LKYSUNZ offers $600m to enter new team into Formula 1

In brief

LZY SUNZ offers $600 million to enter F1

Asian-based motorsport project LKYSUNZ, which announced its aim to enter a team in Formula 1 four months ago, says it has secured new financial backing.

CEO Benjamin Durand, who was previously behind another planned F1 entry known as Panthera, said they are prepared to exceed the $200 million anti-dilution fee new entrants are required to pay.

“LKYSUNZ are prepared to meet the teams’ request and pay a $600m anti-dilution payment despite this current cycle of the financial regulations stating $200m,” said Durand. “We look forward to continuing our positive discussions with the FIA and are thrilled by our partners’ financial backing.”

The FIA is yet to announce the outcome of its application process for new teams it launched in February. LKYSUNZ is one of several knows potential entrants along with Andretti Global, Formula Equal and Hitech.

Tsunoda hopes to bounce back after repeat retirements

Tsunoda was eliminated from the opening lap of the Singapore Grand Prix after being hit by Sergio Perez. This came after he did not make the start of the Italian Grand Prix after a power unit problem on the formation lap.

“I just put it down to misfortune, especially Monza was something I couldn’t really control,” Tsunoda said. “Singapore, obviously there was a bit of room to improve myself but also just didn’t work out in the end, just things that also happened that I cannot really control as well.

“So I’ll just reset. I take it positively, just hopefully I digest every bad luck from there. Hopefully I can have a good race week here. So I’ll just reset and think positive.”

Piastri keeping Norris honest

Lando Norris admits he has been pushed by his latest team mate since Piastri joined McLaren this year.

Piastri signed a contract extension with McLaren this week, keeping him at the team until the end of 2026. The rookie has kept much closer to Norris than his previous team mate Daniel Ricciardo did over their two seasons together.

“He’s performed, he’s done everything he’s needed to and probably exceeded most people’s expectations from what he’s been able to achieve already this season,” Norris said of his team mate.

“He’s pushed me a lot. And it’s not a nice thing. It’s not what I want. But yeah, he’s done a really good job. So congrats to him for another few years.”

Honda rebrands US motorsport division

Honda’s US-based Honda Performance Development division, whose motorsport activities include its IndyCar programme, will be known as Honda Racing Corporation USA from next year. The move will bring it into line with the Japan-based Honda Racing Corporation which supports Red Bull’s F1 power unit programme.

“Our goal is to increase the HRC brand and sustain the success of our racing activities and we believe that uniting Honda motorsports globally as one racing organisation will help achieve that,” said HRC Japan president Koji Watanabe. “Our race engineers in the US and Japan will be stronger together and I am so happy to welcome our US associates to the HRC team.”

Links

Motor racing links of interest:

One of F1's great circuits where top drivers can let rip: best of Suzuka (Motor Sport)

'On this occasion Charles Leclerc understeered into him and pushed the Red Bull into the gravel. Damage from the Ferrari then flew off and whipped off one of Lewis Hamilton’s wing mirrors, which was alarming.'

IWC partners with F1 icon Hamilton for cool new chronograph (Maxim)

'IWC just announced the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph, designed in partnership with the seven-time F1 champion and IWC brand ambassador. Suffice to say, the latest timepiece from the luxury Swiss watchmaker is Hamilton-approved. The handsome 43.5mm timepiece is limited to just 44 pieces in a nod to Hamilton’s racing number, and was developed over the course of two years with Hamilton.'

Cusick targets IndyCar entry at Thermal Club (Racer)

''I like the format that’s been come up with for this, and we’re having conversations with two IndyCar teams tomorrow about entering a car for us. And we’re working on the BMW M2 side and finding an amateur to work with because they’ll do a blind draw and pair those drivers with IndyCar drivers.''

More EA Sports WRC features unveiled (EA)

'Moving to the Unreal Engine has afforded the team greater freedom to create the biggest rally stages in Codemasters’ history, with the longest routes spanning over 30km - roughly twice as long as those seen in previous titles. In total, EA Sports WRC features over 600km of unique roads, almost double what was available in DiRT Rally 2.0.'

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Social media

Notable posts from Twitter, Instagram and more:

The creativity of fans at Suzuka is incredible! 🇯🇵🧡🇧🇷#JapaneseGP 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/kxIIgKBHFO

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 21, 2023

Carlando have a word to say to our Volunteers & Officials this weekend!#FIAVolunteersWeekend #F1 #CarLando pic.twitter.com/jAnJNWGAXe

— FIA (@fia) September 21, 2023

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• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

Comment of the day

With Sebastian Vettel opening the first Buzzin’ Corner at Suzuka, an initiative to build insect habitats at racing circuits around the world, Bullfrog knows where Vettel should install one at Silverstone…

I hope he builds one at Maggotts.
Bullfrog

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