2014 WRC Round 9 recap, The Streak is over! as Hyundai Wins!

Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round eight of Rallye Deutschland.

Last weekends was the ninth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rallye Deutschland (22nd-24th August) was first rally since last year that a Volkswagen haven't won a rally this season as both Jari-Matti Latvala and current WRC Champion Sébastien Ogier crashed out while leading. As-well Kris Meeke on the last day as well to give Thierry Neuville the works Hyundai i20 WRC, to win the rally overall and he's first WRC win in his career and Hyundai's first WRC win as-well in their return season to the WRC.



While, team-mate Dani Sordo finished second in the other works Hyundai i20 WRC to give Hyundai a first one-two finish, Sordo was 40 seconds behind Neuville at the end. While, Andreas Mikkelsen finished in third place in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC. Mikkelsen was 50 seconds behind Neuville at the end of the rally.

Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by current J-WRC Champion Pontus Tidemand in his own backed Ford Fiesta R5. Pontus Tidemand finished in ninth place overall, he was over 11 minutes behind Neuville at the end of the rally.

While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Stéphane Lefebvre in his own backed Citroën DS3 R3T. Stéphane Lefebvre finished in nineteenth place overall, he was over 20 minutes behind Neuville at the end of the rally.

Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.



End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye

2014 BTCC Round 7 Recap

Review of Round Seven of the 2014 British Touring Car Championship season was at Knockhill Racing Circuit, in the Fife countryside north of Dunfermline for Scotland's only BTCC round.

In the first race, Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal took the race win in his Honda Civic Tourer. Second was Exocet Racing driver Rob Austin in his Audi A4 and also took Independents class too, he was two tenths of a second behind Neal in the end. While third place was Honda Yuasa Racing driver Gordon Shedden in his Honda Civic Tourer, he was two seconds behind Neal in the end.

Meanwhile in the second race, Airwaves Racing driver Mat Jackson took the race win in his Ford Focus ST Mk.III and also took Independents class too. Second was MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save driver Jason Plato in his MG6 GT, he was one and a half second behind Jackson in the end. While third place was Exocet Racing driver Rob Austin in his Audi A4, he was over two seconds behind Jackson in the end.

While in the third race, eBay Motors driver Rob Collard took the race win in his BMW 125i M Sport and also took Independents class too. Second was AmD Tuning.com driver Dave Newsham in his Ford Focus ST Mk.III, he was six seconds behind Collard in the end. While third place was eBay Motors driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was over six seconds behind Collard in the end.

Next stop Rockingham Motor Speedway for Round Eight of the 2014 British Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.

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

2014 Belgian Grand Prix Review, the civil war at Mercedes continues

Round twelve of the F1 season, a quick review of the Belgian Grand Prix, which includes thoughts on Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

Good points

• Daniel Ricciardo (race win)
• Nico Rosberg (finished 2nd)
• Valtteri Bottas (finished 3rd)
• Kimi Räikkönen (finished 4th)
• Jenson Button (finished 6th)
• Force India (Sergio Pérez, finished 8th; Nico Hülkenberg, finished 10th)
• Daniil Kvyat (finished 9th)
• Max Chilton (finished 16th, just ahead of Marcus Ericsson)

Bad points

• Fernando Alonso (finished 7th, five second penalty for the start of the formation lap with mechanics on the grid)
• Lewis Hamilton (DNF, Retired on lap 38, after the conclusion of the Puncture on the second lap)
• Filipe Massa (finished 13th)
• Kevin Magnussen (finished 6th on the road, but had 20 second added to race time for forcing Fernando Alonso off track, so therefore finished in 12th place)
• Lotus (Romain Grosjean, DNF, Retired on lap 33, after a collision on the first lap with Jules Bianchi; Pastor Maldonado, DNF, Mechanical)
• Jules Bianchi (DNF, collision on the first lap with Romain Grosjean, but DNF came from a Gearbox problem)
• André Lotterer (DNF, Power unit failure)

The race itself was a very good race to watch, despite the lap two collision between both Mercedes drivers. With all the drama with the Mercedes drivers that cost both of them a win to conclude a second win of the season for Daniel Ricciardo in his Red Bull to reduce the gap for the championship lead. While, Nico Rosberg finished in second place in the Mercedes. And with Lewis Hamilton didn't finished the race and with seven races to go, Nico Rosberg leads from team-mate Lewis Hamilton from 11 points to 29 points behind Rosberg. While, Belgian Grand Prix race winner Daniel Ricciardo is third in the standings from 71 points to now 64 points behind Rosberg.

While, Williams driver Valtteri Bottas finished in third place to complete the podium positions for this years' Belgian Grand Prix.

And so the civil war at Mercedes continues Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton continues from Monaco, with team-orders at Hungary where Hamilton disobeying orders of not letting Rosberg through, despite Rosberg wasn't close to Hamilton. And now with this Grand Prix, Hamilton who took the lead at the start with Rosberg attacking in to Les Combes on lap two. With the move not on around the outside, Rosberg tried to duck in behind his team-mate but clipped Hamilton's left rear tyre, giving Hamilton a puncture and damaging Rosberg's front wing.



With Hamilton drops to the back of the pack and retiring on lap 38 to save the engine and damaging the floor underneath his Mercedes after the accident has lost him pace throughout the race, and Rosberg is needing a new front wing in his first pit stop, has cost Mercedes a one two finish in the race

And so the second lap accident in my opinion it was a racing incident, possibly a clumsy attempt to overtake from Rosberg a complete poor error of judgement from the championship leader. The booing on the podium from the fans was a bit harsh, and comments from Rosberg afterwards on the British fans has not helped him and possibly his own Mercedes are not happy with him with his actions in the race.

Like I said from Monaco, I think Mercedes needs to calm both drivers down as soon as possible. If this rivalry does carry on, it might even cost Mercedes a drivers' title or even a constructors championship.

That message has not happened today or if not strongly, it cost them with Ricciardo winning today, now 64 points behind Rosberg with seven rounds to go, its still possible for Daniel Ricciardo to win the drivers' title this season. Basically, Mercedes needs to do, tell both drivers once and for all to calm down, as it will costs both drivers the drivers' title this season.

Can Mercedes control both drivers for the rest of the season or will it cost them more wins and championships? time will tell as this week off the track actions will be important for the team to win both championships. If not it could be one of these moments when we get to Abu Dhabi in late November. Although we did had this at yesterdays race.



Next stop Monza in two weeks time for the Italian Grand Prix.

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

Round Eleven Recap of the 2014 United SportsCar Championship

Review of Round Eleven of the 2014 United SportsCar Championship at Virginia International Raceway on the outskirts of Danville, Virginia. With this round is split into two different races, one race with both the GT Le Mans and GT Daytona class only. And the other race with only the Prototype Challenge class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car). So, therefore Prototype class will not participate for these races.

In the first race for Prototype Challenge class, That was won by 8Star Motorsports team won the race overall and Prototype Challenge class too (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car) of Luis Díaz and Sean Rayhall. Second was CORE Autosport team of Jon Bennett and Colin Braun, they were one second behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third was Starworks Motorsport team of Starworks Motorsport and Renger van der Zande, they were three seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.

Meanwhile in the second race, Risi Competizione team won the race overall and GT Le Mans Class too of Giancarlo Fisichella and Pierre Kaffer in their in their Ferrari 458 Italia GT2. While, Team Falken Tire team finished second place in their Porsche 911 RSR, the team of Wolf Henzler, and Bryan Sellers; they were half a second behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, BMW Team RLL team finished in third place in their BMW Z4 GTE, the team of John Edwards and Dirk Müller; they were over seven tenths of a second behind the leaders at the end of the race.

In GT Daytona class, Turner Motorsport won GT Daytona class and finished in eighth place overall in their BMW Z4 GT3; with the drivers of Dane Cameron and Markus Palttala; they were seventeen seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.

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

The weird and funny old world of Formula 1, Max Chilton going to drive at Spa after all

Marussia has reinstated Max Chilton for the Belgian Grand Prix weekend (22/8/14), just a day after announcing that Alexander Rossi would be replacing Chilton as it attempted to resolve "contractual issues".



It was announced on Thursday that Chilton would not be contesting the Spa-Francorchamps event, with Rossi, who became the team's reserve last month, stepping up to make his debut.

Chilton released a statement through his management claiming that he had given up the seat to allow the team to raise funds by selling it on, and that it expected him to return for the following Italian Grand Prix.

However, Marussia applied to switch back to Chilton on Friday morning, a move accepted by the stewards.

Rossi did contest the opening practice session before handing the car to Chilton for the rest of the weekend.

The weird and funny old world of Formula 1. This won't be the last in Formula 1.

End of post for now, new post soon, bye.

Alexandre Rossi replaces Max Chilton at Marussia for Belgian Grand Prix

Alexander Rossi will make his Formula 1 debut at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend for Marussia replacing Max Chilton it was announced this afternoon (21/8/14).



The team said Rossi, who joined Marussia last month as a reserve driver, would substitute for Chilton "while contractual issues are resolved."

Rossi joined Marussia from Caterham, where he was a reserve driver and sometime Friday tester before new owners took over the team before the British Grand Prix. The 22-year-old will be the first American to race in F1 since Scott Speed's final appearance for Toro Rosso in the 2007 European Grand Prix.

While Max Chilton's released a statement through his management saying that says he relinquished his Marussia Formula 1 race seat to Alexander Rossi for the Belgian Grand Prix voluntarily due to financial issues on the team's side.

Big question marks for both parties what I hearing on TV and Internet on what side you believe the driver or the team. Gutted for Max Chilton for not driving at Spa this weekend, lost his drive just before the weekend started isn't great. And just like André Lotterer from yesterday, good luck for Alexander Rossi for this weekend at Marussia.

End of post for now, new post soon, bye.

André Lotterer to make F1 debut with Caterham

André Lotterer will make his Formula 1 debut at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend for Caterham, it has been announced yesterday (20/8/14).



The Audi Le Mans driver will replace Kamui Kobayashi, who the squad said "remains part of the team".



It is currently unknown whether its André Lotterer only race appearance in F1 or if he will do further races following Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

Lotterer does have previous experience in F1, he was a test driver for Jaguar Racing (Red Bull Racing nowadays) in 2002 and was in contention for a 2003 drive at Jaguar. But his achieved success is in sports cars, having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2011, 2012 and this year with Audi once again. And even winning the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2012 with Audi. and racing in Formula Nippon, claiming the title in 2011.

Gutted for Kamui Kobayashi for not driving at Spa this weekend as he would suit the circuit from his past experience to get him a good result this weekend if its rains on Sunday. Anyway, good luck for André Lotterer for this weekend at Caterham.

End of post for now, new post soon, bye.

Top Six 1960's Formula 1 Cars

With Formula 1 returning back this week for the Belgian Grand Prix. This post is the top six 1960's Formula 1 cars of all time, similar post to the top six 1980's Formula 1 cars from last year, and the top six 1970's and top six 1990's Formula 1 cars post from a few months back. So starting with number six:

Number 6: 1969 Matra MS80
Story: The Matra MS80 was designed by Gérard Ducarouge and Bernard Boyer, the Matra MS80 was powered by the 3 litre V8 Cosworth DFV engine. Which, took the Matra MS80 to five wins in 1969, all five wins for Jackie Stewart. Which took, Jackie Stewart to the 1969 F1 Drivers' Title, his first of three titles, and Matra to its only Constructors' Championships in 1969.



Number 5: 1966-67 Brabham BT19
Story: The Brabham BT19 was designed by Ron Tauranac, the Brabham BT19 was powered by the 3 litre V8 Repco engine. Which, took the Brabham BT19 to four wins in 1966, all four wins for Jack Brabham. Which took, Jack Brabham to the 1966 F1 Drivers' Title, his third of three titles, and Brabham to the 1966 Constructors' Championships. And the Brabham BT19 was the first and only Formula 1 car bearing its driver's name to win both World Championships.



Number 4: 1962-65 BRM P57
Story: The BRM P57 was designed by Tony Rudd, the BRM P57 was powered by the 1.5 litre V8 BRM engine. Which, took the BRM P57 to six wins inbetween 1962 and 63, all six wins for Graham Hill. Which took, Graham Hill to the 1962 F1 Drivers' Title, his first of two titles, and BRM to its only Constructors' Championships in 1962.



Number 3: 1961-64 Ferrari 156 F1
Story: The Ferrari 156 F1 was designed by Carlo Chiti, this was Ferrari first mid-engined Formula 1 car dubbed as the "sharknose" due to its characteristic air intake "nostrils". Then-Ferrari factory policy inevitably saw all the remaining sharknose 156s scrapped by the end of the 1963 season. The Ferrari 156 F1 was powered by the 1.5 litre V6 Ferrari engine. Which, took the Ferrari 156 F1 to seven wins in-between 1961 and 64, two for Phil Hill, two for Wolfgang von Trips, one for Giancarlo Baghetti, one for Lorenzo Bandini, and one for John Surtees. Which took, Phil Hill to the 1961 F1 Drivers' Title, and Ferrari to its first Constructors' Championships in 1961.



Number 2: 1962-65 Lotus 25
Story: The Lotus 25 was a revolutionary design created by Colin Chapman, the first fully stressed monocoque chassis to appear in F1. The Lotus 25 was powered by a 1.5 litre 4-cylinder Coventry Climax FPF engine. The Lotus 25 took Jim Clark to his 1963 Formula 1 world drivers championships and Team Lotus to the 1963 F1 constructors championships as-well. Colin Chapman's and Team Lotus's first drivers and constructors championship. Lotus 25 took fourteen Grand Prix wins overall, all for Jim Clerk.



Number 1: 1967-70 Lotus 49
Story: The Lotus 49 was the first F1 car to be powered by the now-famous Cosworth DFV 3 litre V8 engine after Chapman convinced Ford to build an F1 powerplant with the help from Cosworth. Designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, the Lotus 49 was designed around the Cosworth DFV engine and was the first successful Formula One car to feature the engine as a structural member of the chassis. Jim Clark won on the car's debut in 1967, and it would also provide him with the last win of his career in 1968. Graham Hill went on to win the 1968 F1 drivers title and the constructors championship as-well for Team Lotus that year. The Lotus 49 continued winning races until 1970. Overall, Lotus 49 took twelve Grand Prix wins between 1967 till 1970. Which includes five for Jim Clark, four for Graham Hill, one for Jo Siffert, and two for Jochen Rindt.





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

Confirmed: Max Verstappen to race with Toro Rosso in 2015!

In the most surprising news of the season that happened on Monday evening (18/8/14), it has been confirmed that Toro Rosso have signed European Formula 3 driver Max Verstappen as team-mate to Daniil Kvyat for the 2015 Formula 1 season.



And despite, he be only 17 when he joins the Formula 1 grid next year, he will replace Jean-Eric Vergne.



Max Verstappen who is currently and recently a Red Bull junior driver, has already won this seasons Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort. Also, who is the son of former Benetton and Arrows driver Jos Verstappen.



This would be the most surprising news of the season because he is only 16 years old now and be only 17 when he joins the grid next year and his team-mate will be only 20. The big problem for Toro Rosso will be experience, with just 19 Grand Prixs' between them. Also, the biggest problem for Max Verstappen will be his race experience in open single seater as it would be his second season in them. Personally I would see him have two more seasons in a lower formula and putting in another Red Bull junior driver rather than being out of his depth in Formula 1.

But, it didn't effect another driver in Formula 1 and that is Kimi Raikkonen, who had only 23 races in a single seater before stepping into Formula 1 with Sauber in 2001.



And so what's next for Jean-Eric Vergne? who knows, Test Driver at Red Bull, driving for Sauber, Marussia, Caterham, DTM, or Nissan in WEC. Red Bull backing, Renault backing or not. Time will tell. In my opinion he deserves another season in Formula 1

Anyway, good luck for both Max Verstappen and Daniil Kvyat next season at Toro Rosso.

End of post for now, new post soon, bye.

F1 2014 Belgian Grand Prix Predictions

After four weeks off, its the return of Formula one for the Belgian Grand Prix. Which means, predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Spa.

And so predictions for the race itself, Lewis Hamilton for the win in the Mercedes, Nico Rosberg second in the other Mercedes, and Valtteri Bottas third in the Williams. Don't forget the Red Bull drivers, McLaren drivers, Felipe Massa, Ferrari drivers and the Force India drivers either for a podium place as-well.

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

2014 Czech Republic MotoGP Review, The Streak is over! as Pedrosa wins

Review of round eleven of the 2013 MotoGP season at Masaryk Circuit, on the outskirts of Brno in Czech Republic.

In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedorsa on his works Honda RC213V. Meaning that for the first time this season that Marc Márquez has not won a MotoGP race this season, as his ten race winning streak is over.

Second place was the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was four tenths of a second behind Pedrosa at the end. While, the other Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was five seconds behind Pedrosa at the end.

And after his race winning streak is now over, Marc Márquez finished in forth place overall on his works Honda RC213V, he was 10 seconds behind team-mate Dani Pedrosa in the end.

In Open class (Full control ECU system, hardware and software), NGM Forward Racing rider Aleix Espargaró won Open class and finish eighth overall on his FTR-Yamaha YZR-M1, he was 30 seconds behind Pedrosa at the end.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Marc VDS Racing Team rider Esteve Rabat on the Kalex. Second was the other Marc VDS Racing Team rider Mika Kallio on the Kalex, he was three seconds behind Rabat at the end of the race. While, third was Dynavolt Intact GP rider Sandro Cortese on the Kalex, he was six seconds behind Rabet at the end of the race.

While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Ongetta–AirAsia rider Alexis Masbou on the Honda. Second was Junior Team GO&FUN Moto3 rider Enea Bastianini on the KTM, he was he was fifteen hundredths of a second behind Masbou at the end of the race. While, third was Red Bull Husqvarna Ajo rider Danny Kent on the Husqvarna, he was eighteen hundredths of a second behind Masbou at the end of the race.

Also, it was confirmed on Wednesday (13/8/14) that Bradley Smith will remain with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 in 2015 after signing a one-year contract extension.

His team-mate at Monster Yamaha Tech 3 for 2015 will be his current team-mate and current Moto2 Champion Moto2 Pol Espargaró.

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

Half Term Review of F1 Season so far and My top Formula 1 drivers of 2014 so far

The half term review of Formula 1 season so far, with the next race is in two weeks time. Just like last year, I will say one sentence that will be positive with each team. And one sentence that will be negative for each team. Also, I will include with this post my Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2014 so far below. Starting with Red Bull:

Red Bull:
+ Some impressive performances from Daniel Ricciardo this season which includes two race wins, despite under performing race car
- An unreliable and underpowered Renault power unit has cost Red Bull, Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel for both championships this season.

Mercedes
+ Best car and drivers on the grid so far with the F1 W05 Hybrid, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
- Can Mercedes control both Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton egos in the team, if both drivers blow up, it could allow Daniel Ricciardo to take the drivers' title.

Ferrari:
+ Some great race performances from Fernando Alonso, which includes a second place at the Hungaroring.
- An underpowered and thirsty Ferrari power unit has not helped the team, and return of Kimi Räikkönen has not produced great race performances yet.

Lotus
+ Mercedes-Benz power units are on their way for the 2015 season.
- An unreliable and underpowered Renault power unit and the E22 has been poor this season, only 8 points this season so far, and all from Romain Grosjean.

McLaren:
+ A much better season from last year and Honda power units are on their way for the 2015 season.
- Despite McLaren have got two podiums so far this season, the car itself is still slow this season, their best option is to finish in third place in the constructors standings if they get their act together.

Force India
+ Some impressive performances from Nico Hülkenberg this season after a season away from Force India, and a third place finish for Sergio Pérez in Bahrain.
- Despite a third place finish in Bahrain, has not been an impressive season for Sergio Pérez, 29 points so far compare to Nico Hülkenberg who's got 69 points so far this season.

Sauber
+ A good race performance from Adrian Sutil at Hungaroring.
- Where to start, an overweight and unreliable C33, a thirsty and underpowered Ferrari power unit, a not so fast Esteban Gutiérrez hasn't helped at all to conclude so far with 0 points; in the second half of the season the team needs points and finish ninth in the constructors to not be a complete nightmare season.

Scuderia Toro Rosso
+ Both Daniil Kvyat and Jean-Éric Vergne are showing why they are in Formula 1 with some great performances, and some impressive drives from Daniil Kvyat that may put him in the main Red Bull team in seasons to come.
- An unreliable and underpowered Renault power unit has cost Toro Rosso more points then they have this season.

Williams
+ Some great performances from Valtteri Bottas this season, which includes races at Red Bull Ring, Silverstone and Hockenheim, with a much improve Williams race car underneath from last season; and a great possibility of Williams finishing third in the constructors championship this season.
- A few too many DNFs from Felipe Massa this season, which includes three DNFs from the first lap may cost Williams a top three position in the constructors championship this season.

Marussia
+ A ninth place for Jules Bianchi at Monaco gives Marussia their first points in Formula 1, that means ahead of Sauber in the constructors championship so far and still out performing Caterham once again this season.
- Marussia have not improved performance to catch up with the midfield teams this season, despite having the Ferrari power units this season.

Caterham
+ Impressive Monaco race for Marcus Ericsson finishing in eleventh place,
- Slowest car on the grid does not help, still no points, and Tony Fernandes has sold the team to a consortium of Swiss and Middle Eastern investors.


And just like last season, my Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2014 so far this season, this is the part who was in my top 10 so far this season, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes Jenson Button for example. So here is my list below.

My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2014 so far this season:

10. Jules Bianchi (Marussia) - Two points in Monaco, and some impressive qualifying and races this season.

9. Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) - Some impressive drives in his rookie season, which include his first race at Melbourne.

8. Kevin Magnussen (McLaren) - A second place finish in his debut race, and as fast as his much experience team-mate Jenson Button.

7. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) - Only two podiums so far this season, unreliable and underpowered Renault power unit has cost Sebastian Vettel to defend his title this season, but still fast as ever.

6. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) - Fast as ever, consistent, some great race performances at Shanghai and Hungaroring this season, despite having a very slow car this season.

5. Nico Hülkenberg (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable minus one Grand Prix this season, and impressive drives at Sepang, Bahrain and Monaco this season.

4. Valtteri Bottas (Williams) - Impressive second season in Formula 1, which includes impressive drives at the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone and Hockenheim.

3. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) - Some great wins at Montreal and Hungaroring this season, out-performing his four times world champion Sebastian Vettel, and if Red Bull and Renault gives him a reliable and fast car, he has got a change of winning the drivers championship this season.

2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Five Grand Prix wins so far this season, but poor reliability in some races, and some bad luck in qualifying from the last four races may cost Lewis Hamilton a championship this season, a great second half of a season that is needed for Hamilton.

1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season so far with strong possibility of winning the drivers championship, only problem his team-mate Lewis Hamilton.



End of a super long post/blog for now. A new shorter post soon. Bye.

Alex de Angelis to replace Colin Edwards at Forward Racing

It was announced yesterday (11/8/14) that Alex de Angelis will replace Colin Edwards at NGM Forward Racing for the rest of the 2014 MotoGP season.



Edwards, who has raced in the MotoGP class since 2003, said over the Indianapolis Grand Prix weekend that he was likely to bring forward his retirement, and that he would only potentially race at Silverstone and Valencia.

Forward Racing confirmed yesterday that Edwards would be stepping back from his full-time position, but said he would remain part of the team, assisting with bike development and possibly making some wild card appearances.

Edwards has made clear that he will skip this weekend's Czech Grand Prix, but he will be at Silverstone, whether I'll be racing or not.

Edwards finished thirteenth place at Indianapolis, his final outing on home soil and what could be his last in MotoGP, and if so, one of the most loved MotoGP characters on the grid will be missed badly in my opinion.

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

Round Ten Recap of the 2014 United SportsCar Championship

Review of Round Ten of the 2014 United SportsCar Championship at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Action Express Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of João Barbosa, and Christian Fittipaldi in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8. While, Michael Shank Racing team finished second place in their Riley DP, Ford Ecoboost 3.5 L V6, with the drivers of Oswaldo Negri, Jr. and John Pew; they were two seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Extreme Speed Motorsports team finished third place in their HPD ARX-03b, Honda HR28TT 2.8 L V6 Turbo, with the drivers of Ryan Dalziel and Scott Sharp; they were two and a half seconds behind the leaders.

In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car),Starworks Motorsport team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in sixth place overall; with the drivers of Renger van der Zande and Mirco Schultis; they were 20 seconds behind the leaders.

In GT Le Mans Class, Risi Competizione team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in twelveth place overall in their Ferrari 458 Italia GT2; with the drivers of Giancarlo Fisichella and Pierre Kaffer; they were 51 seconds behind the leaders.

In GT Daytona Class, Turner Motorsport team won GT Daytona Class and finished in twenty-sixth place overall in their BMW Z4 GT3; with the drivers of Dane Cameron and Markus Palttala; they were 2 laps behind the leaders.

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

2014 Indianapolis MotoGP Review

Review of the round ten of the 2014 MotoGP season at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the outskirts of Indianapolis, USA.

In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Repsol Honda Team rider and current MotoGP champion Marc Márquez on his works Honda RC213V. Second place was the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was two seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, the other Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was six seconds behind Márquez at the end.

In Open class (Full control ECU system, hardware and software), GO&FUN Honda Gresini rider Scott Redding won Open class and finished ninth overall on his Honda RCV1000R, he was 40 seconds behind Márquez at the end.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Marc VDS Racing Team rider Mika Kallio on the Kalex. Second was Paginas Amarillas HP 40 rider Maverick Viñales on the Kalex, he was a second behind Kallio at the end of the race. While, third was Technomag carXpert rider Dominique Aegerter on the Suter, he was one and a half a second behind Kallio at the end of the race.

While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by SaxoPrint–RTG rider Efrén Vázquez on the Honda. Second was Sky Racing Team by VR46 rider Romano Fenati on the KTM, he was he was six hundredths of a second behind Vázquez at the end of the race. While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Jack Miller on the KTM, he was two tenths of a second behind Vázquez at the end of the race.

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

Lorenzo staying at Yamaha for two more seasons

It was confirmed yesterday (7/8/14) and news that was expected, Jorge Lorenzo has agreed a new two-year deal with the factory Movistar Yamaha team in MotoGP in 2015 and 2016.

The 2010 and 2012 MotoGP Champion has spent his entire MotoGP career with Yamaha, which first signed him for the 2008 season after he won back-to-back 250cc titles. He has won 31 races with the team in addition to his two titles.

With Jorge Lorenzo's contract extension means the factory Honda and Yamaha teams go into 2015 season with unchanged line-ups, with team-mate Valentino Rossi having announced his new deal last month and Honda retaining Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa. But Lorenzo was the last of MotoGP's "big four" to finalize his 2015 contract.

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

Musical chairs in MotoGP with Cal Crutchlow, Andrea Iannone and Stefan Bradl for 2015

It was confirmed on Saturday (2/8/14), Cal Crutchlow will leave the Ducati MotoGP team at the end of the season, with current Pramac Racing rider Andrea Iannone taking his place in 2015, teaming up with current Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso.

Just a week after Crutchlow declared at the World Ducati Week promotional event that he would see out his two-year contract, Ducati confirmed reports that the two parties would split after all.

Cal Crutchlow replaced Nicky Hayden alongside Andrea Dovizioso in the factory Ducati team this year after a very strong 2013 season with Tech 3 Yamaha, during which he had taken four podium finishes and two pole positions. But the former Tech 3 rider has struggled throughout 2014, injures and scoring just one top-six finish in the opening round and sitting only 14th in the standings at mid-season.

A few hours after that announcement, it was confirmed that Cal Crutchlow will move to LCR Honda in 2015, replacing current sole rider Stefan Bradl; having secured a new sponsorship deal with British firm CWM which could expanding to a second entry for the LCR team for next season.

Now, it has been confirmed today (6/8/14), that Stefan Bradl will move to Forward Racing for the 2015 MotoGP season following Cal Crutchlow's arrival at his current squad LCR replacing Colin Edwards who will retire at the end of the season.

Also there is strong rumours that Forward Racing rider Aleix Espargaro will be riding with the returning Suzuki factory team next season, alongside with Moto2 rider Maverick Viñales.

With MotoGP deals going fast, there is only a few rides left for 2015. So more deals and rumours in the months to come in MotoGP.

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

Top six worse Ferrari F1 cars ever!

This is possibly Ferrari worse start to a Grand Prix season since the 2009 F1 season with just 142 points so far after last weekends Hungarian Grand Prix and laying in third place in the constructor championship so far. With a not so fast chassis and engine package. And the return of Kimi Räikkönen to Ferrari making not a lot of progress as-well. The team has been heavily relaying on Fernando Alonso for pace, which includes two podiums so far this season.



This post is the top six worse Ferrari F1 cars ever! Starting with number 6:

Number 6: 2005 Ferrari F2005
Story: 2009 Ferrari F2005 was designed by Aldo Costa and Rory Byrne, the Ferrari F2005 had the 3 litre Ferrai V10 engine underneath. Ferrari F2005 was a very slow car throughout 2005 due to the tyres the Ferrari F2005 were using Bridgestone due to rule changing of tyres that season. Until the United States Grand Prix that year when Out of 20 cars entered for the race, only the six cars from the teams using Bridgestone tyres (Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi) competed. The remaining fourteen entrants, all using Michelin tyres, completed the parade lap (thus having technically taken part in the race, avoiding punishment), but retired to the pits before the race started.



Following several tyre failures before the race, most spectacularly on Ralf Schumacher's Toyota during Friday practice, Michelin advised its seven customer teams that without a reduction in speed in Turn 13, the tyres provided for the race would only be safe for 10 laps. This was the first time Michelin had encountered this problem; they had been providing working tyres for the race since 2001. The situation was worsened by the 2005 Formula One rules, which forbade tyre changes during the race; and also by a resurfacing of the circuit, which resulted in greater tyre wear.

The FIA refused a compromise proposal from Michelin to allow a chicane to be installed, maintaining that such rule changes would be grossly unfair to the Bridgestone-shod teams, who had come prepared with properly working tyres, and that a last-minute change to the track layout would be dangerous in case of crashes. The Michelin teams, unable to come to a compromise with the FIA, decided not to participate. It was later revealed that the Michelin-shod teams could have potentially exposed themselves to criminal liability under Indiana state law had they competed.



Of the six competitors, Ferrari's Michael Schumacher was the eventual winner, with his team mate Rubens Barrichello finishing second. So basically a halo victory for Ferrari that season.

Overall, the team took 100 points and eight podium finishes to take third place in the constructors championship in 2005. After six seasons of constructors and drivers championships.

Number 5: 2009 Ferrari F60
Story: Ferrari F60 was designed by designed by Aldo Costa, the Ferrari F60 had the 2.4 litre Ferrari V8 engine underneath. The, McLaren MP4-19 was a very slow car during the first half on 2009, and didn't pick up pace until the middle of 2009, when Kimi Räikkönen only took one race victory at the Belgian Grand Prix in that season. But, the team only took 70 points to take forth place in the constructors championship that season.



Number 4: 1986 Ferrari F1/86
Story: Ferrari F1/861 was designed by Harvey Postlethwaite, the Ferrari F1/86 had the 1.5 litre Turbo V6 engine underneath. The Ferrari F1/86 only managed five podiums in 1986, which includes a second place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix with Michele Alboreto behind the wheel. To give Ferrari only 37 points to take fourth place in the constructors championship. The Ferrari F1/86 wasn't a fast car, and not was a reliable car too.



Number 3: 1993 Ferrari F93A
Story: Ferrari F93A was designed by designed by John Barnard and Jean-Claude Migeot, the Ferrari F93A had the 3.5 Ferrari V12 engine underneath. The Ferrari F92A only managed three podiums in 1993, which included a second place finishes for Jean Alesi at the Italtian Grand Prix. Ferrari F93A only took 28 points in that season and a forth place finish in the constructors championship. Despite, the Ferrari F93A had Active suspension to catch the likes of Williams that time, the Ferrari was just too slow.



Number 2: 1992 Ferrari F92A
Story: Ferrari F92A was designed by Steve Nichols and Jean-Claude Migeot, the Ferrari F92A had the 3.5 litre Ferrari V12 engine underneath. The Ferrari F92A only managed two podiums in 1992, which includes two third place finishes for Jean Alesi at the Spanish Grand Prix and at the Canadian Grand Prix. Ferrari F92A only took 21 points in that season and a forth place finish in the constructors championship, so the Ferrari F92A wasn't that fast than previous Ferraris', and very unreliable as-well.



Number 1: 1980 Ferrari 312T5
Story: With the Ferrari 312T (also named as Ferrari 312T2, Ferrari 312T3, Ferrari 312T4,) is possibly the most dominating Ferraris' race car ever in Ferrari's Formula 1 history taking 27 victories between 1975 and 1979. Also, took four Constructors' Championships in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1979. And finally three Drivers' Championships for Niki Lauda in 1975 and 1977, and for Jody Scheckter in 1979. In 1980 Ferrari 312T5 wasn't that fast it was basically slow.



The Ferrari 312T5 was designed by Mauro Forghieri, the Ferrari 312T was powered by the 3 litre Ferrari Flat-12 engine. And with the wide 312 "Boxer" engine did not suit the aerodynamic needs of 1980 with the ground effect Cosworth engine teams. The car was unreliable, slow and was not effective against the competition. The other constructors' cars got better throughout the season whereas the 312T5's development virtually went nowhere, the car became less and less competitive over the season. For the first time since 1973, Ferrari did not win a race for an entire season, Even 1979 F1 Champion Jody Scheckter even failed to qualify in Canada, after only managing 2 points, retired from the sport at the end of the year.

So the Ferrari 312T5 only took 8 points that season and took Ferrari to tenth place finish in the constructors championship that season, the Ferrari 312T5 wasn't a fast Ferrari at all and very unreliable Ferrari then the pervious Ferraris of the 1970s'. To give the 1980 Ferrari 312T5 the worse Ferrari F1 car ever!

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

2014 WTCC Round 8 Recap

Review of Round Eight of the 2014 World Touring Car Championship season was the Race of Argentina, at Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo, north of Argintina.

In the first race, Citroën Total WTCC driver José María López in his Citroën took the race win in his C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Zengõ Motorsport driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was two and half seconds behind López in the end. While third place was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC champion Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was over three seconds behind López in the end.

Meanwhile in TC2 class (the old s2000 cars such as BMW 320 TC, SEAT León WTCC and so forth), was won by Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver Franz Engstler in his BMW 320 TC. He finished in fifteenth place overall and 78 seconds behind López in the end.

While in the second race, once again Citroën Total WTCC driver José María López in his Citroën took the race win in his C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Lada Sport Lukoil driver Robert Huff in his Lada Granta 1.6T, he was under two seconds behind López in the end. While third place was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC champion Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was over four seconds behind López in the end.

Meanwhile in TC2 class, was won by Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver Franz Engstler in his BMW 320 TC. He finished in fifteenth place overall and 76 seconds behind López in the end.

Next stop Race of China, Beijing at Goldenport Park Circuit for Round Nine of the 2014 World Touring Car Championship season in nine weeks time.

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

2014 BTCC Round 6 Recap

Review of Round Six of the 2014 British Touring Car Championship season was at Snetterton Circuit on the 300 Course, in Norfolk.

In the first race, MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save driver Jason Plato took the race win in his MG6 GT. Second was eBay Motors driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport and also took Independents class too, he was two seconds behind Plato in the end. While third place was Honda Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Tourer, he was fourteen seconds behind Plato in the end.

Meanwhile in the second race, once again it was MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save driver Jason Plato took the race win in his MG6 GT. Second was eBay Motors driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport and also took Independents class too, he was one and a half second behind Plato in the end. While third place was Honda Yuasa Racing driver Gordon Shedden in his Honda Civic Tourer, he was over six seconds behind Plato in the end.

While in the third race, CHROME Edition Restart Racing driver Árón Smith took the race win in his Volkswagen CC and also took Independents class too. Second was Airwaves Racing driver Mat Jackson in his Ford Focus ST Mk.III, he was half a second behind Smith in the end. While third place was eBay Motors driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was a second behind Smith in the end.

Next stop Knockhill Racing Circuit for Round Seven of the 2014 British Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.

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

2014 WRC Round 8 recap

Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round eight of Rally Finland.

Last weekends was the eighth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Finland (31st July - 3rd August) was won by Jari-Matti Latvala in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, to win the rally overall. Meanwhile, team-mate and current WRC Champion Sébastien Ogier finished second in the other works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, Ogier was 3 seconds behind Latvala at the end. While, Kris Meeke finished in third place in the works Citroën DS3 WRC. Meeke was 50 seconds behind Latvala at the end of the rally.

Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Karl Kruuda in his own backed Ford Fiesta S2000. Karl Kruuda finished in tenth place overall, he was under 15 minutes behind Latvala at the end of the rally.

While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Teemu Suninen in AKK Sports Team Finland Citroën DS3 R3T. Teemu Suninen finished in seventeenth place overall, he was 34 minutes behind Latvala at the end of the rally.

Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.



End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye