“No doubt” Vasseur is right man for Ferrari

In brief

“No doubt” Vasseur is right man for Ferrari

Charles Leclerc says he has “no doubts” about Ferrari’s ability to become world championship challengers once again under Frederic Vasseur’s leadership.

“I have no doubts,” said the Monaco Grand Prix winner. “I’ve thought since the first day he joined that he’s got everything to bring back the team to where it belongs and that means to a world championship.

“He’s got such a clear vision of what he wants to achieve and how to achieve it. He doesn’t lose time and that is definitely his strength and I think his vision is really good. We share it very often, on how he wants to achieve those targets. I’ve always been completely aligned with the way he wants to change things to get to where we want to get. I have no doubt that he’s the right person and that he’s helping the team to get there.”

Palou quickest in Detroit

Alex Palou set the pace in the opening practice session for this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix.

The Chip Ganassi driver’s best time of 1’01.721 was just ten hundredths of a second quicker than Pato O’Ward’s in second. Marcus Ericsson and Jack Harvey both struck the wall around the tight street circuit, causing damage to their cars.

Qualifying will take place this evening ahead of Sunday’s race.

IndyCar grid penalties for Honda drivers

IndyCar have announced that Graham Rahal and Kyffin Simpson have become the first drivers to exceed their engine allocations for the 2024 season.

Both Honda-powered drivers have taken their fifth engines for this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix and as such will receive six place grid penalties for where they qualify today.

Chadwick credits first podium on ‘beefing up’

Indy Nxt racer Jamie Chadwick has credited gaining more muscle in the off-season for her improved form in the series.

The multiple W Series champion took her first podium in Indy Nxt in the opening race of last weekend’s round at the Indianapolis road course. She says that she was “underprepared” physically for the championship last year but worked to be in better shape for 2024.

“I beefed up quite a bit over the off-season, which has definitely helped and paid off this year,” she said. “Also just knowing what’s coming. Last year going to tracks for the first time, spending a lot of energy on learning so much, it makes me take…