AUTOSPORT International ASI 2014 Live - Saturday
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The subject of Ferrari brings up two topics for Surtees. Firstly, he believes that had he and the Italian firm not "divorced" they could have won more world titles.
He also said Ferrari makes him think of Michael Schumacher's ongoing battle to recover from his recent skiing accident.
"We all need to keep our thoughts with Michael," he says. "His time at Ferrari was remarkable - he achieved many of the things I had dreamed of doing there."
He also said Ferrari makes him think of Michael Schumacher's ongoing battle to recover from his recent skiing accident.
"We all need to keep our thoughts with Michael," he says. "His time at Ferrari was remarkable - he achieved many of the things I had dreamed of doing there."
Next up on stage is 2003 World Rally champion turned World Rallycross star Petter Solberg.
Henry Hope-Frost's audience question "who misses Petter in the WRC?" gets a big cheer, but Solberg makes clear that he's moved on, even though rallying will always be in his heart.
Henry Hope-Frost's audience question "who misses Petter in the WRC?" gets a big cheer, but Solberg makes clear that he's moved on, even though rallying will always be in his heart.
Solberg is chatting about rallycross legend and fellow Norwegian Martin Schanche. He confirms that Schanche still has a moustache.
Petter Solberg
Henry Hope-Frost asks Petter what he remembers of the party in Cardiff after his 2003 WRC crown was sealed.
Turns out he remembers very little, beyond his Subaru team-mate Tommi Makinen receiving two pairs of gold shoes as a retirement present.
The two WRC champions donned a pair each and took to the dancefloor.
Breaking news
Big F1 news breaking at AUTOSPORT International today as Marussia chooses the show to announce that it has retained Max Chilton alongside Jules Bianchi for a second season.
Full AUTOSPORT story and 2014 F1 line-up
Full AUTOSPORT story and 2014 F1 line-up
Meanwhile back on the AUTOSPORT Stage with KX, Solberg is reminiscing about passenger rides alongside Colin McRae when they were both in the Ford's WRC team.
"I was scared to shit," Solberg admits, "but you have to learn from the best."
"I was scared to shit," Solberg admits, "but you have to learn from the best."
Solberg is now distributing free caps to the crowd again. While he does so, Henry Hope-Frost has to sit patiently on stage hoping the schedule doesn't go too awry.
A passing Toby Moody describes Hope-Frost as looking like "a thoughtful Guernsey trawlerman".
Speaking of Solberg's caps, AUTOSPORT has learned that the suitcase of promotional caps his team brought to the show weighed in at a massive 22kg.
The 2013 McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner Matt Parry is heading out on stage now, joined by finalists Jack Aitken, Chris Middlehurst, Seb Morris, Jake Hughes and Charlie Robertson.
Twitter
AUTOSPORT columnist Toby Moody continues to leave mayhem in his wake.
"Great to have a cuppa with @AllanMcNish...but I spilt his tea. Table needed a winter rebuild."
"Great to have a cuppa with @AllanMcNish...but I spilt his tea. Table needed a winter rebuild."
Speaking of McNish, here's the full video of his on-stage appearance with Tom Kristensen earlier on.
Kristensen was concerned that they had been "too long" and it would need editing down. We reckon you'll want to hear all their tales from many years together as Audi team-mates.
Kristensen was concerned that they had been "too long" and it would need editing down. We reckon you'll want to hear all their tales from many years together as Audi team-mates.
McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award
The McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award finalists get to spend plenty of time together at AUTOSPORT International.
As well as multiple interviews on stages around the show, they're performing in Caterhams in the Live Action Arena, and also had their official feedback session from the awards assessment process on Friday morning.
The camaraderie between this year's sextet is particularly good - something we can reveal (without mentioning any names or years) hasn't always been the case.
Indeed AUTOSPORT was surprised to find that they were all openly telling each other the laptimes they'd been doing in the DTM Mercedes during the crucial assessment test, information that the young rivals traditionally closely guard from each other.
2005 DTM champion Gary Paffett is now speaking on the main AUTOSPORT stage. After fighting for the title in 2012, the Briton said it was a surprise for he and Mercedes to fall off the pace last season.
While 2013 was mainly a season to forget, Paffett reveals that the race-winning car he had at Lausitz "was probably the best car I've ever had in the DTM".
He's got a lot of data to call on, given that he made his 100th start in the series last year.
He's got a lot of data to call on, given that he made his 100th start in the series last year.
Richard Burns Subaru
The Motorsport News stand at this year's show is not hard to spot. Largely because it's made up of the Rally GB start ramp – which makes it the tallest stand in the show.
But what really makes it worth the wander is the chance to see Richard Burns' Subaru Impreza WRC – the very one he used to clinch the 2001 title.
It's just as gorgeous as it ever was and peering inside it's not hard to imagine Reading's finest and fastest flat-out on his way to taking over the world in Wales.
Paffett believes BMW's success since its comeback (including the 2012 title) is credit to Mercedes and Audi for helping the DTM's organising body come up with a set of rules that enables new manufacturers to join the fray and be competitive.
McLaren test driver Paffett is now talking about how significant the F1 rule changes are for 2014. Speaking from his experience in the McLaren simulator (he's been driving the new-spec for six months) he says the changes to the powertrain and the aerodynamics are a "big challenge".
After a rapid lunchbreak, AUTOSPORT Stage with KX activity resumes as AUTOSPORT columnist Toby Moody talks MotoGP.
Marc Marquez MotoGP 2013
Moody thinks the Marc Marquez era is going to be very special.
"He is a star. A real star. He's hugely charismatic when the helmet comes off."
But he does point out that the 2013 title race was no runaway, with Jorge Lorenzo just four points behind at the end.
He is also still concerned that Marquez risks a lot with his style.
"I do worry for Marc. He's so confident at 20 years old. He's going to have a biggie - it's as simple as that."
Last month Toby addressed the topic of Valentino Rossi's future in his AUTOSPORT column.
Does he think this will be the legend's final year?
"I think it might be. I don't think it will... but it might be. He's said that it will take him six races to make up his mind after 2015.
"It's a lot of mental effort to do 19 seasons on the trot. Age slows you down - that's a fact. That's one of the reasons why Marc Marquez is so fast. He's 20 years old, Valentino Rossi is going to be 35.
"He's got a lot of work to do to be back up there."
Does he think this will be the legend's final year?
"I think it might be. I don't think it will... but it might be. He's said that it will take him six races to make up his mind after 2015.
"It's a lot of mental effort to do 19 seasons on the trot. Age slows you down - that's a fact. That's one of the reasons why Marc Marquez is so fast. He's 20 years old, Valentino Rossi is going to be 35.
"He's got a lot of work to do to be back up there."
He is scathing about the mistakes Rossi's ex-team Ducati is making at the moment as it trails Yamaha and Honda.
"They won't be told. Some people have said 'this is how you do it' and they've said 'we know best'. You can lead a horse to water..."
"They won't be told. Some people have said 'this is how you do it' and they've said 'we know best'. You can lead a horse to water..."
Speaking of bikes, here's the full video of his appearance on the AUTOSPORT stage with KX from earlier.
Surtees, the only man to win world titles on two and four wheels, reminisces about his motorsport career, 50 years on from his Formula 1 world championship win, and discusses whether anyone in the modern era could make the transition between two and four wheels.
Surtees, the only man to win world titles on two and four wheels, reminisces about his motorsport career, 50 years on from his Formula 1 world championship win, and discusses whether anyone in the modern era could make the transition between two and four wheels.
Moody has confidence in Ducati's new team chief Luigi Dall'Igna, poached from Aprilia.
"He's gone through it with a machete. Hopefully his rod of iron can make a difference."
"He's gone through it with a machete. Hopefully his rod of iron can make a difference."
"These are incredible. In-cred-ible," raves AUTOSPORT Stage with KX host Henry Hope-Frost.
Is he talking about a pair of racing drivers? One of the astounding cars at the show?
No, he's eating a Curly-Wurly.
"They're my Mariah Carey red carpet demand. Nothing happens unless I've got one."
Is he talking about a pair of racing drivers? One of the astounding cars at the show?
No, he's eating a Curly-Wurly.
"They're my Mariah Carey red carpet demand. Nothing happens unless I've got one."
Exhaust
Walking through the show, AUTOSPORT rallies editor David Evans overheard a couple of lads talking about the importance of the size of car exhausts.
Having just returned from the Bloodhound SSC display, he was tempted to direct them to the rear of that car to have a look at what happens to the waste products from a jet engine producing 13,500 lb ft torque.
Audi duo Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish return for their final appearance of the afternoon - except they don't come out together. McNish is apparently still eating.
"He's always a little late," Kristensen smiles, "but only ever a little."
"He's always a little late," Kristensen smiles, "but only ever a little."
McNish has appeared - it seems the quintessential English cup of tea was to blame.
Kristensen meanwhile has been paying tribute to fellow Dane Allan Simonsen, who lost his life during this year's Le Mans 24 Hours.
"It was very tough. He was a great guy, and really just about to break into a manufacturer career.
"There's no doubt this year would have been very good for him. All that potential is sadly wasted with such a tragic record."
Kristensen meanwhile has been paying tribute to fellow Dane Allan Simonsen, who lost his life during this year's Le Mans 24 Hours.
"It was very tough. He was a great guy, and really just about to break into a manufacturer career.
"There's no doubt this year would have been very good for him. All that potential is sadly wasted with such a tragic record."
Coys
Just across the hall, the Coys auction is underway this afternoon.
As usual for its AUTOSPORT International auction, the array of machinery up for grabs is remarkable.
A 1988 Le Mans 24 Hours Argo Group C car and an Opel Manta Group B rally car are among the lots.
The auction is happening today, but if you're not visiting the show until Sunday, don't worry. We'll keep an eye out but we don't think any of the buyers will be driving the cars home straight after the auction so you can still see them tomorrow.
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McNish, who made a shock decision to retire at the end of last year, is discussing his career highlights.
"For me one highlight that always gets overlooked was my first karting victory.
"That was the first time I won something, and it gave me a lot of confidence and also a career direction."
"For me one highlight that always gets overlooked was my first karting victory.
"That was the first time I won something, and it gave me a lot of confidence and also a career direction."
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Kristensen meanwhile has been singing the praises of Loic Duval, who joined the Audi stable two years ago and whom he will partner again in 2014.
"Loic slotted in very well when Dindo decided to call it a day.
"His arrival changed some aspects of our approach – over the winter we tried to make sure we were as strong as possible and he definitely helped."
"Loic slotted in very well when Dindo decided to call it a day.
"His arrival changed some aspects of our approach – over the winter we tried to make sure we were as strong as possible and he definitely helped."
McNish and Kristensen are taking questions from the floor now, and the first touches on the subject of safety cars at Le Mans - and whether three is the correct number to use.
"Personally I think three is too many, because it can split the race very quickly," McNish says.
"In 2010 I was right behind the Peugeot, literally a few seconds, and the safety car split us and he gained 45 seconds and that was it.
"But that’s the regulations, and I think like football they do balance themselves out."
"Personally I think three is too many, because it can split the race very quickly," McNish says.
"In 2010 I was right behind the Peugeot, literally a few seconds, and the safety car split us and he gained 45 seconds and that was it.
"But that’s the regulations, and I think like football they do balance themselves out."
Rebellion
The final question is about the future of privateers in the World Endurance Championship.
"It is tough because Rebellion and Strakka beforehand have been exceptional," McNish offers.
"Both have pulled performances out the bag that were worthy of wining the race. It just happened that we had a bit more in our pockets."
Kristensen meanwhile says manufacturer interest should be viewed as one of the championship's major assets.
"It's attractive to manufacturers because of the relevance to future road cars," he says.
"In the WEC and the Le Mans 24H you have the chance to come up with technology and to try and convince the organisers you can race with it.
"Of course you also get huge respect in the sport, and that means the WEC is on the right path."
Two hours ago over on the F1 Racing stand, Marussia announced that Max Chilton would stay on for 2014.
Now team director Graeme Lowdon and Chilton are up on the AUTOSPORT Stage with KX to meet the crowds.
Now team director Graeme Lowdon and Chilton are up on the AUTOSPORT Stage with KX to meet the crowds.
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Lowdon explains the decision to announce Chilton's deal at AUTOSPORT International.
"We wanted to come here to be as near to the fans as we possibly could to confirm Max as a Formula 1 race driver for the 2014 season.
"As a smaller team, we like to think we're more approachable and more accessibility.
"When you've got a massive task ahead of you, knowing that you've got support is really, really good, and everyone in the team feels it."
"We wanted to come here to be as near to the fans as we possibly could to confirm Max as a Formula 1 race driver for the 2014 season.
"As a smaller team, we like to think we're more approachable and more accessibility.
"When you've got a massive task ahead of you, knowing that you've got support is really, really good, and everyone in the team feels it."
Max Chilton
Last year Chilton became the first F1 rookie ever to finish every race in their debut season.
It might not be the sort of record that Sebastian Vettel is setting/shattering, but Chilton says it shouldn't be underestimated.
"It can be equalled, but it can never be beaten."
Marussia switches to Ferrari engines for 2014, and for Chilton getting an association with the legendary Italian firm is very, very exciting indeed.
"I remember when I was a little kid rolling around on the playroom floor watching this red car winning all the races, and that was Michael Schumacher.
"I never thought five years ago that I would be driving a Ferrari-powered Formula 1 car."
"I remember when I was a little kid rolling around on the playroom floor watching this red car winning all the races, and that was Michael Schumacher.
"I never thought five years ago that I would be driving a Ferrari-powered Formula 1 car."
As Marussia begins its fifth Formula 1 season, it is still hunting for its first points.
While Chilton admits that "we said the same last year", he is very optimistic that 2014 could be the year the duck is broken, thanks to the reset of the rule changes and the possibility of greater attrition.
While Chilton admits that "we said the same last year", he is very optimistic that 2014 could be the year the duck is broken, thanks to the reset of the rule changes and the possibility of greater attrition.
The Dan Wheldon Karting Trophy took place at AUTOSPORT International last night.
Organised in memory of and tribute to the 2005 and '11 Indianapolis 500 winner, the event raised funds for the Alzheimers Society.
After three frenetic hours, victory went to the AVAGO team comprising British racers Riki Christodoulou, Sennan Fielding, Sam Morgan, David Sutton and Ross Wylie.
The stars of the British Touring Car Championship are back on stage.
Jason Plato, Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal, Gordon Shedden and Rob Austin walk on still in semi-hysterics over their banter on the way across.
The good news is that they're wearing clothes.
Plato and co traditionally try to make life difficult for AUTOSPORT Stage with KX host Henry Hope-Frost, and joked earlier that they might arrive naked for their afternoon interviews...
Jason Plato, Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal, Gordon Shedden and Rob Austin walk on still in semi-hysterics over their banter on the way across.
The good news is that they're wearing clothes.
Plato and co traditionally try to make life difficult for AUTOSPORT Stage with KX host Henry Hope-Frost, and joked earlier that they might arrive naked for their afternoon interviews...
On the serious business of trying to win the title, Plato reckons the Triple Eight MG is better prepared than ever.
Rob Austin is also buoyant. His self-run team's Audi took its first win last year and having secured new sponsorship from Exocet, there will be another two-car programme for 2014.
The identity of his team-mate is still unclear.
"It's not a five minute job to put these deals together," says Austin, who was joined by Will Bratt in 2013.
Rob Austin is also buoyant. His self-run team's Audi took its first win last year and having secured new sponsorship from Exocet, there will be another two-car programme for 2014.
The identity of his team-mate is still unclear.
"It's not a five minute job to put these deals together," says Austin, who was joined by Will Bratt in 2013.
Shedden and Neal are swapping to the estate-shape Honda for 2014.
Neal admits that "marketing" was the primary consideration in Honda's request for the car switch, but he has no doubt the car can be quick.
"Honda said 'we don't want to do it unless you think you can win in it', and we do."
Neal admits that "marketing" was the primary consideration in Honda's request for the car switch, but he has no doubt the car can be quick.
"Honda said 'we don't want to do it unless you think you can win in it', and we do."
By: Matt Beer, Glenn Freeman, Sam Tremayne
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