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Ferrari Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Mark Webber cautious on Ferrari rumour

Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing, Mugello

Inevitably, Mark Webber was questioned in Mugello about the latest rumour suggesting he is tipped to sign with Ferrari next year. This is what he said: “Sergio [Perez] was flavour of the month last week for the Ferrari drive; now it’s me!”

He then added: “I’m focusing 100 per cent on this season and doing the best job for myself and Red Bull Racing. I’m not putting any energy into anything else.”

On the surface then, that would seem pretty straightforward. No deal. Being cheeky, though, Webber did not deny the claims outright, stating only that he is concentrating his efforts on this season.

We expect this story will simmer away for a while yet.

Speaking about the testing in Mugello, Webber said he is a fan of the circuit, despite the tricky conditions.

“I have to say this is a fantastic track. It’s very challenging for the driver and very quick. I don’t know if we’ll ever race here in the future, you never know, but to see the crowd here today was very special. A lot of people came to watch and that’s great.

“We have a lot of information to gather and, while today didn’t quite work out as expected, I’m optimistic that over the course of the next few days we’ll get the information we need.”

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

Categories
Ferrari Formula 1

Alonso fastest in Mugello mist

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F2012, Mugello Circuit

In conditions that were desperately wet at times a crowd of 15,000 watched Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso post the fastest time in the first day of testing at Mugello overnight. The two-time world champion set his time of 1:22.444 in the morning session which was mildy moist, to steal a Top Gear phrase.

In the afternoon session there was nothing mild about the weather. In fact the rain was so heavy a portion of the session was red flagged and some teams packed up early as a result.

Mark Webber was the next quickest for Red Bull, some 1.2 seconds behind Alonso’s time. Jean-Eric Vergne set the third fastest time in the Toro Rosso.

“It’s a shame about the rain, which complicated the running of this first day of testing and a shame for the spectators who deserved to see more of a show,” said Alonso. “We had a pretty busy work programme, but we only managed to get through a part of it. Therefore, it’s impossible to give a serious evaluation, especially as we did so little dry running.

“I can only say that, for me, it was a pleasure to be driving at this track again: the first and only other time was back in 2001, when I was testing for Minardi. It’s a spectacular track and it would be nice to be able to race on it!”

A full list of times and more pics from Ferrari can be seen after the break.

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Zagato now in Australia

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Even with its Meccano-like rear wing we still like the Aston Martin V12 Zagato quite a lot. So we’re not too proud to admit that there was a little, erm, movement when we saw this pic during our twitter rounds this morning.

Just 150 V12 Zagatos will ever be made, so it’s quite a coup to see one in Australia. If you live in Sydney, why not get on down to the Trivett dealership in Alexandria for a gander! Who knows, you might see an MP4-12C as well.

[Source: Mal Flynn]

UPDATE: We were a bit cheeky and nicked the original photo for this article from Mal Flynn’s twitter account. But he’s been a trooper and sent us two new pics, and both can be viewed at 2000px sizing as well. Thanks Mal!

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Formula 1 News

Rush movie poster revealed

Rush, F1 movie poster

This fairly crappy JPG is our first glimpse at the marketing material for Ron Howard’s F1 biopic Rush. It’s way too early to tell if Howard will deliver an authentic and believable recreation of the fight between James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 Formula One season. However, all indications so far show that he is not taking half measures.

Certainly, the 70s has been captured quite well in this poster (full version below), which we believe is being used to promote the film in Cannes.

Here’s an official synopsis for the flick:

Set against the 1970’s golden age of Formula 1 racing, “Rush” portrays the fast-paced and exhilarating true story of two of the greatest rivalries the sport has ever witnessed – that of James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) and their illustrious Formula 1 racing teams, McLaren and Ferrari. A privileged, charismatic and handsome English playboy, Hunt could not be more different from his reserved and methodical opponent, Austrian born Lauda. “Rush” follows their personal lives both on and off the track and charts their rivalry from its inception in Formula 3. Here they competed viciously against each other until Lauda’s business acumen and surgeon like precision behind the wheel propelled him all the way to Formula 1; eventually landing him the number one spot at Ferrari. However it was not long before rambunctious golden boy Hunt fought his way into Formula 1, and into the hearts of a nation, dramatically seizing the championship from Lauda and proving to the critics, and more importantly himself, that there was real substance beneath the stylish exterior.

If you’re not already, we recommend you follow @RealRonHoward on twitter. He updates with pics from filming most days. Check out the image below showing their recreation of racing at Fuji.

[Source: JoBlo]

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Audi BMW Mercedes-Benz Motorsports

DTM 2012: Round 1 (Hockenheim) in pictures

DTM 2012, Round 1, Hockenheim

Mercedes-Benz got off to a flying start at the opening race of the revamped DTM series in Hockenheim on the weekend, seeing their cars cross the line in first and second place.

Gary Paffett, McLaren F1 team reserve driver, won the first race of the year ahead of teammate and fellow Brit Jamie Green. Mattias Ekström claimed the final podium step for Audi. Andy Priaulx was the highest placed BMW in their return to DTM racing. He was in sixth place.

After the break we have assembled a nice gallery of photos from all three manufacturers; click each pic to load a 2000px super image.

There’s also a couple of videos from the first few laps of the race. The commentary is in German, but if you persist you will be rewarded for some choice comments on Ralf Schumacher’s driving skillz (language warning).

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Pagani

VIDEO: Pagani Zonda 760RS

Pagani Zonda 760RS

The Pagani Zonda R is a very special car. With its fearsome 6.0 litre V12 AMG engine it can lap the Nürburgring in 6 minutes 47 seconds. You’d reckon that would be enough for most people. Apparently, it’s not.

And that’s where this video steps in. Evo founder Harry Metcalfe, a Zonda owner himself, has been given an exclusive preview of a totally unique Zonda. It’s called the 760RS. Those numbers represent the horsepower on offer, of course. A big number, no doubt, but only a small increase from the 750hp in the Zonda R. Although, we’re told the 760RS is more aggressive than that 10hp increase would suggest.

At roughly double the price of the new Huayra this only the very rich need apply. The detail of the carbon fibre exterior is exquisite!

Car #1 is heading to South America and it’s quite amazing that the owner has granted Evo time in the car before it boarded the ship for its long journey. Why you wouldn’t air freight it is beyond us, at somewhere around AU$2.5m to buy the car, what’s a bit of air freight?

Anyway, the second one of these 760 creations will be called the 760LH. For those playing at home, that’s LH for Lewis Hamilton. At least he’s having a manual ‘box fitted to his.

All that’s left to do now is enjoy the video after the break. Thanks Harry!

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Categories
Ferrari Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Mark Webber to Ferrari in 2013?

2012 Chinese Grand Prix

According to reports in the Spanish media Mark Webber will continue in F1 next season, albeit no longer with Red Bull but in a red Ferrari suit instead. While no claims of concrete contracts are being made, El Confidencial reports they have been told, “It’s done.” While El Mundo Deportivo claims Webber has signed a pre-contractual agreement with Ferrari.

Webber has been on one-year deals with Red Bull in recent years, claiming it helps keep his motivation high. However, with the fast charging juniors of Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne in the Toro Rosso team believed to be in the hunt for Webber’s seat, it may be that Webber has no choice but to seek a contract elsewhere if he wants to extend his F1 career.

The rumour mill also suggests Webber may only be at Maranello for one year, with Sergio Perez to replace him in 2014. It’s understood Ferrari is happy to leave Perez at Sauber for another year to gain more experience. Either driver is expected to make a better fist of things than Felipe Massa, uncontracted at the end of 2012, who has struggled at Ferrari so far this year. The Brazilian also endured a terrible season in 2011.

Webber has a good relationship with Fernando Alonso which could assist the Australian’s recruitment into the team. Alonso is highly regarded by Ferrari and his opinions would surely carry some weight. Both drivers also have links with Flavio Briatore, which could aid discussions.

While the rumours of Webber and/or Perez remain unverified it does appear certain that Massa’s days are numbered.

No doubt the topic will be discussed while the teams are in Mugello for in-season testing this week. If we hear any more we’ll let you know.

[Source: El Confidencial & motorsport.com]

Categories
Formula 1

F1 teams ready for Mugello test

Mugello, Italy

Official in-season testing is about to return to Formula One for the first time in four years. Interestingly the Mugello Circuit in Italy has been chosen for the testing, a venue that has never seen an F1 race.

It’s a nice free flowing and fast track, which is all very well, but with 16 races on the 2012 calendar still to run, Mugello is only comparable to Silverstone and Suzuka. Having said that the 5.245km track is owned by Ferrari and it has been have put to good use in the past by Ferrari and other F1 teams, when testing schedules were not so regimented. The lap record is 1:18.704 and is held by Rubens Barichello.

The Mugello test will run for three days and where confirmed we have listed the driver lineups for each team. You’ll see quite a lot of the reserve drivers appearing and in the case of HRT, well, they won’t be there at all. They’re busy moving their team base apparently.

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Citroen WRC

Sebastien Loeb wins 2012 Rally Argentina

Citroen DS3 WRC, 2012 Rally Argentina

Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena have added to their remarkable record with victory in Rally Argentina on the weekend. It is their seventh consecutive win in the event and their 70th WRC win overall.

The Citroën master pairing finished 15.2 seconds ahead of their teammate Mikko Hirvonen. The one-two result gives the French team a healthy 45 point lead from Ford in the manufacturers’ title race.

Although it is worth noting that half way through Day 2, when the Citroëns held a safe lead back to third place of around 90 seconds it was decided the leading pair should hold station. “I spoke to both the crews and they agreed that it was the best solution,” explained Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal.

Ford driver Mads Osteberg took the final podium step, over three minutes behind Loeb. Stand-in driver Ford Dani Sordo was on track for fourth place until he stopped and withdrew from the rally on the very last stage.

Loeb’s third win for the year puts him on 91 points in the drivers’ championship, ahead of Petter Solberg (73) and Hirvonen (70).

After the event Loeb summed up his feelings, saying: “It’s great to get back to winning ways after drawing a blank in Portugal. Everything went really well this weekend. Although the first few stages didn’t go quite how we’d have liked, we stayed calm and in the end we were able to take control of the race.”

Meanwhile, Hirvonen had this to say: “This result is perfect for the team and the twenty points I scored this weekend take me back up to third in the overall standings. I have made further progress in my understanding of the DS3 WRC and I can’t wait to compete in the coming rallies!”

The WRC now returns to Europe for the Acropolis Rally at the end of May.

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Lamborghini

Remembering the Lamborghini Aventador J

Lamborghini Aventador J

$2.66 million.

That’s what was required to buy the one-off Lamborghini Aventador J, which starred at the Geneva Motor Show back in March. The identity of the buyer, for now, remains unknown but the sale figure was confirmed by Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephen WInkelmann, as being €2.1m (AU$2.66m).

In return the buyer received one of the coolest cars money can buy packed with a 700hp punch, thanks to a 6.5 litre V12 engine sourced from the comparatively staid Aventador LP700-4.

Speaking about the J, Stephen Winkelmann, Lamborghini CEO, proclaimed: “The new Lamborghini Aventador J is the most radical open supersports car of Lamborghini’s history.”

And with that sale price, we’re guessing it has become the most expensive Lamborghini in history too.

There’s a short video from Lambo after the break to remind you of the Aventador J’s finer qualities.

[Source: Bloomberg]

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Motorsports Safety Issues Video

VIDEO: Four minutes of madness

Crazy crash video

The video you’re about to see takes us back to a world before the six-point safety harness. Indeed helmets seem optional and the creator of the HANS device would have been laughed out of town.

Some of the footage is shocking, some of it genuinely amazing—that people got up and walked away from some of these crashes has to be seen to be believed. All we can say is, thank goodness they don’t crash ’em like this any more.

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Categories
Formula 1 News

Grand Prix of America street circuit now under construction

New Jersey Grand Prix site

Pitpass brings word that planning for the 2013 Grand Prix of America in New Jersey is well underway. This should help ease rumours that the quasi-New York GP could be deferred until 2014.

The above pic shows a tailored Porsche Cayenne fitted with a camera rig that has reportedly been sent out on the roads of Weehawken and West New York to capture some promotional footage.

It’s understood work on the pit garages and paddock complex has begun at the Port Imperial site, while engineering for the 5.14km street circuit is also being finalised. With the NYC skyline in full view and elevation changes of around 50 metres it will be one of the sport’s most spectacular locations.

The race has been pencilled in for June next year and we suspect it will be huge. Will we see you there?

[Source: Pitpass]

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