2013 Dutch MotoGP Review and for first time in 994 days, Valentino Rossi wins a Grand Prix

Review of the round seven of the 2013 MotoGP season at TT Circuit Assen, Assen in Holland for MotoGP's only Saturday race of the season.

In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Yamaha Factory Racing rider and former seven times MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi in his works Yamaha YZR-M1 and for the first time in nearly three years he wins a Grand Prix. Second place was Repsol Honda Team rider and 2012 Moto2 Champion Marc Márquez in his works Honda RC213V, he was over 2 seconds behind Rossi at the end. While, third place was Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Cal Crutchlow on his satellite spec Yamaha YZR-M1, Crutchlow was over 4 seconds behind Rossi at the end.

But the ride of the day goes to current MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, that was after a horrible crash during a wet Thursday practice session; flow back to Spain to a have collarbone surgery. Then return for the race in a superhuman performance to finished in 5th place, Lorenzo was only 15 seconds behind team-mate Rossi at the end.

In CRT class (Claiming Rule Teams,street bike engines rather than non prototype engines), the Power Electronics Aspar rider Aleix Espargaró won CRT class and finished 8th overall in his ART (Aprilia), he was 32 seconds behind Rossi at the end.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Tuenti HP 40 rider Pol Espargaró on the Kalex. Second was Marc VDS Racing Team rider of Scott Redding on the Kalex, he was only 12 hundredths of a second behind Espargaró at the end. While, third was Technomag carXpert rider Dominique Aegerter on the Suter, he was over 3 seconds behind Espargaró at the end of the race.

While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Luis Salom on the KTM. Second was Team Calvo rider Maverick Viñales on the KTM, he was only 12 hundredths of a second behind Salom at the end of the race. While, third was Estrella Galicia rider Álex Rins on the KTM, he was only 28 hundredths of a second behind Salom at the end of the race.

End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

It's Official - Suzuki to return to MotoGP in 2015

It's has been recently announced a few weeks back that Suzuki will return to MotoGP. But, not until 2015.





Suzuki (17/6/2013) announced its return to the MotoGP grid, since Suzuki withdrew from MotoGP paddock at the end of the 2011 season. But, as not thought we thought, the brands comeback will be in 2015 season rather than the 2014 season as had been predicted.

Suzuki tested their new 1000cc MotoGP racer at Barcelona last week (17/6/2013) a day after Catalunya Grand Prix round.

Suzuki also announced that former Yamaha team chief Davide Brivio will be team manager of its test operation. Brivio was the architect of Valentino Rossi's move to Yamaha in 2004, and then helped the Italian move to Ducati in 2010.

Suzuki, also confirmed that Aspar MotoGP rider Randy de Puniet as the teams development programme's test rider and already ride the new Suzuki in Japan before its European debut last week.

Shame they're not returting in 2014, but at least we know they're returning , but for another years what that is. Now it's just testing till 2015.



End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

It's Official - Mark Webber quits F1 at the end of the season and racing at Le Mans and WEC with Porsche in LMP1 2014

As confirmed yesterday (27/6/13) that Mark Webber has signed a multi year contract with Porsche to join the firm’s LMP1 program in 2014 to challenge in WEC series and 24 hours of Le Mans race. Which means the Australian will thus be leaving Formula 1 after 12 seasons thus far, has included nine Grand Prix victories.



In a previous post that I wouldn't be surprise that Mark Webber was going to quit F1 and do the Porsche gig. Also, I believe what has happen during the Malaysia Grand Prix with "Multi21" team orders, early in the season which includes no punishment to Sebastian Vettel for ignored team orders not to pass Webber on his way to victory and might have driven him to quit Red Bull and to quit F1 altogether and go with Porsche in 2014.

So who would replace Mark Webber at Red Bull for next season, strong rumours would suggest that Kimi Raikkonen is the man most likely to join Red Bull Racing. But in a pervious post, I felt this won't happen due to who's gonna be his team-mate would be in Sebastian Vettel. The more than likely option would be either Toro Rosso drivers Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Éric Vergne. If I was picking I would go with Jean-Éric Vergne.

But, a wild-card for the seat at Red Bull next season could be Force India driver Paul di Resta. For two reasons, back in his F3 days in 2006, Paul di Resta was actually the faster driver than Sebastian Vettel and the other some of his race performances this season might count (Bahrain Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix and Canadian Grand Prix to name a few). Time will tell who is Sebastian Vettel's team-mate.

As for Mark Webber good luck at your new challenge at Porsche next season. As when we get to the start of 2014 F1 season at Melbourne we are all going to miss a little bit of Aussie Grit on the grid.




End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

F1 2013 British Grand Prix Predictions

Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone the home of the British Grand Prix, were eight Formula one teams (Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes AMG, Lotus, Force India, Williams, Caterham, Marussia) and four Formula 1 drivers (Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Paul di Resta, Max Chilton) is their home grand prix.

And before I start I got the predictions right last time out for the top three places (the link here for the page for the prove of the Predictions for the Canadian Grand Prix).

And so predictions for the race itself, Fernando Alonso for the win in his Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen second in the Lotus, and Sebastian Vettel third in the Red Bull. Don't forget the Mercedes drivers, Filipe Massa, and Mark Webber either for a podium place as-well.

End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.

2014 Garage 56 entry - Nissan ZEOD RC

A day before the 24 Hours of Le Mans started (21/6/13), Nissan has unveiled its new electric car that will run as the Garage 56 entry in the 24 Hours of Le Mans next season called the ZEOD RC.







The Nissan ZEOD RC, designed by DeltaWing creator Ben Bowlby, so that is why its appears visually similar looking to the DeltaWing from last year.





Designed as a Coupe, the ZEOD RC stands for Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car, will make use of the same battery technology found on Nissan's LEAF road car and will be used to test technology that could be used on an LMP1-Hybrid machine at some point in the future.

No word yet on the power output of the ZEOD RC. But, Nissan will aim to produce lap times ahead of the GTE-Pro field with the car, with a max speed of over 180 mph on the Mulsanne Straight.



If any manufacture that have the technology and budget to race the 24 Hours of Le Mans in an Electric race car and to finish the race as-well, it's more than likely is none other than Nissan, good luck for 2014.

End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

WRC Round 7 recap

Last weekends was round seven of the World Rally Championship at Rally d'Italia Sardegna (20th-22nd June) was won by Sébastien Ogier in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, to win the rally overall. While, Thierry Neuville finished in second place in the Qatar World Rally Team Ford Fiesta RS WRC. Neuville was under 80 seconds behind Ogier at the end. Meanwhile, Jari-Matti Latvala, finished in third place in the other works Volkswagen Polo R WRC. Latvala was under two minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally.



Also, mention to Elfyn Evans in his Qatar World Rally Team Ford Fiesta RS WRC finished in sixth place, Evans was under 12 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. Elfyn Evans who replaced Nasser Al-Attiyah a week before the event started, as the former Junior WRC champion to finish in the points on his first time in the Ford Fiesta RS WRC, contracts to Elfyn Evans.



Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won once again by none other than former Formula One driver Robert Kubica his Citroën backed Citroën DS3 RCC. Robert Kubica finished in ninth place overall and two points in the main standings as-well, he was under 17 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally.



While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Christian Riedemann in ADAC Team Weser-Ems team in their Citroën DS3 R3T. Christian Riedemann finished in sixtieth place overall, he was under 30 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally.

End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

2013 24 Hours of Le Mans Review, Allan Simonsen 1978-2013

As the title says above a 24 Hours of Le Mans Review of the race. Round 3 for 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship at Le Mans. And this years 24 hours of Le Mans race will be remembered for the Audi win and the death of GTE-Am driver Allan Simonsen.

Audi Sport Team Joest team won the race overall and WEC LMP1 class in their R18 e-tron quatrro with drivers Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Loïc Duval and managed to do 348 laps altogether in dry/wet conditions. This is Loïc Duval first Le Mans win outright, Allan McNish third Le Mans win outright, and Tom Kristensen ninth Le Mans outright win and he dedicate his win to his father who has past early on in the year. Also, to the late Allan Simonsen (I will be writing later in the post).



This was Audi's 12th 24 Hours of Le Mans outright win in the last 14 years. So watch out for Porsche, who will return to the LMP1 category and Le Mans next year, for the first time in 16 years to add to their 16 Le Mans outright wins with their new LMP1 Hybrid race car.

Meanwhile, Toyota Racing team of Anthony Davidson, Sébastien Buemi and Stéphane Sarrazin came in second place in their Toyota TS030 Hybrid, a lap down from the leaders. Third was the second Audi Sport Team Joest drivers of Oliver Jarvis, Marc Gene and Lucas di Grassi in their Audi R18 e-tron, a lap down behind the lead Audi and under two minutes behind the second place Toyota.

Four and half minutes highlights package of the race below from Michelin's own Youtube channel. So enjoy.



Forth place was the second Toyota Toyota TS030 Hybrid of Alexander Wurz, Kazuki Nakajima and Nicolas Lapierre, they were seven laps down at the end, after Nicolas Lapierre crashed heavily at the Porsche curves, but amazingly managed to get his car back to the pits and repaired without dropping any more spots inside the last two hours of the race.



Fifth place was the third Audi R18 e-tron quatrro, current WEC Champions and last years winners of the 24 André Lotterer, Marcel Fässler and Benoît Tréluyerto. They were 10 laps down from the leaders at the end, after they had lead the race from the start until the seventh hour, when the #1 car spent 12 laps in the pits while an alternator problem was fixed. And my opinion they would have won the race again if the R18 e-tron didn't had alternator problems.

Top privateer LMP1 car at Le Mans was Strakka Racing of Nick Leventis, Danny Watts and Jonny Kane in their HPD ARX-03c with a Honda LM-V8 3.4 L V8 was 6th overall, 16 laps behind the leaders.

In LMP2 class, the OAK Racing team of Bertrand Baguette, Martin Plowman and Ricardo González in their Morgan LMP2, Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class and 7th overall, 19 laps down from the lead Audi.

While in GTE Pro class, was won by Porsche AG Team Manthey team of Romain Dumas, Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz won in their Porsche 991 GT3-RSR, finished in 17th overall, 33 laps down the leading Audi.

While in GTE Am class, was won by Imsa Performance Porsche team of Raymond Narac, Jean-Karl Vernay and Christophe Bourret in their Porsche 997 GT3-RSR and finished in 26th overall, 42 laps behind the leaders.

Also, quick mention to Dempsey Del Piero-Proton team of Hollywood actor Patrick Dempsey, Patrick Long and Joe Foster in their Porsche 997 GT3-RSR, finished in 29th overall, forth in GTE Am class, 43 laps behind the leaders and a lap down behind GTE Am class leaders after 24 hours.



And Finally to Allan Simonsen who was competing at 24 Hours of Le Mans for his seventh time with Christoffer Nygaard and Kristian Poulsen in their Prodrive Aston Martin GE Am spec Aston Martin Vantage GTE, Simonsen spun his Aston Martin Vantage GTE at the Tertre Rouge corner on the third lap of the race and crashed heavily into the barrier. The impact was strong enough to crush part of the roof and rollcage of his Aston Martin Vantage. Simonsen was treated at the scene of the accident before taking him to the circuit's medical centre where he later died from his injuries.



His death was the first such racing incident during a 24 Hours of Le Mans race since Jo Gartner was killed in 1986, while French driver Sébastien Enjolras died more recently in a pre-qualifying session accident prior to the 1997 race.

Motorsport is dangerous sport. No matter if its Go-Karting, motorbikes, Formula 1, Indy Car, Endurance Racing or any kind of Motorsport is dangerous, but motorsport can be safer between tracks, fans, specators, tracks marshells, people in pits, cars and drivers too.

So condolences goes out to Allan Simonsen's family and close friends.



R.I.P. Allan Simonsen (5 July, 1978 – June 22, 2013

Next Stop 6 Hours of São Paulo at the start of September for the FIA World Endurance Championship.

2013 24 Hours of Le Mans Journal Part 2 (last 12 hours)

Second part of the journal update for this years 24 Hours of Le Mans race, from my Twitter feed. From, the last twelve hours of the twenty four hours, first part of the journal is here, so here is the second part:

After 13 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading, #7 Toyota 2nd, #8 Toyota 3rd, #3 Audi 4th, #1 Audi 9th, #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

Last tweet for the night. Back in the morning. Night folks.

Back up guys, tweeting updates on Le Mans in 2 mins #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

After 18 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading, #7 Toyota 2nd, #8 Toyota 3rd, #3 Audi 4th, #1 Audi 6th, #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

Also, to note that both Lotus LMP2 cars are both retired. #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

After 19 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading, #7 Toyota 2nd, #8 Toyota 3rd, #3 Audi 4th, #1 Audi 5th, #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

#99 GTE pro Aston is out of the race new GTE pro leaders are #92 Porsche, 5 hours to go #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

After 20 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading, #8 Toyota 2nd, #7 Toyota 3rd, #3 Audi 4th, #1 Audi 5th, #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

After 21 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading, #8 Toyota 2nd, #7 Toyota 3rd, #3 Audi 4th, #1 Audi 5th, #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

After 22 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading, #8 Toyota 2nd, #3 Audi 3rd, #7 Toyota 4th, 1 Audi 5th, #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

Top non works LMP 1 car is #21 Strakka Racing in 6th, top LMP 2 is #35 Oak Racing in 7th, top GTE pro car is #97 Aston Martin in 18th

And top GTE Am car is #76 Imsa Performance Porsche in 27th. #LM24 #LeMans #24LM 2 hours to go.

After 23 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading, #8 Toyota 2nd, #3 Audi 3rd, #7 Toyota 4th, #1 Audi 5th, #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

In GTE Pro #92 Porsche is leading it class with a Porsche 1-2. One hour to go #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

#7 Toyota is back out, will finish in 4th place. 35 mins to go. #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

#2 Audi e-tron wins 2013 24 hours of Le Mans, #8 Toyota 2nd, #3 Audi 3rd, #7 Toyota 4th, #1 Audi 5th, #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

Top privateer LMP 1 car is #21 Strakka Racing in 6th, top LMP 2 is #35 Oak Racing in 7th, top GTE pro car is #92 Porsche 911 in 16th .......

And top GTE Am car is #76 Imsa Performance Porsche in 26th. #LM24 #LeMans #24LM.

A full 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans review later on the week. But for now, end of post for how, new post soon, that is all. Bye.

2013 24 Hours of Le Mans Journal Part 1 (first 12 hours)

Basically a journal update for this years 24 Hours of Le Mans race, from my Twitter feed. From, the first twelve hours of the twenty four hours:

After 1 hour of Le Mans: #1 Audi e-tron is leading, Toyota 2nd and 3rd.

After 2 hours of Le Mans 24 hours race: #1 of Audi e-tron is leading the race so far. #24LM

After 4 hours of Le Mans: #1 Audi e-tron is leading an Audi 1-2-3 of the race so far at Le Mans. #24LM

RIP Allan Simonsen #24LM

After 5 hours of Le Mans: #1 Audi e-tron is still leading with an Audi 1-2-3, then Toyota 4-5, and then Rebellion 6-7 #LM24 #24LM #LeMans

After 6 hours of Le Mans: #1 Audi e-tron is still leading with an Audi 1-2-3 #LM24 #24LM #LeMans

In other classes at Le Mans, #26 leading LMP2 (9th overall), #97 leading GTE pro (19th overall), #55 leading GTE am (34th overall) #24LM

After 7 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is leading, Toyota 2nd and 3rd, other Audi e-trona having problems of sorts #LM24 #24LM #LeMans

If the #2 Audi e-tron have problems, Toyota might be in-it-to-win-it #LM24 #24LM #LeMans

After 8 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading with both Toyotas' behind #LM24 #24LM #LeMans

After 9 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading, #8 Toyota is 2nd, #7 Toyota is 3rd, #3 Audi e-tron is 4th and #1 is 16th, #LM24

After 10 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still ahead, #8 Toyota is 2nd, #7 Toyota is 3rd, #3 Audi is 4th & #1 Audi is 15th 11 laps down.

top LMP1 privative is #13 Rebellion in 5th, top LMP2 is #35 Oak Racing in 9th, ... #LM24 #Lemans #24LM

After 11 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still leading, #8 Toyota 2nd, #7 Toyota 3rd, #3 Audi 4th, #1 Audi 11th, #LM24 #LeMans #24LM

After 12 hours of Le Mans: #2 Audi e-tron is still ahead, #8 Toyota 2nd, #7 Toyota 3rd, #3 Audi 4th, #1 Audi 9th. ...

... top LMP1 non works team is #13 Rebellion in 5th, top LMP2 is #35 Oak Racing in 8th, ....

... top GTE pro is #99 Aston in 20th, top GTE am is #76 IMSA PERFORMANCE MATMUT in 34th. #24LM #LeMans #LM24

Next 12 hours (second part of the journal) later in the day. End of blog/post for now, new post soon. Bye.

A lucky escape for some

It has been announced yesterday (21/6/13) that Mercedes will be banned from the annual Young Driver Test and gets an official reprimand, after testing with Pirelli in Barcelona after this seasons Spanish Grand Prix. Pirelli itself escapes with just a reprimande. That's the outcome of the FIA hearing in Paris on Thursday.

Mercedes says it accepts the decision of the FIA International Tribunal and won't appeal against the ruling made in relation its tyre test with Pirelli.



The FIA Tribunal elected to reprimand the team and also banned it from taking part in the annual Young Driver Test, having decided that it had benefitted from the Pirelli test despite acting in good faith and not deliberately trying to gain an unfair advantage.

And so to my opinion, I feel that Mercedes F1 team had a lucky escape yesterday, as the punishment could have been worse, I felt that the Monaco win for Nico Rosberg would have been striped and a two race ban beckoned for the Mercedes team or even a two year suspending ban for the team. Instead, the team only is banned from the annual Young Driver Test after the British Grand Prix and gets an official reprimand, after testing with Pirelli after this seasons Spanish Grand Prix is a lucky escape for that punishment to happen to any team.

End of blog/post for now, new post soon. Bye.

It's Official - Volvo to Enter V8 Supercars in 2014.

This was announced on Monday morning (17/6/13), the news Volvo will join the V8 Supercars Championship in 2014 and become the fifth manufacturer to enter the sport under its new rules ‘Car of the Future’.





Volvo will take on Holden, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan in next year’s championship – the first four car companies that will run under new ‘Car of the Future’ rules this season.

The Swedish manufacturer's motorsport partner Polestar will join up with V8 squad Garry Rogers Motorsport, which currently runs Holden, to field two Volvo S60s for 2014.



End of blog/post for now, new post soon. Bye.

Audi R18 e-tron quatrro vs Toyota TS030 Hybrid, that means 24 Hours of Le Mans 2013 predictions

The 24 hours of Le Mans race is this weekend. Starts from 2pm (UK time) Saturday finishes on 2pm Sunday I am gonna try to tweet most I can in the 24 hours (Twitter page here). Prediction for the race? gonna be a battle between Audi R18 e-tron quattros' and Toyota TS030 Hybrids'. Qualifying for the race is finished and the Audi e-tron of Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Loïc Duval are on pole, and the second Audi R18 e-tron of André Lotterer, Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler are on the front row. While the third Audi R18 e-tron of Marc Gené, Oliver Jarvis and Lucas di Grassi will start third place. And meanwhile the first on the Toyotas' of Anthony Davidson, Stéphane Sarrazin and Sébastien Buemi will start in forth place on the grid for 24 hours of Le Mans race.

So predictions for the race, I predict that the Audi Ri8 e-tron of Loïc Duval, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish in my honest opinion will win the 24 hour race, dispite they are starting from fourth place.

End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

2013 Catalunya MotoGP Review

Review of the round six of the 2013 MotoGP season at the Circuit de Catalunya, in the outskirts of Barcelona, Catalonia, in Spain.

In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Yamaha Factory Racing rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo in his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second place was was Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedorsa, in his works Honda RC213V, Pedrosa was over a second and a half behind Lorenzo at the end. While, Pedrosa's Repsol Honda team-mate and current Moto2 Champion Marc Marquez finished in third place on his works Honda RC213V, Marquez was over 1.8 second behind Lorenzo at the end.

In CRT class (Claiming Rule Teams, street bike engines rather than non prototype engines), the Power Electronics Aspar rider Aleix Espargaró won CRT class and finished 8th overall in his ART (Aprilia), he was over 58 seconds behind Lorenzo at the end.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Tuenti HP 40 rider Pol Espargaró on the Kalex for his second race win of the season. Second was the other Tuenti HP 40 rider Esteve Rabat on the Kalex, he was over eight-hundredth of a second behind team-mate Espargaró at the end. While, third was Interwetten Paddock Moto2 Racing rider Thomas Lüthi on the Suter, he was over 6 seconds behind Espargaró at the end of the race.

While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Luis Salom on the KTM. Second was Estrella Galicia rider Álex Rins on the KTM, he was just over two-tenth of a second behind Salom at the end of the race. While, third was was Team Calvo rider Maverick Viñales on the KTM, he was also over six-tenths of a second behind Salom at the end of the race.

End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

The first guy who won for Ferrari in Formula 1 has past away, José Froilán González 1922 – 2013

Since 1951, Ferrari have won 221 race victories in Formula 1 and counting. And the first person who won for Ferrari was Argentine race driver called José Froilán González in his Ferrari 375 F1 car at the 1951 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. And then once again in 1954, winning at Silverstone for a second time, while four other podiums that year helped him to second place in the World Championship, behind only Juan Manuel Fangio in the standings.



But sadly, José Froilán González past away yesterday (June 15th), aged 90. Condolences goes out to José Froilán González's family and close friends.

R.I.P. José Froilán González (5 October, 1922 – June 15, 2013)

Top Twenty Best Le Mans race cars Part 3, Celebrating 90 years of Le Mans (6-1)

Third and final part of the Top Twenty Best Le Mans race cars, Celebrating 90 years of Le Mans. Back to the list, starting with Number six:



Number 6: 1970-71 Porsche 917K
Story: This was the first Porsche race car that dominated at Le Mans and took two of Porsche's 16 wins at Le Mans. Designed by Norbert Singer, the Porsche 917K used the Porsche 4.9 litre Flat-12 engine to create 600 bhp back in the early 1970s. Which took Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood to the 1970 Le Mans race win to make a Porsche one-two-three finish(second place was using the Porsche 917L, while third was using a Porsche 908/2L). Then in 1971, Dr. Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep took victory in their Porsche 917K to finish off a Porsche one-two in the 24 hour race.





Number 5: 1931-34 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300
Story: Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 will be possibly the most dominated race car at Le Mans before the pre-World War 2. The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 uses a 2.3 litre straight eight engine that produces 180 bhp. Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 took Lord Howe and Sir Henry Birkin to Le Mans victory in 1931. While in 1932, Raymond Sommer and Luigi Chinetti took victory with an Alfa Romeo one-two finish. In 1933, Raymond Sommer and Tazio Nuvolari took victory with an Alfa Romeo one-two-three finish. And finally in 1934, with Luigi Chinetti and Philippe Étancelin driving the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 to take victory at Le mans for the final time.



Number 4: 1958, 1960-61 Ferrari 250 TR
Story: Ferrari 250 TR will be most dominate Ferrari at Le Mans. Ferrari 250 TR uses the Ferrari 3 litre V12 engine that produces over 300 bhp. The Ferrari 250 TR won three outright Le Mans victory, in 1958 when Olivier Gendebien and Phil Hill took victory at Le Mans in the Ferrari 250 TR/58. Then again in 1960 with Paul Frère and Olivier Gendebien driving to give Ferrari a one-two finish in the race in the Ferrari 250 TR 59/60. And finally once again in 1961 were Olivier Gendebien and Phil Hill took victory in the Ferrari 250 TRI61 to give Ferrari a one-two-three finish (third place Ferrari was a Ferrari 250GT SWB instead of the Ferrari 250 TR).



Number 3: 2000-02, 2004-05 Audi R8
Story: The race car that took Audi to it's first Five 24 hours of Le Mans wins. The Audi R8 uses the Audi 3.6 litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that produces 610 bhp. Frank Biela, Tom Kristensen and Emanuele Pirro took 2000 win with an Audi one-two-three finish. Frank Biela, Tom Kristensen and Emanuele Pirro once again for an Audi one-two finish in 2001. And one more time in 2002 with Frank Biela, Tom Kristensen and Emanuele Pirro as the winners to give Audi another one-two-three finish. Forth win came in 2004, and this time Seiji Ara, Rinaldo Capello and Tom Kristensen as winners for another Audi one-two-three finish. And finally in 2005 with Tom Kristensen, JJ Lehto and Marco Werner as the winners to finish the domination of the Audi R8 at Le Mans.





Number 2: 1982-85 Porsche 956
Story: Designed by Norbert Singer, the Porsche 956 took Porsche to it's seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth victories at Le Mans in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985. Porsche 956 uses the Porsche 2.6 litre twin turbo flat-6 engine that produces 620 bhp. In 1982 Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell took victory to give Porsche a one-two-three finish. In 1983, Porsche drivers Vern Schuppan, Hurley Haywood and Al Holbert took victory in that years 24 hours race. Also in that race, nine Porsche 956's finished inside the top ten after 24 hours as-well(1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th-6th-7th-8th-10th place). In 1984, Henri Pescarolo and Klaus Ludwig took victory in that years 24 hours race. Also in that race, eight Porsche 956's finished inside the top ten after 24 hours as-well(1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th-6th-7th-9th place). Finally in 1985, Klaus Ludwig, Paolo Barilla and "John Winter" took victory to give the Porsche 956 the most dominated race car in the Group C era, and possibly the most dominated race car ever at Le Mans.





Number 1: 1966-69 Ford GT40
Story: So why is Ford GT40 is my number one in my top twenty best Le Mans race cars ever instead of the Porsche 956 or Audi R8 for example? Because of history don't forget this car was dominating at Le Mans too. Back in 1963, Ford almost bought Ferrari, but Ferrari owner Enzo Ferrari stopped the deal on the 11th hour. Henry Ford II who owned Ford at that time, directed his racing division to find a company that could build a Ferrari-beater on the world endurance-racing circuit, which includes winning at Le Mans at all costs.



The original Ford GT40 was designed and developed by Lola designers in 1963 with the Ford 4.2 litre V8 included that produces 400 bhp. Then in 1964, Carroll Shelby took over the project put in his tuned Shelby Ford 7.0 litre V8 engine inside the Ford Gt40 Mark IV that produces 485 bhp while later Ford GT40 Mark I and II models had the smaller Ford 4.9 litre V8 engine that produces over 430 bhp. The Ford GT40 took victory in the 1966 race with Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon as drivers to give Ford a one-two-three finish. While in 1967, Dan Gurney and A. J. Foyt took victory inside the Ford GT40. In 1968, Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi took victory. And finally in 1969, Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver took the final victory for the Ford GT40 at the 24 hours of Le Mans.



A great Legacy of Le Mans race cars from the last 90 years.

End of blog for how, new post soon. Bye.

Top Twenty Best Le Mans race cars Part 2, Celebrating 90 years of Le Mans (12-7)

Part two of the Top Twenty Best Le Mans race cars, Celebrating 90 years of Le Mans. Back to the list, starting with Number twelve:



Number 12: 1988 Jaguar XJR-9LM
Story: After many years away from Le Mans, and after many years of Porsche dominance at the 24 hours race. Jaguar finally beaten Porsche in the Group C racing era. The Jaguar XJR-9 used the Jaguar 7.0 liter V12 that produces 750 bhp. And at the 1988 24 hours of Le Mans race, Jaguar XJR-9 beaten the Porsche's 962C. Drivers of Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries and Andy Wallace took the victory for Jaguar XJR-9LM in 1988, giving Jaguar's first victory at Le Mans for over 30 years.







Number 11: 1929-1930 Bentley Speed Six
Story:The Bentley Speed Six took Bentley to it's forth and fifth victories at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930. The 6.6 litre Bentley straight six engine that produces 200 bhp. Speed Six took Woolf Barnato and Henry Birkin to the 1929 win with a Bentley one-two-three-four finish (second, third and fouth place was using the old Bentley 4½ Litre). While in the 1930 race, Woolf Barnato and Glen Kidston took victory with another Bentley one-two finish.



Number 10: 1995 McLaren F1 GTR
Story: Basically the McLaren F1 GTR developed from the McLaren F1 road car. Designed by Gordon Murray, the McLaren F1 GTR had 600 bhp from a BMW 6.1 litre V12. The McLaren F1 GTR was a grand touring race winning machine, winning races in series such as the BPR Global GT Series, FIA GT Championship, JGTC, and British GT Championship. But, It is most famous for its overall victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans where Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing team of Yannick Dalmas, Masanori Sekiya and JJ Lehto, won the race overall ahead of faster purpose-built prototypes. Also in that race, four McLaren F1 GTR's finished inside the top five after 24 hours as-well(1st-3rd-4th-5th place).





Number 9: 1992-93 Peugeot 905 Evo 1B
Story: The Peugeot 905 Evo 1B was the last of Group C winning Le Mans cars that has been produced. The Peugeot 905 Evo 1B uses a Peugeot 3.5 litre V10 engine that produces 670 bhp. Debut in late 1990, failed to finish in 1991 24 hours race. But in 1992, Peugeot 905 Evo 1B came in as the winners of the 24 hours of Le Mans race with Derek Warwick, Yannick Dalmas and Mark Blundell as drivers. Then in 1993, drivers Eric Hélary, Christophe Bouchut and Geoff Brabham took victory in the Peugeot 905 Evo 1B as Peugeot took an impressive one-two-three finish after 24 hours.



Number 8: 1955-57 Jaguar D-Type
Story: The Jaguar D-Type took Jaguar to it's third, forth and fifth victories at Le Mans in 1955, 1956 and 1957. The Jaguar D-Type used the Jaguar 3.4 liter straight six engine that produces 270 bhp. The Jaguar D-Type took Mike Hawthorn and Ivor Bueb tot the 1955 race win. While in 1956, it was Ron Flockhart and Ninian Sanderson turn to win in the Jaguar D-Type. Finally in 1957, Ron Flockhart and Ivor Bueb once again took victory with a Jaguar one-two-three-four finish in the 24 hour race.





Number 7: 2006-08 Audi R10 TDI
Story: This was the first of the Diesel powered cars that have won at Le Mans. Audi R10 TDI uses an Audi 5.5 litre V12 TDI DPF twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 650 bhp. Audi R10 TDI won three 24 hours of Le Mans victories in a row. Both 2006 and 2007 with Frank Biela, Marco Werner and Emanuele Pirro as drivers. Then in 2008, this time with Allan McNish, Dinaldo Capello and Tom Kristensen as drivers to give one of the most successful Diesel cars at Le Mans.





Next post number six to number one.

End of blog for how, new post soon. Bye.

Top Twenty Best Le Mans race cars Part 1, Celebrating 90 years of Le Mans (20-13)

This season is 90th year of 24 hours of Le Mans race is formed. Back in 1923 were French men André Lagache and René Léonard winning the first ever 24 hours of Le Mans race in a Chenard & Walcker Sport 3-Litre. To Celebrate this a top twenty best Le Mans race cars that ever made and produce and won the 24 hours of Le Mans race. This will be a three part post starting from twenty to thirteen. And so Starting with Number twenty of the top twenty is:



Number 20: 1999 BMW V12 LMR
Story: Designed and developed by the Williams F1 team back in 1999. The BMW V12 LMR used a BMW 6 litre V12 engine which produce 600 bhp. Which took, BMW as a manufacture to win the 1999 24 hours of Le Mans race with Pierluigi Martini, Yannick Dalmas and Joachim Winkelhock as drivers on that day.



Number 19: 2003 Bentley Speed 8
Story: After many years away from Le Mans, Bentley returns to the 24 hour race back in 2001 with the all new Speed 8. It used a Bentley (Audi) 4 litre twin-turbo V8 that produces over 600 bhp. Didn't win in 2001 nor in 2002 either. But in 2003, Speed 8 took Bentley to a one-two finish in the 24 hours race to win with Tom Kristensen, Rinaldo Capello and Guy Smith that year.



Number 18: 1989 Sauber C9 Mercedes Benz
Story: After many years away from Le Mans, Mercedes returns to the 24 hours race back in 1987 from a little help from Sauber F1 team. The Sauber C9 used a Mercedes Benz 4.9 litre twin-turbo V8 which produces over 720 bhp. Didn't win in 1987 nor did 1988. But in 1989, Sauber C9 took Sauber and Mercedes Benz to a one-two finish in the 24 hours to win with Jochen Mass, Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens that year.



Number 17: 1959 Aston Martin DBR1
Story: After many years of Aston Martin not winning at the 24 hours race. The Aston Martin DBR1 took Aston Martin to their first 24 hours of Le Mans race win with one-two with Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori winning the race. Aston Martin DBR1 used a Aston Martin 2.5 litre straight six that produces over 250 bhp.



Number 16: 2009 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP
Story: After many years of Audi dominance at the 24 hours race. Peugeot finally beaten Audi for once in 2009 with the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP. Peugeot 908 HDi FAP used a Peugeot HDi 5.5 litre twin-turbo V12, diesel engine which produces 700 bhp. 908 HDi FAP debut in 2007, but it was in 2009 when Peugeot took a one-two finish at the 24 hours of Le Mans race with David Brabham, Marc Gené and Alexander Wurz driving the winning Peugeot.



Number 15: 1991 Mazda 787B
Story: This was the first Japanese car that won the famous Le Mans race outright. And it would be possibly the most least favourite to win the 24 hours race that year as-well in 1991 (Sauber-Mercedes and Jaguar would have been stronger favourites for 1991 race) Mazda 787B used the Mazda R26B 2.6 litre 4-rotor naturally aspirated engine that produces 700bhp. Mazda 787B took drivers Volker Weidler, Johnny Herbert and Bertrand Gachot to Mazda's first and only outright victory at the 24 hours race.



Number 14: 1978 Renault Alpine A442B
Story: Designed and built by Alpine, but funded and powered by Alpine's owners Renault, specifically to contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Renault Alpine A442B uses a 2 litre Reanult turbo V6 that produces 500 bhp. Debut for the 1975 season, but never archived victory in 1976 or 1977, until 1978 when Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud took victory in the 1978 race to give Renault and Alpine their first and only 24 hours of Le Mans win.



Number 13: 1972-74 Matra MS670
Story: Matra MS670 uses a Matra 3 litre V12 engine and produces over 450bhp. Matra MS670 took three Le Mans victories in a row in 1972, 1973 and 1974. In 1972, Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill took a Malta one-two in the race. While in 1973 and 1974, Henri Pescarolo and Gérard Larrousse took back to back victories in the Matra MS670B and Matra MS670C.



Next post number twelve to number seven.

End of blog for how, new post soon. Bye.

Porsche's new LMP1 challenger for 2014 season and 24 Hours of Le Mans

For the first time in 15 years, Porsche's have shown off their first challenger for outright honours at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the 2014 World Endurance Championship Series and it would be their first time challenging as a Works Team since 1998 to tackle the 24 hours race.



No word yet on technical details or a name of its new LMP1 coupe, all is curtain that going o be petrol-hybrid LMP1 race car from Porsche. The new LMP1 race car from Porsche was driven by Porsche's factory test driver Timo Bernhard driving at Porsche's Weissach test track in Germany.

Get Ready Audi and Toyota, Porsche are ready to return in 2014.

End of blog for how, new post soon. Bye.

Why I don't think Kimi Raikkonen will go to Red Bull Racing in 2014 or 2015 either

As the title says, why I don't think Kimi Raikkonen will go to Red Bull Racing in 2014. For the last few months there has been rumours that Mark Webber is set to leave the team and be replaced by Kimi Raikkonen.



Here's the thing, yesterday it was announced that Red Bull Racing has extended Sebastian Vettel's contract until the end of the 2015 season, despite has been linked with long term moves to Ferrari and Mercedes in recent months.

Back to Kimi, his contract is up at the end of the season with Lotus team. He has rumoured for some time he will move to Red Bull Racing in 2014. Why I don't think Kimi Raikkonen will go to Red Bull Racing in 2014 and its down to history.

Back in 2001, Kimi Raikkonen was rumoured he was going to Ferrari in 2002 teaming up with Michael Schumacher. But, he moved to McLaren instead replacing Mika Hakkinen, and the possible reason is that he didn't want to be Ferrari driver two and finishing behind Michael Schumacher all the time.

Then in 2004, Kimi Raikkonen was rumoured he was going off to Ferrari in 2005 season teaming up with Michael Schumacher. But, he opted to stay at McLaren instead teaming with Juan Pablo Montoya, and the main possible reason once again is that he didn't want to be Ferrari driver two and finishing behind Michael Schumacher all the time.

Until in 2007, he went to Ferrari, replacing the semi-retiring Michael Schumacher and be the Ferraru number one driver and stayed with the team for three seasons which includes a drivers' title in 2007.



That's why I don't think he will go to Red Bull Racing because of who's he team-mate will be, and his team-mate will be Sebastian Vettel, and the fear of possibly being Red Bull driver two and finishing behind Sebastian Vettel all the time, despite the works Renault turbo engines, a high paying contract, and teaming up once again with Adrian Newey (worked in the McLaren days).

Kimi Raikkonen best option should be staying at Lotus for another season at least, if not put a clause in the contract that if the car isn't competitive, he can move to a competitive team like Red Bull, if he want's to that is.

Meanwhile who would be Sebastian Vettel's team-mate for 2014, I doubt it would be Mark Webber, due to what happen in Malaysia Grand Prix with "Multi21" team orders, early in the season and I wouldn't be surprise he be off to Porsche to do their LMP1 project for 2014 or going to team up with Fernando Alonso at Ferrari. If it's not Kimi Raikkonen for my choice then who? my guess could be either Toro Rosso drivers Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Éric Vergne. If I was picking I would go with Jean-Éric Vergne, because of recent performances at the Monaco Grand Prix (finished 8th) and Canadian Grand Prix (finished 6th) and also I feel he has outperformed team Daniel Ricciardo for the past one and a half seasons so far.



Also, don't count out Nico Hülkenberg for the second drive at Red Bull Racing either. Time will tell who will be driving for who in 2014. But ,we already know Sebastian Vettel is staying at Red Bull for two more seasons at least.

End of blog for how, new post soon. Bye.

Death of a marshal at the Canadian Grand Prix

The death of a volunteer marshal shortly after last weekends Canadian Grand Prix while helping to remove Esteban Gutierrez’s Sauber highlights the dangers faced by track workers. Mark Robinson who was 38 was crushed to death when he was run over by the tractor-mounted crane that was lifting the car. The driver of the vehicle could not see Robinson at that moment as he had dropped his radio and was stooping to pick it up. Medical staff were able to treat him within 20 seconds of the accident but his injuries were such that his life could not be saved.

Thoughts are with the family and friends of the marshall Mark Robinson who passed away following last weekends incident at the track.

Post 400, 2013 Canadian Grand Prix Review and thoughts on the race

This is post 400 on my blog, that's my little celebration on this blog. Round seven of the F1 season, a quick review of the Canadian Grand Prix, and thoughts on the race itself.

Good points

• Sebastian Vettel (pole to checkered flag finish to win the 2013 Canadian Grand Prix) 
• Fernando Alonso (finished 2nd)
• Lewis Hamilton (finished 3rd)
• Jean-Éric Vergne (finished 6th)
• Force India (Adrian Sutil, finished 10th despite having a drive through penalty at the end of the race; Paul di Resta, finished 7th despite qualified in 17th place on the grid on Force India's 100th Grand Prix)
• Jules Bianchi (finished 17th, ahead of Marussia team-mate Max Chilton and Charles Pic)

Bad points

• McLaren (Sergio Pérez finished 11th place; Jenson Button, finished 12th place, and McLaren's first non point score finish since 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix)
• Williams Valtteri Bottas, finished 14th place despite qualified in 3rd place of the grid; Pastor Maldonado, finished 16th place)
• Sauber (Nico Hülkenberg, DNF Collision damage with Giedo van der Garde; Esteban Gutiérrez, DNF Accident )
• Giedo van der Garde (DNF, Collision with Nico Hülkenberg, 5-place grid penalty for Silverstone)

The race itself was a good enough race to watch. An easy race win for the current F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, to take his third race win of the season, and his first race win in Canada as-well.

Meanwhile, Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso finished second ahead of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton to finish in third place to complete the podium positions for this years' Canadian Grand Prix.

Next stop Silverstone for the British grand Prix in three weeks time.

End of blog for how, new post soon. Bye.

Mercedes Commercial with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton

For the first time since Lewis Hamilton has joined Mercedes AMG team from last year. Lewis Hamilton is in the all new Mercedes-Benz commercial with team-mate Nico Rosberg driving the all new Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG road car. As discripson says on the youtube video below, be careful what you wish for?



Post 400, 2013 F1 Canadian Grand Prix Review tomorrow.

End of blog for how, new post soon. Bye.

Rebellion own LMP1 race car for 2014 season, with a little help from ORECA

This week, Rebellion Racing has announced that it will field its own LMP1 prototype race car when new regulations are introduced into the World Endurance Championship for next year called Rebellion R-One.

The privateer team, which currently runs the Lola B12/60-Toyota in the World Endurance Championship series, will work with French manufacturer ORECA on designing and developing on the new R-One.



No word yet on the engine. But, it's more than likely they will continue to use the same version of the Super GT-based 3.4-litre V8 the team currently uses for the Lola B12/60-Toyota which produces over 500 bhp.



So will the new Rebellion R-One can challenge the manufacturer teams from Audi, Toyota and Porsche for 2014? No, due to I believe that Audi, Toyota and Porsche have the resources and hybrid technologies which the R-One haven't have. But will the R-One will be top LMP1 privateer team, for sure. Good luck to Rebellion Racing for next season.

End of blog for how, new post soon. Bye.

Caterham sponsored LMP2 car for 24 Hours of Le Mans and possibly of a LMP2 race car program

This week Caterham has revealed a sponsorship deal with the Greaves Motorsport LMP2 squad for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours race is part of an evaluation of an entry into the LMP2 customer prototype market.

Caterham liveried Greaves Motorsport LMP2 team, will run the livery of its Zytek-Nissan Z11SN 4.5 litre V8 race car under the Caterham Motorsport banner at the 24 Hours on June 22/23. It will be raced by the Caterham F1 reserve driver Alexander Rossi, Tom Kimber-Smith and Eric Lux. Mike Gascoyne, who is now in charge of Caterham Technology & Innovation says that it might be possible for the company to build its very own LMP2 cars in the future as early before 2015 and supply them to customer teams as-well.






The interest of the Caterham Group in endurance racing follows after Caterham Cars purchases 50% of Alpine in a deal with Renault to produce new Alpine and Caterham cars.

End of blog for how, new post soon. Bye.