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Formula 1

“Jules won’t give up”

Jules Bianchi

A little over a week from Jules Bianchi’s crash at the Japanese Grand Prix his father, Philippe, has spoken to Italian media about the condition of his son. Unfortunately, it’s not great reading.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Philippe Bianchi said: “Every time the telephone goes, we know it could be the hospital to tell us that Jules is dead.

“He will not give up, I’m sure of that. I can see it. I believe it.

“I speak to him. I know he can hear me.

“His doctors have told us that this is already a miracle, no-one has ever survived such a serious accident. But Jules won’t give up.”

The Bianchi family continues to be buoyed by support from outside and inside the F1 paddock, with several drivers making contact.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” Philippe said. “It touched us very deeply. We thank every one of them. So many of them have been in touch, written to me; Alonso, Vergne, Massa have given strong messages.

“Hamilton wrote me a beautiful email in which he says that if there is anything he can do, he’s there. Rossi and Marquez from Moto GP too.”

Philippe Bianchi also touched on the similarities he now shares with the Schumacher family, where there is a pressure to update people on the condition of his son.

“I was very sad when he [Schumacher] got hurt,” Philippe said. “I kept wondering, like every one else ‘Why don’t they tell us more about how he is?’.

“But now I’m in the same position I understand. Everyone keeps asking me how Jules is but I can’t reply, there is no answer. It’s very serious but he’s stable.

“One day he seems a bit better, other days a bit worse. The doctors don’t say. The damage from the accident is very bad but we don’t know how it will evolve.

“Even with Schumacher it took months to come out of the coma. [FIA president] Jean Todt said he hopes Michael will one day be able to have a normal life. One day I hope we can say the same about Jules.

“It’s tough. In a week the life of this family has been destroyed. What are we doing here? Living a nightmare in a place very far from home.

“But when Jules gets a bit better we can transfer him, maybe to Tokyo and things will be a bit easier. But who knows when that will happen. If it will happen. We have no certainties, we just have to wait.”

A new official team statement regarding Jules Bianchi can be read after the break.

[Source: BBC | Pic: Marussia F1 Team]

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

2014 Russian GP: Post-race press conference

2014 Russian Grand Prix

So after Lewis’ procession to win the 2014 Russian Grand Prix maybe the post-race presser had some spark in it? Something to add a bit of life to the race. Well, don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen.

Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo explains a little about his tyre performance and some of the challenges he faced in securing P7.

“Starting the race the tyre was already blistered, it had quite a bit from qualifying,” Daniel said. “So it wasn’t looking too healthy and the first stint made it worse; I could see it starting to come apart, so we had to pit quiet early.

“Then on the prime the tyre lasted well and we had good pace and could match Alonso, but couldn’t get past. Congrats to Mercedes—it’s been a dominant season by them, so hats off to them.”

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Lewis Hamilton wins 2014 Russian GP

2014 Russian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has won the Russian Grand Prix and in doing so has helped the works Mercedes AMG team secure its first ever constructors’ world championship. It’s Hamilton’s ninth win of the season and the second time this year he has won four races in a row. He now has 31 career grands prix victories, which puts him equal with Nigel Mansell.

For all of that though it was a boring race. The only excitment was at the approach to Turn 2 on the opening lap when Nico Rosberg overtook Hamilton for the lead, but in doing so locked up his tyres so badly that he had to pit for new rubber at the end of the lap.

In an illustration of how lifeless this race was Rosberg was then able to complete the race on the tyres he had fitted at the start of Lap 2. That enabled him to claw back every position except the lead and claim yet another Mercedes AMG 1-2 for the year (nine in total so far this season).

Valtteri Bottas continued his good form to finish P3 and ensured the Silver Arrows didn’t have it all their own way by securing the fastest lap of the race on his final tour. Jenson Button came home fourth, ahead of his teammate Kevin Magnussen.

If you’re paying attention you’ll notice the first five cars were Mercedes-powered.

Fernando Alonso was the first non-Mercedes powered driver across the line, hanging on to keep his Ferrari ahead of the Red Bull pairing of Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel. Kimi Raikkonen and Sergio Perez rounded out the top 10.

With three races left, including the double points novelty at Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton has a 17 point lead over Rosberg and seems unstoppable for the drivers’ title. But as we all know, anything can happen in Formula 1 and it usually does.

Let’s hope that is the case, because after tonight’s Russian Grand Prix we need soemthing to wake us all up.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

2014 Russian GP: qualifying report

2014 Russian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has claimed pole position for the first Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix. Hamilton’s time (1:38.513) was exactly two tenths quicker than teammate Nico Rosberg (1:38.713) who will share the front row.

Valtteri Bottas (1:38.920) was looking good to upset that Mercedes front row until he made a mistake on the final corner. He had to settle for P3 and will have Jenson Button (1:39.121) to his side.

The third row gives us a brief insight into 2015, with Daniil Kvyat (1:39.277) delighting both his Toro Rosso team and the local fans by qualifying fifth. Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo (1:39.635) qualified seventh, but inherits P6 thanks to an unscheduled gearbox change from Kevin Magnussen (1:39.629), who drops to P11.

“It’s tough to get a lap together around here,” Daniel said. “For a new track it’s really high in grip but at the same time it’s hard to read the grip; it’s not such a natural feeling that it gives us behind the wheel, but it’s fun and a new challenge.

“We were trying to get the fronts in and get grip out of them and on the last lap I lost the rear. We’re better off than we were yesterday, but I was hoping for more than seventh.”

The top ten is rounded out by Fernando Alonso (1:39.709), Kimi Raikkonen (1:39.771), Jean-Eric Vergne (1:40.020) and Sebastian Vettel (1:40.052). Vettel missed out on Q3, qualifying eleventh, but moves up due to Magnussen’s penalty. Felipe Massa was another unexpected quali casualty, failing to make it out of Q1 after suffering from a fuel pressure problem. He will start from P18.

The drivers have, in general, praised the Sochi circuit. Its high grip and low abrasion mean there is a low level of tyre degradation. It will be an interesting race tonight, make sure you tune in.

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Formula 1

Marussia to rest Bianchi’s car in Sochi

2014 Belgian Grand Prix

The Marussia F1 Team has decided to run one car only at its home grand prix in Sochi this weekend as a mark of respect to Jules Bianchi.

“We have written to the Stewards of the Meeting to inform them that we have withdrawn our second car,” reads an official team statement. “Notwithstanding the presence in Sochi of Alexander Rossi, the nominated Official Reserve Driver for the 2014 Russian Grand Prix, the Team feels strongly that fielding a single car, that of driver number 4, Max Chilton, is the appropriate course of action under the difficult circumstances of the weekend.”

In a touching gesture, the team has prepared a car for Bianchi, which will remain in the garage.

“Jules’ car crew have built a second car, which has been scrutineered and is ready to race, and this will remain on his side of the garage throughout the weekend. In support of Jules and his family, the Team and its cars will carry the familiar #JB17 graphic, to ensure that, although Jules is not with us in Sochi this weekend, he is, nonetheless, racing on with the Marussia F1 Team.”

Also nice to see is Max Chilton’s words, where perhaps being in a less competitive team affords intra-garage rivalries to be more friendly.

“I don’t know how to put into words how truly devastated I am by what has happened to Jules,” Chilton said. “The support from the F1 family has been incredible and all we can do is be there to support Jules’ family at this difficult time. It is going to be a very emotional weekend for the whole Team, but we will try to get through it and keep praying for Jules.”

[Source: Marussa F1 Team]

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Formula 1 Honda McLaren

Listen to the 2015 Honda V6 power unit

2015 Honda F1 engine

Here’s your first chance to hear the 2015 Honda V6 power unit that will power McLaren F1 cars next year.

It’s a sign of the times that the best audio is heard during the opening sequence of this video covering Honda’s proud history in F1, while the actual sound of the new 1.6 litre turbo hybrid is almost drowned out by the background music.

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Formula 1 Lotus Mercedes-Benz

Lotus F1 to get Mercedes power in 2015

2014 Hungarian Grand Prix

Lotus is having a crap year in Formula 1 this year. After being underdog darlings in previous years, now they’re just dogs. Their 2014 got off to a slow start following dramas with the Renault power unit.

They’ll be hoping 2015 is a lot better thanks to a new deal that will see them race with Mercedes power next year. The switch also means dropping Total lubricants in favour of Petronas.

“We are pleased to have been chosen by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in a significant long term deal,” said Matthew Carter, CEO, Lotus F1 Team. “The Mercedes-Benz Power Unit has shown good performance on track and it is our goal to marry this motive force to Enstone’s chassis expertise. It is our desire that the E23 Hybrid, powered by Mercedes-Benz, heralds a new era of success for Enstone.”

With the McLaren-Honda reunification in 2015 Mercedes said it was important to continue supplying three customer teams with power units; Lotus will join Force-India and Williams.

“It was strategically important for Mercedes-Benz to continue to supply three customers throughout this generation of Power Unit,” said Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. “It was therefore clear that we would be looking for a new customer from 2015.

“Lotus F1 Team is an impressive organisation that has delivered competitive on-track performances in recent seasons. We are pleased to welcome them to the Mercedes-Benz family and look forward to building a productive and performant working relationship in the years ahead.”

Meanwhile, Renault will work more closely with Red Bull in 2015 in a bid to improve the performance of its often troublesome V6 power unit.

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Formula 1

A statement from the family of Jules Bianchi

2014 Hungarian Grand Prix

Jules Bianchi is currently in a “critical but stable condition” according to a statement released by his family via the Marussia website. You can read the full text after the break, but the key information is shown below:

“This is a very difficult time for our family, but the messages of support and affection for Jules from all over the world have been a source of great comfort to us. We would like to express our sincere appreciation.

“Jules remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi. He has suffered a diffuse axonal injury and is in a critical but stable condition. The medical professionals at the hospital are providing the very best treatment and care and we are grateful for everything they have done for Jules since his accident.”

We’re not medial experts but a quick search on the term “diffuse axonal injury” leaves us very concerned for Jules. We pray that he may make a full recovery.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing

2014 Japanese GP: Post-race press conference

2014 Japanese Grand Prix

Here’s your chance to see what the first three drivers had to say after the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. While F1 is often a world of massive egos and petty bitching it is comforting to see the sport rally behind Jules Bianchi and show universal support and concern for his well being.

Like everyone else, we wish a full and speedy recovery for Jules.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing

Lewis Hamilton wins 2014 Japanese GP

2014 Japanese Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton won a rain-affected Japanese Grand Prix yesterday, his third win on end and eighth for the year. But the day will be remembered more for its wet weather and the race-ending crash involving Jules Bianchi.

With heavy rain falling at the scheduled start time the race began behind the Safety Car. With no immediate sign of relief the cars were brought into pit lane on Lap 2 and the race was red flagged. Following a 25 minute delay the race restarted behind the Safety Car, which stayed out until Lap 9. Conditions had improved quite a lot and Rosberg was finally able to lead the field under green flag conditions from pole.

Jenson Button followed the Safety Car into the pits to take a risk by being the first driver to switch from full wets to intermediate tyres. That move paid immediate dividends as the inters proved to be the quicker tyre and all drivers came in for new rubber. This allowed Button to elevate himself up the field to P3 after starting eighth.

The race settled into a rhythm and the Mercedes AMG pair set off building a gap on the rest of the field. Hamilton had better race pace than Rosberg and after almost 20 laps behind his championship rival he was able to maintain grip on his tyres for longer and find his way into the lead.

Red Bull’s decision to sacrifice straight line pace during the sunny qualifying conditions was paying off as both Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo were able to use their increased downforce and subsequent grip to manufacture some entertaining overtaking moves.

As the race passed Lap 40, the mark needed to be considered for full championship points, rain had been falling for a few minutes and Kevin Magnussen came in for extreme wet tyres. Although, most drivers who did come in for new tyres remained on inters.

Adrian Sutil crashed out at turn 7, which became the precursor for Bianchi’s incident. The race finished four laps later behind the Safety Car with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg heading the field. Ricciardo had moved into P3 ahead of Vettel on track by choosing not to pit for new tyres, but once the race was stopped and positions were taken from the previous full lap Vettel reinherited the final podium position.

Celebrations were understandably subdued on the podium as word of Bianchi’s injury filtered through the paddock. Our thoughts remain with the young Frenchman and the Marussia team. It’s the worst possible build up they could have imagined as F1 prepares for the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in Sochi next weekend.

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Formula 1

Best wishes to Jules Bianchi

Jules Bianchi, Marussia, 2014 Japanese GP

Before we get to our race report from yesterday’s Japanese Grand Prix we want to pass on our thoughts and best wishes to Jules Bianchi, his family and friends, and all at the Marussia F1 Team.

As the rain began to increase towards the end of yesterday’s grand prix, Adrian Sutil crashed into a tyre barrier near turn 7. Under double-waved yellow flags a recovery vehicle was in operation to remove Sutil’s car. While this was happening Bianchi lost control of his car at the same corner, skidded across the run-off area and crashed into the recovery vehicle.

It soon became clear that the incident was serious, the Safety Car sent out and once the ambulance was on track to go to Bianchi’s aid the race was stopped.

Details of Bianchi’s condition are understandably light on detail but we do know that a “CT scan shows that he has suffered a severe head injury”. We also know he has emerged from surgery and there are reports suggesting the 25-year-old is able to breathe unassisted.

The full FIA statement on the Bianchi incident can be read below and further information can be found at the following sources:

Autosport | BBC | Motorsport.com | Reuters

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

2014 Japanese GP: qualifying report

2014 Japanese Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg (1:32.506) has qualified on pole for the eighth time this season and will start alongside his Mercedes AMG teammate, Lewis Hamilton (1:32.703), for tomorrow’s Japanese Grand Prix at the much loved Suzuka circuit.

The second-row is an all-Williams affair, with Valtteri Bottas (1:33.128) to start from P3 ahead of Felipe Massa (1:33.527). Fernando Alonso (1:33.740) has put his Ferrari on P5 and has Daniel Ricciardo (1:34.075) to his side.

“I’m happy with how we bounced back in qualifying after my mistake yesterday,” Ricciardo said. “I thought we would be better here, but I think sixth is realistically what we could do today. If it rains tomorrow then we should be looking a bit better.”

Daniel’s departing teammate, Sebastian Vettel (1:34.432), could only manage P9. Ahead of the four-time world champ are Kevin Magnussen (1:34.242) in P7, then Jenson Button (1:34.317). Kimi Raikkonen (1:34.548) rounds out the top 10.

Heavy rain is expected for tomorrow’s race and it’s likely to be an entertaining affair. For Australian readers don’t forget the change to daylight savings time tonight. Check your local guides for TV times, it looks like we’re set for some awesome race!

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