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Horner and Abiteboul set for Friday press conference

NEWS STORY
25/03/2015

Friday's FIA press conference promises to be interesting as Red Bull and Renault bosses are scheduled to appear.

With anticipation for Thursday's press conference, where Fernando Alonso is one of the invited drivers, already building, there is the promise of further fun and games on Friday when Red Bull's Christian Horner and Renault's Cyril Abiteboul are scheduled to appear.

McLaren has already made it clear that tomorrow's press conference is the one time it will allow Alonso to be questioned on his Barcelona accident and all that followed, warning that any such questions after then will be "politely declined".

However, Alonso's appearance could be overshadowed by Friday's press conference in the wake of recent comments by Abiteboul, who was himself reacting to claims made by Red Bull.

Following Adrian Newey's claim that the problem with the RB11's performance rests entirely with the power unit, Abiteboul has called him a liar, telling France's Auto Hebdo: "It's difficult to have a partner who lies. Adrian is a charming man and an engineer without parallel, but he's spent his life criticising engine partners. He's too old to change his ways."

To add to the fun, the pair are joined by Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost, whose team also uses the French engines but, certainly based on pre-season and Melbourne form, appears to have done a better job, and certainly a lot less 'toy throwing'.

Fact is, with Mercedes having scored a 1-2 here last year, and with an eye on their Melbourne form, this could be the highlight of the weekend.

Also due to appear on Friday are Lotus Matthew Carter, Force India's Robert Fernley (always good for a moan) and Pirelli's Paul Hembery, whilst Daniil Kvyat, Felipe Nasr, Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Rosberg and Carlos Sainz join Alonso on Thursday.

Clearly anticipating an interesting weekend, Abiteboul subsequently tweeted: "Packing up to Malaysia. Race (round?) 2", along with a picture of a pair of boxing gloves.

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READERS COMMENTS

 

1. Posted by Hondawho?, 27/03/2015 9:55

"Well that was a well rehe****d and rather dull press conference (They, the team Principles, like the drivers before them all looked so bored) Not surprising judging be some of the questions they received.

That said some interesting notes. Renault, maybe using Toro Roso it seems as leverage against Red Bull, and Red Bull are now saying "They will not become an engine builder" OK, understand that but then bring in the word "Ilmor" who are of course an engine builder!

Leverage from Red Bull against their engine suppler is possibly all they have and as CH said "we could find ourselves without an engine supplier" which is very much a possibility if Renault buy Toro Rosso!

That scenario however is not good commercial business for DM of course if he wants out, so a deal will be struck it seems but what will that be? Time will tell. Torro Rosso could be the cheaper buy and if Red Bull stay in F1, an Ilmor set up......... someone needs to pay though, and Ilmor are NOT a cheap operation!!!

However they both may still continue with Renault and Red Bull may continue as Red Bull what do we know? NOTHING!

Two races into the season and speculation has already started........ fun though.

But as a press conference it seems the Jouno's , albeit there in numbers were not that well geared to ask many intelligent questions or has BE arranged it that way :-) he said last year he wanted more control over the journalists!"

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2. Posted by SideGlance, 26/03/2015 6:41

"So should the Renault vs RB contest be a 1) pissing for distance or 2) pissing for accuracy or 3) length of said members or 4) arm wrestling or 5) kick each other in 'nads' until one passes out or 6) bitch slap each other like little girls or 7) staring contest - first to blink loses 8) let Bernie obfuscate the feud to beyond comprehension or 9) let Max Mosley use NAZI costume, Fraulein choose the winner or ........"

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3. Posted by Paul C, 25/03/2015 18:34

"There's enough people at the Friday press conference to have a duel with seconds. It takes a lot to outdo Kimi, Fernando and company."

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4. Posted by nonickname, 25/03/2015 13:35

"I always look forward to Kimi's side of the interview...he is in charge the humour side.Does it well too"

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5. Posted by Hondawho?, 25/03/2015 11:25

"Something else that may be "shared" at the press conference on Friday or even before, although not yet hit these pages and that is; Lewisham ilton may confirm his new contract BUT, my sources tell me it will ONLY be for one year!"

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6. Posted by Hondawho?, 25/03/2015 11:19

"The last press conference of 2014 was the highlight of the year to be honest. I kept it on the box and have watched it several times, very interesting and Christian Horner's comment about BE was a classic!

Maybe the title should be fought in words rather than soggy engines and boring cars!

The French would win, Italy second Germany third and the British coming in somewhere between all of them. If Colin Chapman or Max Moseley could be there they would win hands down. Few charters you seen in this sport from the UK side :-( Bernie could always pay to win of course!"

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