Category: Formula 1

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Formula 1 News

Blue is the colour, F1 is the game!

Sauber teams up with Chelsea FC

Two things we like very much here at AUSmotive are F1 and Chelsea FC. Now, thanks to a new deal with Sauber Motorsport, the two have become interlinked. Why, we’re not so sure, but who are we to argue.

Keen observers will have noticed the Saubers running “Out of the Blue” and “True Blue” signage on their cars at the Chinese GP and Bahrain GP respectively. That gave us the first clue that a new deal was on the horizon. With the mystery now revealed, the Sauber C31s will proudly boast the Chelsea FC logo from next weekend at the Spanish GP. In return the Sauber F1 Team logo will be displayed at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea games.

Apart from the PR fluff, the two teams hope to share and contrast their sport science knowledge. Of course, exposure to a wider audience should benefit both parties, especially Chelsea with F1’s global reach.

“A partnership like this between Formula One and Football has never existed before in this form, yet there are numerous commonalities and possible synergies. In either case we are talking about team sport at the highest – and international – level,” explained Monisha Kaltenborn, CEO of the Sauber F1 Team.

“The Sauber F1 Team and Chelsea FC are dealing with many of the same sporting and commercial topics and we want to strengthen each other in these areas. We are looking forward to exploiting these opportunities, and we congratulate Chelsea on making it to the final of the Champions League.”

So do we. Go Blues!

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Formula 1 Lotus

Grosjean remains Mugello maestro

Romain Grosjean, Lotus E20, Mugello

On the final day of testing in Mugello Lotus driver Romain Grosjean repeated his efforts from Day 2 and remained the fastest man around the free flowing 5.245km circuit.

Grosjean’s time was set in the afternoon session and the mark of 1:21.035 was the best time recorded over the three days. Fastest in the morning session overnight was Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel. That was enough to keep him second fastest on the day, ahead of Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari and young Aussie Daniel Ricciardo for Torro Rosso.

Reflecting on the day Grosjean appreciated the opportunity Mugello presented and is looking ahead to next weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

“It was another nice day today so I have been lucky with the weather here. We continued to work on the car and have gained more valuable data. We made a big change to the car at lunchtime and everything went according to plan,” Grosjean said.

“Mugello puts high demands on the driver so it’s been a very good experience for me—and quite a workout! We were conducting a specific programme of evaluating components, so to be quick relative to our opposition even when we were not looking specifically to try to top the times is satisfying. I’m happy at the progress we’ve made here in Italy and looking forward to seeing how well this translates into lap time when we get to Barcelona.”

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

[Pics: Lotus F1 Team/LAT Photographic]

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Formula 1 Lotus

Grosjean and Kobayashi share Mugello moment

Romain Grosjean, Lotus E20, Mugello

Clear and sunny conditions greeted the F1 teams in Mugello overnight and to celebrate the positive change two drivers headed the lap charts at day’s end. The resurgence of Lotus (nee Renault) continued when Romain Grosjean set a time of 1:21.603 early in the morning session. He stayed top until close to the end when Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi matched his time. Amazing.

Sebastian Vettel (+0.2s) and Mark Webber (+0.3s) were next quickest in their Red Bulls. Mark drove in the morning before the RBR team made changes to the car for Vettel’s afternoon run. The day also brought the absolute shock news that Felipe Massa set a faster time than Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso!

What’s that? Oh, Fernando didn’t drive today. That explains it then.

After the day’s proceedings Grosjean enthused: “It’s always good to end the day on top, but we have to remember that in testing lap times mean very little. Having said that, the car felt great and I was very comfortable from the start. This test gives us an opportunity to try things that we wouldn’t have time to do during a race weekend, so hopefully it’ll help us to keep pushing forward. We’ve done a lot of setup work today, and for sure we’ll need to take some time to look through all the data and analyse what we need to focus on tomorrow, but it’s a good baseline for the final day.”

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

[Pics: Lotus F1 Team/LAT Photographic]

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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]

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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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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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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]

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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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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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Formula 1

What happens next?

Bernie Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone showed Kimi Raikkonen before the Bahrain Grand Prix that he still has a very firm grip on the control of Formula One. But he is 81-years-old now and that grip won’t last forever. So what happens when Bernie retires?

Will the sport be better off without the cantankerous old so and so? More importantly, has the sport got a bona fide plan in place to succeed one of the sporting world’s most ruthless and effective leaders?

Established F1 photographer Darren Heath has gathered his thoughts away from the viewfinder and suggested there is more to Bernie than an insatiable appetite for money. Least of all his ability to get his own way.

Each and every time one or more parties is linked with purchasing the rights to F1, Ecclestone appears to either out-think or out-flank the suitors for his prize. As yet he has remained at least one step ahead of the game.

The genesis for Ecclestone’s dominance in F1 lies with his former role as team owner of Brabham in the 1970s and 80s. He understands the sport.

Bernie – for his sins ­– is at heart a racing man through and through, competing behind the wheel long before he realised the sport’s commercial potential. Though he may appear cold, heartless and sometimes old-fashioned, just below the hard-edged exterior is a man who loves ‘his’ sport and (most of) those in it.

Eventually, though, Bernie will have to yield. What then?

No major investor – once the Ecclestone era ends – is going to care one iota about the sport and what it means to you and me. He, she or they will of course care about turning a rapidly realised profit – and a healthy one at that.

20 grands prix a year will seem like child’s play once we’ve got NASCAR-like 34- race schedules to enjoy… And don’t expect any of it to be on terrestrial TV.

It’s well worth reading Darren Heath’s full observations. Follow the source link below for more.

[Source: darrenheath.com | Pic: LAT Photographic]

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Formula 1 Lotus Red Bull Racing

2012 Bahrain GP: Post-race press conference

2012 Bahrain Grand Prix

If nothing else this year F1 has delivered variety. And so it was at a mostly trouble-free Bahrain Grand Prix. Four different race winners, from four different teams in the opening four races. It’s also the first time Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean have stood on the podium this year. Indeed, it’s the first time ever in F1 for Grosjean.

With thanks to the FIA we bring you the full transcript from the post-race press conference at the 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix. See if you can work out why Vettel was asked by Red Bull to stop in pit lane immediately after crossing the line.

[Pics: Red Bull/Getty Images, Lotus F1 Team/LAT Photographic]

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Formula 1 Lotus Red Bull Racing

Sebastian Vettel wins 2012 Bahrain GP

Sebastian Vettel, 2012 Bahrain GP winner

Sebastian Vettel has returned Red Bull to winning form by taking a start to finish victory today in Bahrain. It’s the fourth race of the year and Vettel is the fourth man, from the fourth team, to win a race in the 2012 F1 season.

Either way a new driver/team combo was going to be seen with a sterling effort from the Lotus F1 Team seeing Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean fill the minor placings.

Last week it was Mercedes power behind all three podium winners, this week Renault powered the first four places.

Mark Webber proved mister consistency by finishing his fourth race in fourth place. He spent most the race in clean air, unable to make any ground to Grosjean but comfortably ahead of the drivers behind him.

Daniel Ricciardo’s excellent qualifying position quickly evaporated thanks to a poor start and he was soon down in P17, behind his Toro Rosso teammate, after starting from P6. In the end he finished the race in P15.

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