Category: Formula 1

Yesterday marked the official launch for the 2013 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix. As you can see from the full title, Rolex hasn’t wasted any time increasing its profile in F1 following the announcement it will be the sport’s official timekeeper from 2013 onwards, taking on the title sponsor role in Melbourne.

“This is an incredibly exciting announcement for Melbourne and our state. It highlights the attention and respect Melbourne, as the season opener, commands internationally. There are few sporting events in Australia that have the global visibility of Formula One,” said Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu (left).

The new deal with Rolex ends the association with former title sponsor Qantas, who had their name up in lights from 1997–2001 and more recently from 2010–2012.

Video highlights from the launch event can be seen after the break. For reasons best known to the promotions team this event was held at an ice rink. Yeah, we can’t work out why either. It looked like fun all the same.

For those keeping count there’s only 39 days to go until race day on 17 March.

[Source: grandprix.com.au]

After almost five years I still get a kick when logging into the Ferrari media portal. Little old me, in my humble lounge room in Canberra, with access to all the new and historical press information from one of the world’s most iconic and desirable manufacturers.

It doesn’t matter if it’s photos from Ferrari’s F1 archives or the latest info on their newest road car; it’s mine whenever I want it.

Marussia, though, they just won’t answer my emails for access to their press section. That’s why you never see their cars in the AUSmotive F1 in pictures galleries.

Worse, when Virgin was involved I did have press access. But now I don’t and I’ve been trying for two years.

Caterham, Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Williams: all yes. Even HRT, remember them? But, Marussia: no.

In other news, the team expected to be the sport’s highest achieving backmarkers in 2013 revealed the MR02 a few hours ago.

[Source: Marussia F1 Team]

Sauber has released images of its new C32-Ferrari, the car it hopes will build on the highly encouraging results from last year’s C31.

Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal said, “Two thousand and twelve was a very successful year for us. We not only moved up from seventh to sixth place in the constructors’ standings, but also improved our points total from 44 in 2011 to 126 last season. We have a strong platform in place now, on which we are aiming to build and continue our upward curve.”

One of the key points of difference with the C32 is its slim sidepods. Matt Morris, Chief Designer, explains, “The C31 was an extremely competitive car with many strengths Our aim was to further improve these strengths and eliminate its few weaknesses.

“The airflow in this area [sidepods] has a major influence over everything that happens at the rear of the car.”

Sauber will have an all-new driver line up this year and will be lead by 25-year-old German driver Nico Hulkenberg. He’s joined by 21-year-old Mexican rookie Esteban Gutiérrez.

“We have had our eye on Nico Hülkenberg for some time and have been impressed by his performances,” said Monisha Kaltenborn. “He is very quick, but, most importantly, he’s also very efficient. He understands how to pick up as many points as possible from a particular race situation.

“Esteban Gutiérrez is a driver we know very well as a result of a relationship with the team going back several years, and he has already had a number of opportunities to test with our car. Plus, he has always stayed in close contact with our engineers, which has allowed him to learn a lot about Formula One. I’m in no doubt he is now ready to take the final step and put his outstanding talent on display.”

There’s more from Sauber after the break, although only two more pics, which are complemented by an official team video and a 43 page presskit.

Force India revealed their 2013 VJM06 F1 car at Silverstone overnight. As with the other teams to show their cars already this year, aside from the modesty panel hiding the ugly stepped nose, the new car looks a lot like last year’s VJM05.

Despite the relatively familiar looks Andy Green, Technical Director, says it’s a totally new car.

“It’s a brand new car from the ground-up—everything is new,” said Green. “We discussed carrying over big chunks of last year’s car, including the chassis, but decided not to. There were still some gains to be had with the chassis, so we elected to take the performance benefits. The biggest change that everybody is going to notice this year is the fairing on top of the nose to hide the ‘step’. It’s neutral as far as the car’s performance is concerned but tidies up the flow over the top of the chassis.”

Following the departure of Nico Hulkenberg to Sauber, Force India is yet to name its second driver. That meant Paul di Resta looked a bit lonely while posing with the VJM06 at the car’s launch. Although it did mean he got first drive of the car, completing some installation laps around Silverstone.

They may only have one driver for now, but Force India has provided heaps of pics and there’s another 20 for you after the break. There’s also the now mandatory Peter Windsor/Craig Scarborough video, which includes further discussion with Andy Green.