Electric Cars

Flavio Briatore, a prominent figure and executive advisor within the Alpine Formula 1 organization, has publicly stated that the recent leadership transition at the parent company, Renault Group, will have no bearing on the future direction or commitment to the Alpine F1 team. This declaration comes amidst a season of struggles for the Enstone-based outfit, which has yet to secure a championship victory since 2006, and recently announced a shift away from developing its own power units for the 2026 technical regulations, opting instead to become a Mercedes customer.

The change at the helm of Renault Group saw Francois Provost assume the role of CEO in July, succeeding Luca de Meo, who had been in the position since 2020. Briatore, who famously guided Renault to Formula 1 championships in 2005 and 2006, expressed confidence in the new CEO's dedication to the Formula 1 program. He noted that despite Alpine's current standing at the bottom of the 2025 constructor standings after 14 races, the overarching commitment from Renault remains strong.

Briatore elaborated on the company's perspective, stating, \"The new CEO is very enthusiastic about the Formula 1 programme.\" He further added, \"Renault wants to stay in Formula 1.\" He anticipates Provost's presence at the upcoming Monza race, underscoring the consistent support from the top echelons of the Renault Group. According to Briatore, the chairman, Jean-Dominique Senard, is also fully behind the Formula 1 endeavor. He acknowledged the team's need for improved results in the coming year, particularly after a \"very complicated\" 2025 season.

He pinpointed some of the current season's challenges, including the difficulty in interpreting new regulations and a significant power deficit with their engine. Briatore hopes that the team can put the current season behind them and look forward to a more successful 2026. He reiterated that within the Renault Group, there is a collective sense of contentment and no underlying issues that would derail their Formula 1 ambitions, reinforcing his belief that \"Everybody’s happy.\"

Further changes within Alpine's operational structure complement this continuity in vision. Steve Nielsen, a veteran of the Formula 1 paddock, is set to rejoin the team as managing director. Nielsen previously served as Renault's sporting director during their championship-winning years of 2005-2006. His appointment follows the departure of team principal Oliver Oakes in May. Briatore expressed his satisfaction with Nielsen's return, highlighting his extensive knowledge of the system, his ability to coordinate the team from top to bottom, and his understanding of the personnel. He emphasized that Nielsen's role as managing director will encompass comprehensive oversight of the team's operations. Nielsen is expected to commence his duties with the upcoming race in Monza, signaling a renewed focus on organizational strength and operational excellence for Alpine.

The inaugural Rally Paraguay commenced with a morning filled with unexpected twists and turns, as Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux skillfully navigated the challenging new terrain to seize a precarious lead over Toyota's Kalle Rovanpera. The unique gravel stages of Paraguay, characterized by a mix of high-speed sections, technical corners, and unpredictable grip changes, presented a formidable test for the World Rally Championship competitors. Amidst the demanding conditions, several top contenders grappled with various setbacks, including punctures and vehicle damage, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the event.

As the rally progresses into the afternoon loop, the focus remains on the drivers' ability to adapt and overcome the ongoing challenges. With more difficult sections anticipated, including polished surfaces and potential ruts, strategic tire management and precise car setups will be crucial for maintaining performance and avoiding further incidents. The dramatic start has set the stage for an intense competition, where resilience and adaptability will undoubtedly determine the ultimate victors.

Fourmaux's Ascent and Rovanpera's Pursuit

Adrien Fourmaux of Hyundai demonstrated exceptional prowess on the unfamiliar Paraguayan gravel, establishing a slim 4.1-second advantage over Toyota's Kalle Rovanpera. The challenging conditions of the stages, marked by extreme bumps and constantly shifting grip levels, favored Fourmaux's adaptable driving style. While Rovanpera initially set the pace, minor errors prevented him from solidifying his lead, allowing the Frenchman to capitalize and secure the top spot by the end of the morning loop. Fourmaux expressed satisfaction with his performance, acknowledging the difficulties posed by the initial stage but finding comfort in the subsequent runs.

Rovanpera, despite his early pace-setting performance, struggled with the unpredictable grip variations, admitting to mistakes that hindered his progress. His teammate, Sami Pajari, enjoyed a more consistent morning, securing third position. Fourmaux's strategic driving and strong performance in the latter stages, including winning a super special stage, were key to his lead. Rovanpera remains optimistic about making adjustments to his car's setup and tire strategy for the afternoon, anticipating even more challenging conditions. The fluctuating grip and the potential for new ruts will necessitate precise driving and quick decision-making from all competitors as the rally unfolds.

Ogier's Puncture Peril and Rivals' Struggles

The morning session was particularly unkind to eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier, whose title aspirations suffered a significant blow due to a puncture in the second stage. Rocks on the road led to a right-rear flat tire, costing him a substantial 37.3 seconds. Despite this setback, Ogier showcased his resilience by winning the third stage, but he concluded the loop in seventh place, a considerable distance behind the leader. With no spare wheels remaining, Ogier faces an uphill battle, emphasizing the need to avoid further mishaps in the afternoon.

Ogier's unfortunate incident was not isolated, as his Toyota teammate Takamoto Katsuta also suffered a front-left puncture in the opening stage, losing nearly a minute. Hyundai's Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville also found the conditions challenging, with Tanak reporting damage to his car and Neuville battling oversteer and understeer, describing it as a "nightmare." Even championship leader Elfyn Evans struggled with confidence in his GR Yaris, finishing behind Tanak. The M-Sport-Ford duo of Gregoire Munster and Josh McErlean also faced their share of troubles, including a broken steering arm and another puncture, underscoring the brutal nature of Rally Paraguay's inaugural stages.