Campos.

The win cemented the Matilda’s eighth place in the world rankings for 2019 with seven wins and two losses.

To the Matildas’ credit, not only did they get the job done on the field, but there was an implied victory off the field rousing record local support.

As our ladies silenced the rhetoric with their irrefutable results, giving women’s football in Adelaide a well deserved shot at getting further attention on the world stage.

Lions’ roar grows louder

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Brendan Lines

PHOTO Braeden Gatt

SOUTH Gawler’s run towards September is back on track after belting Kapunda by 62 points in Saturday’s Barossa, Light & Gawler A-grade football clash.

For the first time since round four this season, the Lions are back into the top four.

Levelling the ledger at home to three wins and three losses, South is well on its way to making the Den a happy-hunting ground once again, according to player-coach Jack Osborn.

“We’ve made an emphasis on really protecting the home ground and we really went out with that attitude and wanted to show that ‘this is our field, and this how it’s going to happen’,” he said.

“We need to make sure we’re keeping our season alive, the top standard of teams like Tanunda and Angaston are playing amazing football, so we’ve just got to make sure we’re there in the last part of this year to be able to compete with them.”

The conditions at Eldred Riggs Reserve bogged down both teams’ midfielders early, but the Lions dug their claws in and put pressure on the contest with 12 first-quarter tackles.

Grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck, the Lions went on to score three first-quarter goals, courtesy of Jarred Johnson, Leslie Baker and Osborn, to gain the ascendancy over the Bombers.

A 21-point margin at the first break looked within Kapunda’s grasp, but the Lions were just warming up, piling on seven goals in the second-quarter.

The under-fire Bombers’ only resistance came from Jack Huggard with 20 disposals and nine marks in defence for the match, as skill errors continued to plague them around the contest.

Lion Josh Wittwer was supreme across half-back, his 13 disposals and five marks for the game turned South’s defence into attack every time and helped set up his forwards.

As Osborn rucked his 0wn ball to snap an early second-quarter major, the Lions went on to make goals look easy as Jackson Dare, Chapman and Baker kicked South away to a 67-point lead at half-time.

The Bombers found some spark as Brad Prior kicked their first, and helped by midfielder Matt Stent’s 13 disposals for the match they closed the gap for inside 50s to 10-8 in the third term.

The Lions led by 60 points at three-quarter-time, after the Bombers hit the scoreboard.

But South was not about to rest on its laurels, as Dom Costanzo kicked truly and Jackson Press slotted his second major to compliment a solid 13 disposals and five marks for the game.

In the end, it was the Lions’ fast start that proved too big of a hurdle for Kapunda to overcome.

https://bunyippress.com.au/lions-roar-grows-louder/

Connelly Cup played in right spirit

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BRENDAN LINES

WILLASTON claimed the Stephen Connelly Cup on Saturday after knocking off Gawler Central by 17 points in Barossa, Light & Gawler A-grade football.

PHOTO: Bianca Muller

Before the action began, the occasion was marked with a moving ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony by Willaston and Kaurna man Rodney O’Brien.

The Tigers put the Donnys on the ropes early with goals to Nick Hooker and Corey Solly.

But a late major from Jamie Williams kept the Donnys in touch, closing the margin to 13 points at quarter-time.

The momentum swung Willaston’s way in the second term as Josh Waldhuter, Ash Fry and Michael Clinch upped the pressure with a combined 37 contested possessions.

The increase in forward pressure yielded a raft of goals to Williams, Chad Norsworthy and Michael Howson, who all scored, to go into the main change 24 points clear.

Yet, Central were not about to be kicked-off the park and dug deep to make the most of its opportunities up forward, despite Brad Mercer being shut down by the Donnys’ tight back six.

It came down to the Tigers’ half-forwards to do the business, as Solly and Jonty Schultz kicked them back into contention.

Willaston continued to look dangerous, but wasted a few chances at goal by kicking 3.5 in the third term to stay ahead by only 21 points at three-quarter-time.

The last quarter was a shootout as both teams went forward at all costs.

Central’s gun defender, Jaime Wegener, drifted deep into the forward 50, booting three goals in the final term.

The Tigers were in with a sniff, trailing by just nine points early in the last, but even their better accuracy, kicking 5.1 in the second half, was not enough to give them the upper-hand.

Waldhuter and Fry’s ability to create forward pressure countered the Tigers’, as Brodie Cormack and Jackson Phillips’ goals kept Willaston ahead to take the victory.

After the match, players from both sides linked arms in the middle of the ground as a sign of harmony – recognising and supporting indigenous culture and its contribution to the local game.

It’s just the Donny’s fourth win for the season, but senior coach Shaun Baker is confident his side is building.

“It’s starting to pay-off, we always knew this year was going to be a tough year,” he said.

“Now they (the players) are getting some confidence back, they are just doing the little things right and that makes things happen.

“It’s tapping into the first quarter where they (Central) were tougher at the footy, so I stressed to them if we were tougher at the footy, we’ll get better use of the footy, so we were just tougher in those moments.

“Wally (Josh Waldhuter) has actually been a bit sore so I changed it up how he went into the game and came out of the game, he was probably best on ground by far.”

 

https://bunyippress.com.au/connelly-cup-played-in-right-spirit/

Freeling leaves door ajar after loss to Willaston

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BRENDAN LINES

FREELING missed an opportunity to secure finals football after it lost to Willaston by 13 points in Barossa, Light & Gawler A-grade football on Saturday.

PHOTO: Bianca Muller

The defeat keeps the door ajar for South Gawler, which sits one win behind the Redlegs in sixth place with one minor round game to play.

Freeling faces ladder leaders Angaston this weekend, while the Lions must beat Willaston to have any chance of featuring in finals.

In a season stymied by the loss of premiership points after last year’s salary cap saga, Saturday’s win would have seen the Donnybrooks vying for a finals berth, had they not started two wins behind the rest of the competition.

Despite the setback, Willaston can still take some confidence from its recent winning form, according to coach Shaun Baker.

“There’s a bit of confidence back in the group, you know obviously with all the stuff that’s gone on from last year, it’s taken a while to get their confidence back, they are doing the little things right which makes the big things happen,” he said.

“So, we’re starting to have a bit of consistency in the way we play.”

A stiff breeze didn’t stop Freeling getting off to a competitive start, as majors to Alex Stengle and Ben Heinrich put the pressure on the scoreboard.

Star Donnybrook defender Michael Clinch (19 possessions) set up plenty of forward opportunities, and as Chad Norsworthy slotted the goal-of-the-day from the boundary, with a check-side, the Donnys briefly grabbed the lead.

As Clinch was sidelined with a blood rule, Freeling took advantage of Willaston’s depleted backline to snare a late goal, through Josh Hand, and a fourpoint lead at quarter-time.

A buoyant Freeling kept up the forward pressure, as Willaston conceded goals to Ashley Selleck, Aaron Cocks and Hand in the second term.

But the Donnys were able to fight back, and a late goal to Michael Howson closed the margin to just 12 points at the main change.

Willaston continued to turn the tables in the third, winning the contest in the middle with clean transitions from midfielders Harrison Elbrow (16 possessions), Tyson Irlam (19 possessions) and
senior colt Deakin Davis.

This helped the Donnys win 11 inside 50s to Freeling’s five for the quarter.

The midfielders were able to drift forward and slot majors, with Irlam and Elbrow converting, and Howson getting another.

Willaston led by 21 points at three-quarter-time, but the game was still in the balance.

An unchecked Clinch and Shaun Childs’ four defensive marks controlled the game, wearing down Freeling in the final term.

Fittingly, Donnybrooks captain Josh Waldhuter finished the day with his second major as they shutdown the game and celebrated.

As consistency and confidence builds in Willaston’s ranks, Baker said there are some encouraging signs.

“I just think the young fellas are really starting to stand up and for extended periods of time, you can keep them in the team for longer and don’t have to make too many changes,” he said.

“Last time we got beat up on the inside, so I put it on them all week to be better on the inside (this week).”

 

https://bunyippress.com.au/freeling-leaves-door-ajar-after-loss-to-willaston/