Category: Formula 1

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing

2013 Japanese GP: Qualifying report

2013 Japanese Grand Prix

Mark Webber’s F1 farewell tour finally has a highlight after he claimed pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix this afternoon. It’s the first time he’s out qualified Sebastian Vettel this year and is the twelfth pole position of his career.

Webber (1:30.915) was the only driver to lap the much loved Suzuka circuit under 1:31 and he was almost two tenths quicker than Vettel (1:31.089). For a change it was Vettel who struggled today with a KERS issue, which first arose during the morning practice session and reappeared during Q3.

It was a fact acknowledged by Mark in the post-race press conference. “Sebastian had a problem in qualifying, so a little bit of a hollow pole position if you like, because he still did a phenomenal lap, but I’m happy to be on pole,” Mark said. “You’ve got to grab the opportunities when you can and still put the laps in.”

It’s clear that Mark and all the other drivers love Suzuka and it would be a great result if Webber is able to convert his pole into a race win. The good news for Mark is that a Red Bull driver has been on pole for the last four starts at Suzuka and he has gone on to win the race three times. The bad news is “he” is Sebastian Vettel, who will be doing his best to get into the first corner ahead of Mark and control the race.

Lewis Hamilton (1:31.253) has been on the pace all weekend for Mercedes AMG and he will line up on the second row, with a resurgent Romain Grosjean (1:31.365).

Speaking of resurgent, Felipe Massa (1:31.378) has out qualified Fernando Alonso (1:31.665) again and the soon-to-be unemployed Brazilian will start from P5. Nico Rosberg (1:31.397) will line up from P6.

It was not a good day for Toro Rosso, Daniel Ricciardo (1:32.485) will start from P16. Although, he had better luck than Jean-Eric Vergne (1:33.357) who was forced out of Q1 after his rear brakes caught on fire.

“That wasn’t a good session for us,” Daniel said. “Which is disappointing as yesterday was one of the best Fridays we have had in a while.

“The wind has played a bit of a part today, but we definitely should have been further up than that. I would have liked a better result of course, but we will have to see what we can do in the race.”

The full transcript of the post-quali press conference featuring the first three drivers can be read after the break.

[Pics: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1

Maria de Villota 1980–2013

Maria de Villota

Sad news in the world of Formula 1 with confirmation former Marussia test driver Maria de Vilotta passed away on Friday. The 33-year-old was found dead in a hotel room in Seville, Spain.

“I can confirm that her death was due to natural causes. The family has been informed,” said Dr Joaquin Lucena Romero, head of forensic services at the Institute for Legal Medicine.

In July last year de Villota was involved in a serious accident while testing for Marussia at Duxford Aerodrome in England. She lost her right as a result of her injuries, making her first public appearance three months later.

The Marussia F1 Team issued a brief statement, which reads: “It is with great sadness that we learned a short time ago of the news that Maria de Villota has passed away.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Maria’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

An obiturary can read at the Autosport website.

[Source: BBC]

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Formula 1 Video

Murray Walker: It wasn’t work

Murray Walker

In a nciely choreographed piece of timing Mario Muth is back with another in-depth interview, this time it’s F1 royalty with Murray Walker the man in front of the camera. Yesterday, of course, was Murray’s 90th birthday.

The interview goes for almost an hour, at this stage we’re only half way through and already Murray has touched on how he got started in commentary, his relationship with James Hunt and what he really thinks of Murrayisms.

You’ll enjoy this.

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Formula 1

Unless I’m very much mistaken

Murray Walker

Unless I’m very much mistaken today is Murray Walker‘s 90th birthday. And yes I am very much mistaken, because the commentary legend’s birthday was yesterday. But with the time difference between Australia and Europe I’m sure you can forgive us.

When I began following Formula 1 in the mid-1980s Murray Walker’s enthusiasm behind the microphone was definitely part of what attracted me to the category. His faux pas were well known, and indeed well loved.

To celebrate Murray’s birthday there’s a selection of videos to help us remember what makes him so great.

[Pic: Getty Images]

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Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren

Emerson Fittipaldi on the 1976 Japanese GP

1976 Japanese Grand Prix

Former McLaren F1 driver and 1974 World Champion, Emerson Fittipaldi, gives us a fascinating insight into the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix courtesy of a blog shared on the McLaren website. Of course, the season-ending race at Fuji Speedway has become the focus of mainstream attention thanks to Ron Howard’s F1 movie Rush.

The conditions for that race, the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in Asia, were appalling as Fittipaldi explains:

On race day, though, everything we’d learned over the past few days became irrelevant as the heavens opened. Never before or since, in my entire racing career, have I known rain quite as fierce. The circuit was totally flooded, its flat wide asphalt covered in lakes of sitting water. It was patently unsafe. In those days we used to do a morning warm-up on race day—and the accidents that marred the Fuji warm-up made it very clear that the rain had made the circuit quite undriveable.

Fittipaldi goes on to share his thoughts over the decision to start the race, even though conditions had not improved after a 90-minute delay. He also discusses many other aspects about his F1 career and gives a big vote of confidence to Rush as well. We recommend you take the time to read his words (follow the source link below).

[Source: McLaren]

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

How to make an F1 car: part 4

How to make an F1 car, part 4

Here’s the final episode in Red Bull Racing’s four-part look at how they made their soon to be championship winning RB9.

It’s all about assembly this week and while there’s not a lot of nuts and bolts shown we do get an insight into the massive behind the scenes operation a leading Formula 1 team is these days. It’s quite staggering to see the lengths teams go to to ensure each component is ready for assembly and competition.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing

Even Lewis is booing Sebastian

Lewis Hamilton

Booing and Sebastian Vettel have been appearing in the same sentence, well, for years really, but especially in the last couple of months. Now, Mercedes AMG driver, Lewis Hamilton is joining in the chorus suggesting Vettel’s success may be sending fans away from the sport.

The 2008 world champion has drawn a new comparison with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, referring to his early years following F1: “I remember waking up to watch the start of the race then going to sleep and waking up when it ended because I knew what would happen,” said Hamilton. “I am pretty sure a lot of people are doing that today.”

Vettel has won the last four grands prix in a row, bringing his season total to eight. In the other six races he has finished, third, fourth, fourth, second, DNF and third. He’s on track for a fourth consecutive world title and currently holds a 77 point lead over Fernando Alonso.

It’s possible for Vettel to be crowned world champion at Suzuka this weekend. If he wins the Japanese Grand Prix and Alonso is ninth or lower the drivers’ championship will be on the way to the Red Bull garage once more.

[Source: BBC | Pic: Mercedes AMG]

UPDATE: Lewis has taken to twitter to make it 100% clear he loves all things Sebastian Vettel. Check out his tweets below.

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Formula 1 Lotus Red Bull Racing

2013 Korean GP: Post-race press conference

2013 Korean Grand Prix

One of the nice things about a grand prix held at a more convenient time for those of us following Formula 1 from the southern hemisphere is that we can follow the post-race activities in real time. That means you can read the press conference transcript before you go to bed.

Before you do, here’s what the Aussies had to say. Mark Webber first: “The incident with Sutil was obviously the end of my race today. It was in Turn 3 on the restart, everyone bottles back up and I was looking for a big exit on the next straight to use some KERS on Daniel (Ricciardo) and the Williams. Then Sutil, I don’t know what happened, but obviously he hit me from the inside and that was that.

“There was quite a lot of damage at the back of the car and I hope it hasn’t gone towards the chassis—we will have to see before the next race. Before that I was very happy with how I drove and we’d got back to a very good position before I got the puncture. After the Pirelli tyre failure on Perez’ car, I was very lucky to miss the tread of the tyre that came off and then unbelievably I managed to get a puncture from going through the debris.”

For his part Adrian Sutil has both escaped penalty from the stewards and said sorry to Mark: “At the restart I lost the rear of the car under braking for turn three. I really don’t know why because I was not braking late and the car just snapped. I hit Webber so I apologise for ending his race. It’s a disappointing end to the race because I believe there was still a chance of a point.”

And Daniel Ricciardo: “I think we did all we could today in the race. I had a decent first stint and tried to run as long as possible on the Prime tyre. The car wasn’t perfect but it was good enough to be in a points position with a few laps to go and I was hanging on nicely to ninth.

“It’s déjà vu, as I had the same scenario here last year, when I came down to Turn 3 with a few laps to go, I braked and the car immediately shot to the left. That time it cost me one place. Once I got out of the cockpit this time, I could see there was a mechanical problem at the front left corner. Personally, I was really pleased with my performance in the car today. Maybe we didn’t have a top ten car but I was able to fight in the top ten. But for myself and the team it’s frustrating to get no reward. Now all we can do is look ahead to Suzuka.”

The full transcript of the post-race press conference featuring the first three drivers can be read after the break.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 Lotus Red Bull Racing

Sebastian Vettel wins 2013 Korean GP

Sebastian Vettel wins 2013 Korean Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel’s charmed run has continued at the Korean Grand Prix, where he has just collected his fourth consecutive race win. The Red Bull champ won by just over four seconds from the Lotus duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean.

Vettel is very much on track to secure his fourth world title, his winning margin masks the comfort with which he won. Although he was helped by a pair of Safety Car periods, which extended his tyre life and brought the field together in what was a bizarre race at times.

The first Safety Car came out on Lap 31 after a severe flat spot into Turn 1 from Sergio Perez preceded a spectacular failure to his right front tyre on the main straight. An unlucky Mark Webber, who had just rejoined the track after pitting for new tyres, was the first on the scene and he picked up a puncture after having nowhere to go except over the debris left behind from Perez’s McLaren.

In effect the need to come in for new tyres ruined Webber’s race after he was making good progress through the field following his start from P13 due to his 10-place grid penalty. Alas, worse was to come.

On the first lap after the race restarted Adrian Sutil lost control under brakes into Turn 3 and spun putting his rear tyre into the sidepod of Mark’s car. Almost immediately Webber’s car caught fire and his race ended in flames for the second grand prix in a row.

In the aftermath of that event a fire marshal’s vehicle entered the track and interrupted the race before the Safety Car was deployed. There was potential for a nasty incident but thankfully, the fire marshal escaped incident. We suspect whoever was responsible for sending that car out on track won’t be working at an F1 race again anytime soon.

Once racing resumed we were treated to some first class action, sadly none of if centred on the first three and the two Lotus drivers were unable to challenge Vettel for the victory. The rest of the field, though, was fighting desperately for position and the action was exciting right to the end.

Unfortunately, it was a bad day for the Aussies with Daniel Ricciardo retiring from the race while he was in ninth position with only three laps to go. It’s not clear why Daniel had to park his car off to the side of the circuit.

Nico Hulkenberg drove a masterful race to finish P4, holding off Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg.

Grosjean made a good start to earn himself P2 on the opening lap with a good move on Hamilton and he probably deserved better than P3 today. Although we’ll never know what might have been if the Lotus pairing were able to run longer on their tyres, it’s expected they might have given Vettel a tougher fight for victory.

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Watch Mark Webber’s flat spot

Mark Webber's flat spot

After making its debut on Paul di Resta’s car at the 2013 Italian Grand Prix thermal imaging cameras look like being a permanent addition to Formula 1 broadcasts.

If you were on the couch for yesterday’s qualifying at the Korean Grand Prix you will have seen Mark Webber lock his right front. If you missed it, this is what it looked like from the thermal camera mounted on his car. Pretty cool, huh. Well, hot anyway.

[Thanks to Dylan for the tip]

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing

2013 Korean GP: Qualifying report

2013 Korean Grand Prix

The Sebastian Vettel show successfully filed another episode this afternoon when the Red Bull champ claimed his 42nd career pole position.

Vettel (1:37.202) was two tenths faster than Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes AMG, 1:37.420) who had set the pace in the first two practice sessions. Close behind was Mark Webber (Red Bull, 1:37.464).

Sadly for Mark, he’ll be lining up from P13 tomorrow after his 10-place grid penalty handed down after his reprimand in Singapore.

“We had to take a bit of pace out of the car for qualifying, not much, but it was about how we would compromise between qualifying and the race tomorrow,” Mark explained. “I’m pretty happy, I could be two positions further up but that would mean, with the penalty, I would be 11th rather than 13th. It was a pretty tight qualifying with the two Mercedes, Seb and myself. Tomorrow’s race will be interesting, I will be out of position, but we’ll fight and come back through.”

Romain Grosjean (Lotus, 1:37.531) benefits from Mark’s penalty and will start the race from P3. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes AMG, 1:37.679) and Fernando Alonso (Ferrari, 1:38.038) will line up on the third row.

Felipe Massa (Ferrari, 1:38.223) edged out the two Saubers of Nico Hulkenberg (1:38.237) and Esteban Gutierrez (1:38.405).

Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso, 1:38.417) couldn’t crack the top 10 for qualifying—he missed by less than a tenth of a second—and will start from P12 after Webber’s penalty. But he did continue to outpace his teammate Jean-Eric Vergne (1:38.781).

“I’m definitely not happy with my position and when the gap to the top ten is so small, you have to also be disappointed,” Daniel said. “I would have liked to have been in the car for the full hour. However, compared to where we were yesterday, we have managed to improve the car, but we have not been able to make enough progress to be more competitive than this.”

The full transcript of the post-quali press conference featuring the first three drivers can be read after the break.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 News

Thanks Ron

RUsh movie, starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl

“You see, men love women, but more than that they love cars.”
–Christian McKay as Lord Hesketh

With that line, towards the start of Rush, we get to the crux of what brings the two main characters together. Take the comment to its full extension and James Hunt and Niki Lauda loved the challenge that racing presents. Both men went about their craft in completely different ways, but the fierceness of competition, especially against each other, drove them to their success.

Indeed the structure of the film is akin to a race, with Hunt and Lauda competing against each other off the track as much as on it. This ongoing rivalry binds the story together and helps build the tension until the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix which would decide the world championship.

The dialogue between the pair is, of course, part of the film’s success. Ron Howard (director) and Peter Morgan (writer) handle the two characters and those around them with great skill, bringing the viewer into the heart of their private battle.

Rush succeeds because of its authenticity. It’s true there are historical inaccuracies (there’s no mention of Hunt being stripped of his British Grand Prix win, for example) and clichéd gear changes to indicate increasing speed are rare moments of Hollywood overtaking reality. And, yes, the pre-F1 careers of Hunt and Lauda have been condensed and elaborated to make a better piece of entertainment.

Overall, though, the film is true very to the era and, most importantly, true to the Hunt–Lauda relationship. For the most part the action sequences are very well crafted and the use of modern camera techniques complements the action and adds to the experience.

The recreation of Lauda’s accident, in particular, is both accurate and gruesome in its detail. The scene with Lauda putting on his helmet for the first time after his accident is another example.

AUSmotive has been charting the progress of Rush for over two years now and one of my great hopes was that the film wasn’t a case of style over substance. We’d seen and heard enough from Ron Howard to know that wasn’t likely to be the case, but the jury was always going to be out until the movie was released.

Thankfully, Howard has delivered an excellent film. I’m not sure if I liked it so much because it was a well made film about a wonderful Formula 1 rivalry or just because it’s a fine film in its own right.

I do know that I felt compelled to send out a tweet to @RealRonHoward immediately after the film was over. He may not read my thoughts or care too much about them, but all I can say is thank you Ron Howard for caring enough about this story and the fans of Formula 1 to make a film we can all be proud of.