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Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

2012 United States GP: Post-race press conference

2012 United States Grand Prix

Following Lewis Hamilton’s exciting win in the United States Grand Prix this morning here’s the full text from post-race press conferences. As usual you can read the thoughts from the first three drivers. And with the two men still in contention for the drivers’ championship on the podium, the transcript makes for good reading.

Next weekend’s final race in Brazil will be very tense. One minor mistake could be all it takes to lose the title.

[Pic: Ferrari]

UPDATE: Here’s Mark Webber’s explanation on his retirement from the race:
“I had to stop with an alternator problem. We had low battery voltage for a few laps before and then I lost gearbox sync and KERS, something was happening on the battery side. It’s frustrating; as we had a reasonable start to the race and a good fight with Lewis. We had issues to manage, but even when I knew we had them we tried to keep going and get something out of it, but we had to stop.”

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Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

Lewis Hamilton wins 2012 United States GP

Lewis Hamilton wins 2012 USGP

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) has ensured the 2012 title race will go down to the wire by winning the United States Grand Prix in Austin this morning.

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) led for the bulk of the race, but once the race settled into its rhythm Hamilton was always in touching distance of Vettel. Hamilton ultimately took the lead on lap 42, using DRS to great effect, and was able to hang on for a well deserved victory.

So, not the result Vettel had hoped for in his 100th race. Especially when he looks across the podium to see Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), the only man who can take the championship away from him.

Alonso benefited from a sly move by Ferrari pre-race when they deliberately broke Felipe Massa’s gearbox seal, meaning the Brazilian would have to take a five-place grid penalty. This pushed Alonso up one place to P7, but he would now start from the clean side of the track. The dual world champ made the most of this cheekily gained advantage by exiting turn 1 in fourth place. He was never really in winning contention, but like a bad smell he has a habit of hanging about and just won’t go away.

Next weekend’s season ending race in Brazil will be compulsory viewing, especially with some talk there’s rain expected on race day as well.

Mark Webber did make a clean start from P3 and was able to pass Lewis Hamilton into turn 1, but he only had enough to pace to keep Hamilton behind for three full laps, seeing Hamilton use DRS to stroll by on lap 4. Worse was to come for Mark, though. On lap 16 he was advised over the radio that his KERS had failed, again. Then on lap 17 he retired from the race with the dreaded Renault alternator problem. It’s his first mechanical failure since 2009.

As seems to often be the case with Torro Rosso the intra-team battle is won by the person starting behind on the grid. Today Daniel Ricciardo started down in P18, four places behind Jean-Eric Vergne, but drove well to finish in P12. Ricciardo’s job was made a bit easier due to Vergne retiring from the race with a broken steering arm, although he had already overtaken his teammate by then.

Vettel’s second place was more than enough for Red Bull to secure their third consecutive constructors’ championship; they needed to collect only four points today. Although, it was all glum faces in pit lane as they and Vettel complained that Hamilton’s move past Vettel was made too easy due to Narain Karthikeyan (HRT) not using his mirrors, making Vettel vulnerable before the DRS zone. Whatever.

Interesting factoid, this is the first time Hamilton, Vettel and Alonso have all stood on the podium together. Luckily they were given some nice hats to wear, to make the occasion all the more memorable.

Overall, the return of F1 to the United States has been a great success. This morning’s race had plenty of action and fears the Circuit of the Americas would be hard for drivers to overtake was proved incorrect.

See you next Monday at 3am (AEDST) for what should be a thrilling climax to the 2012 F1 season.

Continue reading “Lewis Hamilton wins 2012 United States GP”
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Ferrari

Ferrari F70 supercar rendered again

Ferrari F70 rendering

In a preview for their latest edition Autocar has produced this rendering for the upcoming Ferrari F70. We reckon it’s a much better effort than the last effort we showed you back in September.

The Autocar preview also states the new Enzo will be “the closest vehicle to an F1 car ever made for the road.” Looking at the headline stats listed above, it has the potential to go down as one of the all time greats if it’s even a half decent steer.

Having previously passed on word the F70 would be on show at Detroit next January, we need to dampen any thoughts you may have had that this would in fact take place. Apparently Ferrari is yet to finalise its launch schedule.

[Source: Autocar & Autoblog]

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Formula 1

Taking F1 liveries back to the future

F1 retro liveries

Unlike pastel coloured pants, old skool 1980s and 1990s F1 liveries always warm the hearts of those who lived through them the first time. So here’s a few retro inspired liveries applied to a recent Formula One car that we think look the duck’s guts. We can’t tell you too much about the donor car, except to say the end results are very cool.

As well as the Williams look above, there’s also one for Benetton and a couple from McLaren. Maybe one day McLaren will actually race with the Can-Am derived orange colour scheme.

[Source: wtf1.co.uk]

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Formula 1

Webber critical of new F1 podium format

2012 Korean Grand Prix

Mark Webber has voiced his displeasure at the introduction of the new post-race podium procedure, saying “The electronic flags look rubbish.”

The new format was first introduced after Webber won the British Grand Prix. As well as his dislike of the tacky quiz show-like rotating flags, Webber was unhappy with other aspects too.

“I certainly wasn’t impressed in Silverstone with 1000 dignitaries up there. I think the podium should be for the drivers, no one else,” he said.

“A clear shot of celebration of the drivers and what they have achieved. Not having everyone stand in front and having their five minutes. That pissed me off.”

As for the controversial interviews conducted on the podium, which have included the likes of Placido Domingo asking the questions, Webber revealed he is undecided, “Drivers [interviewing] on the podium…? I am 50/50 on that.”

Webber’s comments followed criticism directed to Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, who both swore during the live interviews, forcing host David Coulthard to apologise to viewers at home. But Mark accepts that’s the risk of live television. “For swearing, that will never go away. It will always never be far away,” he said.

“You are full of adrenaline. You are excited. You have just had an incredible grand prix in general in those cases, so I think sometimes you might not use the right language, but now we have to be mindful of that.

“It is another part of the weekend where you have to keep an eye on things.”

We understand the benefit of the podium interview to the thousands in the crowd who deserve to hear from the drivers post-race. However, the old format worked best when the interviewer remained consistent.

Maybe that can’t always work in this new world order, but to our minds the two best podium interviewers to date have been Martin Brundle and David Coulthard. Both former racers and both currently involved in the media covering F1 for a living.

There’s probably something in that.

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

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Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

2012 United States GP: Qualifying report

2012 United States Grand Prix

The pre-race expectation and early practice form came to be in this morning’s qualifying at the 2012 United States Grand Prix. Which means Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) has claimed yet another pole position, the 36th of his career.

Yet, the margin of Vettel’s pole was not expected. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren, 1:35.766) got within a tenth of Vettel’s best time (1:35.657), to claim P2. From there it was a further four tenths back to Mark Webber (Red Bull, 1:36.174).

Conventional wisdom says Webber may have a slight advantage from P3 over Hamilton when the lights go out, due to the lack of off-line grip at the new Circuit of the Americas in Austin. But we all know that nothing conventional usually happens with Mark Webber’s starts; unfortunately his good getaways are the exception, rather than the rule.

Romain Grosjean (Lotus) again showed he has great potential by qualifying in P4 (1:36.587), but a gearbox change before qualifying means he will start the race from P9. His teammate, and most recent race winner, Kimi Raikkonen (1:36.708) will benefit, moving up to P4. Here he will find himself alongside fading great Michael Schumacher (Mercedes, 1:36.794).

For the championship battle, the big news is that Fernando Alonso (1:37.300) was out-qualified by his Ferrari teammate, Felipe Massa (1:36.937). After the Grosjean grid reshuffle Massa will start from P6, alongside Nico Hulkenberg (Force India, 1:37.141). While Alonso may be afraid to see himself in P8, alongside Grosjean.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) will be disappointed with his failure to progress from Q1, managing only enough for P18. Daniel may have grounds to feel unfairly affected by a late yellow flag caused by HRT’s Narain Karthikeyan, although he also complained about a lack of tyre performance afterwards. Ricciardo’s plight was compounded by teammate Jean-Eric Vergne making it into Q2 and he will start four places ahead in P14.

So far the consensus seems to be the new track in Austin is a winner. And while most people think the spectacular climb and wide entry into turn 1 should result in a trouble-free start to the race we have a sneaking suspicion the first corner of lap 1 could be a talking point for a while to come.

Due to the time difference between Australia and the US, you’ll need to tune into watch the race bright and early at 6am (AEDST) on Monday morning. With both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships able to be won by Vettel and Red Bull make sure your alarm is set.

[Pics: Red Bull/Getty Images & Vodafone McLaren Mercedes]

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McLaren Motorsports

McLaren GT green lights 12C GT Can-Am Edition

McLaren 12C Can-Am Edition

McLaren GT has good news for readers with a spare £375K (AU$575K) to burn. They’ve announced they will turn the 12C Can-Am Edition from concept to reality, with a limited production run confirmed today.

The 12C Can-Am was first shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August this year. It’s a track-only special that is, to date, perhaps the most desirable 12C money can buy.

Weighing in at only 1200kg, there’s 630hp on offer from the 3.8 litre twin turbo V8, more than any previous 12C. The tailored aero package provides lashings of mechanical grip, with up to 30% more downforce than the road going model. Despite those impressive figures it’s worth noting the 12C GT Can-Am does not comply with any competition regs, so it’s strictly a toy for rich boys and girls.

McLaren GT is limiting total production to 30 examples, so you’d best get in quick if you’d like to get your name onto one.

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BMW

BMW 3 Series Touring – Australian pricing

BMW 3 Series Touring

When BMW Australia launches the new F31 3 Series Touring in February next year they will offer two models, the 318d ($58,900) and 320i ($62,600).

Like the 3 Series saloon, the Touring is available in Modern, Luxury and Sport lines, with equipment virtually a like for like match across the two platforms. For the 320i, at this stage, only an M Sport Package can also be optioned.

The 318d is powered by a a 105kW/320Nm four cylinder turbo diesel. While the 320i features a 135kW/270Nm four cylinder turbo petrol engine and comes standard with an 8-speed sports auto.

A pricing table can be viewed below, along with BMW Australia’s press release which details the standard equipment offered. Expect extra models to be added to the Australian 3 Series Touring portfolio later in 2013.

[Note: European-spec 330d Touring shown]

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Motorsports News

Robert Kubica reveals F1 return unlikely

Robert Kubica

While driving an old WRC-spec Citroën C4 in the Rally di Como in Italy, Robert Kubica has revealed he is currently unable to drive single seater racecars, making a return to Formula 1 virtually impossible.

In a brief interview from Reuters posted to the BBC Sport website, Kubica said his focus is to get his “health and body back into the best condition.”

The former F1 driver will turn 28 in early December and stated he still hopes to compete in “high-level championships in rally or on a circuit.” However, “big limitation” to the movement of his right arm, injured in February 2011, means single seaters are not on his radar for now.

This is one of the sadder stories from F1 in recent times. All things being equal you’d think a fit and able Kubica would have already notched up a couple of wins at the wheel of the Lotus E20.

[Source: BBC]

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Citroen WRC

Sebastien Loeb wins 2012 Rally de Espana

Sebastien Loeb wins 2012 Rally de Espana

We’re a little late with the news, of course, but we can’t let Sebastien Loeb’s final act as a full-time WRC driver go unnoticed. In tricky conditions the nine time world champion won the 2012 Rally de Espana. His victory was set up with a 30 second margin back to Jari-Matti Latavla on the second day, allowing Loeb to watch the gap on the final day to claim the event by seven seconds.

The win chalked up the 76th race victory for the all-conquering Sebastien Loeb–Daniel Elena partnership. Proving their strength this year a total of nine wins were added to their career tally in the 2012 season.

In something of a surprise Mikko Hirvonen’s second place in the 2012 drivers’ championship marks the first time Citroën has placed drivers in first and second place, despite an impressive eight manufacturers’ titles.

For the Aussies playing at home, Chris Atkinson brought his MINI home in seventh place. You can read a race debrief from WRC Team MINI Portugal HERE.

So we look ahead to the 2013 WRC season. Not only will Loeb take a backward step, but Volkswagen’s long development process finally comes to an end. Add to the mix a new promoter’s deal and, even though Ford and MINI have withdrawn their factory support, we hope the WRC is about to re-enter a golden age.

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Porsche

2013 Porsche Cayman spied before LA debut

2013 Porsche Cayman

Porsche has all but named the new Cayman as the car which will feature as the “world premiere of a compact sports car at the LA Auto Show”. Media previews for LA start on on 28 November. Yet these spy shots give us a pretty good handle on what to expect from the production-ready 981 Cayman.

The large side scoop from the Boxster is carried over and they look like new model specific alloy wheels to us as well. Stickers cover the front and rear lights to hide the final detail for now, but we reckon your eyes are not mistaken; this is the new Cayman.

It looks great doesn’t it. Do want!

[Source: The Car Lounge | Thanks to Pete for the tip]

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Mercedes-Benz

2013 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series revealed

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

While we were away enjoying the public race tracks of New Zealand’s south island Mercedes-Benz lifted the lid on its SLS AMG Black Series. And here it is!

The SLS Black is not quite a match for the GT3 45th anniversary edition, but looking at all the carbon fibre adornments it clearly provided inspiration for the Black Series.

It had been suggested the ubiquitous AMG 6.3 litre V8 might be stroked a little to eke out some extra power for the SLS Black. Yet, the noted 6208cc engine remains, although AMG has managed to massage more power out of the engine that always seems to have more left to give.

Peak power is 464kW (631hp) at 7400rpm, while maximum torque of 635Nm is reached at 5500rpm. Thanks to a 1550kg kerb weight and a slick shifting 7-speed DCT you can see off 100km/h in only 3.6 seconds. The rear-axle differential lock also helps ensure no power is wasted.

In order to find the extra 40kW compared to the standard model, AMG has increased maximum revs from 7200rpm to 8000rpm. They’ve also fiddled with the camshafts and associated gubbins, while also modifying the air intake. A completely overhauled water and oil cooling system along with high-strength connections for the conrods also show AMG’s engineers have been working hard.

Switching from a conventional steel exhuast to a titanium system has resulted in the benefits of improved sound and a 13kg weight saving. This contributes to an overall weight saving of 70kg. A liberal use of crabon fibre reinforced plastic body panels has helped here as well.

Ceramic brakes are standard and save 16kg in weight. Also standard is the completely revised AMG Ride Control suspension system. Forged alloy wheels (10×19″ fronts, 12×20″ rears) are unique to the car and save another 4kg. They’re wrapped in grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

And how much will all these changes cost you? We can’t tell you that just yet, suffice to say the answer will be a lot. The SLS AMG Black Series will be officially launched to market in June next year. Expect pricing to be confirmed a little before then.

While you’re waiting for Mercedes to work out how much they need to charge for this rather awesome looking beast feel free to enjoy the pics, video and press material after the break.

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