Motorcycle News - The Apprentice: A Honda Egli returns home for restoration
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Egli Motorradtechnik, the famous Swiss workshop that can trace its history back to 1965, has taken big steps to protect its future. And this very smart Honda-powered special is proof—because it’s been restored to perfection by a young apprentice called Sara.
“Our junior mechanics restore and customize Egli bikes,” Egli spokesperson, Felicitas Frei, tells us. “They’re bikes that are already in our workshop/showroom, or ones that we buy back from our customers.”
For the Honda project, the brief was: “What should an Egli should look like, to appeal to the younger generation?”
This particular bike was built as a kit in 1982 for a Swiss customer, who installed the CB900 engine himself. The kit included a nickel-plated rigid backbone Egli frame with a cantilever swingarm, engine mounting plates, and an original Egli Racing Fork.
With 103 hp on tap and a wet weight of just 197 kg (434.3 lbs), the EH9-C was a very spirited ride. But in the 90s this machine returned home to the Egli workshop, where it has lain dormant until Sara got her hands on it.
At the same time she tweaked the tail design from an open to closed unit, as you would normally find on a road-going bike, and created space for a compact battery. She also adjusted the seat construction with extra padding for comfort; it’s now finished in imitation leather.
At the opposite end, there’s a super-bright LED headlight from JW Speaker, a fresh set of OEM Kawasaki control switches from the 80s, and a big Motogadget Chronoclassic analog tacho. The air-cooled DOHC inline four engine was still in good condition, so it was serviced and left stock.
Sara has restyled and upgraded a machine that can still hold its own at the traffic lights Grand Prix, and on the alpine passes. It sounds like the historic Swiss workshop is in safe hands. Egli Motorradtechnik | Facebook | Instagram Motorcycles via Bike EXIF https://ift.tt/2Mf9b0c July 31, 2020 at 12:16PM
Motorcycle News - California Trials Invitational Presented by GASGAS
https://ift.tt/2PiY85n Trials is an incredible sport. What those competitors manage to do on two-wheels seems to disregard the laws of physics. I have to admit though, while I find the feats of trials riders’ gravity-defying moto acrobatics mind-boggling, I’ve maintained only a passing interest in trials that has rarely strayed further than spending more time than I should watching videos of Toni Bou, HRC’s 26-time world trials champion, on Instagram. That said, when the invite came through the MO inbox from GasGas to attend its inaugural California Trial Invitational in Murrieta, CA, I was more than willing to accept the assignment. This event, presented by GasGas, came about in large part due to the cancellation of the 2020 AMA/NATC National MotoTrials Championship series, the premier competition for Trials in the U.S. Thanks, Coronavirus. The canceled series was also the first time GasGas would have been competing Stateside since Pierer Mobility AG – owner of KTM and Husqvarna – acquired a 60% stake in the Spanish company in September 2019. With backing from a company the likes of Pierer Mobility AG, not only is GasGas poised for a level of growth not seen before in the brand’s history, but also, particularly in the U.S., it’s likely that the sport of Trials might benefit as well. The GasGas-sponsored event saw ten nationally-ranked (and some internationally ranked) competitors from across the country representing four manufacturers invited to compete. Participating in the event were: Louise Forsley – Sherco, Maddie Hoover – GasGas, Kylee Sweeten – Scorpa, Alex Niederer – Beta, Karl Davis – Scorpa, Daniel Blanc-Gonnet GasGas, Josh Roper – Sherco, Alex Myers – Scorpa, Sam Fastle – Sherco, and Will Myers – Scorpa. As the event got underway, it was impossible not to notice the comradery in the pits. You could tell these competitors had likely been facing off against each other for years, which, with the median age somewhere around 20, also meant they had likely grown up together in this atmosphere. While waiting for qualifying to begin, I overheard the mother of one rider asking another rider how her family was doing. Trials is a small niche in off-road racing. Unlike motocross though, it’s perhaps easier to get along with your rivals as you’re not bumping elbows and stuffing each other into corners. In Trials, it’s the rider versus the course. Speaking of the course, which lay adjacent to the KTM/Husqvarna motocross and enduro testing facility near the brand’s HQ, it was dreamed up by none other than 10-time national trials champion Geoff Aaron. Geoff also happens to be the GasGas race team manager and has been associated with the brand for more than 20 years. For this event though, he would be sidelined after completing the build-out of the course. Laid out over five sections, the trials consisted of boulders, concrete tubes, giant logs, six-foot vertical faces, and, in some cases, all of the above in a single section. The day’s competition saw riders jockeying for positions in both the women’s and men’s classes. Karl Davis looked strong on his Scorpa machine nearly all day with a slight slip in an otherwise stellar performance late in the day which was just the motivation Josh Roper on the Sherco needed to nearly catch the Florida-based rider. At the end of the day though, Davis was able to hold onto the top spot of the podium, edging out Roper by a mere three points. Third position was wrapped up by Alex Niederer on the Beta. In the womens’ class, Maddie Hoover put on a solid performance throughout the competition, but suffered a big fall on the six-foot vertical log wall around mid-day. Although Hoover remained uninjured from the fall, her confidence may have taken the brunt of the impact. Louise Forsley’s steadfast focus saw the Californian showing determination from the beginning to the end of the event and ultimately was rewarded with the top step of the podium. Kylee Sweeten put a solid performance down as well, taking the third spot on the podium. After an impressive display on the course, the riders on the men’s and women’s podiums delivered heart-felt speeches of appreciation to their sponsors and families, but also to GasGas for giving them a platform to compete in an otherwise uneventful year in trials competition. Lunch followed the podium ceremony and almost the entire field of competitors sat together, laughing, joking, and talking about how great the tacos that GasGas had catered in were. It was obvious that this wasn’t the usual treatment at trials events for the riders. As appreciative as the invited riders were for the opportunity to compete, I hope the industry too can see the importance of this sport and the potential that the newly backed GasGas brand has to bring it to the mainstream. We’ve seen the popularity of off-road motorcycling of all sorts continue to rise over the past few years. Sports like American Flat Track have shown massive increases in viewership and sponsorship. We hope the same comes around for Trials. What these riders are doing is massively fun to watch and can be relatively easily contained to a small area. If any niche of our sport deserves it, it’s the hard-working men, women, and families who have kept Trials riding alive over the years in the United States. The post California Trials Invitational Presented by GASGAS appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO July 31, 2020 at 11:44AM
F1 News - British Grand Prix: Verstappen fastest in first practice at Silverstone
https://ift.tt/3gk2aXo Red Bull's Max Verstappen headed Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton in first practice at the British Grand Prix. Verstappen was 0.474 seconds clear of the world championship leader but using a softer tyre than Hamilton, whose team start the weekend as strong favourites. Racing Point's Lance Stroll was third ahead of Red Bull's Alexander Albon. Nico Hulkenberg, a last-minute sub for Sergio Perez after the Mexican contracted coronavirus, was a creditable ninth on his return to F1. The German was 0.588 seconds slower than Stroll after his position was confirmed only minutes before the session started because of the wait to confirm he did not have coronavirus. Perez's positive test emerged on Thursday afternoon, and Racing Point chose Hulkenberg over Mexican Esteban Gutierrez, who as Mercedes reserve driver this weekend the team had the right to call on. Hulkenberg, who was out of F1 after being dropped by Renault last season, was preferred because of his long experience, both in F1 and with the team, having driven for them when they were known as Force India in 2012 and 2014-16. The session took place under cloudless skies and in soaring temperatures of more than 30C. In a normal year, the circuit would have been teeming with tens of thousands of fans soaking up the sun and enjoying their only experience of F1 cars of the year. But the usual festival atmosphere of the British Grand Prix is absent as a result of the lack of fans, who have had to be kept away as a result of coronavirus. All the British drivers have spoken of how "weird" the event feels without them, but none will find that more than Hamilton, who has made his home race his own with a record six victories. Hamilton took the championship lead for the first time this year with victory in the last race in Hungary, the third of the season, and is looking to extend it over two races at Silverstone on successive weekends. He started the weekend looking strong but quickly rejected the 'soft' tyre that Verstappen used to set his fastest time, Hamilton saying: "Let's get off this tyre, it's terrible." His fastest time was set on the medium. Other than that, the morning was smooth, although Mercedes have fitted a new MGU-K to his car - a part of the hybrid system - after seeing some anomalies on the data in Hungary. All other Mercedes engines will have the same part fitted at the next race as a reliability upgrade and the team say it should not lead to grid penalties for Hamilton later in the season. Team-mate Valtteri Bottas, meanwhile, was down in sixth place, a second off Verstappen and 0.6secs behind Hamilton, but used the 'hard' tyre for his best lap. Albon has a new engineer for this weekend as Red Bull seek to help him get to grips with a difficult car, and it is a return for Simon Rennie, who previously worked with Daniel Ricciardo from 2014-18. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fifth fastest, while the Renaults of Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo were seventh and eighth. The Frenchman trialling upgraded bargeboard and floor, while the Australian ran the standard parts to compare. Their times were just 0.017secs apart. McLaren's Lando Norris, fourth in the championship heading into the weekend, was only 13th, a place behind team-mate Carlos Sainz. Norris is running a new helmet colour-scheme, the result of a competition he ran for fans, from which he chose a design by a six-year-old girl called Eva. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 July 31, 2020 at 06:48AM
F1 News - British Grand Prix: Hulkenberg to stand in for Perez at Silverstone
https://ift.tt/3ghinwm Nico Hulkenberg is to stand in for Sergio Perez at Racing Point after the Mexican contracted coronavirus. Perez tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday ahead of the British GP. He revealed he had flown back to Mexico following the preceding race in Hungary to see his mother after she was hospitalised following an accident. Perez will be out for at least the two races at Silverstone this weekend and next but Hulkenberg has not been confirmed for the second race. Perez said: "I'm extremely sad, definitely one of the saddest days in my career. I knew I had a great car underneath me, and the team has done a fantastic job. "But it just shows how vulnerable we all are to this virus. I follow all the instructions from FIA and my team. "After Hungary, I took a private plane to go to Mexico to see my mum for two days because she had a big accident, so as soon as she left hospital I was able to see her. "And then I came back to Europe, the same way with all the protocols in place and I just got it, I don't know from where. So it just shows how vulnerable we all are. Tough moments for me but I am sure I will come back stronger." Hulkenberg, who was out of F1 after being dropped by Renault at the end of last season, returns to the team he raced for in 2012 and from 2014-16. Racing Point chose Hulkenberg over Mexican Esteban Gutierrez, who is the Mercedes reserve driver for this weekend and they had a contractual right to call on had they wanted to because of their links with the world champions. A Racing Point statement said: "Nico's experience of racing in contemporary Formula 1 and his strong track record ensure he is the ideal driver to stand in for Sergio Perez this weekend. "In a bid to minimise disruption and ensure the best possible chance of building upon the team's strong start to the 2020 campaign, Nico's familiarity with the team will prove invaluable." Racing Point team principal Otmar Szafnauer said: "Having to find a replacement for Sergio at short notice is no easy task, but in Nico we've got a fantastic super-sub who the team knows very well. "He's certainly being thrown in at the deep end, but he's a fast learner and I'm sure he will get up to speed quickly." Hulkenberg said: "I was on my way to the Nurburgring for another racing project when the call from Otmar came. "That was less than 24 hours ago, so it feels a bit surreal for me right now, but I like a good challenge and this is certainly one. "It's obviously a difficult situation for Racing Point and Checo. He's a buddy of mine, an old team-mate and I wish him a speedy recovery. I'll step in and try do the best I can for the team." Isolation requirements for people who have coronavirus mean Perez will certainly miss the 70th Anniversary GP next weekend, and possibly the Spanish Grand Prix a week later. Hulkenberg is expected to continue for the team as long as Perez is out, but they were not able to confirm that on Friday. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 July 31, 2020 at 05:48AM
MotoGP News - MotoGP set for Portugal return as flyaway rounds cancelled
https://ift.tt/2BM5FXx MotoGP has cancelled the remaining flyaway races in Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia for 2020, but is set to add Portugal to the calendar as the 14th race. The original 2020 season was set to be the longest in MotoGP's history, with 20 rounds beginning in Qatar and ending in Valencia, with stops off in the Americas and Asia bookending the campaign. However, the coronavirus pandemic forced the opening round in Qatar to be cancelled for the premier class (Moto2 and Moto3 still raced as all teams were already in Doha when travel restrictions kicked in) and a major reshuffle of the schedule. A provisional 13-round campaign was announced in June, beginning in July with two rounds at Jerez and ending in November with a Valencia double-header. Space was left on the calendar for the four flyaway races that were yet to be officially canned for 2020 to take place no later than 11 December. This soon became three when the US Grand Prix was scrapped, with MotoGP promoters Dorna Sports now confirming the Malaysian, Thailand and Argentine GPs will not become additional races in 2020. However, Thailand has also been granted a contract extension until 2026. "It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Argentina, Thailand and Malaysian Grands Prix this season, and they will be very much missed on the 2020 calendar," said Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. "The passion of the fans who often travel across continents to enjoy MotoGP with us in Termas de Rio Hondo, Buriram and Sepang is incredible, creating as they do such an incredible atmosphere and welcome for the sport. "However, we are delighted to add another Grand Prix in Europe to the 2020 calendar, and reveal our new agreement that will see MotoGP racing in Thailand and Buriram until at least 2026. "We are very much looking forward to returning to Thailand, Argentina and Malaysia next year and as always, I would like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding However, an additional race is set to be announced by Dorna on 10 August, which Autosport understands will be the return of the Portuguese GP at the Algarve circuit as the season finale. This will take the season through to 22 November, instead of the original 15 November end point. The Algarve circuit at Portimao is MotoGP's official reserve circuit, and is expected to feature on future calendars, potentially alternating with Valencia as the season finale. Last week, Formula 1 announced it would be visiting the Portuguese venue later this season. MotoGP's event will mark the first in the country since 2012, when the Portuguese GP was held at Estoril. This will be the first season since 1986 that no races will take place outside of Europe. Other races cancelled this year were the Australian, Japanese, British, German, Dutch, Finnish and Italian GPs. The delayed campaign kicked off on 19 July with the Spanish GP at Jerez, with the Andalusian GP at the same venue the following week. Petronas SRT's Fabio Quartararo won both races, while reigning world champion Marc Marquez missed the latter after breaking his arm in a crash in the Spanish GP. Quartararo leads the championship by 10 points from Yamaha factory team counterpart and future team-mate Maverick Vinales. With the 2020 season now officially locked in at 14 rounds, just 12 races remain, beginning with the Czech GP at Brno next week followed by an Austrian double-header. Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei July 31, 2020 at 05:07AM
Motorcycle News - Pando Moto Black Dyneema Jeans
https://ift.tt/3jWpMn4 We’ve seen a lot of great new riding gear from Pando Moto in 2020. With each new addition, they’ve refined their style and utilised more advanced materials to improve their offering. Today we’re looking at 2 updated versions of existing black Dyneema Jeans in the Pando Moto 2020 range. Replacing the highly successful Steel Black 9 and Kissaki Black models are the new 2020 Steel Black 0.2 jeans for men and the women’s Kissaki Dyn motorcycle jeans. Motorcycles via Return of the Cafe Racers https://ift.tt/2M9riRb July 31, 2020 at 01:51AM
Motorcycle News - Behold, the Harley-Davidson HD350/Benelli 350S/Qianjiang QJ350
https://ift.tt/314GMPq Chinese manufacturer Qianjiang registered a new motorcycle design with China’s National Intellectual Property Administration, revealing a new naked bike called the QJ350. Why should you care about a small-displacement Chinese bike? Well, Qianjiang, of course, is the parent company of Benelli, meaning the bike we see here will likely be rebadged as the Benelli 350S. The new design shares much with the Benelli TNT300 and its follow-up, the 302S, but with new wheels, a higher, shorter tail, a rear tire-hugging fender/plate holder, the headlight, and sharper bodywork. Still don’t care? Then there’s also the fact that Qianjiang is Harley-Davidson‘s partner for producing a small-displacement model for Asian markets. Originally planned to be a 338cc model, it seems now that the displacement may be closer to 350. The HD350 (for lack of a better name at the moment) won’t look exactly like this bike, as it’s covered in Qianjiang’s QJ branding. But the engine? Take a look at the left side of the QJ350. The motor looks similar to the 300cc Parallel-Twin currently powering the Benelli. Let’s move in a little closer. Notice the engraving? That’s right, it says “Harley-Davidson Motor Company,” confirming this is the engine intended for the new Asian-market Harley. The design is actually a mishmash of the three brands. The engine says Harley-Davidson, the bodywork says QJ, and the rear fender is stamped with the Benelli logo. Altogether, this comes across as a bit sloppy, but it’s also a reflection of how much the three bikes will share. The finished HD350 will probably look a little different from this, likely adopting a circular headlight and a more Harley-esque shaped fuel tank as in the initial sketches. Qianjiang will likely release the QJ350 soon, with the Benelli version shortly after. The fate of the Harley-Davidson version is less clear. In its second quarter presentation earlier this week, where Harley-Davidson provided details about its Rewire and Hardwire business plans, the president and chief executive officer Jochen Zeitz remained vague on the progress of its partnership with Qianjiang. “We would like to reveal our products much closer to actual launch, and whether and when we are going to launch specific products is not something I would like to elaborate on right now,” said Zeitz, when asked specifically about the project. “We will provide further detail in the fourth quarter. At this point, there’s really nothing new to say about that.” That’s not exactly a vote of confidence for the partnership with Qianjiang, and it remains to be seen whether the project will move forward. If it does, we’re likely looking at early 2021 for a launch in Asia and potentially other markets. The post Behold, the Harley-Davidson HD350/Benelli 350S/Qianjiang QJ350 appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO July 30, 2020 at 06:34PM
Motorcycle News - The 5 Best Motorcycle Cameras
https://ift.tt/2EDX8ah Motorcyclists love to tell stories about things that happened while they were riding. Having video evidence to back it up makes the stories even more fun. Who would believe you if you said that, as you were hard on the brakes from 160+ mph into Turn 2 at Laguna Seca, a ground squirrel ran across the track in front of you and the $100,000 Ducati Superleggera you were piloting? Well, Troy was able to document Mister Squiggles’ near-fatal dash thanks to his helmet cam and put an end to our disbelief. (See the proof here.) Heroics aside, traveling by motorcycle is even more fun when you can capture the important moments of your trip while you’re actually riding. Group rides can be relived later. Track day lean angles can impress your buddies. You just need to choose the right action camera, and you’ve got a ton of options. There are helmet cams, 360 cams, and even permanently mounted dash cams for commuters to use in case of a mishap. No matter what you want to record, there is a camera to handle that task. So, we’ve chosen what we think are the best motorcycle cameras around. Let us know in the comments if you have a personal favorite that isn’t mentioned here. Table of ContentsGoPro Hero7 SilverIf it weren’t for GoPro, there wouldn’t be an action camera market, and the GoPro Hero7 Silver is a great way to get started in documenting all your moto-adventures. First, the Hero7 is totally waterproof for year-round riding. The built-in GPS can track your speed and altitude. You can record in 4K 30fps video and time-lapse movies, while the image stabilization smooths your progress down bumpy roads. Settings are accessed by the touch screen, and of course, you can view your videos there, too. Voice control allows you to easily start the camera. Although the MSRP is $199, you can find it online for significantly less.
Bottom Line/Great entry-level action camera
GoPro Hero8 BlackRiders who are serious about their onboard video will opt for the GoPro Hero8 Black. Vibration and shaky videos are a thing of the past with the Hero8’s three levels of stabilization. According to GoPro, this allows you to “Get the widest views, or boost to the smoothest video ever offered in a HERO camera. Works with all resolutions and frame rates, and features in-app horizon leveling.” Expandable Mods allow vloggers and budding filmmakers to upgrade the Hero8’s capabilities with microphone or light mods. How about live streaming 1080p video on social media? TimeWarp 2.0 allows super-stabilized time-lapse videos while moving through an activity. Want to see your whole ride in a few minutes? Capture 4K UHD 2160p video for high-quality viewing. You can even capture 12mp photos and photo bursts. Available for $350.
Bottom Line/The industry standard for action cameras
INNOVV K2 Dual Channel Motorcyle Motocam
The INNOVV K2 is a dual-channel camera system that permanently mounts to your bike for simultaneous recording of front and rear views in Full HD 1080p 30fps, 720p 60fps, and 720p 30fps. The simple out-of-the-way design mounts unobtrusively to your bike, and the videos are accessed via a smart device app, which is available for both Android and iOS. Download the files wirelessly to your phone and share from there to your favorite social media outlets. The main controller (DVR) is rated IP65 dust and water-resistant, while the cameras are rated IP68 dust and water-resistant. The controller and camera housings are CNC aluminum for durability. The system supports up to 128GB microSD cards. For simplicity, the system has the option to start recording as soon as you start your bike. That way you never miss a moment – a feature that commuters will love for its “dashcam” functionality. The INNOVV K2 MotoCam retails for $338.
Bottom Line/Record front and back views simultaneously
insta360 ONE R Sports Video Adaptive Action CameraThe insta360 ONE R is the action camera for the rider who wants maximum versatility. The One R is built around a modular system that consists of a control unit with a built-in touchscreen, a lens module, and a battery pack that holds them together. The 360-degree camera records at 5.7K resolution, allowing the view direction to be selected in post-production. Plug in the 16.4mm equivalent focal length lens module, and you can record traditional action cam video in 4K at 60fps and 1080p at up to 200 fps. The wide-angle module was jointly developed with the Leica camera company, and it features a 1-inch sensor for recording 5.3K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, 1080p, or 120fps. The camera’s construction allows for the touchscreen to face either forward or rearward for increased flexibility. The system is waterproof to 5m (16 feet), and a variety of mounts are available. The insta360 ONE R retails for $499 in the twin pack.
Bottom Line/Perfect for the rider who wants both 360° and traditional wide angle action video
Sena 10C EVOThe Sena 10C EVO is the company’s sole camera entry in their line of Bluetooth and Mesh communicators. The 10C EVO combines Bluetooth communications with 4K video. The camera captures video at 4K 30fps. Other video features include Video tagging and Smart Audio Mix. When the 10C EVO is in standby mode, the Video Tagging feature records the minute before and after the rider presses the Video Tagging button. Smart Audio Mix allows for Bluetooth conversations to be recorded to the captured video. Then the Sena 10C EVO is also a Bluetooth communicator that allows the rider to be able to communicate with up to four others over a claimed one-mile range. Pairing to your smartphone allows for calls, music, or GPS directions to be broadcast to the rider. Additionally, the camera preview mode lets the rider verify that the camera is in the correct orientation for the bike they are riding. Additionally, videos can be downloaded to the phone for sharing. The Sena 10C EVO retails for $399.
Bottom Line/Ideal for moto-vloggers
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The post The 5 Best Motorcycle Cameras appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO July 30, 2020 at 03:22PM 7/30/2020 British Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton intends to be in F1 for 'at least another three years' - F1 News
F1 News - British Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton intends to be in F1 for 'at least another three years'
https://ift.tt/33htiSS Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton says he intends to be in Formula 1 for “at least another three years”. The 35-year-old world champion is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of this year but said he planned to continue “for the foreseeable future”. Hamilton is preparing for the British Grand Prix, which he has won six times. “I want to perform at the level I’m performing at now forever, but there is a point when physicality and the mental side can tail off,” he said. “I don’t know when that’s going to be but I don’t see it happening in the short term, in the next two or three years.” Hamilton said the enforced break caused by the coronavirus lockdown this year had refreshed him and potentially lengthened the time he could stay in F1. “The Covid lockdown, while it was a negative in many, many ways, it gave me a lot of life and energy to focus on some other things and that bit of time off was really a bit of breathing space,” said Hamilton. “It has given me a renewed bit of energy to perhaps go longer. “Also, we are in period of time when there is not another driver from my background coming at the moment and I am conscious of that. “I want to earn my position and I still feel like every year I come back it’s not a given just because I have world championships under my belt. "You have to earn the right to be here in terms of how you perform. My goal is to continue to deliver for as long as I can, so I see myself going for at least another three years.” Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas head into this weekend’s British Grand Prix as strong favourites after winning all three races between them so far. Hamilton, who leads the championship by five points, has won two of the races and Bottas one and the Briton is determined to add to his record tally of British GP wins. Mercedes have dominated the start of the season, with a car that has appeared out of reach of any other, and it is expected to be stronger than ever around the fast sweeps of Silverstone, a track that should emphasise its many strengths. But Hamilton played down the prospect of Mercedes winning every race this season. “Our goal is always to win every race, that’s what we set out to do every year,” he said. “But you are constantly faced with challengers. Red Bull get stronger and stronger though the season. Ferrari have some big improvements to make on the car.” #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 July 30, 2020 at 01:36PM
F1 News - British Grand Prix: Formula 1 drivers to continue anti-racism demonstrations
https://ift.tt/3hNVzon Leading Formula 1 drivers say they believe they should continue with their pre-race anti-racism demonstrations throughout the year. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen are among those who have joined Lewis Hamilton in supporting that plan. Leclerc said: “We should definitely keep fighting on that because it is not going to be solved overnight. “It is crazy we have this kind of inequality all over the world in 2020.” Four-time champion Vettel added: “The main reason for being here is to perform, but we cannot ignore what is happening outside our racing bubble. “And the fight against racism around the world that has taken off in the last couple of weeks and months is completely justified because this is not fought and over, or dealt with overnight. “It's an ongoing process and it needs all of us, all human beings around the planet, to stand up and try and go against racism, inequality and injustice in any form. “And therefore it is right to try to send the right signs to inspire people because I believe education is the only way out of it.” For this weekend’s British Grand Prix, F1 bosses have mandated a specific time in the pre-race schedule for the drivers to demonstrate their opposition to racism, after rushed and chaotic situations at the previous two races. In the first three races of the season, the majority of drivers have taken the knee alongside Hamilton, while a minority chose to remain standing. All wore T-shirts expressing their opposition to racism. Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director Romain Grosjean said he hoped to move towards a position later this season whereby all drivers go down on one knee before races. But those who chose not to take the knee have indicated before this weekend’s race that they will not change their position. Verstappen said: “Everybody has their own way of expressing it but we are all united in fighting racism and trying to end it. That’s the most important thing. It’s not about taking a knee or not.” McLaren’s Carlos Sainz added: “I am a free man and I want to express myself in a way that I think is convenient to my culture and my principles. I’m going to keep it that way and I expect you guys and everyone in the paddock to respect that as I’m sure you will.” Hamilton said he had spoken to FIA president Jean Todt, and F1 boss Chase Carey and managing director Ross Brawn, “to make sure they know we’re all on the same team here". The world champion added: "Things like giving us that little bit of extra time at the beginning before the race to show how united we are as a sport - other sports have done a better job of consistently doing that. “They have been really open-minded and I do think it needs to continue through the year. I believe that’s what we will continue to do that. "I believe there has been some push back from some teams maybe but it is a work in progress to get us all together but it is going in the right direction.” Hamilton and Grosjean spoke on the phone after the last race in Hungary, where the world champion had singled out the Frenchman as one of a minority of drivers who had wished to discontinue the demonstrations. Grosjean said there had been a misunderstanding, and that he had felt a responsibility as a senior figure in the GPDA to represent the views of those who felt one demonstration was enough. Hamilton said: “We learned we have more in common than we perhaps think and he’s clearly a caring person. “It is not easy for anybody to admit we’re wrong and that’s a great first step. But when we got off the phone I knew we were united and working towards the same coming goal. "It is what it is going to take all of us to do, open up our minds, don’t put our barriers up, be open-minded. And acknowledging that it is an issue is sometimes the first step to making it better.” #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 July 30, 2020 at 01:00PM |
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