F1 Fast Five: Fans banned from track access at Australian Grand Prix, Is Suzuka under threat?, and other big updates

Fans banned from track access at Australian Grand Prix

Due to a security breach in the 2023 Australian Grand Prix, where fans entered the track prematurely, organizers have decided to prohibit spectators from accessing the circuit after this year's race. The incident prompted stewards to refer the matter to the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Typically, fans are allowed on the track post-race, but last year's breach led to Safety Car conditions and raised safety concerns. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has announced the ban for the 2024 event pending an ongoing FIA investigation, with a decision on future track access to be determined later.

Click here to read the full article by Will Wood (racefans.com)

‍

Is Suzuka under threat?

Osaka, Japan, is actively exploring the possibility of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix, expressing its intentions through its tourism board and considering a street track for the event. Officials claim to have discussed the matter for nearly two years, emphasizing potential benefits for tourism and local events. While specific plans remain unclear, a visit to the Singapore Grand Prix has encouraged Osaka officials. However, Suzuka, a beloved and historic F1 circuit, holds the Japanese Grand Prix contract until 2024, with expectations of a renewal for 2025 onwards. The feasibility of a new Osaka race in 2025 seems unlikely, and there's speculation about a potential dual-race scenario with both Osaka and Suzuka hosting separate events in the future. 

Click here to read the full article by Scott Mitchell-Malm (the-race.com)

‍

F2 teams test new 2024 chassis in Barcelona

Formula 2 teams recently conducted the first shakedown of their new-for-2024 chassis in Barcelona, just over a month ahead of the inaugural race in Bahrain. The fresh design by Italian manufacturer Dallara features significantly revamped aerodynamics to enhance racing and safety. Before the shakedown, the cars underwent nearly 5,000km of testing by 2022 F2 champion Felipe Drugovich and Tatiana Calderon. During the six-hour session, all 11 teams utilized one car each, completing a total of 649 laps, providing a positive start for F2 technical director Pierre-Alain Michot, who emphasized the need for some adjustments before the official test session and the season opener in Bahrain.

Click here to read the full article by James Newbold (motorsport.com)

‍

Will racing in Madrid be a challenge for Alonso?

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed uncertainty about Fernando Alonso's continued presence in racing by the time the new Madrid Grand Prix occurs in 2026. At 45 during the event, Alonso could break the record for the longest gap between two race wins. Domenicali playfully speculated about Alonso winning in Madrid, while the driver himself stated he'd be happy to participate if still on the grid; otherwise, he would watch the race on TV without much change in his perspective.

Click here to read the full article by Rory Mitchell (racingnews365.com)

‍

Quadrant athletes

‍

Lando Norris heads a team of skilled professionals from different fields, including Swedish rally driver Oliver Solberg and Dutch motocross athlete Lotte van Drunen, among others. Norris briefs the team, explaining the importance of creating a video that effectively showcases the scale of the new development. Do they have what it takes to pull it off?