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2012 German GP: Post-race press conference

2012 German Grand Prix

Here’s the press conference from last night’s German Grand Prix, won by Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso. As you’ll see from the transcript a lot of the questions focus on the overtaking move of Sebastian Vettel on Jenson Button. The German Grand Prix stewards showed no favours to Vettel, handing down the local lad a 20 second penalty, enough to push him to fifth.

So the revised finishing order for the race is Alonso (Ferrari), Button (McLaren) and returning F1 star Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus). Seeing as Kimi didn’t get a chance to have his say in the official post-race press conference here’s a few words from the typically understated Finn after confirmation came through that he had won a Clatyons’ podium.

“Maybe if we had found a bit more pace in the wet yesterday we could have started higher and pushed the leaders, but it is what it is. For sure we were hoping for a bit better here, but the car worked well all through the race and we still brought home some good points for the team so there are some positives to take to the next race,” Raikkonen said.

It will be interesting when we get to season’s end to see what effect this loss of eight points has on Vettel’s title position.

One more thing before you start reading the text below; if anyone from the FIA happens to be reading this: Please, no more post-race interviews on the podium!

[Pic: Ferrari]

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Fernando Alonso wins 2012 German GP

Fernando Alonso wins German GP

Fernando Alonso won the 2012 German Grand Prix and in doing so has established clear air at the top of the championship table.

Starting from pole position the Ferrari driver made a clean get away off the line and in real terms led unhindered until the chequered flag. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) put a late move on an impressive Jenson Button (McLaren), using all the track and then some, to cross the line in second place.

Red Bull went into the race under a cloud when the stewards were asked to judge on the engine mapping of both Red Bull cars and they have ended the race the same way, with Vettel under scrutiny for his move on Button. We’ll update you if we hear of any post-race penalties; likely to be the equivalent of a drive through penalty, which could drop Vettel as low as seventh.

Aside from that the only real action in this race was Felipe Massa (Ferrari) making a nuisance of himself in the first hundred or so metres when he clipped the back wheel of Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) during the race start. Thankfully the only damage was to Massa’s front wing and no harm was done to the car of the young Australian.

Massa recovered to finish in P12, ahead of Ricciardo, himself narrowly in front of his teammate Jean-Eric Vergne. Alas, Massa’s stocks at Ferrari are surely continuing to plummet as he arses about down the field while his ever impressive teammate is finding his way to the top of the podium.

Mark Webber didn’t translate his pre-race confidence into race pace and finished eighth, the same position he started. The four points gained, though, are enough for him to hang on to his second place in the drivers’ championship.

In winning the race at Hockenheim Alonso collects his third winning trophy from the German track and his third win for 2012. After narrowly missing out on the win two weeks ago at Silverstone he’ll be hoping he can make the most of his good form when the teams head to Hungary next weekend.

UPDATE: The stewards have handed Sebastian Vettel a 20 second penalty for gaining an advantage off the track when passing Jenson Button.

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

German GP: No penalty for Red Bull

2012 German Grand Prix

Stewards have acted quickly after being urged to consider engine map irregularities found in both Red Bull cars by the FIA Technical Delegate, Jo Bauer. A statement has since been released by the stewards clearing Red Bull:

“The stewards received a report from the FIA technical delegate, along with specific ECU data from Red Bull Racing cars one and two. The stewards met with the team representatives and the representative of the engine supplier Renault.

“While the stewards do not accept all the arguments of the team, they however conclude that as the regulation is written, the map presented does not break the text of article 5.5.3 of the Formula One Technical Regulations and therefore decide to take no further action.”

That means Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber will start the race from P2 and P8 respectively. We also expect Article 5.5.3 of the regs may get a rewrite quite soon.

[Source: F1 fanatic]

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Red Bull referred to German GP stewards

2012 German Grand Prix

The FIA’s technical delegate, Jo Bauer, has this morning notified German Grand Prix stewards of irregularities in the engine maps of both Red Bull cars. The stewards will consider Bauer’s report and decide if any action should be taken.

Key to the concerns of Bauer is the mid-range torque curves seen at Hockenheim. “Having examined the engine base torque map of car numbers 01 and 02 it became apparent that the maximum torque output of both engines is significantly less in the mid rpm range than previously seen at other events,” Bauer’s report states.

Bauer adds, “In my opinion this is therefore in breach of article 5.5.3 of the 2012 Formula 1 technical regulations as the engines are able to deliver more torque at a given engine speed in the mid rpm range.

“Furthermore this new torque map will artificially alter the aerodynamic characteristics of both cars which is also in contravention of TD 036-11. I am referring this matter to the stewards.”

The benefit to Red Bull for such a change in torque could be to artificially aid aerodynamic flow akin to the benefits gained form the now banned blown diffusers.

We’ll have to wait and see what, if any action, is taken. Potentially, this could see both Red Bulls sent to the back of the grid for tonight’s race.

Bauer’s statement is show below, along with the article 5.5.3 of the 2012 Formula 1 technical regulations.

[Thanks to Wes for the tip]

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2012 German GP: Qualifying report

2012 German Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso has again proved his mastery of wet conditions by claiming his second wet pole position in a row in qualifying at the German Grand Prix overnight.

Only a light sprinkling of rain fell in Q1, in which all drivers used slick tyres, but as the rain increased so did the level of wet weather tyres; intermediates in Q2 and full wets in Q3. Which means the weather conspired to ensure each qualifying period was slower than the previous.

Alonso’s time in Q3 was 1:40.621 and he needed to find every ounce of speed in his Ferrari F2012 to head off the challenge from Red Bull. For a while Michael Schumacher (1:42.459) had his Mercedes on provisional pole. Webber, carrying the burden of a five-place grid penalty for an early gearbox change, was the first to knock him off when he lapped Hockenheim in 1:41.496. Ultimately, though, in improving conditions Alonso was good enough to best that time twice and at the death Vettel (1:41.026) also eclipsed his teammate.

Thanks to Webber’s penalty, which moves him to P8, Michael Schumacher will start the race from P3. Although, the seven-time world champion can consider himself lucky on more than one count after he only progressed into Q2 by displacing Jean-Eric Vergne after the chequered flag had dropped.

Despite starting from P8 Webber remains confident: “We’ve got to aim to come forward, I mean that’s what we’ve got to do. It’s not the best position to start the grand prix, that’s clear.

“We’ve had limited running in the dry, there’s been snapshots of information for the teams to get some information. I’m positive going into the race and will try to pick some people off over the course of the grand prix.”

Daniel Ricciardo posted his best qualifying result for some time. He’ll start from P11 after narrowly missing entry in Q3 by five hundredths of a second.

Romain Grosjean and Nico Rosberg join Webber with grid penalties and the revised starting order can be seen here. A full transcript from the post-qualifying press conference can be read below, with thanks to the FIA.

[Pics: Ferrari, Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Mark Webber deadpans Formula1.com

2012 British Grand Prix

Fresh off his win at the British Grand Prix Australia’s Mark Webber re-signed with Red Bull for the 2013 season. Proving he’s a man in demand he has also taken part in an exclusive interview with the sport’s official website.

To begin with Webber plays a very straight bat:

Q: Life at Red Bull with Sebastian (Vettel) as team mate arguably looks easier than that at Ferrari alongside Fernando Alonso and the potential politics. Did that play a role in your thinking?
MW: I am staying at Red Bull next year. Period.

Q: Can you say what was key to your decision?
MW: It doesn’t matter.

Q: The talks with Ferrari. Who was talking to them? You or Flavio Briatore?
MW: Doesn’t matter. Not important. Ask Ferrari.

Further on in the interview Mark opens up and shares his thoughts on the rest of the season. And, proving what a great bloke he is, Webber also re-confirmed that Alain Prost is his F1 hero.

Follow the source link below for the full interview.

[Source: Formula1.com | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Mark Webber stays with Red Bull for 2013

Mark Webber re-signs with Red Bull Racing for 2013

A typically honest Mark Webber admits he spoke to Ferrari, but has confirmed he will stay with Red Bull Racing for the 2013 Formula One season. This ends an almost comical saga of speculation about Webber’s immediate future, something both he and his team are happy to be over.

“It’s been an interesting few months, but overall the continuity and desire for me to continue at Red Bull Racing was very strong,” Webber said. “My main focus is on this year’s Championship, which is very important.”

Team boss, Christian Horner, explains the decision to offer Mark a new contract was an easy one. “As there was a strong desire from both sides to continue the partnership, it was a logical decision to extend our relationship and it is with great pleasure that we confirm Mark will drive for us in 2013.”

Mark says he is open to continuing his career into 2014 if his pace remains. “It’s a results-based sport at the front of the grid so the future lies in my own hands. It’s down to me to deliver the on-track results,” he said.

Full details from Red Bull Racing can be read below.

[Pics: Ferrari, Red Bull/Getty Images]

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2012 British Grand Prix in pictures

2012 British Grand Prix

Mark Webber’s second British Grand Prix victory is still fresh in our minds. It’s probably one of the first races Webber has won where he has been able to strike when a win looked off the cards. In his own words he wasn’t sure he could pass Alonso until he was right on the Ferrari’s gearbox.

“It’s taking a while to sink in this one. I think it was the circumstances of the race—for most of it I was marking off second place,” explained Webber. “Fernando was not quite out of touch and after the last stop, my engineer Ciaron came on the radio saying that Fernando was not doing much on the option tyres. But I know Fernando is a wily old fox, I thought he was looking after the tyres and just waiting to pull the pin and go a little bit.

“But when I got within two seconds I thought maybe he’s in a little bit of trouble and it was real. It was completely game on when I knew the DRS was available, I made the move stick and our hard work paid off for the win. It was a cracking grand prix today; the spectators got to see a good race and I’m pleased for them.”

After the break we have a large selection of images to help you recount Webber’s ninth GP win. We do wonder what Mark was saying to Sebastian and Fernando on the podium.

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2012 British GP: Post-race press conference

2012 British Grand Prix

A great Monday morning start for you this week with the post-race press conference from Mark Webber’s win at the British Grand Prix over night. Turns out the interviews on the podium with Jackie Stewart were all that went to air as far as television goes.

So for your full post-race rundown check out the transcript from the FIA press conference after the break. There’s quite a lot of discussion on where Mark will be driving next year. And Fernando Alonso explains his tyre strategy, too. He was banking on rain, luckily for Mark it didn’t eventuate and he was able to perform his trademark podium leap!

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Mark Webber wins 2012 British GP

Mark Webber, 2012 British Grand Prix winner

Mark Webber has managed to make hay while the sun was shining at Silverstone and won the 2012 British Grand Prix. Webber headed home polesitter Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) and his Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel.

The race itself was quite nondescript and, once again, it was tyre strategy that had as much influence on the result as outright race pace. Following the awful conditions for yesterday’s qualifying the teams weren’t expecting today’s sunny weather. Of course, a dry race start meant drivers were free to choose from either the soft or hard compound slicks.

Alsono and Ferrari played their card early by choosing to start the race on hards, while their competitors behind went for softs. For the most part it looked as though Ferrari had made the right call; Alonso led the majority of the race and was able to rejoin in the lead after making his final stop.

The soft tyres were the slower of the two compounds and Alonso saved them for last, while Webber ran them in his first stint. With 14 laps left to go it was soon apparent that Alonso would be at the mercy of Webber, as his soft tyres lost their grip. And so it came to pass on lap 48 with a sterling move from Webber to take the race lead around the outside of Alonso. From there Webber was able to hold station and win by three seconds.

It’s the Australian’s second win in 2012, following his victory in Monte Carlo, and the ninth of his career. Today’s win is also Webber’s second at Silverstone, adding to his “not bad for a number two driver” race in 2010.

We didn’t see much of Daniel Ricciardo today, but he did what he needed to do and out qualified his Toro Rosso teammate, Jean-Eric Vergne, and then finished ahead of him in the race, even if it was only by a bit over two seconds.

Fernando Alonso continues to lead the drivers’ championship, albeit with his margin cut by 7pts thanks to Webber’s win. The Aussie remains second in the title race and is building some momentum. While Sebatsian Vettel’s third place has moved him into third in the championship as well.

Final placings and updated championship positions are listed below. We’ll have a bumper pictorial of Webber’s win for you in the next 24–48 hours.

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2012 British GP: Qualifying report

2012 British Grand Prix

Rain, rain, rain! That’s pretty much the story from qualifying at the British Grand Prix last night. After a marathon effort Fernando Alonso (1:51.746) put his Ferrari on pole, just edging out Mark Webber (Red Bull, 1:51.793). Michael Schumacher (Mercedes AMG, 1:52.020) showed he’s still quite handy in poor conditions and qualified third.

A lengthy delay interrupted Q2 as the rain became too heavy to continue and the session was red flagged. By then Jenson Button (McLaren), usually quite comfortable in wet weather, had already missed the cut in Q1. A yellow flag in the closing stages of Q1 hindered his late charge and he’ll be one to watch during the race.

It took well over an hour for the rain to ease and when Q2 resumed an almost comical line up of cars were waiting for the green light at the pit exit. With a little over six minutes left in Q2 every driver managed to improve his previous best time. There were no unlucky misses this time and all of the remaining front runners made it through to Q3.

The final qualifying period saw drivers running full wet weather tyres and with improving track conditions times fell by the lap. Soon intermediate tyres were the best option and Alonso claimed provisional pole with three minutes left in the session. Webber quickly raised the bar on Alonso, but the Ferrari ace was good enough, and ballsy enough, to find an extra five hundredths on Webber to claim his first pole position since 2010.

The final qualifying order has been shaken up quite a bit thanks to a mix of penalties for gearbox changes and steward sanctions. The finalised starting order can be seen here.

A full transcript from the post-qualifying press conference can be read below, with thanks to the FIA.

[Pics: Ferrari, Mercedes AMG, Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Mark Webber at 2012 Goodwood FoS

Mark Webber at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Here’s a short interview with Mark Webber from the weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. There’s no driving, in the real world at least, mostly it’s Mark doing a good sell job on why the FoS is a must see event for petrolheads. A visit to the Earl of March’s backyard in West Sussex certainly on our bucket list, that’s for sure!

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