Category: Formula 1

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Formula 1

James Allen talks about tyres

James Allen, far better suited to life away from the microphone, gives us a great insight into the new Pirelli tyres on his website. If you’ve been following the pre-season testing so far you’ll know the new Pirelli tyres wear much quicker than the Bridgestone tyres that have been used in previous years.

Indeed, the Bridgestones were almost too good, too reliable. A wonderful trait for the marketers at Bridgestone, but not so great for the spectacle of Formula One.

Well, that’s all about to change. Based on current information we can expect large discrepancies in lap times on the Pirellis for each driver and this looks like being further amplified between the soft and hard compound tyres.

So, while the lack of refuelling and very reliable tyre performance made pit stop strategy quite predictable in 2010, we can probably expect times of total chaos in pit lane this year. According to Allen we could see as many four tyre stops per race, such is the drop off in lap times as the tyres wear.

Check out Allen’s website via the link below for the skinny.

[Source: JamesAllenonF1 | Pic: Pirelli | Thanks to Sean for the tip]

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Formula 1 Renault

Lotus Renault GP talks about KERS

Lotus Renault GP

Over at the official Lotus Renault GP website they’ve given a brief rundown on how the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, otherwise known as KERS, will be applied to their R31 racecar.

First introduced in the 2009 season, where only a handful of teams ran the system, KERS makes a comeback in 2011 and while still not compulsory for all teams to use, a change in regulations should make it more attractive for teams to adopt. As LRGP explains, “The minimum weight of the cars has been increased from 620kg to 640kg – a move that should encourage most teams to run with KERS since the trade-off between extra weight and extra horsepower has been significantly reduced.”

Essentially the setup allows for an extra boost of up to 60kW for around 7 seconds per lap. Interestingly, LRGP say using KERS during qualifying should provide the biggest advantage because the refuelling ban during races has made it harder to use pit strategy to improve track position. That is, the higher up the grid you can start, the better you’re likely to finish. Which is kind of obvious, but we also get their point. However, we can only assume they’ve been missing the feedback on the rapid degradation of the new Pirelli tyres (more on that later).

Overall, the article is good intro to KERS if you missed it the first time around in 2009.

[Source: Lotus Renault GP | Pic: LRGP/LAT]

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Formula 1 News

OFFICIAL: 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix postponed

2010 Bahrain Grand Prix

Due to recent civil unrest and bloodshed the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix has been postponed. It’s important to distinguish between postponed and cancelled. It would seem likely the FIA and Bahrain Motor Federation will try and find a suitable time later in the year to re-schedule the race. The first race of the year will now be held in Melbourne on 27 March.

An official statement from the FIA is listed below:

Grand Prix of Bahrain
21/02/2011

The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile supports the decision of the Bahrain Motor Federation and the Bahrain International Circuit to postpone the scheduled first Grand Prix of the 2011 season due to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain on March 11-13.

This decision is the outcome of the close co-operation between the FIA, Formula One Management, the Bahrain Motor Federation and the Bahrain International Circuit.

The FIA is Formula One’s governing body and is responsible for the international calendar as well as all matters of safety relating to the stakeholders involved in Grand Prix racing.

The pre-season testing originally scheduled for Bahrain will now take place in Barcelona between 8-11 March.

More detail to follow.

[Pic: Red Bull Racing/Getty Images]

UPDATE: Further comment is now available at Formula1.com.

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Formula 1 News

Senna movie to screen at Adelaide Film Festival this weekend

Manish Pandey has tweeted to let us know the Australian premiere of Senna is coming soon. Very soon in fact; this Sunday at the Adelaide Film Festival. There will be a repeat screening on Sunday week as well.

Further screenings are scheduled for the Sydney Film Festival in June. General release will follow thereafter.

More details as they come to hand.

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Mark Webber on the RB7 and the Bahrain GP

Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing

Over at the official Formula1.com website they have a good Q&A interview with Mark Webber about his thoughts on the new RB7. Speaking after his time in the car at a wet Barcelona overnight he said, “Today went well. We’ve done almost 140 laps so you cannot complain about that and we obviously have a lot of data to digest.

“Everything was going a bit better, but that is only because we are learning a huge amount every day. It was a good day. We came here with a plan today of what to do and actually we did more than was planned. We did a whole race simulation and that was really good.”

Check out Formula1.com for the full interview.

Meanwhile, Webber told Autosport that Formula One is not important in the context of the troubles in Bahrain, “First of all I’m really, really sorry to hear what’s happening out there.

“But as always you don’t really know the whole picture if you’re not there. So let’s see what happens. I’m sure the right decision will be made in terms of us.

“We know in terms of Formula 1 and priorities we’re not high on the list, they’ve got other things that clearly should come first. Then if we can still go there and hold a sporting event in a few weeks then it would be great. But if we can’t then it’s not a big deal.”

[Pic: Red Bull Racing/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 News

Future of Bahrain Grand Prix remains uncertain

2010 Bahrain GP

“A lot of people would slag us off if we went for supporting a regime that kills its own people,” is how one anonymous senior F1 figure bluntly assessed the current situation in Bahrain to staff reporters at Reuters.

This follows an official travel warning issued by the UK Foreign Office. The statement reads, “Following violence over recent days, and most recently on the evening of 18 February, we advise British nationals to avoid all but essential travel to Bahrain.”

Adding further detail the statement explains, “There is a general threat from terrorism in Bahrain. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.”

Speaking to Autosport, Lotus Renault GP team principal, Eric Boullier, said, “As a team principal, my only concern is the safety of my people.

“Now I am concerned that if the FIA or FOM say we’ll go and race there, I’ll need some guarantees that obviously the security is guaranteed for my people.”

The final pre-season test window is scheduled for Bahrain on 3–6 March, ahead of the opening Grand Prix on 13 March. It appears unlikely that the test session will go ahead, although an official decision has not been made.

An alternative pre-season test could see the teams return to Barcelona. However, Pirelli executives are concerned this might leave them exposed as they already have tyres and equipment en route to Bahrain.

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

VIDEO: On-board with Red Bull Racing at Jerez

Mark Webber

The third pre-season test window is currently open at Barcelona. For Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel is at the wheel today, after setting the fastest lap yesterday. Mark Webber will take to the track tomorrow and again on Monday.

Meanwhile, Nextgen-Auto bring us these fantastic videos of the RB7 in action, filmed at the previous test sessions in Jerez. A variety of camera angles are provided and you also get a good look at the movable rear wing on the Red Bull. The clips go for quite some time, too, so set aside some time and enjoy your Sunday morning at 18,000rpm.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading “VIDEO: On-board with Red Bull Racing at Jerez”
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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Video

VIDEO: This the slowest you will see the RB7 go this year

Red Bull Racing RB7

Here is a very watchable clip of the Red Bull Racing RB7 filmed at last week’s Jerez test session. There’s no sound, which is a shame, but the use of super slow motion technology makes the four and a half minute clip well worth watching. Take the jump and see for yourself.

[Thanks to Glenn for the tip]

Continue reading “VIDEO: This the slowest you will see the RB7 go this year”
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Formula 1 News

Civil unrest threatens Bahrain Grand Prix

2010 Bahrain GP

The opening race of the 2011 Formula One season in Bahrain on 13 March could be cancelled, according to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Civil unrest in Bahrain has been simmering away for several days now.

Shi’ite protesters have been asking for more rights and input into the running of the kingdom, ruled by a Sunni Muslim family. Three protesters were killed in the central Manama square overnight following a raid on a protest camp by Bahraini police. This comes after further deaths earlier in the week.

Speaking to Reuters, Bernie Ecclestone said, “We’ll make a decision by Tuesday or Wednesday (next week). If things stay as they are today, the answer is no.”

“If it’s not quietened down by Wednesday, I think we will have to cancel probably,” he replied when asked if the race would be cancelled.

A GP2 Asia race scheduled for Bahrain this weekend has already been cancelled because medical staff have been called for duty at the city’s hospitals.

The final round of Formula One pre-season testing is also due to take place in Bahrain on 3 March and must now be seriously in doubt.

According to the twitter account of Reuters correspondent Alan Baldwin the Bahrain Grand Prix could be rescheduled later in the year. Baldwin quoted Ecclestone as saying, “We might have a Christmas race,” although he wasn’t sure if Ecclestone’s comment was serious.

[Source: Reuters | Pic: Red Bull Racing/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 McLaren

Craig Lowndes to drive McLaren F1 car at Bathurst

McLaren MP4-26

Exciting news for Australian motorsport fans with news that Bathurst Regional Council has approved plans to allow Craig Lowndes to drive a McLaren Formula One car around the famous Mount Panorama circuit. The promo event is a tie in with Vodafone, sponsors of the McLaren F1 team and 888 Racing.

Lowndes, defending Bathurst 1000 winner, has already had a new Bathurst experience in 2011 following his efforts with Audi in the 12 hour race. And while driving around the mountain in a factory-backed R8 LMS GT3 would have been a lot of fun for Lowndes, it’s safe to say piloting an F1 car at Bathurst will be nigh in impossible to beat.

Final details of the event are yet to be confirmed, but it’s also understood 2009 F1 world champ Jenson Button will be involved, prompting speculation he will drive a Holden V8 Supercar around the 6.2km circuit.

The logistics of getting an F1 car around the tighter and steeper sections of the circuit will be intriguing to say the least. Imagining the sight of an F1 car ripping it up through the cutting, along McPhillamy Park, Skyline and down through the Dipper and Esses is mouth watering.

Lowndes has said he would “be very disappointed” if he cannot break his V8 Supercar lap record of 2:06.801 in the F1 car.

We’ll update you with firm details as they come to hand.

[Source: FoxSports | Thanks to David & Wayne for the tips]

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Formula 1 Renault

Nick Heidfeld confirmed for Lotus Renault GP

Nick Heidfeld, Lotus Renault GP

Following the latest round of testing at Jerez Nick Heidfeld has been confirmed by Lotus Renault GP as the driver to take the seat of the recovering Robert Kubica.

Heidfeld, 33 years of age, has the experience of 172 Grand Prix starts behind him and welcomes the chance to renew his racing career, “I would have liked to come back to Formula 1 in different circumstances, but I’m proud to have been given this chance.

“I really enjoyed the test last week in Jerez and I’ve already settled in well with the guys at the track. I have a good feeling for the car, which is quite innovative. I’m extremely motivated and can’t wait for the season to begin.”

Heidfeld’s first official duty with his new team will be the third pre-season test at Barcelona (18–21 February). The opening race of the year is scheduled for 13 March at Bahrain.

Meanwhile Kubica has just undergone what is expected to be his final operation following his accident. A statement from the team reads, in part, “At the end of the surgery, the doctors were pleased with the outcome, with the procedure being completed successfully.”

Last week Kubica told Italian paper Gazzetta dello Sport, “I want to get back on the track stronger than ever, because after these accidents you aren’t what you were before, you improve.

“It happened to me in 2007 too, after the crash in Canada. I was out for a race and when I got back I was better. A driver is not just throttle and steering wheel, it’s more than that. There’s a difference between someone who drives at 80 per cent and who does at 95 per cent: in that 15 per cent extra you find the abilities and the motivations coming out.”

You can read more on that interview over at Autosport.

[Pics: LRGP/LAT]

Continue reading “Nick Heidfeld confirmed for Lotus Renault GP”
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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Dietrich Mateschitz: Red Bull duo free to lock horns in 2011

Webber & Vettel

Red Bull Racing owner Dietrich Mateschitz expects Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel will resume their on track rivalry in 2011.

Hitherto the happiest team in Formula One the atmosphere at Red Bull changed irrevocably following contact between Webber and Vettel at last year’s Turkish Grand Prix. Tensions between the two drivers continued to simmer throughout 2010.

Speaking to Autosport Mateschitz declared, “Sebastian is fully motivated, and Mark nothing less. They won’t exchange gifts. Therefore I expect a similar situation to last year. And they remain both free to race. We do not change our strategy.”

The Red Bull boss also expects to see Webber competing in F1 beyond the term of his current contract, which expires following the 2011 season.

“Why should he? He has a body of steel, and he is mentally in perfect shape. If he does not continue with us, he will be offered a contract somewhere else. He is a top driver, at the same level as Sebastian. They both are exceptional guys, and this includes characters,” he said.

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