Category: Formula 1

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

2014 Abu Dhabi GP qualifying report

2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg needs a lot to go right for him this weekend to wrest the world championship from the grasp of Lewis Hamilton and he started well by earning himself pole position for tonight’s race.

Rosberg’s time (1:40.480) was comfortably faster than Hamilton’s (1:40.866) who made a few minor mistakes. It would be easy to say the pressure is getting to Lewis and maybe it is, but if he can stay out of trouble and finish the race he should be celebrating his second world championship.

Valtteri Bottas (1:41.025) edged out a flying Felipe Massa (1:41.119) for P3 but as the image above shows, the only story in town is all about the Lewis v Nico title fight.

Qualifying in P5 and P6 were Red Bull teammates Daniel Ricciardo (1:41.267) and Sebastian Vettel (1:41.893) but they have both been disqualified for running an illegal front wing.

Speaking before the Stewards had disqualified him Ricciardo said: “I’m really happy with quali; we knew after FP3 we had a bit of work to do, but we knew when the sun went down the temperature would drop so we stayed optimistic that our set up would work better in the evening and we made some good changes for that.

“I was the happiest I have been all weekend during quali. We are fairly close to the Williams and not too far off at least one of the Mercs, so not a bad session.”

Daniel and Sebastian will start from the back of the grid and any points they can claim will be a bonus.

The top 10 was rounded out by Daniil Kvyat (1:41.908), Jenson Button (1:41.964), Kimi Raikonnen (1:42.236) and Fernando Alonso (1:42.866).

It will be all eyes on the front of the grid at the start of the grand prix. Lewis Hamilton needs third or better to guarantee his title win. Let’s hope we see an exciting and fair race.

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Formula 1

Spike Goddard to test with Force India

Spike Goddard

Young Australian driver Spike Goddard, Richard to his mum and dad, has scored a test with Force India in Abu Dhabi after this weekend’s championship deciding grand prix.

The 22-year-old started racing Formula Fords in Australia, before making the move to the United Kingdom in 2011. He won the British Formula 3 Rookie Class in 2012 and has spent the next two years racing in various Formula 3 championships. Naturally, he’s very excited to get his chance in the VJM07.

“I would like to thank Sahara Force India for this incredible opportunity,” Goddard said. “Every young racing driver dreams to be at the wheel of a Formula 1 car and I am very excited to be one of the very few who gets to fulfil this dream.

“The test is an important stage in the preparations for 2015 and I hope my contribution will be useful for the team to get a head start for next season.”

Goddard will be in the car on Wednesday 26 November, the second of the two day test program. Jolyon Palmer, the son of former British F1 driver Jonathan Palmer, will drive for Force India on the opening day.

“I’m pleased that we can conclude our season by giving two promising youngsters their first taste of Formula 1,” said Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director. “As a team we have a strong track record of identifying up-and-coming prospects and giving them valuable mileage and experience in our cars.

“I have been following Jolyon’s progress this season in GP2 and he is clearly a big talent that deserves a chance in Formula 1.

“Spike has also worked hard to get this chance and it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase his skills.

“I wish Jolyon and Spike all the best for a successful couple of days in Abu Dhabi.”

We have to confess to not knowing a lot about Goddard and it would seem to us his opportunity is one he’ll need to grab with both hands. We wish him well and hope we’re soon hearing a lot more about him.

[Pic: spikegoddard.com]

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Ferrari Formula 1

Sebastian Vettel joins Ferrari on 3-year deal

Sebastian Vetel

In the most unsurprsing Formula 1 news you’ll read this week Sebastian Vettel has been signed by Ferrari on a three-year deal. He’ll start with them next year, sharing a garage with 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

“The next stage of my Formula 1 career will be spent with Scuderia Ferrari and for me that means the dream of a lifetime has come true,” said Sebastian Vettel. “When I was a kid, Michael Schumacher in the red car was my greatest idol and now it’s an incredible honour to finally get the chance to drive a Ferrari.

“I already got a small taste of what the Ferrari spirit means, when I took my first win at Monza in 2008, with an engine from the Prancing Horse built in Maranello.

“The Scuderia has a great tradition in this sport and I am extremely motivated to help the team get back to the top. I will put my heart and soul into making it happen.”

The movement of Vettel from Red Bull to Ferrari is great for F1 and the Sebastian–Kimi pairing will provide some great fodder for the F1 masses next year. Bring on the fireworks!

Ferrari’s full statement can be read below.

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Formula 1 Lotus

Romain remains with Lotus

2014 Brazilian Grand Prix

Romain Grosjean has announced via his Facebook page that he will remain with Lotus F1 Team in 2015.

This season has been one of disappointment for Lotus. They were late to the pre-season party after suffering problems with the new Renault power unit and haven’t really recovered. Next year, though, Lotus will have Mercedes power and understandably this has Grosjean expecting better times ahead.

“I’m very pleased, happy and proud to be part of Lotus F1 Team for next year and excited at the prospect of being powered by the Mercedes engine which has looked so strong this year,” Grosjean on the Lotus F1 Team website. “The E23 should be a good step forward, building on all the lessons from 2014.

“I’ve spent a lot of time at the factory working with everyone, and the relationship I have with the team is very strong. We’ve had some good moments and tough ones and we always stay together, which makes it even more attractive for the future.”

No announcement has been made on who will partner Grosjean next season.

[Source: Lotus F1 Team]

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Formula 1

Jules Bianchi out of induced coma, remains critical

Jules Bianchi

The family of former Marussia driver Jules Bianchi, who was seriously injured at the Japanese Grand Prix, has confirmed he is no longer in an artifical coma. However, he remains unconscious and his condition is still critical.

“Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however he is still unconscious,” the family’s statement explained. “He is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable, but his condition is still classified as ‘critical’. His treatment now enters a new phase concerned with the improvement of his brain function.”

Bianchi has been relocated from Japan to the university hospital in Nice so that he can be closer to his family.

“Jules’ neurological condition remains stable,” his family added. “Although the situation continues to be serious, and may remain so, it was decided that Jules was sufficiently stable to be repatriated to his native France.

“We are relieved, therefore, to confirm that Jules was transferred aeromedically last night from the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, Japan, to Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice (CHU), where he arrived just a short time ago.

“Jules is now in the intensive care unit of Professors Raucoules and Ichai, where his care will also be monitored by Professor Paquis, Head of Neurosurgery Service.

“We are thankful that the next phase of Jules’ treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded and supported by his wider family and friends.”

The Bianchi family thanked the hospital staff in Japan, in particular Doctors Kamei and Yamamichi, and Mr Ogura, saying Jules received “outstanding care” while in Yokkaichi.

[Source: Formula1.com]

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Caterham Formula 1

Caterham F1 Team ready for one last dance

2014 Singapore Grand Prix

“The Caterham F1 Team is delighted to announce that it will be racing at the final Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi next week thanks to the support of the fans, who have helped the team raise enough money to make it possible through Crowdcube, the world’s leading investment crowdfunding platform.”

So reads an announcement on the Caterham F1 Team website. At least Bernie will be happy his F1 fans can afford to pay for an F1 team, even if its for one race only.

Caterham’s appearance in Abu Dhabi will be in contrast to the fact the team has made its 230 staff redundant. Apparently that move has been done with the staff’s blessing so that they may commence formal claims, assuming a buyer cannot be found. No wages have been paid at Caterham since 30 September.

Kamui Kobayashi will drive one of the cars in Abu Dhabi, but former teammate Marucs Ericsson, armed with the security of a job in 2015, has told Caterham to bugger off.

So, too, has Andre Lotterer, who drove for Caterham in Spa earlier this year.

That leaves reserve driver Roberto Mehri claiming the drive is his and he has a contract to prove it. Haha, kids these days.

Good luck to Caterham in Abu Dhabi. But really, what a mess!

[Source: Autosport]

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Formula 1 Video

2012 Monaco GP: Driver’s eye view

Paul di Resta at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix

Who doesn’t love watching footage of Formula 1 cars screaming around the tight Monaco Grand Prix circuit? Nobody, that’s who! Especially when you’re given a driver’s eye view from the helmet of ex-Force India driver Paul di Resta.

The footage was captured during the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix, won by Mark Webber. The image quality isn’t great, but we still think you’ll enjoy the ride.

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Formula 1

It’s time to go Bernie, it really is

2014 Brazilian Grand Prix

Further to his comments about double points, Bernie Ecclestone expanded on a number of issues in F1, especially the chase for a younger audience. We think it’s best if we let Bernie’s words speak for themselves.

Bernie on attracting younger generation to Formula 1:

“Young kids will see the Rolex [watch] brand but are they going to go and buy one? They can’t afford it. Or our other sponsor UBS—these kids don’t care about banking. They haven’t got enough money to put in the bloody banks anyway. That’s what I think.

“I don’t know why people want to get to the so-called ‘young generation’.

“Why do they want to do that? Is it to sell them something? Most of these kids haven’t got any money. I’d rather get to the 70-year-old guy who’s got plenty of cash.

“So, there’s no point trying to reach these kids because they won’t buy any of the products here and if marketers are aiming at this audience, they maybe they should advertise with Disney.”

Bernie on social media:

“I’m not interested in tweeting, Facebook and whatever this nonsense is. I tried to find out but in any case I’m too old-fashioned. I couldn’t see any value in it.

“And I don’t know what the so-called ‘young generation’ of today really wants. What is it? You ask a 15 or 16-year-old kid, ‘What do you want?’ and they don’t know. The challenge is getting the audience in the first place.”

Bernie on Caterham, Marussia and female shoppers:

“These teams don’t need to be in financial trouble. They need to think about what they have got to spend and do the best they can with that… it’s the same problem with ladies and credit cards.”

Bernie and his autocratic style has built Formula 1 into the global phenomenon it is today. Nobody can mistake that. But things have changed and are constantly changing in the new media landscape. Television audiences are falling and, rather than looking at ways to bring new fans to the sport, Bernie is more worried about flogging off tacky watches to 70-year-olds.

Is the future of F1 really best left to a sexist luddite who is 84-years-old?

[Source: The Independent | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1

Double points fiasco likely to be dropped in 2015

2014 Brazilian Grand Prix

This time next week we’ll know who the 2014 Formula 1 world champion is. Will it be Lewis Hamilton or Nico Rosberg? And, importantly, will the whacky novelty of the double points on offer be the deciding factor?

For a number of reasons, please, let’s hope that’s not the case. As it turns out even Bernie Ecclestone, the man behind this oddball idea, seems to think the novelty has a bleak future. Of course, he won’t admit the idea was a mistake, instead he calls the teams “bloody idiots” for not embracing three races of double points pandemonium.

“One race is stupid but imagine if it was the last three races,” he told The Independent. “It means that somebody would have to have a 150-point advantage minimum to be sure they will win. The teams have not accepted it because they are bloody idiots. They are all mechanics. They think of their team in the short term.

“I’m not going to  propose the three races again. I’m going to let them get on with it. I don’t know what we’re going to do next year.”

I know Bernie, let’s drop this batshit crazy idea of yours and be done with it!

[Source: The Independent]

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Formula 1 Motorsports Video

The ultimate track day weapon

2001 Arrows A22 F1 car

If you want to be king of the mountain at your next track day then you really need to get your hands on a Formula 1 car. Even a shit one like the 13-year-old Arrows A22 will leave you looking like a driving god, as this video shows!

Just be prepared to slow down for unsuspecting drivers who, just a nano second ago, had no idea you were approaching them and about to fly by.

[Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

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Formula 1 Honda McLaren

McLaren-Honda era restarts today

2015 Honda F1 engine

The first tangible steps in the new McLaren-Honda era will take place later today when the team completes a filming day at Silverstone. Confirmed via twitter McLaren will run an MP4-29H1x1 alongside two classic McLaren-Honda F1 cars.

Under Formula 1 regulations the team can run up to 100km as part of its filming days. McLaren is yet to announce its driver pairing for next year and neither Jenson Button nor Kevin Magnussen will be at the wheel. Today’s driving duties will be carried out by Oliver Turvey and Stoffel Vandoorn.

Silverstone’s grand prix circuit is 5.9klm long so McLaren will only get around 16 laps to play with. No doubt there’ll be plenty of pretty pictures and glowing words to follow, which we will share with if we can.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

2014 Brazilian GP: Post-race press conference

2014 Brazilian Grand Prix

This morning’s 1–2 result for Mercedes AMG at the Brazilian Grand Prix was their eleventh of the year, the best ever in a single season, eclipsing the 10 1–2 results secured by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna at the wheel of the legendary McLaren MP4/4 in 1988.

In the post-race presser there was a bit of focus on the history made by Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Also of note are some of Hamilton’s answers where he’s clearly trying to get into the mind of Rosberg as the pair head into the title deciding final race in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, in what’s probably his worst race weekend all year, Daniel Ricciardo remained philosophical: “When I went into Turn One, the car went to the right and I knew there was a problem. I came into the pits and the team told me it was suspension failure and we retired.

“It had been a bit of a boring race, we were close to everyone but not close enough to have many fights. It’s a shame, but I had a pretty good run until now, so I can’t be too greedy. It would be good to finish on the podium at the final race of the season.”

The full press conference transcript featuring Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa can be read after the break.

[Pic: Sky Sports F1]

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