Wickens Rossi 1-2 at Silverstone

UPDATE

Robert Wickens

Alexander Rossi

A reader asks, Dear AR1.com, Given that Canadian Robert Wickens and American Alexander Rossi are as fast as Daniel Ricciardo in the World Series by Renault, why all the talk of Ricciardo going to F1 but not Rossi or Wickens? Steve Stoner

Dear Steve, You are right, both Wickens (Canada) and Rossi (USA) are F1 material, but they need another year of grooming before they are ready. Both have shown the speed, though Rossi still makes too many mistakes, perhaps because he has to carry his car and is sometimes driving over his head. Both have the measure of their teammates. We expect to see Wickens doing some F1 testing next year and Rossi may as well. Of course money is always an issue. In Rossi's case since the USA is Ferrari's biggest market, can you imagine how popular Rossi (Italian name) would be both in Italy and in the USA if he were to eventually replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari? It would be the shot in the arm the USA needs to make F1 popular again, the likes we have not seen since Mario Andretti won the F1 title in 1978. One would think that this idea has not been missed by both Bernie Ecclestone, and the Circuit of Americas, both of which need F1 to succeed in the USA. Mark C.

08/20/11

Sten Pentus got round in 1m 46.027s to bag provisional pole and Ricciardo immediately hit back with a 1m 45.635 followed by Nick Yelloly and Nathanael Berthon.

Wickens then went for it and the Canadian set the quickest time in 1m 45.302s, which he improved to 1m 45.015s to bag his fifth pole of the season. Rossi will join him on the front row with Ricciardo third in front of Berthon in the ISR cars.

Quotes:

Robert Wickens: “The day couldn’t have got off to a better start! Yesterday in the first collective session it was a bit like in Budapest. I felt good in the car but my times didn’t reflect this. The team found a problem on an accelerator sensor, which they repaired and it all went much better. My aim this weekend is to retake the championship lead."

Alexander Rossi: “We’re on the pace and I must congratulate Robert on his time. He drove a great lap. I’m happy with our level of performance. It’s a good boost after the holidays! I like this circuit, the weather’s fine and there are a lot of people so everything’s sunshine and roses!"

Daniel Ricciardo: “Even if I didn’t do a perfect lap I think it would have been difficult to beat Robert this morning. The positive thing is that our two cars are at the front. I think we’ll be better in the race as we’re quick on worn tires. I have to win this weekend, I’ve got nothing left to lose."

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