Williams noted Sir Frank to be in stable condition in hospital as Ferrari announced the hiring of Callum Ilott as its test driver for 2021 F1 season, while AJ Foyt confirms Dalton Kellett and WRC cancels Rally Sweden.
Williams:
Just after the Abu Dhabi F1 test got over, Williams released a small update which noted about Sir Frank being admitted to the hospital. The team did not add on the reason for it but informed that the former founder/owner is in a stable condition.
Citing privacy, Williams added that they will not entertain any queries and will duly inform of any happening in future. The family has been involved in F1 for decades until 2020 when Claire took the big decision to step away after Dorilton Capital buyout.
Here’s statement from Williams:
https://twitter.com/WilliamsRacing/status/1338889183377711106?s=20
Callum Ilott:
Just like the Williams news, Ferrari also took the opportunity to inform the hiring of Ilott as its new F1 test driver after the Brit missed out on a drive, be it with Alfa Romeo and or Haas, who opted for Antonio Giovinazzi and Mick Schuamcher, respectively.
Having finished second to Schumacher in 2020 F2 season, Ilott was in the running for a F1 seat but was pipped by his German rival along with Nikita Mazepin, who fills the second Haas spot. With no racing plans as such, the Brit will remain part of Ferrari family.
On the face, it seems like Ilott is eyeing a Giovinazzi-like move, where the Italian was pipped to a F1 seat by Charles Leclerc. The Brit completed a test run with Alfa Romeo on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where he finished eighth with 93 laps done.
“I am very pleased to be joining Ferrari as its test driver from next year,” said Ilott. “I look forward to contributing to the work the team does on and off track, and to all of the new things I can learn by taking on this exciting new challenge. I will give my all to do a good job and gain as much experience as possible to continue making progress as a driver.
“I would like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy and Scuderia Ferrari for this great opportunity and their support. It has been an honour to be part of their programme for the past three years and I am pleased to continue our journey together.”
Here’s how Abu Dhabi testing went: https://formularapida.net/photo-video-alonso-ends-on-top-from-mercedes-duo-in-abu-dhabi-f1-test/
IndyCar:
After spending eight races with AJ Foyt Racing in 2019, Canada’s Kellett will continue his time with the team in a full-time program for 2021 as he takes the wheel of the #4 AJ Foyt car. He is entering in his sophomore year, looks forward to the next year.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be back with AJ Foyt Racing for the 2021 season,” said Kellett. “Securing a full-time ride is a big boost heading into my sophomore year in INDYCAR. Despite the challenges presented by Covid-19 in 2020, A.J., Larry, and the Foyt team continued to develop their car and elevate the program, while standing by their employees and partners.
“That’s the kind of team I’m proud to both race for and be a part of. Being paired with Sebastian will be a great opportunity to continue to learn from one of the most experienced veterans in the field. I can’t wait to get back on the track for off-season testing and back behind the wheel in 2021.”
WRC:
The 2021 WRC season received a jolt, even before teams could plan their year, as the organisers of Rally Sweden have cancelled next year’s event citing COVID-19 pandemic. The snow-laden rally was supposed to take place on February 11-14.
“Rally Sweden organisers, the FIA and WRC Promoter fully understand that the health of the local population is of primary concern and are committed to a collective duty of care to protect both the Varmland community and the WRC family,” said Glenn Olsson.
“During our planning, we have closely monitored what is a constantly evolving Covid-19 situation in the region. While we are naturally extremely disappointed, especially given the exciting new-look itinerary, this is a decision we support.”
Here’s the provisional 2021 WRC calendar