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2014 Australian Grand Prix in pictures

2014 Australian Grand Prix

Here’s your first proper look at the 2014 Formula 1 cars in action. We’re lucky to get the first race in Australia and this is especially the case this season with such dramatic changes to the cars and their technology.

We’ve got over 100 photos for you to savour and, yes, we probably did get a bit carried away in the Red Bull photo archive. Although, interestingly for them, there aren’t many pics to choose from on race day showing the RB10 in full flight, so you’ve got lots of background material to admire.

Mercedes AMG has also come to the party with a better than usual selection of images as well. Which tends to be the case when one of its drivers wins a grand prix!

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Caterham Ferrari Formula 1 Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

Quick reference guide to the 2014 F1 season

We’re just a couple of sleeps away from the start to the most unpredictable Formula 1 season in recent memory. Is anyone else excited?!

Judging by pre-season testing form we’ll be lucky if half of the 22 cars entered in Melbourne finish the race. Remember, too, there’s just five complete power units available per driver all year, so we suspect reliability will have a big say in the outcome of both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

After the break you’ll find a full calendar with start Australian Eastern start times, a list of all the drivers and their new permanent numbers along with links to all of the new cars for 2104.

Right now it looks like the Mercedes power unit is the weapon of choice, with Renault proving the least reliable. Let’s see what happens between now and 23 November when double points are up for grabs at the final race in Abu Dhabi.

For easy reference be sure to save this link: ausm.tv/f1guide2014

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Caterham F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

F1 winter testing: Bahrain I in pictures

The design of the latest crop of Formula 1 cars, in response to new aero and crash regulations, has certainly encouraged plenty of discussion. The twin-tusk nose of the Lotus E22 (above) is certainly one of the most bizarre design solutions in the history of the sport.

Once the racing starts the novelty gawking at these god awful designs should ease and we can focus on what we love most, and that’s racing. In the meantime we bring you a gallery of 66 images from the recent pre-season test in Bahrain, six photos each of all 11 cars, that show you the class of 2014 in their best and worst angles.

A small pat on the back, too, goes to Eric Gandelin, the man responsible for the Sauber C33. We think that’s the best looking car of 2014. Although, a nod of appreciation also goes to the Williams FW36.

Those responsible for the horrors of the Caterham CT05 and Force India VJM07 should hang their heads in shame. As for the rest, a good hard look at themselves wouldn’t hurt!

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Caterham Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

F1 winter testing: Jerez days 1 and 2

Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel

After two days of winter testing in Jerez what have we learned about the Formula 1 class of 2014, specifically these horrid looking new cars? Well, not a lot to be honest.

On day 1 most teams struggled and only 93 laps were completed by the teams in attendance, and none at all by McLaren. Kimi Raikkonen (1:27.104) was fastest in his return for Ferrari and ran the most number laps on the day at just 31. Lewis Hamilton (1:27.820) sent his Mercedes towards the top of the lap charts in his 18 laps before sending it into the wall after a front wing failure.

“We had a lot of new things to learn today,” Raikkonen said afterwards. “Even if we would have liked to do more laps, I think that for a first day it was alright. Towards the end, when the track was damp, we chose not to take any risks. Now we have a lot of work ahead of us, but all in all, we are pleased with our first day.”

After the leading two drivers times spread out with not much insight to be gained, other than there’s a lot of work to do. Sebastian Vettel and Marcus Ericsson, for example, only ran installation laps and didn’t set any times at all.

Things have become a little clearer on day 2, with all Renault powered teams experiencing problems while Ferrari and Mercedes powered cars gained an early advantage. Overnight rain saw Pirelli bring forward their designated wet weather session and trucks were sent out to ensure the track had sufficient water for testing purposes.

Jenson Button and McLaren had a good day, registering the fastest time in the morning’s wet session and also in the afternoon (1:24.165) when the track was dry.

The 2009 world champion spoke enthusiastically about the MP4-29 afterwards, too. “Of course, it’s still early days, and there’s a lot of work ahead of us,” Button said. “We need to work on both braking and traction; but that excites me, because there’s a lot of potential to adjust those parameters.

“The new braking system is very complicated, and getting it right will be tough. But these are all things we can work on: there’s nothing about the car that unsettles me, and there’s plenty of scope to explore the set-up. It will just take time.”

Kimi Raikkonen (1:24.812) was on the pace again during his 47 laps, cutting more than 2 seconds from his day 1 best. Valtteri Bottas (1:25.344) has had limited running during his two days, just 12 laps in all, but he has been third quickest on both days.

While only fourth fastest on day 2, Nico Rosberg (1:25.588) and Mercedes were happy with their lot. Rosberg racked up an impressive 97 laps, 44 more than his nearest rival, including some beneficial long runs.

“Every lap is important to get used to the new systems and it helped a lot that I have worked on this already in the simulator,” explained Rosberg. “We don’t know yet where we are compared to the other teams, but we can be quite happy after the first two days of testing here in Spain. Now I look forward to getting back in the car on Friday.”

Meanwhile the Renault powered cars managed just 19 laps between them (11 for Caterham, 8 for Red Bull and 0 for Toro Rosso). On day 1 only 19 laps were registered for the Renault runners as well (15 for Toro Rosso, 3 for Red Bull, 1 for Caterham), which will be cause for early concern.

Lotus isn’t an attendance at all for the Jerez test, choosing to wait until testing moves to Bahrain. Marussia is hoping to run its car tonight.

Photos and lap times are available after the break.

UPDATE: Pics from day 2 have now been added below.

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Formula 1 Toro Rosso

2014 Toro Rosso STR9 revealed

2014 Toro Rosso STR9

The 2014 Formula 1 season is almost upon us. This we know by the recent car launches, but also because the 2014 Toro Rosso F1 car, the STR9, was unveiled to the media at the Jerez circuit ahead of tonight’s first official test session.

And we’re sorry to report it’s another long and droopy anteater nose for F1. At least the STR9’s dark blue paint scheme tends to mask that fact to some degree.

As well as the major aero changes forced upon teams in 2014, Toro Rosso is switching from Ferrari power to Renault. Technical Director James Key says this adds to the challenge: “Changing your engine partner is always a bit of a step into the unknown for both parties, until that working relationship is established and everyone understands how best to operate together.”

The Toro Rosso press release points out that the team is independent to Red Bull Racing, although the switch to Renault power means there will be greater opportunity to share knowledge.

“Immediately, there’s a synergy there because we are using the same power unit,” added Key. “We’ve been able to join with Red Bull Technology in using their gearbox internals. They have a well-engineered solution to 2014 regulations for these components, so again, it makes sense for us to join with them in using those common internals while running the same power train.

“Otherwise, obviously, the rest of the car is entirely an STR design.”

You can read and see more after the break, including access to the team’s full 2014 press kit.

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Caterham F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

2013 Brazilian Grand Prix in pictures

2013 Brazilian Grand Prix

Mark Webber’s Formula 1 career began with an Australian flag on the podium after his stellar debut with Minardi at the 2002 Australian Grand Prix. Twelve years later, after 217 grands prix have eclipsed, it ended in the same fashion at the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Of course, it would have been much better if we were celebrating Mark’s tenth career victory. But it wasn’t to be. Instead we’re left with the memories of what he has achieved and what might have been.

We can’t wait to see Mark join Porsche and breathe new life into the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In the meantime there’s 21 other Formula 1 drivers we have captured below in a gallery of over 130 pictures. Until next year we hope you’ve enjoyed another season of F1 pics.

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Caterham F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

2013 United States Grand Prix in pictures

2013 United States Grand Prix

So it’s eight straight for Sebastian Vettel and with the chance of a record-equaling thirteenth win for the season on the cards in Sao Paulo next weekend we can forget any hopes of a consolation race victory handed to Mark Webber in his final Formula 1 appearance. Indeed, with Mark’s sometimes loose run with good fortune in F1 we should probably take bets on which lap his car will expire.

For now, though, let’s relive the good times from Austin and enjoy seeing Mark on an F1 podium for what could be the last time ever.

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Formula 1 Toro Rosso

Daniil Kvyat qualifies for FIA Super Licence

Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso

It’s been a busy few weeks for 19-year-old Daniil Kvyat. He’s scored a new job as a Formula 1 driver with Toro Rosso for 2014, wrapped up the GP3 championship and has now qualified for an FIA Super Licence.

That last achievement came thanks to a special “filming day” test organised for Kvyat so that he can take part in Friday testing for Toro Rosso at the final two races on the F1 calendar in the United States and Brazil.

A Toro Rosso team statement reads: “On Friday, the Russian who is now the 2013 GP3 champion, drove a two year old Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1 car, an STR6 at the Misano circuit in Italy, as part of a filming day organised by the team. He racked up 102 laps, equivalent to around 402 kilometres and thus qualified for the necessary paperwork required by the FIA for him to compete in Formula 1.”

So now any conspiracy theorists wondering if Mark Webber will be relieved of his Red Bull duties sooner than expected—allowing both Kvyat and Red Bull-bound Daniel Ricciardo an early start in their new rides—can rest uneasy knowing that Kvyat is qualified to race.

[Source: Toro Rosso | Pic: Toro Rosso/Getty Images]

 

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Caterham F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in pictures

2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Another grand prix another stroll in the park for Sebastian Vettel. At least the photographers were given a tougher ride than Vettel at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, having to contend with twilight conditions before freezing the action under lights. We think you’ll agree they did a fine job, too.

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2013 Indian Grand Prix in pictures

2013 Indian Grand Prix

Hats off to Sebastian Vettel, this gallery from the Indian Grand Prix is all about celebrating his achievements. There’s still heaps of photos from the rest of the field, of course. But it’s not every day a 26-year-old is crowned a four-time Formula 1 world champion and so we begin with a large sample from Red Bull’s media collection.

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

Ricciardo has the confidence to push Vettel in 2014

Daniel Ricciardo

In an interview with Formula1.com Daniel Ricciardo says he has the self-confidence required to push four-time world champion* Sebastian Vettel when he graduates to Red Bull Racing in 2014:

Q: It is no secret that you have to have sound self-esteem to succeed in F1—and you definitely need more of that self-esteem to survive alongside Sebastian. Do you have that?
DR: It is probably the type of person I am. I believe that I’ve got this far for a reason—so there is no reason why it should stop here. With each year I get more hungry and determined. I see Seb and I know that he is a phenomenal driver—but he is also only human. If I really put the hard work in I should be able to challenge the top guys. I have other interests as well that keep me quite grounded and I think that also plays a huge part. I also have a life outside F1. That healthy balance is good for success.

We recommend you follow the source link below to read the full interview.

*Come back to us after this evening’s Indian Grand Prix.

[Source: Formula1.com | Pic: Toro Rosso/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 Toro Rosso

19yo Daniil Kvyat to join Toro Rosso in 2014

Daniil Kvyat

Young Russian driver Daniil Kvyat will replace our Daniel at Toro Rosso in 2014. The 19-year-old is part of the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme and has been spending 2013 racing in the GP3 and Formula 3 categories.

Kvyat drives for the Mark Webber–Christian Horner outfit, MW Arden, in the GP3 series and is currently seven points behind Facu Regalia in the chase for the drivers’ title. There’s one race meeting to go, in Abu Dhabi, and Kvyat will be hoping he can progress to Formula 1 with a championship in his kit bag.

Toro Rosso Team Principal, Franz Tost, says Kvyat is ready to graduate to the senior class. “He impressed our team with a strong performance and very informative technical feedback at the young driver test in Silverstone,” he said. “This suggests that the basic qualities from which he can progress are all in place. Daniil can be sure that we will use all our experience of training youngsters to give him the best possible start to his Formula 1 career.”

Like most youngsters Kvyat has harboured F1 ambitions throughout his career and is excited at the challenge ahead. “This is fantastic news, a dream come true and I want to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for giving me this priceless opportunity,” Kvyat said. “Ever since I began karting, I wanted to get to Formula 1 and now that wish will become reality next season.”

We’d like to think the fact the Russian Grand Prix is set to make its debut on the 2014 F1 calendar had nothing to do with this decision, but we’re too cynical for that.

GP3 is a relatively new series, its debut season was in 2010. Kvyat becomes the fourth driver to move from GP3 to F1 and follows the path of new teammate Jean-Eric Vergne, as well as Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber) and Valtteri Bottas (Williams).

Vergne will no doubt be pleased to learn that he has kept his F1 dream alive and will continue with Toro Rosso in 2014.