Sixth post of the F1 season. Thoughts on last weeks Monaco Grand Prix.
Good points
Red Bull Racing (Mark Webber pole to win, Sebastian Vettel finished 4th)
Nico Rosberg (finished 2nd)
Ferrari (Fernando Alonso started 5th, finished 3rd, Filipe Massa finished 6th)
Force India (Paul Di Resta started 15th, finished 7th, Nico Hülkenberg finished 8th)
Bruno Senna (finished 10th)
Heikki Kovalainen (finished 13th, giving Jenson Button a race for his money)
Timo Glock (finished 14th)
Narain Karthikeyan (finished 15th)
Bad points
Romain Grosjean (DNF, crashed out on the first lap, first corner)
Pastor Maldonado (DNF, crashed out on first lap Collision with Grosjean and de la Rosa, 10 grid penalty with collision with Perez in Monaco Saturday practice)
Pedro de la Rosa (DNF, collision damage with Maldonado on lap one, started 20th on the grid too)
Jenson Button (DNF, collision with Kovalainen)
STR (Daniel Ricciardo DNF, Steering. Jean-Éric Vergne Finished 12th, but could have finished 7th if he didn't gone into the pits for Intermediate tyres)
Sauber (Sergio Pérez finished 11th, bad qualifying crashed heavily at the Swimming Pool in Q1, drive through penalty in race, finished 11th despite the fastest lap in the race itself. Kamui Kobayashi DNF, Collision damage with Grosjean)
Vitaly Petrov (DNF, Electrical)
Michael Schumacher (DNF, Fuel pressure, fastest driver in qualifying, but had a five grid penalty from Barcelona)
Overall, I thought it was a very good race, not like the thriller of a race from last year. But, still a good race around Monaco, despite there was limited overtaking in the race. But, the possibility in the last few laps of rain still coming down, no safety car from lap four onwards. The top six from Webber, Rosberg, Alonso, Vettel, Hamilton and Massa were six seconds from first to sixth. And top four were only covered 1.343 of a second at the end is amazing in modern Formula 1 the closest top four in Monaco Grand Prix history is quite amazing.
As for Webber, he was only second fastest in qualifing, but Micheal Schumacher had to take the penalty from Spain. So Mark Webber was on pole postion. In the race itself, he controlled the race, was one of the fastest driver in the race and won the race. So a great win ffom Mark Webber. One of his better wins in his F1 career. So good job Webber.
Formula One Monaco Grand Prix Review post tomorrow and now the 2012 Indy 500 Post Review. This years Indianapolis 500 possibly with a few people I have seen reading and skeeking on the internet, possibly one of the best Indianapolis 500 ever, with 34 different lead changes, which is all-time record for the Indianapolis 500. But it went down the last few laps between Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan and Takuma Sato.
But, on the final lap, the battle for the win was between Dario Franchitti who was leading and second place Takuma Sato who was challenged Franchitti for the lead in turn one, but placed the car down too low, and lost control. As the two cars were side by side, Sato spun and crashed into the outside wall, while Franchitti slipped by unscathed to take this third victory at the Brickyard. Franchitti's team-mate Scott Dixon finished second, sweeping a 1-2 finish for Chip Ganassi Racing. While, Tony Kanaan in his KV Racing Technology finished third. While, Takuma Sato in his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing finished a lap down in 17th place.
A lot of people criticised Takuma Sato for being too aggressive or too bold for trying to overtaking Franchitti at turn one on the last lap. But, I disagree with this due to his nature of his driving, because he was an exciting driver to watch in his F1 career when he driving for Jordan, BAR and Super Aguri, expressly at Canada 2007 when Sato passes Alonso on the outside for sixth place in the race and finished sixth too (Youtube video below explains). He has continue with his die trying attitude of driving into Indycar. Even Sato's team boss Bobby Rahal agrees (the link for the qoate):
"I feel for Takuma because he did a super job. I don't blame him at all. When you see the opportunity you've got to go for it - especially with one lap to go in the Indy 500. I'm proud of the job he did and proud of the job the guys did and I feel bad for them because they deserved a little bit better."
So I can't see why they need to criticised Takuma Sato driving, anyway good job from Sato at the Indy 500 despite the last lap crash he came from 19th place on the grid to lead on three occasions for a total of 31 laps.
Under the final caution flag of the race, Franchitti, Dixon and Kannan who are three friends outside of racing lined up to cross the finish line side by side for a tribute to Dan Wheldon. In Victory Lane, Franchitti dedicated his win to the memory of 2005 Indycar Series Champion and Indianapolis 500 2005 and 2011 champion Dan Wheldon. Before the race stated, there was a Dan Wheldon Indy 500 Tribute Video to celebrate the life and times of Dan Wheldon. Even the fans tribute too at Indianapolis, when on lap 26 and 98 (Dan's winning race car numbers he won at the Indy 500) when the crowd put on white sunglasses for celebrating Dan Wheldon.
So, respect to Indianapolis Motor Speedway,the fans and great racing too. To make a great day of racing.
Last weekend’s Nürburgring 24 Hours was won by Audi Sport Team Phoenix with an Audi R8 LMS ultra GT3 race car with Marc Basseng, Christopher Haase, Frank Stippler and Markus Winkelhock driving the R8 LMS Ultra. While Mamerow Racing in their Audi R8 LMS ultra GT3 finished second over three and half minutes behind the race leaders, with Christian Mamerow, Michael Ammermüller, Armin Hahne and Christian Abt, making it an Audi R8 LMS ultra GT3 one-two in this years Nurburgirng 24 hours race.
While last week, Speedhunters Team WRT enter in their first Nürburgring 24 Hours race. The Belgian squad finished 32nd overall, only 20 laps behind the leaders in their Audi R8 LMS ultra GT3, with Edward Sandström, Allan Simonsen, Andrea Piccini and Oliver Jarvis driving the R8.
But, they were in the top ten and fighting for the lead in the first half of the race. But, by the night, a racing incident with another car first and a steering problem at the end of the race, cost the team a top 20 place in the race. But , a good effect for the first time around the Nürburgring. Youtube video below from the Speedhunters Team WRT.
This weekends is the famous Indianapolis 500. Last Saturday was Pole Day was for this weekends Indianapolis 500. Penske driveer Ryan Briscoe will start on pole. While, Andretti Autosport team mates James Hinchcliffe and Ryan Hunter-Reay will start on the front row for the race to make a Chevrolet 1-2-3 front row for qualifying.YouTube video below from Indycar Series own channel from the top three from qualifying.
Also, Oriol Servia and Ed Carpenter both crashed in qualifying for the 2012 Indianapolis 500 on Saturday, however both did qualified on Sunady via Bump Day. Oriol Servia qualified in 27th place and Ed Carpenter qualified in 28th place.
Also, former Ferrari F1 driver Jean Alesi did qualified as-well in 33rd and last place with his Lotus powered Fan Force United race team.
So predictions for the Indianapolis 500 this weekend, for the win Hélio Castroneves in his Penske, second Ryan Hunter-Reay in his Andretti and third Marco Andretti in his Andretti.
Second post of the day and this weekends Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix on the streets of Monte Carlo. So predictions for the race itself, Fernando Alonso for the win in his Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen second in his Lotus and Lewis Hamilton third in the McLaren. Don't forget Red Bull drivers, Jenson Button, Pastor Maldonado, Romain Grosjean and two Mercedes AMG drivers either.
Its been 30 years today possibly the best finished to any Monaco Grand Prix ever.
On lap 67 in the 1982 Monaco Grand Prix, the race was a 2-horse sprint between Alain Prost in the Renault turbo and Riccardo Patrese in the Brabham Ford. Patrese was pushing hard to pass Prost, trying to finish the race before it started to rain and then by lap 74, Prost pushed too hard and crashed into the Armco barriers coming out of the Chicane du Port (which is now Nouvelle Chicane). On lap 75, Patrese led, spun and stalled at Loews (Grand Hotel Hairpin).
But, on the last lap, Didier Pironi in the Ferrari turbo led into the tunnel and ran out of fuel, Andrea de Cesaris in the Alfa Romeo also ran out of fuel before he could take over the lead, and Derek Daly in the Williams Cosworth, the next leader, already had a car with no front or back wing and then a damaged gearbox which given up before he could start the final lap. Patrese, who had managed to restart his car by rolling downhill and bump-starting this Ford Cosworth V8, took his first F1 race win. Pironi and de Cesaris were classified 2nd and 3rd, with Daly sixth. Youtube video below shows.
This is ever been been a great finished to any Monaco Grand Prix ever, maybe 1992 Monaco Grand Prix when Nigel Mansell Williams Renault trying to overtake Ayrton Senna's McLaren Honda, which he couldn't overtake Senna and Ayrton Senna won.
But, the 1982 Monaco Grand Prix is possibly a great finished to any Monaco Grand Prix ever in my opinion. Would there be a better one this weekend, who knows.
Quick thoughts on the race from Sundays race at the French Grand Prix at Le Mans and thoughts of Casey Stoner retiring at the end of the season.
The race itself was a very good race, despite it was a wet race, which should be an impressive race netherless. A great battle in the middle of the race between Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow for fighting for third place. Then in the last few laps at the end between Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi for second place, which Valentino Rossi finished second at the end of the race, for his best result on the Ducati. But, only 10 seconds behind Jorge Lorenzo on his Yamaha. Who was very impressive on the wet track. While, Current Champion Casey Stoner on his Honda finished third.
Speaking of Casey Stoner, he announced last Thursday before French Grand Prix weekend started that he is retiring at the end of the season, at the age of 27. Stoner stated that he was no longer enjoying competing in the series, which was one of the contributing factors to his retirement.
When I heard of the news I was very surprise with the news. At least he will be retiring as some of his best racing in his career. But, you never know he could come back in a few years time. He is still only 26 at this moment of time. But, there is a possibility he might go into V8 Supercars series for 2013. Because, in last December he tested a V8 Holden as this YouTube video shows.
Who would replace Casey Stoner for 2013 at Repsol Honda? Marc Marquez, the Moto2 series leader and Repsol protege, is a likeliest candidate to fill the vacancy. Another possibility that current Moto2 Champion and LCR rider Stefan Bradl could take Stoner's drive too. Also, there is another possibility that Jorge Lorenzo, who is out of contract at the factory Yamaha squad at the end of the season could be a possibility as-well.
Anyway, enjoy Casey Stoner for this season while it lasts folks. End of post/blog for now, that is all, Bye.
This post will be from last few rounds from WRC, IRC and Rally America Championships. First, with three weeks ago and World Rally Championship round at Rally Argentina. Fifth round of this seasons championship (26–29 April) won by Sébastien Loeb in his Citroen DS3, 16 seconds ahead of Citroen team mate Mikko Hirvonen to make a Citroen one-two. While, Mads Østberg finished third in his Adapta World Rally Team backed Ford Fiesta RS WRC to complete the top three. Highlights bellow, enjoy.
While in Rally America two weeks ago. The third round of the championship at the Oregon Trail Rally in Portland (4-6 May 2012). Was won by Current Champion David Higgins in his Subaru WRX STI, Subaru Rally Team USA, won the rally over two and a half minutes ahead of Leonid Urlichich who finished in second place. While, former Champion Antoine L'Estage in his 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X retired from the rally. Highlights from the last day of the Oregon Trail Rally below, enjoy.
While in Intercontinental Rally Challenge from last weekend, Round 4 at Tour de Corse (11–12 May) on the island of Corsica near France. Won by Prodrive WRC driver Dani Sordo, in a Prodrive IRC spec Mini John Cooper Works S2000, 18 seconds ahead of Works Škoda driver Jan Kopecký in his Škoda Fabia S2000. While, Pierre Campana finished in third, 33 seconds in his Peugeot 207 S2000. While, Current Champion Andreas Mikkelsen in his Škoda Fabia S2000 finished fifth in the Tour de Corse and still leads the drivers standings. Highlights below to enjoy.
This Saturday is the Nurburgring 24 hours race. So, therefore there is a few YouTube videos of the Alpina B6 GT3 below around the Nurburgring, which the car was originally a BMW 6 series (from 2004-2011). Alpina is a well known German manufacture selling their own cars, based on BMW cars. For instance Alpina will use the base of the BMW car such as the chassis and body. But, Alpina doesn't use BMW own gearbox, engine and suspension. Alpina uses their own gearbox, engine and suspension to make the vehicles have more emphasis on luxury, higher torque, and have automatic transmissions instead of manual or semi-automatic transmissions. But, perviously they were a racing team back in the late 1960's to mid 1970's.
So the Alpina B6 GT3 is a race car, so therefore Alpina are now back as a racing team, and have raced the car in the last few Nurburgring 24 hour races (the two minute Youtube video shows from 2009). Alpina B6 GT3 is a Six-speed, sequential, Semi-automatic gearbox with a 4.9 litre V8 producing approx. 530 bhp. Only weighing just 1230kg. Also, the car did won 2011 season ADAC GT Masters, which is based in Germany.
With this Youtube video below was from last years race with two on-board cameras on the first lap of the race around the full 154 turns Combined 16 mile circuit of the Grand Prix-Strecke track and Nordschleife tracks. With Alpina race driver Dominik Schwager in the car driving around the Nurburgring. So enjoy the footage.
End of blog for how, new blog soon, that is all. Bye.
Fifth post of the F1 season. A quick review of the Spanish Grand Prix, thoughts on the race itself. And Williams are back winning in Formula 1. Thoughts on that too.
Good points
Pastor Maldonado (Pole to Win, first win for the Venezuelan in Formula 1)
Fernando Alonso (finished 2nd, a much improved Ferrari)
Lotus F1 Team (Kimi Raikkonen finished 3rd, Romain Grosjean finished 4th)
Kamui Kobayashi (finished 5th)
Lewis Hamilton (finished 8th, despite originally on pole, was excluded from the qualifying results for violating the rules by not having enough fuel to return to the pits. However, the stewards allowed him to start at the back of the grid for the race.)
Nico Hulkenberg (finished 10th)
Bad points
Felipe Massa (finished 15th, and lapped)
Michael Schumacher (DNF, collusion with B. Senna, five grid penaulty at Monaco)
Burno Senna (DNF, collusion with M. Schumacher)
Sergio Perez (DNF, Transmission)
Charles Pic (DNF, Halfshaft)
Narain Karthikeyan (DNF lost Wheel, a race weekend to forget for Narain Karthikeyan)
Overall, I thought it was a thriller of a race to watch between Pastor Maldonado and Fernando Alonso, from start of the race to the last few laps to the end. Even the thought of Kimi Raikkonen could have even won with 10 laps to go and catching up Pastor Maldonado and Fernando Alonso. A great debut F1 win from Pastor Maldonado. As for Pastor Maldonado, he has proven people wrong about his talent, even me, well done Pastor. But, if Lewis Hamilton did not got excluded from the qualifying results and started from pole, I think Hamilton would have won from started to finish. Anyway, good Grand Prix.
As for Williams, last time that a Williams F1 car hasn't won a Grand Prix since 2004 with at the end of the season at Brazil, with a BMW power-chain and Juan Pablo Montoya at the wheel. Last time a Williams powered Renault car won in a Grand Prix since Jacques Villeneuve at the Nurburgring, 1997. Until on 13 May 2012 at the Circuit de Catalunya that the first Williams win since 2004 has won. To be honest I didn't expect a Williams win this season, or even on race day, I thought Fernando Alonso or Kimi Raikkonen would have won.
Look at last year Williams got only five points in 2011 with their worst car/season ever. This season, already 43 points in five races, laying equal fifth in the constructors championship. A much improved Pastor Maldonado who's got a seasons worth of race experience, a much improved Bruno Senna who's got a pre-season under him. Bringing in Mike Coughlan as Chief Designer for the FW34, everyone at the factory too and finally bringing Renault engnes was a big difference, sorry Cosworth and Toyota but your engines didn't cut it for the past few years. Now Williams have won. I think the rot is over, I personally think rot was over at the first race of the season at Melbourne to be honest maybe even in pre-season testing.
And now Williams are back! Another Williams win this season? who knows. Happy for the team. Well done Pastor Maldonado and Williams.
End of blog for how, new blog soon, that is all. Bye.
As the title says above a 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Review of the race. Round 2 for 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa-Francorchamps. Audi Sport Team Joest team won the race overall and WEC LMP1 class in their R18 TDi Ultra with drivers Romain Dumas, Loïc Duval and Marc Gene ahead of Audi team mates of André Lotterer, Marcel Fässler and Benoît Tréluyerto in the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro. Third was Oliver Jarvis and Marco Bonanomi in their Audi R18 TDi. While, Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello took fourth place in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro to make a Audi R18 one-two-three-four.
In LMP2 class, the Jota team of Sam Hancock and Simon Dolan in their Zytek Z11SN with a Nissan 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class and 8th overall. While in GTE Pro class, was won by Team Felbermayr-Proton, with Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz as drivers won in their Porsche 997 GT3-RSR. Finished 18th overall as-well. While in GTE Am class, was won by IMSA Performance Matmut team of Anthony Pons, Nicolas Armindo and Raymond Narac in their Porsche 997 GT3-RSR And finished 22nd overall.
Four minutes highlights package of the race below from Michelin's own Youtube channel. So enjoy.
Next Stop Le Mans. End of post/blog for now, That is all. Bye.
On Thusday night, Carroll Shelby has past away at the age of 89. In his career he was an automotive designer and a racing driver. He was most well known for making the AC Motors-based Shelby Cobra and later the Mustang-based performance cars for Shelby Mustang GT which he has done since 1965.
He tried Formula 1 back in the late 1950s with Maserati and Aston Martin and finished fourth in a car shared with Masten Gregory at Monza in 1958 with the Maserati 250F. And won Le Mans as a driver in 1959 with the Aston Martin DBR1 with Roy Salvadori. Also, won as a team boss with his own team with the famous Ford GT40 back in 1966 and 1967.
There is a nice YouTube video of Carroll Shelby from last year, in his own words talking about Shelby Cobra, Shelby Mustang GT, Le Mans, Ford GT40 and future ahead when he leaves this world. Enjoy.
In this post, recap of the last two MotoGP race recaps from Jerez (29/4/12) and Estroil (6/5/12). Then, this weekends Spanish Grand Prix Predictions.
Two race wins from Casey Stoner from the last two rounds of the MotoGP championship at Jerez in Spain (29/4/12) and at Estroil (6/5/12) in Portugal to take the lead of the MotoGP riders standings, while Jorge Lorenzo finished in both races in second, while Dani Pedrosa finished third in both races.
So, this weekends Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix Predictions at Barcelona, Jenson Button for the win in his McLaren, Sebastian Vettel second in the Red Bull and Fernando Alonso third in the Ferrari. Don't forget Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton, two Mercedes AMG drivers or two Lotus drivers either.
Febbre Villeneuve means 'Villeneuve fever' in Italian. As a pervious blog says its been 30 years today that Gilles Villeneuve got killed in a Qualifying accident at Zolder in Belgium.
Here is some YouTube videos of Gilles Villeneuve driving at his home track in Montreal, which is now called Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after his death. First Youtube video of Gilles winning his first Formula 1 win at his home track in 1978.
This one in 1981 were Gilles in his Ferrari, finished third at a raining Montreal, despite having no front vision or no front wing.
And today at a sunny Fiorano Circuit, 1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve the son of Gilles Villeneuve. Did a few demo laps in a 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 that Gilles drove to three victories and four second-place finishes to help Ferrari secure the constructors' title and his teammate Jody Scheckter to take the drivers' title in 1979.
Some footage from Youtube of Jacques driving Gilles 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 at Fiorano.
This week, it has been 30 years that Gilles Villeneuve has past away from us (8/5/12 to be correct) from a Qualifying accident at Zolder in Belgium, were he instantly got killed in his Ferrari.
So we're got to celebrate Gilles Villeneuve life and career, never forget why Gilles Villeneuve was a brilliant driver. He was one of the most exciting drivers to watch. Renowned for his ability to wrestle blistering lap times, often sideways, from out of some of the most difficult cars to handle. Watch the YouTube videos below when Gilles was battling against Rene Arnoux at Dejon in 1979 or at Zandvoort 1979 race, with his three wheels on his Ferrari or even the race in Jarama 1981 were he won one of his six races in his F1 career. That explain why he is one of most talent and exciting drivers to watch. So enjoy the videos, of why one driver make Formula 1 so exciting.
With the thirtieth anniversary of his death this week, Ferrari is planning a tribute event at its Fiorano test track in Maranello that will reunite the Villeneuve name with the Scuderia to which he is associated in his F1 career.
On May 8th, 1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve the son of Gilles Villeneuve will drive his 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 that his father drove to three victories and four second-place finishes to help Ferrari secure the constructors' title and his teammate Jody Scheckter to take the drivers' title in 1979. Jacques will drive his father former car around for a few demo laps. Which I believe, is a very nice tribute to Gilles Villeneuve from Gilles Villeneuve and Ferrari.
End of blog for how, new blog soon, that is all. Bye.
This weekend will be the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa. But this season, car company Morgan are returning to the world endurance category, since their class win at Le Mans in 1962 with the Morgan Plus 4, with their own LMP2 car called the 'Morgan LMP2'. Basically an old up-dated Pescarolo 01 chassis with OAK Racing partnership with Morgan Motor Company re-branded as a Morgan. And OAK Racing will be maintaining the cars.
OAK Racing will have two 'Morgan LMP2's' with Judd 3.6L V8s for European Le Mans Season and WEC outings. While Conquest Endurance will use one car for American Le Mans Series. And instead of a Judd 3.6L V8, Conquest will use a Nissan 4.5L V8.
While at Sebring 12 hour race two months back, OAK Racing with the 'Morgan LMP2' finished 5th in the race, second in LMP2 class, only a lap behind the leading LMP2 team of Starworks Motorsport in their HPD ARX-03b.
So good luck to Morgan and OAK Racing for Le Mans later this year. End of blog for how, new blog soon, that is all. Bye.
The last two months I did two posts on the Volvo S60 TTA and on the Saab 9-3 TTA. And now WestCoast Racing launches their new TTA-challenger called BMW M3 TTA in this seasons TTA Racing Elite League.
Just like Polestar and Flash Engineering in the pervious posts before, WestCoast Racing run many seasons in the Swedish/Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, previously running with BMW. They will enter the series with four BMW M3, which sees the number of brands on the TTA grid increase to four along with Saab (Team Tidö and Flash Engineering), Citroën (Brovallen Design) and Volvo (Polestar Racing).
The same as the Volvo and Saab before, a 400 bhp engine with a KERS system in a space-frame touring car under the BMWs body.
Also, WestCoast Racing does the ADAC GT Masters, which is a GT3 championship based in Germany, Holland and Austria. WestCoast Racing raced a pair of BMW Z4 GT3 in the series. A 4.4 litre V8 front engine rear drive, producing over 500 bhp. The team posted a video from their own YouTube channel.
The video below is a documentation/time-lapse photography video of a Z4 GT3 being assembled. It took WestCoast Racing 600 hours to make one BMW Z4 GT3 from scratch. Enjoy the video.
End of post/blog for now. New post/blog soon. Bye.
Its has been 18 years today, that Ayrton Senna has past away from us (read previous post). So we got to celebrate Senna life, never forget Ayrton's achievements in Formula 1.
And last year I did a post on one of Senna best race's at Monaco in 1984, were he finished second place in an under-powered Toleman. This year another Great Ayrton Senna race in the start of the 1990 season at Phoenix in USA, were Senna was in a dominating McLaren MP4/5B with a Honda 3.5l V10 underneath his car with Goodyear tyres.
But, Senna had to come from behind after Jean Alesi in his under-funded Tyrrell 018 with his under-powered Cosworth 3.5l V8 with Pirelli tyres. Almost stole the race away from the Brazilian, what would have been a major upset win for Alesi. But, somehow Senna pass Alesi to take the lead and the win. Senna took an eight-second win over Alesi at the end, who scored his first podium finish in Formula 1. And for Tyrrell team a great result likewise. (Video below of the race).
