Motorsports

Sergio “Checo” Pérez will start ninth on the grid at the Qatar Grand Prix after a solid performance in qualifying. Having missed Q3 since the United States Grand Prix, the Mexican driver showed significant improvement with a competitive pace. In Q2, Pérez placed fourth on fresh tires and remained among the top six for most of the session. Although he couldn’t challenge leading teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, he capitalized on a mistake by Pierre Gasly in the final attempt to secure a spot in Q3. In the last session, Pérez couldn’t improve his position further but locked in the ninth spot. This result marks a notable step forward after several difficult qualifying sessions, demonstrating clear progress in his performance.  Also of interest: A premium motorcycle tire store opens in Mexico

The iconic Italian circuit will continue to host the Italian Grand Prix following a new contract extension. The Historic Agreement Extension The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, known as the Temple of Speed, will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2031. This extension, adding six years to the current agreement, solidifies Monza’s importance as one of the most iconic venues in motorsport.     The announcement follows recent infrastructure upgrades made ahead of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, which welcomed over 335,000 fans. Built in 1922, Monza has hosted the Italian Grand Prix nearly every season since the World Championship began in 1950, except for 1980, when it closed for renovations. A Circuit That Makes History Located near Milan, Monza is distinguished by its 5.8-kilometer track, renowned as one of the fastest circuits on the calendar, with drivers at full throttle for 80% of the lap. In 2020, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history by average speed, clocking 264.362 km/h during qualifying. Legendary figures like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio have triumphed at Monza, while current stars like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc continue to write new chapters at this historic track. Commitment to the Future Formula 1 has seen remarkable growth in Italy, with a cumulative audience of 183.3 million in 2023 and a 16% increasein social media followers. Local authorities, led by the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) and supported by the Italian Government and the Lombardy Region, have invested heavily in recent circuit upgrades.     According to Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula 1, these investments reflect a commitment to sustainability and improving the fan experience. Upgrades have included track resurfacing, enhanced access, and improved safety measures for both drivers and spectators. Projections Towards 2025 Looking ahead, plans are in place for further improvements to hospitality and services to meet the high standards of modern Formula 1. ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani emphasized that Monza is not only the oldest circuit on the calendar but also an event that continues to draw massive crowds thanks to its rich history and ongoing innovations. With this extension, Monza secures its place in Formula 1, keeping the passion of the tifosi alive and cementing its status as a true icon of motorsport.  

The Qatar Grand Prix will host the final Sprint weekend of the 2024 Formula 1 season, with the Lusail International Circuit as the stage. Pirelli has unveiled the tire compounds that will play a pivotal role in team strategies for this penultimate race of the championship. HARDER COMPOUNDS FOR QATAR Unlike the previous race in Las Vegas, where the softest compounds were used, Qatar will see the hardest selection. Pirelli will bring the C1 as hard (white-marked), the C2 as medium (yellow-marked), and the C3 as soft (red-marked).     Due to the Sprint format, the tire allocation is reduced from 13 to 12 sets: 2 sets of hard tires 4 sets of medium tires 6 sets of soft tires The number of wet-weather tires remains unchanged, with five intermediate sets and two for extreme rain. LESSONS FROM 2023 The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix provided valuable insights for Pirelli and the FIA, after lap limits were imposed on each tire set (maximum of 18 laps) due to issues with the circuit’s curbs. This forced drivers to make at least three pit stops during the race. For 2024, adjustments were made to the curbs at seven key corners, including turns 1, 4, and the complex section from turns 12 to 14, which caused excessive wear on the tire sidewalls last year.     TECHNICAL PREPARATION AND TESTING Pirelli Motorsport engineers conducted extensive testing in their Milan laboratories, using samples of the new curbs designed by the FIA. Additionally, data from recent test sessions with older cars confirmed that these changes will mitigate the issues faced in 2023. Another significant adjustment was the addition of gravel strips at the exits of certain corners, a measure to prevent drivers from exceeding track limits.     STRATEGY AND WEATHER CONDITIONS This year’s conditions in Qatar will differ as the race takes place later in the season. While humidity may be lower, temperatures could still affect tire thermal degradation, complicating strategic decisions. In 2021, under different circumstances, some drivers opted for a single-stop strategy, while others, like Hamilton and Verstappen, used two-stop strategies to fight for victory. This highlights that tire management will be critical in Lusail, especially with the return of the Sprint format. A UNIQUE CHALLENGE TO CLOSE THE YEAR The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix will not only test the skills of drivers but also the adaptability of teams. Tires will play a decisive role on a circuit that promises unique challenges and a strategic battle for the final championship points.

AN INNOVATIVE IDEA TO UNIFY FANS Roger Penske, a legendary figure in motorsport and owner of IndyCar as well as a leading NASCAR team, has put forth a bold proposal: fostering a strategic collaboration between the two series to reinvigorate interest in racing across the United States. Penske emphasized that instead of competing against each other, NASCAR and IndyCar could unite to attract a broader audience and regain the cultural prominence they once enjoyed.   Todas las categorías   “We could consider doubleheader events combining the best of both categories. This is not an announcement, but it would be a way to offer fans a diverse and exciting show,” Penske stated during the 2024 NASCAR Awards. THE CHALLENGE: FORMULA 1 AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Both NASCAR and IndyCar face challenges posed by the meteoric rise of Formula 1, which has captured the attention of fans worldwide. Penske believes the key to counteracting this trend lies in working together. Events like the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have demonstrated the potential of combined events. These doubleheaders not only bring together fans of both disciplines but also offer unique experiences by blending the adrenaline of stock cars with the precision of single-seaters. “It’s a proven formula. Double events generate excitement and diversity, something U.S. motorsport needs to keep growing,” Penske stressed. ROGER PENSKE’S LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE Penske’s vision is supported by decades of success in motorsport. His team, Team Penske, has secured 47 championships across various disciplines, reflecting his relentless pursuit of excellence. “At Team Penske, you know where you’re working. Roger expects you to win, or you won’t stay long,” said the 2024 NASCAR champion, highlighting the culture of accountability and high performance that defines the team.       BENEFITS OF A NASCAR-INDYCAR ALLIANCE Penske believes a collaboration between the two series could offer significant advantages: Attracting new audiences:Diversifying events could capture the attention of new fans. Increased revenue:Joint promotions, higher ticket sales, and innovative sponsorship deals. Cross-pollination:Introducing NASCAR fans to IndyCar and vice versa. A PROMISING FUTURE FOR AMERICAN MOTORSPORT Penske’s idea aims not only to deliver unforgettable weekends but also to ensure the survival and growth of motorsport in a competitive environment. If NASCAR and IndyCar manage to join forces, they could successfully address audience fragmentation and strengthen their position in the global sports landscape, ensuring a vibrant legacy for future generations.