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In a recent report from the Red Bull Hq, the energy drinks company will spread their wings and soar into F1, combining their forces with the current world champions. ‘We have been very impressed with their professional demeanour of the past 18 months, and we think it suits us well. They haven’t been afraid to make tough calls, which may be perceived as unpopular. Nevertheless, we are working with them to create an image for us both to succeed in our respective industries. I’m sure this will be a very successful partnership,’ Franklin seemed to share their sentiments when we caught up with him straight after. ‘They approached me with a very generous offer, and I was so surprised by their commitment to us from the get go. I couldn’t be more certain that together we will be very successful,’ However, this isn’t the only news from the Franklin camp. Rumour has it that Finnish test driver, Mattias Hirvonen could be replacing one of the drivers after the Austrian Grand Prix. With both drivers battling with each other and Liverpool for the title, it would seem like an absurd call. Jamie Franklin was unwilling to comment at this time, though our sources indicate it could only be for Belgium and Italy. Perhaps this was the kind of extreme decision, which has enticed Red Bull.
Following the German Grand Prix, Liverpool Grand Prix have announced a technical partnership with Castrol Edge. Executive Director Arthur Lapierre said: 'We're very pleased to announce that we will be using Castrol Edge lubricants in our cars from next season. Their products provide a great solution to the demands of lubricating and cooling the engine, and we're sure the partnership will help develop both our engines and the lubricants we use in the future.'
In addition, the team announced renewal of partnerships with Vauxhall, Standard Chartered, Garuda Indonesia and Warrior Sports, continuing the deals that were signed at the beginning of the season. After a good practice result, Liverpool Grand Prix called a press conference shortly after the Franklin one.
Technical director Robert Mathershaw was absent, though newly-appointed Executive Director Arthur Lapierre was on hand to answer questions for the assembled media. 'Hello, and welcome to the Liverpool Grand Prix press conference, I welcome any questions from the floor.' First of all, Arthur, you're a new appointment within the team. How have you settled? It's been great. I'm of course the owner of Lapierre Competition, and Robert and I have worked together over the years, and now he's in the World Championship with Liverpool, I've come on board to get involved with the team. So why has Robert stepped down from his role as sole boss of the team? To clarify, he hasn't stepped down. We're taking this championship very seriously, and he wanted someone on board who will be able to look after the finances of the team without any distractions. I'm executively in charge of the team in terms of PR and press conferences, and both Robert and I will be looking after driver hiring and firing. The big change is in the technical department. Robert has now become technical director and will oversee the development of the cars without having to look after everything else too. He's got a long held passion for it, and he's good too. Hopefully this means next season we will start with a good car under the new regulations. Fair enough. Anyway, practice went well, what are your hopes for the weekend? A win. Obviously. You've got a similar personality to Karl then... Yes. I don't talk bullshit. I'd written what I said earlier down under orders from the press officer. Great... If you don't like it, get out of my press conference. (Three of the journalists leave) Good, we've got the quality journalists now. Are you going to win the championship this year? How on earth should I know? We're here for the racing. The adding up of the points is by the VFIA. Enjoy the race everyone, I'm off to the motorhome for a nice cold beer! So with that, the press conference was over. After a long news drought for the British-based team, Jamie Franklin has called a press conference after practice for the German Grand Prix.
After reading the news that Bradley Downton feels his number one driver Nathaniel Powers is in with a shot of the title, Liverpool driver Karl Beckenbauer got in touch voluntarily with F1FLive to give his input.
'I know I don't talk to you people during the race weekend, but I heard the news and needed to tell this to the world.' 'Downton thinks Powers can win the title? He's bonkers! But, I believe him. I certainly believe him over all of the crap my boss says. 'The title's over, the Franklins are going to win the title'. Shut up boss, give us a bit of credit, we're trying here. We need to get some bloody confidence in this team. If Downton thinks Powers can win, then why the hell can't we still target the title?' We immediately rang Liverpool boss Mathershaw, and he said 'This is why I love Karl. He performs best when I piss him off, and I wanted him riled up. Great driver, great bloke. I'm really pleased he's said this - the plan is working. Not only do I think Karl can win the title. I've just seen his true motivation. I know he will win the title. All I can say is your move Franklin, you guys don't look motivated at the moment! And Adrien, get your act together lad, Karl is showing you up now!' Following Nathaniel Powers' impressive drive to second in the French Grand Prix - just a week after he finished third in Portugal - his team principal Bradley Downton has publicly shown how happy he is with the Brit, declaring he still has a shot at the title.
Following the French GP, rumours have emerged that Team 23 is set to lose their title sponsor Air France-KLM for the 2015 season. The Franco-Dutch airline company is unsatisfied with the team's performance in the 2014 season. Team 23 had invited a lot of guests for the French GP, which saw both cars retire for the third time in six races. Team principal andae23: "We always knew we were not going to be up there in 2015, but our performance this year is even worse than we had anticipated." "We are very keen to continue our partnership with Air France-KLM, but it is not our decision to make. The third place finish at the Spanish GP has been a real boost for the team, so we hope our sponsor recognise the potential we see in our team for next year." Elroy Wagner: "If I were KLM, I'm not sure I would want to invest in this team either. I mean, the car is just sh*t, there's no other way I can put it. Next year should be better for us, but I'm not sure if KLM will stick around long enough to find out." |
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