Category: Formula 1

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Formula 1

Kobayashi quickest on Day 4 in Barcelona

Kamui Kobayashi, Sauber C31, Barcelona

Kamui Kobayashi took the Sauber C31 to the top of the timesheets on the final day in Barcelona. His best time of 1:22.312 was the quickest of the four days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Pastor Maldonado followed his good work from yesterday to be second fastest, while Paul Di Resta was next best.

As was the norm Kobayashi set his time in the morning session and was running Soft compound tyres. Only Di Resta was able to improve his standing in the afternoon session.

The teams will return to Barcelona for one final pre-season test on 1–4 March.

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 4)

  1. Kobayashi, Sauber – 1m22.312s (145 laps)
  2. Maldonado, Williams – 1m22.561s +0.249 (134 laps)
  3. Di Resta, Force India – 1m23.119s +0.807 (101 laps)
  4. Button, McLaren – 1m23.200s +0.888 (115 laps)
  5. Massa, Ferrari – 1m23.563s +1.251 (103 laps)
  6. Webber, Red Bull – 1m23.774s +1.462 (85 laps)
  7. Vergne, Toro Rosso – 1m23.792s +1.480 (92 laps)
  8. Rosberg, Mercedes – 1m23.843s +1.531 (139 laps)
  9. Kovalainen, Caterham – 1m26.968s +4.656 (70 laps)

All Timing Unofficial

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Sauber Motorsport AG]

Categories
Formula 1

Maldonado quickest on Day 3 in Barcelona

Pastor Maldonado, Williams FW34

Williams, Mercedes and Sauber topped the timesheets in Formula One pre-season testing overnight. Pastor Maldonado was the fastest of all setting a best lap of 1:22.391, almost one full second quicker than Michael Schumacher. Maldonado’s time is currently the benchmark after three days of testing in Barcelona.

Most teams focused on longer running during Day 3 with Schumcaher safely tucking away a 59 lap stint. Despite managing 97 laps Mark Webber’s day was interrupted by a transmission failure which brought an end to a planned race simulation.

There’s one more day remaining for the teams in Barcelona. They will enjoy a short recess before returning to Barcelona for one final pre-season test window (1–4 March) ahead of the opening race in Melbourne (18 March).

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 3)

  1. Maldonado, Williams – 1m22.391s (106 laps)
  2. Schumacher, Mercedes – 1m23.384s +0.993 (127 laps)
  3. Kobayashi, Sauber – 1m23.582s +1.191 (99 laps)
  4. Button, McLaren – 1m23.918s +1.527 (114 laps)
  5. Vergne ,Toro Rosso – 1m24.433s +2.042 (78 laps)
  6. Webber, Red Bull – 1m24.771s +2.380 (97 laps)
  7. Massa, Ferrari – 1m24.771s +2.380 (84 laps)
  8. Di Resta, Force India – 1m25.646s +3.255 (83 laps)
  9. Glock, Marussia – 1m26.173s +3.782 (108 laps)
  10. Petrov, Caterham – 1m26.448s +4.057 (70 laps)

All Timing Unofficial
*2011 car

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Williams F1/LAT Photographic]

Categories
Formula 1 News

Live streaming coming soon to F1?

F1 signs long-term deal with Tata Communications

Bernie Ecclestone has just put pen to paper to ink a new deal with Tata Communications. The agreement will see Tata Communications carry impressive titles on behalf of Formula One Management: Technology Supplier of Formula 1â„¢ with category exclusive rights as Official Connectivity Provider of Formula 1â„¢ and Official Web Hosting and Content Delivery Network of Formula1.com.

Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Communications, pictured above with Ecclestone said, “Formula 1 requires fast and secure connectivity, because even a split second of downtime can have huge repercussions for its business, brand and reputation.

“This delivery is at the heart of our organisation and working with one of the world’s most highly technical and innovative organisations is an exciting opportunity for Tata Communications. The collaboration leverages our technology leadership and vision for emerging markets and represents a tremendous opportunity for growth and innovation for both companies.”

The Tata Global Network of underground cables is the largest in the world and access to that network for F1 opens up seemingly limitless opportunities for both traditional television and online coverage.

James Allen has excitedly described the arrangement as “The deal that changes F1 forever.” In his blog Allen states, “This long-term deal with Tata Communications, providing fixed line connectivity, opens the door for endless possibilities, way beyond what satellites can do, including broadcasting F1 on the internet, for interactivity between audience and the broadcaster at the circuit.”

In practical terms we can soon expect F1 races, qualifying and practice sessions to be officially broadcast over the internet. It clearly represents a new revenue stream for the sport that, perhaps, it should already be a world leader in.

How much will you be prepared to pay?

[Source: Formula1.com]

Categories
Formula 1

Webber tougher than Schumacher says Rosberg

Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, Williams F1 Team, 2006

Nico Rosberg, current teammate to seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, has declared Mark Webber the toughest teammate he’s shared a garage with during his six years in Formula One. The pair drove together for Williams in 2006, in what was Rosberg’s debut year.

Rosberg and Webber shared an amusing anecdote during the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix. While it was Mark who provided the laughs when he delivered a razor sharp punchline following contact between the two, he also showed Rosberg it’s every man for himself.

In part, that would go some way to explaining his reply when asked who has been his toughest teammate. “Mark Webber in 2006, then Michael,” was Rosberg’s reply.

[Source: motorsport.com]

Categories
Formula 1

Hulkenberg quickest on Day 2 in Barcelona

Nico Hulkenberg, Force India VJM05, Barcelona

Nico Hulkenberg has made a great impression with his new team by taking his Force India VJM05 to the top of the timesheets in pre-season testing overnight. The young German navigated the Barcelona track in 1:22.608, almost seven tenths quicker than Vettel’s best on Day 1.

Also impressing was Sergio Perez, who was second fastest in Sauber C31, just 0.04 seconds behind. Sebastian Vettel was next managing a 1:22.891.

McLaren and Red Bull settled into race simulation mode in the afternoon. For a time Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were lapping within a second of each other and were the only two on track—a great learning experience for both teams you would think.

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 2)

  1. Hulkenberg, Force India – 1m22.608s (112 laps)
  2. Perez, Sauber – 1m22.648s +0.040 (85 laps)
  3. Vettel, Red Bull – 1m22.891s +0.283 (104 laps)
  4. Alonso, Ferrari – 1m23.180s +0.572 (87 laps)
  5. Ricciardo, Toro Rosso – 1m23.639s +1.031 (48 laps)
  6. Hamilton, McLaren – 1m23.806s +1.198 (121 laps)
  7. Rosberg, Mercedes – 1m24.555s +1.947 (82 laps)
  8. Bottas, Williams – 1m25.738s +3.130 (117 laps)
  9. Petrov, Caterham – 1m26.605s +3.997 (69 laps)
  10. Pic, Marussia* – 1m27.343s +4.735 (108 laps)

All Timing Unofficial
*2011 car

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Sahara Force India Formula One Team]

Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Vettel quickest on Day 1 in Barcelona

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB8, Barcelona

Sebastian Vettel found himself in a familiar position after he took his Red Bull RB8 to the top of the timesheets in F1 testing overnight. The teams have arrived at Barcelona for four days of testing and with the launch of the Mercedes AMG F1 W03 all the major teams are now running their 2012 cars.

Vettel was the fastest man in the morning session and was the only driver out of the top seven to improve his times in the warmer afternoon running. His morning time was on Pirelli’s medium tyres and he managed a small improvement later in the day on the hard compound.

The day was otherwise uneventful with Lotus ending the day disappointed following Romain Grosjean’s complaints that something wasn’t right in the E20-02 chassis. As a result of this setback Lotus has withdrawn from the next three days of testing as well. Lotus ran their E20-01 chassis in Jerez and can take some comfort that it performed quite well.

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 1)

  1. Vettel, Red Bull – 1m23.265s (79 laps)
  2. Hulkenberg, Force India – 1m23.440s +0.175 (97 laps)
  3. Hamilton, McLaren – 1m23.590s +0.325 (114 laps)
  4. Ricciardo, Toro Rosso – 1m23.618s +0.353 (76 laps)
  5. Alonso, Ferrari – 1m24.100s +0.835 (75 laps)
  6. Schumacher, Mercedes – 1m24.150s +0.885 (51 laps)
  7. Perez, Sauber – 1m24.219s +0.954 (66 laps)
  8. Senna, Williams – 1m25.711s +2.446 (97 laps)
  9. Kovalainen, Caterham – 1m26.035s +2.770 (31 laps)
  10. Grosjean, Lotus – 1m26.809s +3.544 (7 laps)
  11. Pic, Marussia* – 1m28.026s +4.761 (121 laps)

All Timing Unofficial
*2011 car

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

Categories
Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes AMG unveils 2012 F1 car

Mercedes AMG F1 W03

Mercedes AMG has just revealed its F1 W03 to the world ahead of tonight’s pre-season testing in Barcelona.

Admitting that the W03 has a face only a mother could love Team Principal Ross Brawn said, “The F1 W03 is a car that I believe, and hope, our team can be proud of, and which will deliver the on-track results that everybody has worked so hard to achieve.”

“Notwithstanding the distinctive nose design, which is certainly an acquired taste, the F1 W03 is an elegant interpretation of the current regulations, and a clear step forward over its predecessor in terms of detail design and sophistication,” he added.

Elder statesman and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher reckons he still has what it takes and is excited with his new wheels, “I have done quite a few roll-outs and launches of new cars, but even after all these years, I must say it still feels special. Days like this are precious moments, as they are always filled with hope and anticipation.

“For my part, I am eager to fight again, looking forward to the new season, and I can’t wait for it to begin.”

The F1 W03 has already enjoyed over 350km of pre-season testing during a private session held last weekend.

UPDATE 22 February: A video from the launch, including comments from Norbert Haug and Ross Brawn, has been added below.

Continue reading “Mercedes AMG unveils 2012 F1 car”
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Caterham Formula 1

Let’s go for a ride

Caterham CT01 at Jerez

Formula One testing returns later tonight Australian time. The Caterham F1 Team is getting us in the mood with this slick promo clip. It’s all a bit moody for the first half before the glorious sound of the Renault RS27 engine at full noise takes over in the latter half.

Heikki Kovaleinen is at the wheel of the CT01 and in Barcelona he’ll have a new teammate, with confirmation Caterham has shipped out cash-strapped but in demand Jarno Trulli in favour of Vitaly Petrov and his rubles.

Continue reading “Let’s go for a ride”
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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes AMG F1 conducts private test

Mercedes AMG F1 W03

Exploiting an interesting quirk in Formula One’s testing agreement Mercedes AMG ran a full private test session with its new W03 in Barcelona yesterday. They racked up 300km of uninterrupted testing. Michael Schumacher drove in the morning and Nico Rosberg took over in the afternoon.

The W03 first turned a wheel in a shakedown and filming day at Silverstone last week (pictured above) but that was on 2011-spec Pirelli tyres. However, by choosing not to participate in the final day of testing at Jerez earlier this month Mercedes AMG were able to lock in a private test session. You have to wonder why more teams don’t do this; there’s less prying eyes and no other drivers to impede with your planned schedule.

The reasons for Mercedes AMG delaying the launch of the W03 are two-fold. First it gave them extra time with ex-Ferrari designer Aldo Costa, who only joined the team in early December. It’s also believed the team has a few details it wanted to shield from public view for as long as practical.

We’ll get a full reveal of the W03 tomorrow evening Australian time and will bring you pics and info as it comes to hand.

[Source: adamcooperf1]

Categories
Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes AMG gives video preview of W03

Mercedes AMG W03 video preview

In addition to Friday’s unofficial preview, the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team has given us an excellent driver’s eye view of their 2012 F1 car, the W03. Nico Rosberg is at the wheel and it’s perhaps the chest-mounted camera that gives the most revealing insight into a modern day Formula One car. Check out the video after the break.

The W03 will be officially presented for the first time this coming Tuesday when pre-season testing resumes in Barcelona.

[Thanks to Ryan for the tip]

Continue reading “Mercedes AMG gives video preview of W03”
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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes GP W03 spied during shakedown

2012 MercedesGO W03 at Silverstone

The 2012 Mercedes GP F1 car is due for its official reveal at Barcelona next Tuesday, but the car has been photographed early during a secret shakedown test at Silverstone yesterday.

As you can see Michael Schumacher was at the wheel during the light run. It’s also evident that Ross Brawn and his merry men have adopted the ‘platypus’ step prevalent on F1 cars this year.

We’ll have more detail on the W03 for you next week.

[Source: F1 Fanatic | Thanks to Ryan for the tip]

Categories
Caterham Formula 1

Petrov replaces Trulli at Caterham

Vitaly Petrov, Caterham F1 Team

In not totally unexpected news, Caterham F1 Team today announced they have brought in Vitaly Petrov and sent the likeable veteran Jarno Tulli on his way. The 27-year-old Russian was at Caterham’s base in Hingham earlier today for a seat fitting and will be with the team in Barcelona next Tuesday ready for his first test in the CT01.

Naturally, Petrov is pretty happy with the news after losing his seat at Renault (now Lotus). “This is a very exciting day for me,” he said.

“The passion and spirit that Tony and the whole team have to keep moving forwards is infectious, and I am honoured to be able to join them and play my part in helping the team mount a serious challenge to the teams ahead in 2012 and for many seasons to come.”

Team boss Tony Fernades gave a small insight into the team’s decision, “it was not an easy decision to bring Vitaly in to replace Jarno, but it was one we made to ensure that we give fresh impetus across the whole team and with a realistic eye on the global economic market.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Jarno for the absolutely pivotal role he played in the formation and progression of our team since he joined us in December 2009.”

In something of a love in at Caterham, on paper at least, Trulli was given the last word on the company’s official statement.

“I want to take this chance to thank Tony, Kamarudin, SM Nasarudin, Riad, Mike and everyone in the team for the two seasons we had together,” said Trulli. “I understand the decision the team has made and I want to wish to the whole team the very best of luck for the season ahead.”

There’s been whispers about this move for several weeks and we received a tip earlier today suggesting an announcement would be made tonight, which we shared via twitter. The full statement from Caterham can be read after the break.

Continue reading “Petrov replaces Trulli at Caterham”