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Formula 1 News

Formula 1 to Foxtel in 2016?

Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF15-T

Australian Formula 1 fans could soon be switching to pay television if they want to follow a full season of live coverage. According to media reports Foxtel and Channel 10 will be mirroring the UK television deal which sees pay TV network Sky Sports covering the full season, while the BBC picks up the scraps on free-to-air.

There is a small chance that such a deal could be in place for the forthcoming 2015 season, which starts with the Australian Grand Prix in mid-March. However, a more likely scenario would see the new regime commence in 2016.

It’s expected half of the F1 races each year would be shown live on Channel 10 with the remaining events shown in a delayed highlights package. A similar deal has just started this year with V8 Supercars moving to a split rights agreement with Foxtel and Channel 10.

Foxtel would cover the entire season in full and would presumably take on the Sky Sports feed, including high-definition broadcasts for all practice sessions, qualifying and races. Sky Sports also has more in-depth analysis than Channel 10 does.

In terms of pure sporting coverage it’s reasonable to expect Foxtel would do a far superior job than Channel 10 or previous rights holders Channel 9 ever have. At the time of writing it costs $50 per month to get Foxtel with the relevant sports channels, plus an extra $10 per month for high-definition.

Clearly a situation where fans feel forced into getting pay TV will cause a lot of angst. Will it cause any more angst than Channel 10’s current inferior coverage? That’s a question for each individual to answer.

It’s being reported that the Fox/10 deal is currently with Formula One Management awaiting sign-off.

[Source: Speedcafe]

Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour Motorsports Safety Issues

Why the Safety Car sucks

2015 Bathurst 12 Hour race

I will preface what you’re about to read by saying that the Safety Car is a necessary part of motor racing. This is especially the case on a track like Mount Panorama with its narrow concrete chasms. I would never advocate for the removal of the Safety Car as a concept and as a means of limiting the risk of injury to drivers, officials and spectators.

However, in yesterday’s Bathurst 12 Hour race there were 20 Safety Car periods. Yes, 20! On average, that’s one every 36 minutes.

There’s no evidence to suggest that any of those Safety Car periods were not warranted. Thankfully, there was only one concerning incident, involving David Brabham and it appears he has suffered nothing more than a few bruised ribs.

When it was appropriate, Race Control allowed time for spinning drivers to right themselves and if they couldn’t only then was a full course yellow called.

In terms of the safety aspect, then, I have no complaints at all. What I dislike about the Safety Car is that it robs us of competition.

In an event like the Bathurst 12 Hour, time spent following the SC lessens the endurance aspect. There’s less demand on the cars; drivers get time to relax. Rightly or wrongly the Safety Car makes endurance racing easier. And this was especially the case yesterday.

Inevitably, it now seems, we can no longer have an endurance race at Mount Panorama without having a Safety Car in the closing stages. This artificially closes any hard fought leads drivers and teams have worked so hard to establish.

All throughout the commentary yesterday we were told, “You just need to stay on the lead lap, because you just know there’ll be a Safety Car to bunch up the field leaving a sprint to the flag.”

I want to see a 12 hour endurance race, not a two-lap sprint!

Yes, it is a test of endurance to stay on the lead lap in a race of such time. But that’s not really the point. With the pace Markus Winkelhock showed at the start of yesterday’s race nobody was going to stay on the lead lap! The distance record would have been smashed and, potentially, a new Bathurst legend would have been born.

Alas, we were robbed yesterday. We’ll never know if Winkelhock’s pace in the opening stint of the race was sustainable. We’ll never know if it was a considered strategy to try and blow his opponents off the track, or if the other teams were deliberately holding back. Could the R8 really have gone a full 12 hours setting lap times around the 2:03 mark? Did Winkelhock and his teammates have the mental strength to maintain that pace, let alone their car?

I’m a little sad that we’re only ever going to be able to theorise over what may have happened, because the price we rightly pay to limit the risk of injury through the use of the Safety Car is to increase the risk of limiting competition.

Categories
Aston Martin Audi Bathurst 12 Hour Nissan

Nissan GTR GT3 wins 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour

Nissan GTR GTR wins 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour

A factory-backed Nissan team stood atop the Bathurst podium for the first time since that pack of arseholes win back in 1992. Katsumasa Chiyo drove the #35 GTR Nismo GT3 to victory with a perfectly timed charge for the lead in a two-lap sprint for the chequered flag.

That final sprint came courtesy of the 20th Safety Car period of the race which, thankfully, was over in time to see the race decided under green flag conditions. At the start of the second last lap the Nissan was in third place, by Hell Corner Chiyo had moved into P2 and by Griffins Bend he had the lead. Never challenged he crossed the line with a relatively comfortable gap back to the chaos going on behind him.

You can read more detailed coverage of the race elsewhere, all we’ll add to our thoughts on the race is that we would have loved to have seen the #15 Phoenix Audi R8 win. In the opening hour or so Markus Winkelhock was a class above the rest of the field. It was beautiful to watch as the gap back to second visibly widened with each lap.

At the end, in that dramatic run from Forrest Elbow to the flag, the #15 car went from almost taking second place, to being relegated to fourth to crossing the line in P2 in a move that we’re still yet to see on video (Channel 7 we’ll get to you later).

Overall, though, the Bathurst 12 Hour is a truly great race. Why would you watch six hours of supertaxis when you can watch 12 hours of bona fide supercars! Watching the GT cars fly across the top of the mountain is perhaps one of the finest motor racing spectator experiences on offer in Australia. And seven different brands in the top seven says all you need to know about GT racing and is part of what makes it so enjoyable to watch.

Each brand has its own unique sound. Those Marc Racing V8s are a pretty cool concept, but they sound like every other V8 Supercar in that god forsaken series. In the GT category there’s V12s, V10, V8s, V6s and flat-sixes. The Bentleys and Mercedes have a gutteral growl, the Audis shriek, the 458s shriek a bit more. Each has its own character as the drivers work through the gears. The Nissan less clinical than you might think. The Porsche is just different to everything else out there.

It’s believeable. Seeing racecars genuinely based on their roadgoing counterparts respects the paying punter much more than the direction V8SC has taken. I don’t like being treated like a fool, thankfully with GT racing that is not the case.

Slowly, but surely, the crowds are catching on too. It was a record crowd for the 12 Hour this year and while still a long way off the crowds for the 1000km race the gap is closing. Of course, the VB and Winnie blue factor is a bit lower as well.

If you love motorsport and haven’t yet made it to the Bathurst 12 Hour, give yourself a kick up the arse and start planning for 2016!

2015 Bathurst 12 Hour top 7

  1. #35 Nissan GTR Nismo GT3 – 269 laps
  2. #15 Audi R8 LMS Ultra – 269 laps
  3. #97 Aston Martin V12 Vantage – 269 laps
  4. #10 Bentley Continental GT3 – 269 laps
  5. #36 Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3 – 269 laps
  6. #49 Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 – 268 laps
  7. #32 Lamboghini Gallardo GT3 – 268 laps

[Pic: Instagram]

UPDATE: Nissan’s video wrap and press release have been added below.

Continue reading “Nissan GTR GT3 wins 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour”
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Citroen Ford Hyundai Volkswagen WRC

2015 Rallye Monte Carlo in pictures

2015 Rallye Monte Carlo

Before Rally Sweden kicks off next weekend, take some time to relive Volkswagen’s dominantion of Rallye Monte Carlo, where the reigning world champions went Ogier one, Latvala two and Mikkelsen three!

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Porsche

Entry-level 911 set for 2.7 litre turbo

2012 Porsche 911 (991)

When Porsche gives the 991 911 its mid-cycle facelift it will replace the normally aspirated 257kW 3.4 litre engine in the entry-level Carrera model with a turbocharged 260kW 2.7 litre engine.

Similarly, the Carrera S will switch from a normally aspirated 3.8 litre to a turbocharged 3.0 litre engine. Power will increase from 294kW to 320kW.

This news comes from the mouth of none other than Walter Röhrl who revealed Porsche’s plans in a discussion with Wheels magazine. The legendary Röhrl spoke quite freely about the future plans of Porsche, giving insights into future Boxster/Cayman models and the forthcoming 911 GT3 RS.

“I’ve driven the new 911 and they will be 2.7, and 3.0 litres in S form,” said Röhrl. “At least it’s not a four-cylinder turbo like in the next Boxster. That sounds like a Volkswagen Beetle, I’m not kidding you! I tell the guys, ‘You’re joking with this sound, right?’ But they just say they are working on it. I’m sure they will get it right.

“We need to go to turbocharging to reduce emissions. How else can we get CO2 levels below 95g?

“But no matter how good a turbo engine is, it can never have the pure response of a naturally aspirated engine. This is the reason I bought a Boxster Spyder, because engines like this won’t be made anymore.”

Walter signed off by saying the GT3 RS, which will make its show debut in Geneva, will be normally aspirated and will also offer a manual transmission option.

[Source: Wheels]

Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour

Reminder: 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour

2014 Bathurst 12 Hour

A quick reminder that the Bathurst 12 Hour is being held this weekend. We’ll be taking a very low key approach to coverage this year due to a number of reasons. However, you will still be well served because all 12 hours of the race will be shown on free-to-air television.

Coverage will start bright and early on Sunday morning on 7mate before switching across to Channel 7 for the final three hours of the race. That’s actually pretty cool. And remember, we don’t want any of you to spend a single second watching the V8 Supercars practice session; join the AUSmotive boycott and #SayNoToV8SC!

If you’re a social media butterfly then you have heaps of options to cover the event. Photographer Joel Strickland has compiled a thoroughly excellent and comprehensive guide to following the #B12hr on social media.

Finally, the ever reliable, enthusiastic and near iconic Radio Le Mans crew are at the mountain to provide commentary to the world as well. So you’ve got no excuse for not knowing what the hell is going on this weekend.

All the best to the competitors and crew we hope you have an awesome weekend and that the TV coverage rates its arse off!

[Pic: Joel Strickland]

Categories
Porsche Video

Andreas Preuninger talks Porsche Cayman GT4

Porsche Cayman GT4

We already love the Porsche Cayman GT4, so hearing Porsche’s boss of GT cars Andreas Preuninger talk about his new toy was something we have been looking forward to. We thank Jethro Bovingdon and Evo magazine for bringing this video to the world.

Preuninger goes through technical details of the 1340kg 283kW/420Nm GT4 sharing with us the close connection this model has with Porsche’s other GT cars such as the iconic 911 GT3 and 911 GT2.

Put 20 minutes aside to watch this clip (you can just listen to it), you won’t regret it.

[Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

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Categories
Formula 1

F1 winter testing: Jerez day 4

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari SF15-T, Jerez

Kimi Raikkonen ensured Ferrari ended its pre-season testing at Jerez in the headlines by setting the fastest time of the day (1:20.841).

“Over the winter, we have made a good step forward and this car is definitely an improvement over the 2014 one,” Raikkonen said at day’s end. “It’s the whole package that has progressed, but there is still a lot of work to do.”

Second quickest was Felipe Nasr (1:22.019) in the Ferrari-powered Sauber C34. Defending champions Mercedes found themselves with the third best time of the day, thanks to world champion Lewis Hamilton (1:22.172), who completed 117 laps, more than any other driver.

Max Verstappen piloted his Toro Rosso to the fourth best lap (1:22.553), more than half a second ahead of Felipe Massa (1:23.116) in fifth.

Pocketing a helpful 53 laps for Lotus with its switch to Mercedes power was Romain Grosjean (1:23.802 ) who recorded the sixth fastest lap. Daniil Kvyat (1:23.975) managed to keep the front wing of the RB11 in one piece but was well off the leading pace, going seventh fastest.

In a consistent last place on the lap charts was the McLaren-Honda. Jenson Button (1:27.660) was at the wheel and did at least take the MP4-30 below the 1:30 barrier for the first time this week.

Pre-season testing will resume in two weeks time at Barcelona (19–22 February) and will conclude with a second session in Barcelona (26 February–1 March).

Continue reading “F1 winter testing: Jerez day 4”
Categories
Porsche

Porsche Cayman GT4 revealed

Porsche Cayman GT4

Forget everything. This is all the sportscar you will ever need. It’s the new Porsche Cayman GT4.

It’s got a 283kW 3.8 litre flat six engine from a 911. It’s got a 6-speed manual gearbox and only a 6-speed manual gearbox; this is a PDK-free zone! It’s got perfect mid-engined balance and poise. It’s got that note perfect Porsche flat-six noise.

Okay, you need to look past the challenging look of the fixed rear wing. That does ruin the stylish curves of the Cayman body somewhat, but you know what, a few minutes in the driver’s seat and you won’t care about that meccano add on one bit!

If you care at all, the GT4 can lap the Ring in 7 minutes 40 seconds. But this car will be so much more than outright pace. Other cars will be faster. Few will match the pure driving enjoyment. It will do everything so well. You just know it will. I want one and I want one badly!

The Cayman GT4 goes on sale in Australia post-September and will be priced from $190,300.

Continue reading “Porsche Cayman GT4 revealed”
Categories
Formula 1

F1 winter testing: Jerez day 3

Felipe Nasr, Sauber C34, Jerez

Sauber’s F1 rookie Felipe Nasr (1:21.545) has kept Ferrari power at the top of the timesheets in Jerez overnight. He completed 109 laps overall and this is in stark contrast to pre-season testing last year when cars were falling over themselves to break down first.

Kimi Raikkonen (1:21.750) went second fastest and managed 94 laps in his SF15-T. Nico Rosberg again covered more miles than any other driver doing 151 laps and setting the third best time (1:21.982).

The fourth best time was set by Felipe Massa (1:22.276) who racked up 71 laps. Half a second behind was Pastor Maldonado (1:22.713) in the Lotus E23. He managed 96 valuable laps.

Carlos Sainz Jr managed the most laps of the two Renault-powered teams, 137 in all, and went sixth fastest (1:23.187). Daniel Ricciardo had a slow start to the day after his RB11 was given a new engine. He was not chasing outright pace and went seventh quickest (1:23.901), managing 49 laps.

“Although we were limited with running today, we got some long runs together and that was encouraging,” said Daniel. “I was happy to do some 10–15 lap runs as that’s always where you get a better understanding of the car.

“I think the consistency today was good, we put a few laps together in the end, so a few positives to take away from today.”

McLaren took its place at the bottom of the pile, with Fernando Alonso some 14 seconds off the pace (1:35.553). Still, he’ll be pleased that he managed to complete 32 laps. The Honda-powered McLarens have a long way to go although the team remains bullish and says its happy with the progress being made.

“Operationally, we’ve already covered everything in our programme,” enthused Eric Boullier, McLaren racing director. “But what’s even more positive is that we’ve been able to carry out a number of longer runs. They’ve shown us that the car doesn’t have any conceptual or architectural issues.”

Continue reading “F1 winter testing: Jerez day 3”
Categories
Ford

2016 Ford Focus RS previewed

2016 Ford Focus RS

Ford has given us a preview of its third generation Focus RS. It goes into production later this year and will be built in Germany. And, yes, it is coming to Australia!

The all-new Focus RS will be powered by a 2.3 litre EcoBoost engine pumping out “well in excess of 320PS”. That’s 235kW in modern lingo.

All that power to the front wheels will be a bt stupid won’t it? Well, yes, it appears Ford’s engineers have given up trying to tame big horsepower front-wheel drive hot hatches. This time the Focus RS will boast an all-wheel drive system. But not just any old AWD system, no, this one will be special, Ford claims. It’s best to just go straight to their press guff:

The Ford Performance AWD system is based on twin electronically-controlled clutch packs on each side of the rear drive unit. These manage the car’s front/rear torque split, and also can control the side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle – delivering the “torque vectoring” capability, which has a dramatic impact on handling and cornering stability.

The control unit in the rear drive unit continuously varies the front/rear and side-to-side torque distribution to suit the current driving situation, monitoring inputs from multiple vehicle sensors 100 times per second. A maximum of 70 per cent of the drive torque can be diverted to the rear axle. Up to 100 per cent of the available torque at the rear axle can be sent to each rear wheel.

“This AWD system is a breakthrough technology, capable of delivering supreme cornering and handling at the limit,” said Dave Pericak, director, Global Ford Performance. “We have ripped up the rulebook which says that AWD hatchbacks cannot be fun to drive, and have created a car which will surprise and reward in equal measure.”

The new Focus RS will officially debut in Geneva next month.

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MINI MINI Challenge Video

VIDEO: 3rd-gen MINI Challenge car

MINI JCW Challenge car

MINI Challenge cars are very, very cool. Take one road-going JCW hardtop, rip its guts out and turn it into a bona fide racecar. Do that a few times over and put them all on a track and you have a recipe for fun and rubbing doors.

The 3rd-gen MINI Challenge car is ready to terrorise circuits around England. We trust you’ll enjoy this video brought to us by Xcar.

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