17/05/2007
NEWS STORY
When it comes to team media communications we all know how anodyne they can be, most of them giving little in terms of real information, merely re-enforcing the team's corporate image.
Some have admittedly tried to break the mould, most notably the Red Bull teams, unfortunately they tend to go too far the other way, attempting to be wild and whacky, which, considering the company behind them, is also re-enforcing the corporate image.
That said, 10/10 to Red Bull and Toro Rosso for finally realising that it is helpful to issue a press release at the end of each day's testing giving details of the team's programme and results achieved. Definitely a step in the right direction.
For the most part though, teams and their suppliers tow the company line, telling us that everything is on target and that real progress is being made, even though neither driver looks likely to make it off the grid, never mind score their first point of the season.
How refreshing therefore that Renault has taken the bold step of releasing a podcast in which team members are allowed to speak, freed of the corporate shackles, without the PR person standing over their shoulder, tape recorder running.
In its post-Spanish GP 'round table', Pat Symonds, and Steve Nielsen talk frankly about the team's weekend in Barcelona and a whole host of other subjects, including Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, the new races planned for 2008 and TV coverage of their sport.
There's also a great chat with Machine Shop Manager Jeff Fullerton, who has been in the sport for longer than even he cares to remember.
It's a great initiative, and it comes as no surprise that it is the French team that leads the way, having made a real attempt over the last couple of years to connect with race fans.
Even if, like Pitpass editor Chris Balfe, you don't have an Ipod - some music can only be listed to from giant speaker or equally large headphones - you can listen to the Renault podcast on your PC by clicking here
Enjoy.