Hobbs, Matchett take over F1 on NBC Sports Twitter for fan questions - MotorSportsTalk

Friday is a light day in Monaco with no on-track Formula One activity. That makes it a good day to reflect on a couple insights and observations from our NBC Sports Network F1 analysts, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett. You can see the Monaco Grand Prix live on NBC, at 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, and live streamed on NBC Sports Live Extra.

After Leigh Diffey took over our Twitter handle, @F1onNBCSports, earlier this week, Hobbs and Matchett each had a day to answer fan questions. Our F1 pit reporter and insider, Will Buxton, took over the handle on Friday.

Some of Hobbs and Matchett’s answers are below, with the full listing of tweets on the @F1onNBCSports Twitter account.

DAVID HOBBS

@jay___j “what was the car or track that scared you the most” Bathurst scared the you know what out of me. Car, Magnesium monocoque Honda V8

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 22, 2013

@floppyearracing @mrdavidhobbs @monaco “Mr. Hobbs,what was the most powerful race car you ever drove in your career” BMW Prototype 1100hp

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 22, 2013

@tamerlaneblog @mrdavidhobbs “Who is the most underrated driver on the F1 grid today?” Nico Hulkenberg

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 22, 2013

@tweetswithbeers “If you could bring any team from the past to compete with modern cars, which team would it be?” Colin Chapman & Lotus

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 22, 2013

.@danhphoto “Where’s the best bar in Monaco?” Tip Top, Stars & Bars, Jimmy’s (and the Bathurst bar at the Hermitage)

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 22, 2013

STEVE MATCHETT

.@justinmcaleer Judging by the way ROS was making the tyres last today, I’d suggest one. Ferrari will be keen to be ahead of them after Q.

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 23, 2013

.@eastcoastfolk It’s never easy but the run down to the chicane (exit of the tunnel) is about the drivers’ best chance to make a move stick.

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 23, 2013

.@anthonymerriam I have no inside line on this but I *really* want it to happen, I think it would be a wonderful race, great for F1 & the US

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 23, 2013

.@sjworkingmom I believe it’s Mercedes. They have to prove to themselves that they are able to turn good Q results into points and trophies.

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 23, 2013

Thanks for the fun questions. It’s good to chat F1 over here on the NBC feed. My own feed tend to be more cartoon robot-y type stuff. Bye.

— F1® Racing on NBC (@F1onNBCSports) May 23, 2013

As his season gathers steam, Helio Castroneves said his prospects for finding new rides for 2021 in IMSA and IndyCar also are gaining momentum.

The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner said Monday he is optimistic about landing in either or perhaps a combination of both series when Team Penske and Acura end their DPi partnership after this season.

“A lot of people I spoke with, four to five teams, are interested,” Castroneves said. “Whether it’s doing Indy 500 only, whether it’s pushing to do full time or do the sports cars as well. It’s been a very nice conversation.

LOOKING AHEAD: Team Penske drivers seeking new rides for 2021

“I have a lot of respect for all the teams that have been talking, and I feel the same feedback. We just have to wait for their (sponsor) connections, and I’m also looking for some connections on my side as well, so hopefully we’ll be able to put this together and get something very soon.”

Given two decades of success with Penske in IndyCar and IMSA, Castroneves’ resume hardly needs burnishing. But the Brazilian has combined with co-driver Ricky Taylor in the No. 7 Acura DPi to win the past two overall victories at Road America and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

But Castroneves, who doesn’t have a manager, said he has been working the phones hard rather than wait for the strong results to bring in the calls.

“At this point, I feel like I’m the one who needs to be talking to them because people need to know I want to continue racing and understand my desire,” Castroneves, 45, said. “There is opportunity, no question, in both (IndyCar and IMSA), which I’m really happy about it. However, because of the COVID-19, a lot of things sometimes have to be a little delayed. But I’m excited. Whatever the opportunity and whatever destiny guides me, whether IndyCar or sports cars, trust me I’ll be as happy as it could be and doing my 100 percent like I always did.

“It’s like politics, you need to be out there, good news or bad news. People have to make notice of your presence. I’m hustling. I want to continue to keep it going. Hopefully, we’ll have good news very soon.”

The news has been all good lately on track for Castroneves and Taylor, who hope to continue their run Sunday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

The No. 6 duo has surged to sixth in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship standings, 10 points out of the lead with four races remaining. After thinking there was “no hope” to be competitive after opening the season with three consecutive poor finishes, Taylor now sees an opportunity for a happy ending.

“With the program going away, Helio has won all the big races and given so much back to the team and left such a mark, he’s really part of Penske history,” Taylor said. “For me, it’s been an opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of it. I’d like to leave my little mark as well. Helio has won everything except for a championship.

“Obviously, we’ve won races already together, but we can win a championship now. I think if both of us can do that together and both win our first championship for ‘The Captain,’ that would be an absolute dream come true, and we can tie a bow on it and be happy.”