Category: Formula 1

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing

2013 Belgian GP: Qualifying report

2013 Belgian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes AMG) surprised himself to finish on top after qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix overnight. It was an exciting session in which constantly changing weather conditions kept drivers and teams on their toes.

Starting with Q1, all teams began on intermediate tyres and a natural order was taking place. Rain stopped falling during Q1 and the track began to dry out. Late in the session Giedo van der Garde (Caterham) risked slick tyres, putting on a set of new mediums. It resulted in him setting the third fastest time in Q1. Casualties, failing to proceed to Q2, were both Williams and the Toro Rosso pairing, including Daniel Ricciardo.

“That was down to bad timing more than anything else,” explained Daniel. “We went out too early for that second run and by the second lap, the tyres were already worn and that was when the track conditions were at their best. Obviously, it’s very frustrating, but now all we can do is put it behind us and concentrate on tomorrow. We have to learn from this and make sure we get it right next time.”

The middle session was dry and there were no surprises as to who made the final 10. But Q3 was when the real fun began. All drivers, except Paul di Resta (Force India), went out on slicks and by the end of their out laps all nine drivers came straight back in for inters as the rain began to fall. Meanwhile, di Resta was out in what was expected to be the best of the conditions and with the track to himself he set a time he hoped would be enough for pole (2:02.332).

For a while that seemed to be the case as well, for the next few minutes no drivers really got close. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes AMG, 2:02.332)  posted a quality lap to just pip di Resta and then the track began to dry again. It was still wet enough for intermediate tyres and as the final three drivers crossed the line all indications were they would be fighting for pole.

First to cross the line was Mark Webber (Red Bull, 2:01.325) who claimed provisional pole. Moments later that was bettered by his teammate Sebastian Vettel (2:01.200), whose time in the spotlight lasted until Lewis Hamilton (2:01.012) crossed the line and claimed his fourth consecutive pole position. It’s Lewis’ fifth pole for the year and the 31st of his career.

The full post-quali transcript with the top three drivers can be read after the break.

[Pic: Mercedes AMG]

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Ferrari Formula 1

Kimi yearns for Ferrari return

2007 Brazilian Grand Prix

Now that Red Bull is no longer an option, Kimi Raikkonen’s desire for a return to Ferrari is growing. That’s the claim from BBC pundit Eddie Jordan in any case, who also says Daniel Ricciardo has already signed with Red Bull for 2014.

The Raikkonen to Ferrari rumour started in earnest last week, and Jordan says it is now Kimi’s first choice. When asked if Kimi was interested in returning to the Scuderia his manager, Steve Robertson, replied: “Until they confirm their seats, my job is to speak to all the teams and see what’s available.”

Dual world champion Fernando Alonso remains contracted at Ferrari until the end of the 2016 season, which leaves Felipe Massa as the most likely to depart Maranello if Kimi returns.

But, as we know in Formula 1, stranger things have happened. Indeed, a stalemate seeing Kimi, shown above after the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix, could stay put with Lotus. Although their mooted and required funding would need to come through to secure his services for a third year.

[Source: BBC | Pic: Ferrari]

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

“Kimi will not be driving for Red Bull in 2014”

2013 German Grand Prix

Daniel Ricciardo’s position at Red Bull Racing for 2014 is all but confirmed with Kimi Raikkonen’s manager declaring the 2007 world champion will not be switching to Red Bull next year.

Speaking to Finnish publication Turun Sanomat, Kimi’s manager, Steve Robertson, said: “It’s true, Kimi will not be driving for Red Bull in 2014. We held some talks, but a deal will not be happening.”

Although, it still appears as though Raikkonen has a choice regarding his future in F1. “We are pretty confident that Kimi will be in F1 next year,” Robertson added. “There are options—and that is plural—out there and I will continue to talk to teams. I am hopeful we will sort something out in the not too distant future.”

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

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Formula 1 News Red Bull Racing

Rumour: Daniel Ricciardo gains promotion to Red Bull

2013 German Grand Prix

German media outlet Sport Bild is reporting that Daniel Ricciardo will replace Mark Webber at Red Bull Racing in 2014. It’s believed confirmation will come prior to next weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

That would mean Red Bull has knocked back two world champions, Kimi Raikkonen and potentially Fernando Alonso, in favour of the 24-year-old Australian.

We expect current world champion Sebastian Vettel will be very pleased to have Ricciardo on the other side of the garage. Daniel will be a clear number two. It’s also a sign of faith in Red Bull’s own young driver program, with Ricciardo serving his apprenticeship at Toro Rosso, following the same pathway as Vettel.

It would appear that Ricciardo did enough to impress Red Bull Racing during his recent test with them at Silverstone. On Day 2 of the Silverstone test Ricicardo was fastest overall for Toro Rosso and backed that up with the third fastest time of the day driving for Red Bull.

In 2010 Ricciardo shared Red Bull’s reserve driver duties with Kiwi Brendon Hartley before becoming Toro Rosso’s sole reserve driver in 2011. Later that year Daniel made his Formula 1 debut with HRT at the British Grand Prix.

Since 2012 Ricciardo has partnered with Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne at Toro Rosso. Daniel has made 41 race starts in F1 collecting a total of 21 championship points, with a best finish of seventh (2013 Chinese Grand Prix).

We’ll bring your more news on this story as soon as we can.

[Source: sportbild.de (translated) | Thanks to Tom for the tip]

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Ferrari Formula 1 Lotus

Stuff Red Bull, how about a return to Ferrari?

2013 Spanish Grand Prix

The latest gossip on the Formula 1 rumour mill is a real doozy: Kimi Raikkonen to Ferrari in 2014?

Of course, Kimi won his 2007 world championship with the Scuderia so he knows what he can achieve with the Maranello posse. But it’s also the place he lost his passion for F1. We think a return is unlikely, but when you consider that former Lotus Technical Director, James Allison, has switched camps to Ferrari you do start to think, hmm, “Maybe.”

Then there’s the fact that Fernando Alonso’s manager was seen talking to Red Bull’s Christian Horner in Hungary, followed by Alonso’s wish for someone else’s car. Now you really start to think, “Well stranger things have happened.”

The latest Raikkonen rumour comes from Finnish publication Ilta-Sanomat. We’re not sure how solid their information is, but we do expect this will be a cracking off season, now that the recent stability of the top teams has been upset by Mark Webber’s looming departure from Red Bull.

[Source: F1 Pulse]

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Formula 1

VIDEO: Introducing James Hunt

Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt

Ron Howard has used twitter once again to promote the latest trailer for his F1 movie Rush. This one is a short preview, less than a minute, which introduces us to eventual world champion James Hunt.

Rush will screen across the globe from 27 September.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

What Formula 1 will sound like in 2014

Mercedes V6 F1 engine

Mercedes-Benz has released a computer-generated sound clip of what its 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 Formula 1 engines power units will sound like under the new regulations to be introduced next year. Their YouTube clip includes this introduction:

Best enjoyed with the sound turned up LOUD and on headphones or speakers for the full effect! Laptop speakers may lead to pale imitations of a Formula One Power Unit…

Exclusive to the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS YouTube channel, here’s the sound of the future!

This is a lap of the mythical Monza circuit with the new-for-2014 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 Formula One Power Unit. It’s a new music – but a beautiful one, too. Enjoy 🙂

Hopefully, in reality, the new engines won’t sound this artificial.

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Top Gear

Mark Webber appears on Top Gear 20×06

Mark Webber on Top Gear

Mark Webber appeared on the latest episode of Top Gear (Series 20, Episode 6) on the weekend. He discussed the merits driving upside down, how much he will miss Sebastian Vettel and went second fastest on the Top Gear F1 lap charts, despite making a hash of the hammerhead.

Check out the video after the break, while you can.

Continue reading “Mark Webber appears on Top Gear 20×06”
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Formula 1

2014 Russian Grand Prix in doubt

Sochi F1 circuit

Despite having a seven year contract to host a Formula 1 race at the Black Sea resort of Sochi, next year’s Russian Grand Prix is in doubt after organisers failed to submit an official application to the FIA for the 2014 race in time. The deadline closed on 31 July and was missed due to a spat between the Russian Automobile Federation and race promoter JSC Omega.

The news has been confirmed by a statement from the RAF, which reads in part: “The application to the FIA for submitting the Russian Grand Prix to the 2014 Formula 1 calendar was not sent in proper time as JSC Omega (Promoter) didn’t fulfil the necessary conditions.

“That is: [it] didn’t sign a contract with the Russian Grand Prix organiser, didn’t sign a deal for an application submission and also didn’t pay a fee to the FIA for including an event on the FIA F1 calendar.

“RAF informs that it is ready to include the Russian Grand Prix on to the FIA calendar under force-majeure conditions, permissible by the FIA, as soon as the promoter fulfils all the necessary formalities.”

The dispute centers around the funding of preparatory programs for the race, including the training of track marshals. The training has being carried out to date by the FIA Institute and CAMS with funding from the FIA. However, the RAF claims it needs to secure finances from the race promoter in order to continue its preparations.

There are other areas of impasse as well, including the commercial and intellectual property rights along with the contract terms between the RAF and JSC Omega.

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Joe Saward]

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Formula 1

Indian GP to be dropped from 2014 F1 calendar

2012 Indian Grand Prix

The Indian Grand Prix will not feature in the 2014 F1 calendar but is expected to return in 2015. According to Bernie Ecclestone the change will come so the race can switch from its October date to March.

The 2013 Indian Grand Prix will take place as scheduled on 27 October.

“The circuit in India is fantastic,” Ecclestone told the Times of India. “We are really disappointed that we can’t have the Grand Prix in India in 2014. But we have now agreed to return to India in March 2015.”

Jaypee boss Sameer Gaur said they would prefer a date later in the year, but will accommodate Eccelstone’s request.

“The October-November period suits us better both weather-wise as well as it being the festive season in India,” Gaur said. “But if Formula One Management wants us to hold our race in March, 2015, we don’t have any problem with that.”

In 2014 two new races are expected to be added to the calendar, in Russia and Austria. The highly anticipated addition of the New Jersey Grand Prix, with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, has been pencilled in for next year, but fresh doubts have emerged suggesting it won’t go ahead.

Bernie Ecclestone has said the F1 calendar will not exceed 20 races, so for next year at least, the loss of the Indian race will make scheduling a bit easier.

[Source: ABC Grandstand | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Ferrari Formula 1

Okay, so, Ferrari is bigger than you

2013 German Grand Prix

After only managing fifth place in the Hungarian Grand Prix Fernando Alonso was a little frustrated. When asked what he would like for his birthday, which was on Monday, he replied: “Someone else’s car.”

As you can imagine this didn’t go down too well with Ferrari’s top brass. Moreover, Alonso isn’t the only one upset with the Scuderia’s current form and Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo, signed off on an official press release urging his F1 team to lift its game and firmly putting Fernando in his place.

“All the great champions who have driven for Ferrari have always been asked to put the interests of the team above their own. This is the moment to stay calm, avoid polemics and show humility and determination in making one’s own contribution, standing alongside the team and its people both at the track and outside it,” di Montezemolo said.

In other words: “Okay, so, Ferrari is bigger than you. Can you confirm you understood that message?”

Alonso is contracted to Ferrari until the end of the 2016 season, however, there are further signs there may be trouble at Maranello.

Luis Garcia Abad, Alonso’s manager, was seen with Christian Horner in the Red Bull motorhome at the Hungaraoring on the weekend. Innocently, we’re told the meeting was in regards to Carlos Sainz Jr. That’s a very plausible explanation, but perhaps there was more to the meeting than first meets the eye.

Ferrari insist their contract with Alonso is water tight and cannot be broken. Chances are it won’t, but throwing Alonso’s name into the who will replace Webber at Red Bull discussion certainly spices up the rumour mill heading into the mid-season break.

And what does Sebastian Vettel think about all this? “I’d prefer Kimi,” said the Red Bull number one. “I have to be careful now, nothing against Fernando. I really respect him a lot as a driver.

“I respect Kimi on track and off track because he has always been really straight with me. From that point of view, it might be a bit easier.”

Perhaps the biggest competition between a team consisting of Vettel and Alonso, should it ever eventuate, would be not who is the fastest, but who can throw his toys of the cot the furthest.

[Source: BBC | Pic: Ferrari]

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Formula 1 Lotus

Lotus waiting to take the next step

2013 Hungarian Grand Prix

The Lotus F1 Team is hoping to finalise a deal to handover a 35% slice of their team to the confusingly named Infinity Racing. In return they’ll get a great big new cheque book with lots of zeroes. Eric Boullier, Lotus Team Principal, expects the deal to be finalised this week and says it will play a part in his wish to keep Kimi Raikkonen on his books.

Raikkonen is in contention for the Red Bull seat to be vacated by Mark Webber at the end of the year. Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner, has said the choice is likely to be a battle between Kimi and Daniel Ricciardo.

“It is not the main thing, but it is one of the things yes,” Boullier said when asked if Raikkonen wanted more financial backing for the team if he was to stay.

“I think by the end of this week everything should be clear,” added Boullier. “The deal gives us more than optimism for the future. It gives us the means to bring all the resources to go to the next step in terms of stability, size and, let’s say power.”

And who can say no to more power!

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