Review of the first round of the 2015 MotoGP season at Losail, Doha in Qatar for MotoGP's only night race of the season. And for this season, all MotoGP classes are reviewed (MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3).
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), after a thriller of a race was won by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second was Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP15, he was only 17 hundredths of a second behind Rossi at the end. While, third was the other Ducati Team rider Andrea Iannone for his first MotoGP podium on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP15, he was over 2 seconds behind Rossi at the end of the race.
In Open class (Full control ECU system, hardware and software), Avintia Racing rider Héctor Barberá won Open class and finished fifteenth place overall on his open spec Ducati Desmosedici GP14, he was 33 seconds behind Rossi at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by AGR Team rider of Jonas Folger on the Kalex. Second was Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team rider Xavier Siméon on the Kalex, he was 5 seconds behind Folger at the end of the race. While, third was Derendinger Racing Interwetten rider of Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex, he was under 12 seconds behind Folger 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 Alexis Masbou on the Honda. Second was Gresini Racing Team Moto3 rider Enea Bastianini on the Honda, he was only 3 hundredths of a second behind Masbou at the end of the race. While, third was Leopard Racing rider Danny Kent on the Honda, he was only 12 hundredths of a second behind Masbou at the end of the race.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Monday 30 March 2015
2015 Malaysian Grand Prix Review, thoughts, Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari wins
Review of the second round of the 2015 F1 season at Sepang International Circuit, outside of Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Overall, I thought it was an entertaining race. Lewis Hamilton was on pole for Sunday. Hamilton lead the race, until the safety car appeared after Marcus Ericsson spun. Hamilton pitted for tyres, while Sebastian Vettel stayed out and took the lead and stayed in the lead till the end of the race, matching the pace of the Mercedes drivers throughout the race to conclude with Sebastian Vettel to win this seasons Malaysian Grand Prix for his first race win of the season and Vettel's Forty Grand Prix win in Formula 1. And Sebastian Vettel's and Ferrari's first Grand Prix win since 2013 and Ferrari's first F1 turbo win since the 1988 Italian Grand Prix with a famous one-two finish with Gerhard Berger and Michele Alboreto.
While, current Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton finished second place in the Mercedes, Hamilton was eight and a half seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Meanwhile, Hamilton's team-mate Nico Rosberg finished third place in the Mercedes, Rosberg was twelve seconds behind Vettel at the end of the fifty-six lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole, finished second)
Nico Rosberg - 7 (finished third and fastest lap)
Red Bull Racing - 5
Daniel Ricciardo - 5 (finished tenth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Williams - 6
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (finished fifth)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished sixth)
Ferrari - 9
Sebastian Vettel - 10 (race win, Forty Grand Prix win in Formula 1)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished forth)
McLaren - 7
Jenson Button - 7 (DNF, Turbo failure)
Fernando Alonso - 8 (DNF, ERS failure)
Force India - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Sergio Pérez - 4 (finished thirteen, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth)
Max Verstappen - 9 (finished seventh)
Lotus - 7
Romain Grosjean - 7 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Pastor Maldonado - 5 (DNF, Brakes)
Manor - 8
Will Stevens - 8 (DNS, Fuel system)
Roberto Merhi - 8 (finished fifteenth, three laps down)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 5 (DNF, Spun off)
Felipe Nasr - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Next stop China in two weeks time.
End of blog for now, new post soon, Bye.
Overall, I thought it was an entertaining race. Lewis Hamilton was on pole for Sunday. Hamilton lead the race, until the safety car appeared after Marcus Ericsson spun. Hamilton pitted for tyres, while Sebastian Vettel stayed out and took the lead and stayed in the lead till the end of the race, matching the pace of the Mercedes drivers throughout the race to conclude with Sebastian Vettel to win this seasons Malaysian Grand Prix for his first race win of the season and Vettel's Forty Grand Prix win in Formula 1. And Sebastian Vettel's and Ferrari's first Grand Prix win since 2013 and Ferrari's first F1 turbo win since the 1988 Italian Grand Prix with a famous one-two finish with Gerhard Berger and Michele Alboreto.
While, current Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton finished second place in the Mercedes, Hamilton was eight and a half seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Meanwhile, Hamilton's team-mate Nico Rosberg finished third place in the Mercedes, Rosberg was twelve seconds behind Vettel at the end of the fifty-six lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole, finished second)
Nico Rosberg - 7 (finished third and fastest lap)
Red Bull Racing - 5
Daniel Ricciardo - 5 (finished tenth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Williams - 6
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (finished fifth)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished sixth)
Ferrari - 9
Sebastian Vettel - 10 (race win, Forty Grand Prix win in Formula 1)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished forth)
McLaren - 7
Jenson Button - 7 (DNF, Turbo failure)
Fernando Alonso - 8 (DNF, ERS failure)
Force India - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Sergio Pérez - 4 (finished thirteen, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth)
Max Verstappen - 9 (finished seventh)
Lotus - 7
Romain Grosjean - 7 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Pastor Maldonado - 5 (DNF, Brakes)
Manor - 8
Will Stevens - 8 (DNS, Fuel system)
Roberto Merhi - 8 (finished fifteenth, three laps down)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 5 (DNF, Spun off)
Felipe Nasr - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Next stop China in two weeks time.
End of blog for now, new post soon, Bye.
Friday 27 March 2015
Williams signs Adrian Sutil as reserve driver for rest of the season
It was announce yesterday (26/3/15) that former Force India and Sauber driver Adrian Sutil will be Williams reserve driver for the rest of the 2015 season.
Sutil moved to Sauber in 2014 after six seasons at Force India, lost his Sauber drive at the end of last season, he will be Williams reserve driver and would stand in for regular drivers Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, if one of the drivers is unavailable.
Sutil joins test driver Susie Wolff and development driver Alex Lynn in the Williams line-up.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Sutil moved to Sauber in 2014 after six seasons at Force India, lost his Sauber drive at the end of last season, he will be Williams reserve driver and would stand in for regular drivers Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, if one of the drivers is unavailable.
Sutil joins test driver Susie Wolff and development driver Alex Lynn in the Williams line-up.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas ready to race in Malaysia
Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas have been passed fit to race in this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.
Alonso missed last weekends Australian Grand Prix to recover from concussion sustained in a crash in testing.
He was examined by doctors at Sepang on Thursday (26/3/15) and the FIA said the McLaren driver had "passed all mandatory fitness tests".
Meanwhile Williams driver Bottas, did not start the Australian Grand Prix after injuring his back during qualifying, was also passed fit for this race weekend.
Bottas suffered a small tear in an annular disc in his lower back during qualifying. He was prevented from racing by doctors after displaying discomfort during an extrication test, in which a driver has to be able to get out of the car within five seconds.
That means to say that both talented drivers are ready to race in Malaysia.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Alonso missed last weekends Australian Grand Prix to recover from concussion sustained in a crash in testing.
He was examined by doctors at Sepang on Thursday (26/3/15) and the FIA said the McLaren driver had "passed all mandatory fitness tests".
Meanwhile Williams driver Bottas, did not start the Australian Grand Prix after injuring his back during qualifying, was also passed fit for this race weekend.
Bottas suffered a small tear in an annular disc in his lower back during qualifying. He was prevented from racing by doctors after displaying discomfort during an extrication test, in which a driver has to be able to get out of the car within five seconds.
That means to say that both talented drivers are ready to race in Malaysia.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Tuesday 24 March 2015
Top six Worse Renault F1 race cars
Last season, Renault only managed to win three Grand Prix' wins with Red Bull compare with Mercedes who won sixteen wins out of nineteen last season. And before of the return of the turbo engines last season, Renault powered engines dominated the 2.4 litre V8 era winning sixty Grand Prix wins' between 2006-2013 with Renault, Red Bull, Williams and Lotus taking all the wins between them. And for the 2015 season, with a more than likely that Mercedes will have the advantage on horse-power compared to the Renault, Honda and Ferrari power-units. And with Renault around 100bhp behind Mercedes. This post will be Top six Worse Renault F1 race cars that have been in Formula 1.
Starting with number 6:
Number 6: 2008 Red Bull RB4
Story: Red Bull RB4 was designed by Adrian Newey and Geoff Willis. The Red Bull RB4 used the Renault 2.4 litre V8 engine underneath. The Red Bull RB4 took David Coulthard took a third place finish at Montreal with the Red Bull RB4 in 2008, overall the Red Bull RB4 took Red Bull to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 2008 with just 29 points. The last Red Bull F1 car that was slow before Red Bull started winning.
Number 5: 2001 Benetton B201
Story: Benetton B201 was designed by Mike Gascoyne, the Benetton B201 had the 3 litre Renault V10 engine underneath. The car's main problem in 2001 was the unusual wide-angled (111°) engine configuration. Although this offered potential aerodynamic advantages as it sat lower in the car, but the problem for the engine that it lack horsepower and reliability. Despite that, Giancarlo Fisichella took a third place finish at Spa with the Benetton B201 in 2001, overall the Benetton B201 took Benetton to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 2001 with just 10 points.
Number 4: 1985 Renault RE60
Story: Renault RE60 was designed by Bernard Dudot and Jean-Claude Migeot, Renault RE60 had the Renault 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath. Patrick Tambay took two third place finishes with the RE60 in 1985, overall the Renault RE60 took Renault to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 1985 with just 17 points. The Renault RE60 was a slow and unreliable car compared to other cars who had the Renault turbo engine in 1985 (Lotus 4th in the Constructors' standings and Ligier 6th Constructors' standings) which was enough to Renault to quit Formula 1 (for the first time) at the end of the 1985 season.
Number 3: 2014 Lotus E22
Story: Lotus E22 was designed by Nick Chester, The Lotus E22 used the the all new Renault 1.6 litre turbo hybrid power-unit. underneath. Unlike the Lotus E21 which took fourth place in the Constructor standings in 2013, the Lotus E22 took Lotus to only eighth place in the Constructor standings, with just 10 points in 2014, with Romain Grosjean only managing just two eighth place finishes as their best results in 2014. Making the Lotus E22 the worse F1 race car out that came out of their factory from Estone.
Number 2: 2013 Williams FW35
Story: Williams FW35 was designed by Mike Coughlan, The Williams FW35 used the Renault 2.4 litre V8 engine underneath. And despite WIlliams won a Grand Prix the season before with the FW34, the Williams FW35 was no where near as its predicator as it was a very slow car. Best result was a eighth place finish with Valtteri Bottas at the United States Grand Prix. Overall the Williams FW35 took Williams to ninth place in the Constructor standings, with just 5 points in 2013 giving this race car possibly the worse Williams F1 car ever created despite having a great engine underneath.
Number 1: 1984 Ligier JS23
Story: Ligier JS23 was designed by Michel Beaujon and Claude Galopin, The Ligier JS23 had the Renault 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath. The Ligier JS23 was unreliable and a very slow car with best result was a fifth place finish for Andrea de Cesaris at the South Africa Grand Prix in 1984. Overall the Ligier JS23 took Ligier to a ninth place place in the Constructors' standings in 1984, with just 3 points in 1985. Making the Ligier JS23 the Worse Renault F1 race car ever!
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Starting with number 6:
Number 6: 2008 Red Bull RB4
Story: Red Bull RB4 was designed by Adrian Newey and Geoff Willis. The Red Bull RB4 used the Renault 2.4 litre V8 engine underneath. The Red Bull RB4 took David Coulthard took a third place finish at Montreal with the Red Bull RB4 in 2008, overall the Red Bull RB4 took Red Bull to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 2008 with just 29 points. The last Red Bull F1 car that was slow before Red Bull started winning.
Number 5: 2001 Benetton B201
Story: Benetton B201 was designed by Mike Gascoyne, the Benetton B201 had the 3 litre Renault V10 engine underneath. The car's main problem in 2001 was the unusual wide-angled (111°) engine configuration. Although this offered potential aerodynamic advantages as it sat lower in the car, but the problem for the engine that it lack horsepower and reliability. Despite that, Giancarlo Fisichella took a third place finish at Spa with the Benetton B201 in 2001, overall the Benetton B201 took Benetton to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 2001 with just 10 points.
Number 4: 1985 Renault RE60
Story: Renault RE60 was designed by Bernard Dudot and Jean-Claude Migeot, Renault RE60 had the Renault 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath. Patrick Tambay took two third place finishes with the RE60 in 1985, overall the Renault RE60 took Renault to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 1985 with just 17 points. The Renault RE60 was a slow and unreliable car compared to other cars who had the Renault turbo engine in 1985 (Lotus 4th in the Constructors' standings and Ligier 6th Constructors' standings) which was enough to Renault to quit Formula 1 (for the first time) at the end of the 1985 season.
Number 3: 2014 Lotus E22
Story: Lotus E22 was designed by Nick Chester, The Lotus E22 used the the all new Renault 1.6 litre turbo hybrid power-unit. underneath. Unlike the Lotus E21 which took fourth place in the Constructor standings in 2013, the Lotus E22 took Lotus to only eighth place in the Constructor standings, with just 10 points in 2014, with Romain Grosjean only managing just two eighth place finishes as their best results in 2014. Making the Lotus E22 the worse F1 race car out that came out of their factory from Estone.
Number 2: 2013 Williams FW35
Story: Williams FW35 was designed by Mike Coughlan, The Williams FW35 used the Renault 2.4 litre V8 engine underneath. And despite WIlliams won a Grand Prix the season before with the FW34, the Williams FW35 was no where near as its predicator as it was a very slow car. Best result was a eighth place finish with Valtteri Bottas at the United States Grand Prix. Overall the Williams FW35 took Williams to ninth place in the Constructor standings, with just 5 points in 2013 giving this race car possibly the worse Williams F1 car ever created despite having a great engine underneath.
Number 1: 1984 Ligier JS23
Story: Ligier JS23 was designed by Michel Beaujon and Claude Galopin, The Ligier JS23 had the Renault 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath. The Ligier JS23 was unreliable and a very slow car with best result was a fifth place finish for Andrea de Cesaris at the South Africa Grand Prix in 1984. Overall the Ligier JS23 took Ligier to a ninth place place in the Constructors' standings in 1984, with just 3 points in 1985. Making the Ligier JS23 the Worse Renault F1 race car ever!
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Monday 23 March 2015
2015 Malaysian Grand Prix Predictions
So this weekends Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, outside of Kuala Lumpur.
So Predictions for the race, and for the win I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes, Nico Rosberg second in the other Mercedes, and Filipe Massa third in the Williams. Don't forget Valtteri Bottas, Red Bull drivers, and the Ferrari drivers as well for a podium place.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
So Predictions for the race, and for the win I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes, Nico Rosberg second in the other Mercedes, and Filipe Massa third in the Williams. Don't forget Valtteri Bottas, Red Bull drivers, and the Ferrari drivers as well for a podium place.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
2015 Sebring 12 Hours Review
As the title says a Sebring 12 Hours Review of the race. Review of Round two of the 2015 United SportsCar Championship at Sebring International Raceway and the second round of the North American Endurance Championship.
Action Express Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of João Barbosa, Christian Fittipaldi and Sébastien Bourdais in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8. While, ayne Taylor Racing team finished second place in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor and Max Angelelli; they were a lap behind the leaders. Meanwhile, VisitFlorida.com Racing team finished third place in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Michael Valiante, Richard Westbrook and Mike Rockenfeller; they were a lap behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), CPR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in sixth place overall; with the drivers of Mike Guasch, Tom Kimber-Smith and Andrew Palmer; they were 6 laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Corvette Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in tenth place overall in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R; with the drivers of Antonio García, Jan Magnussen and Ryan Briscoe; they were 10 laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Team Seattle/Alex Job Racing team won GT Daytona Class and finished in fifteenth place overall in their Porsche 911 GT America; with the drivers of Mario Farnbacher, Ian James, and Alex Riberas; they were 22 laps behind the leaders.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Action Express Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of João Barbosa, Christian Fittipaldi and Sébastien Bourdais in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8. While, ayne Taylor Racing team finished second place in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor and Max Angelelli; they were a lap behind the leaders. Meanwhile, VisitFlorida.com Racing team finished third place in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Michael Valiante, Richard Westbrook and Mike Rockenfeller; they were a lap behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), CPR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in sixth place overall; with the drivers of Mike Guasch, Tom Kimber-Smith and Andrew Palmer; they were 6 laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Corvette Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in tenth place overall in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R; with the drivers of Antonio García, Jan Magnussen and Ryan Briscoe; they were 10 laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Team Seattle/Alex Job Racing team won GT Daytona Class and finished in fifteenth place overall in their Porsche 911 GT America; with the drivers of Mario Farnbacher, Ian James, and Alex Riberas; they were 22 laps behind the leaders.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Saturday 21 March 2015
No German Grand Prix this season
It was confirmed yesterday (20/3/15) by the FIA's that there will not be a German Grand Prix this season, and there will be no replacement, reducing the number of races to 19 this season. It will be the first time since 1960 that the German Grand Prix will not feature on the F1 schedule.
The Nurburgring was due to host the race on July 19, but talks with the track's new owners collapsed over the winter. While Hockenheim race track that host last seasons German Grand Prix and will host next seasons race, gave up hope of hosting the race earlier this week as they couldn't concluded a deal.
In my opinion, a sad day that there is no German Grand Prix this season with their history in the sport producing drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, Ralf Schumacher, Heinz-Harold Frentzen to name a few. Also, successful Manufactures from Germany such the likes of Mercedes and BMW that dominate Formula 1, despite that there is no German Grand Prix this season.
There need to a be a German Grand Prix next season. With next season a Grand Prix on the streets of Baku, in Azerbaijan, and possibility a Grand Prix in Qatar in the next few years. And with no hope of a return to a French Grand Prix in the short to mid term. Formula 1 needs the likes of Silverstone, Spa, Monza, Monaco, Nurburgring/Hockenheim to stay on the grid for the future of Formula 1.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
The Nurburgring was due to host the race on July 19, but talks with the track's new owners collapsed over the winter. While Hockenheim race track that host last seasons German Grand Prix and will host next seasons race, gave up hope of hosting the race earlier this week as they couldn't concluded a deal.
In my opinion, a sad day that there is no German Grand Prix this season with their history in the sport producing drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, Ralf Schumacher, Heinz-Harold Frentzen to name a few. Also, successful Manufactures from Germany such the likes of Mercedes and BMW that dominate Formula 1, despite that there is no German Grand Prix this season.
There need to a be a German Grand Prix next season. With next season a Grand Prix on the streets of Baku, in Azerbaijan, and possibility a Grand Prix in Qatar in the next few years. And with no hope of a return to a French Grand Prix in the short to mid term. Formula 1 needs the likes of Silverstone, Spa, Monza, Monaco, Nurburgring/Hockenheim to stay on the grid for the future of Formula 1.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Thursday 19 March 2015
Giedo van der Garde reaches settlement with Sauber
Giedo van der Garde has confirmed yesterday (18/3/15) that he has reached a settlement with Sauber team following their court action, and that his contract to race for the team this season has been ended by mutual consent.
van der Garde took Sauber to court ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, with judges declaring that the Dutchman should be allowed to drive one of the team's car in 2015.
But, van der Garde gave up his right to race in Melbourne as talks continued over a suitable outcome, and says he has now received compensation from the team with the figure around £11 million.
Overall, I am please this bizarre saga is over. This does not helped the sport in any way apart from bad headlines, hasn't helped Giedo van der Garde. And mainly damaged the respect and creditability of the Sauber team. Also, I was disgusted and appalled by the Sauber team treatment to Giedo van der Garde during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, despite van der Garde won the court case twice in Australia.
Finally, I feel very sorry Giedo van der Garde at this moment of time, he don't deserve it at all and losing an opportunity to drive in Formula 1 for the meantime. Where next for Giedo van der Garde? who knows yet, time will tell where he be.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
van der Garde took Sauber to court ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, with judges declaring that the Dutchman should be allowed to drive one of the team's car in 2015.
But, van der Garde gave up his right to race in Melbourne as talks continued over a suitable outcome, and says he has now received compensation from the team with the figure around £11 million.
Overall, I am please this bizarre saga is over. This does not helped the sport in any way apart from bad headlines, hasn't helped Giedo van der Garde. And mainly damaged the respect and creditability of the Sauber team. Also, I was disgusted and appalled by the Sauber team treatment to Giedo van der Garde during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, despite van der Garde won the court case twice in Australia.
Finally, I feel very sorry Giedo van der Garde at this moment of time, he don't deserve it at all and losing an opportunity to drive in Formula 1 for the meantime. Where next for Giedo van der Garde? who knows yet, time will tell where he be.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Wednesday 18 March 2015
Nissan to miss first two WEC rounds, focusing on Le Mans
Nissan announced yesterday (17/3/15) that it will not enter the first two rounds of the World Endurance Championship with its new Nissan GT-R LM Nismo, opting to focus on the 24 Hours of Le Mans instead and the rest of the season.
Nissan has being running into difficulties while testing its new LMP1 race car in pre-season testing in Sebring, with most problems with engine issues with its V6, and confirmed it will not race with the new GT-R LM Nismo at the opening WEC races at Silverstone and Spa.
This is not the first manufacture debut a new race at Le Mans, Toyota previously did the same in 2012, launching their new Toyota TS030 hybrid before the 24 Hours race as-well.
Lets hope Nissan sorts out their problems with the new GT-R LM Nismo shortly, before Le Mans.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Nissan has being running into difficulties while testing its new LMP1 race car in pre-season testing in Sebring, with most problems with engine issues with its V6, and confirmed it will not race with the new GT-R LM Nismo at the opening WEC races at Silverstone and Spa.
This is not the first manufacture debut a new race at Le Mans, Toyota previously did the same in 2012, launching their new Toyota TS030 hybrid before the 24 Hours race as-well.
Lets hope Nissan sorts out their problems with the new GT-R LM Nismo shortly, before Le Mans.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Monday 16 March 2015
Formula E - Miami ePrix - Round 5 Recap
Review of Round Five of the 2014-15 Formula E season held at the Biscayne Bay Street Circuit in Miami, U.S.A.. The race was won by e.dams Renault driver Nicolas Prost. Second was Andretti driver Scott Speed, he was four tenths of seconds behind Prost in the end, in which Speed was making his debut in the series last weekend from the former Toro Rosso driver, which makes it even more impressive. Meanwhile, third was Audi Sport ABT driver Daniel Abt, he was over five seconds behind Prost in the end.
Highlights of the race bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Six of the 2014-15 Formula E season in Long Beach, U.S.A. for the Long Beach ePrix in three weeks time.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Highlights of the race bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Six of the 2014-15 Formula E season in Long Beach, U.S.A. for the Long Beach ePrix in three weeks time.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
2015 Australian Grand Prix Review and thoughts
Review of the first round of the 2015 F1 season at Albert Park in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix. Overall, I thought it was a dominating race weekend for Mercedes, dominating in practice, dominating in qualifying, and most importantly dominating in the race, with a grand slam for Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. On pole, lead most of the laps, fastest lap to conclude with a race win in this seasons Australian Grand Prix for his first race win of the season.
While, team-mate Nico Rosberg finished second place in the Mercedes to give the team its first one-two finish of the season, Rosberg was over a second behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel finished in third place in the Ferrari and his debut race for the team to complete the podium, Vettel was thirty-four seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the fifty-eight lap race.
A bit of change for this season in Grand Prix reviews, I usually done for the last few years write down who had a good race from teams and drivers and who had a bad race. This year, its going to be Rate the Teams and Drivers. In this, they are rated out of ten, zero the lowest and ten is the highest and this segment will continue through out the season.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 9
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (pole, fastest lap, and race win)
Nico Rosberg - 8 (finished second)
Red Bull Racing - 6
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (finished sixth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (DNS, Gearbox)
Williams - 7
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (DNS, Injured back in qualifying)
Felipe Massa - 7 (finished fourth)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished third)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (DNF, Wheel)
McLaren - 5
Jenson Button - 6 (finished eleventh, two laps down)
Kevin Magnussen - 4 (DNS, Engine)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 7 (finished seventh, lap down)
Sergio Pérez - 5 (finished tenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished ninth, lap down)
Max Verstappen - 8 (DNF, Engine)
Lotus - 7
Romain Grosjean - 7 (DNF, Power Loss)
Pastor Maldonado - 7 (DNF, Collision with Felipe Nasr at the start of the race)
Manor - N/A
Will Stevens - N/A (DNP, software issues throughout the weekend for the team)
Roberto Merhi - N/A (DNP, software issues throughout the weekend for the team)
Sauber - 9
Marcus Ericsson - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 10 (finished fifth)
Next stop Malaysia in two weeks time.
End of blog for now, new post soon, Bye.
While, team-mate Nico Rosberg finished second place in the Mercedes to give the team its first one-two finish of the season, Rosberg was over a second behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel finished in third place in the Ferrari and his debut race for the team to complete the podium, Vettel was thirty-four seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the fifty-eight lap race.
A bit of change for this season in Grand Prix reviews, I usually done for the last few years write down who had a good race from teams and drivers and who had a bad race. This year, its going to be Rate the Teams and Drivers. In this, they are rated out of ten, zero the lowest and ten is the highest and this segment will continue through out the season.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 9
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (pole, fastest lap, and race win)
Nico Rosberg - 8 (finished second)
Red Bull Racing - 6
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (finished sixth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (DNS, Gearbox)
Williams - 7
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (DNS, Injured back in qualifying)
Felipe Massa - 7 (finished fourth)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished third)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (DNF, Wheel)
McLaren - 5
Jenson Button - 6 (finished eleventh, two laps down)
Kevin Magnussen - 4 (DNS, Engine)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 7 (finished seventh, lap down)
Sergio Pérez - 5 (finished tenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished ninth, lap down)
Max Verstappen - 8 (DNF, Engine)
Lotus - 7
Romain Grosjean - 7 (DNF, Power Loss)
Pastor Maldonado - 7 (DNF, Collision with Felipe Nasr at the start of the race)
Manor - N/A
Will Stevens - N/A (DNP, software issues throughout the weekend for the team)
Roberto Merhi - N/A (DNP, software issues throughout the weekend for the team)
Sauber - 9
Marcus Ericsson - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 10 (finished fifth)
Next stop Malaysia in two weeks time.
End of blog for now, new post soon, Bye.
Saturday 14 March 2015
Giedo van der Garde gives up legal right to race in Melbourne
Giedo van der Garde has confirmed this morning, he has given up his legal rights to race in this weekends Australian Grand Prix after coming to an arrangement with Sauber over their dispute.
One of the main reasons could be van der Garde made a mistake during the winter and failed (or forgotten) to apply to his national sporting authority for them to ask the FIA to grant him a Superlicence, which takes 14 days for the process to happen, and could be fast-track if the team helps (which the team have not helped with) which eliminate him driving at this weekends Australian Grand Prix.
But at a hearing at the Supreme Court of Victoria on Saturday morning (14/3/15), van der Garde's lawyer Jim Peters QC said that, following talks that went "through the night", the "matter had been finalised" and their summons withdrawn. Meaning that the Sauber team will race in this weekends Australian Grand Prix with Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson as their drivers'.
van der Garde was Sauber's reserve driver last year, won legal battles in Switzerland and Australia, which upheld his claim that he has a contract to drive for the Sauber team in 2015.
I feel very sorry Giedo van der Garde at this moment of time, he don't deserve it at all, should be racing with the team this weekend in my opinion.
Also, I am disgusted and appalled by the Sauber team treatment to Giedo van der Garde. And if the rumours are true that van der Garde already paid around £6 million in the middle of 2014, for the 2015 Sauber drive and helped the Sauber team to survive for the rest of the 2014 season. And then refusing him to drive because Nasr and Ericsson brings in more money and not paying back any of that money, that makes it even worse and it basically makes the team a bunch of modern day con-artists.
Overall this bizarre saga has not helped the sport in any way apart from bad headlines, hasn't helped Giedo van der Garde. And mainly damaged the respect and creditability of the Sauber team. And if Sauber's lawyers have got any common sense they should get this problem sorted out before Malaysian Grand Prix in two weeks time, because Giedo van der Garde will have a Superlicence in time and have the legally right to drive for the Sauber team this season.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
One of the main reasons could be van der Garde made a mistake during the winter and failed (or forgotten) to apply to his national sporting authority for them to ask the FIA to grant him a Superlicence, which takes 14 days for the process to happen, and could be fast-track if the team helps (which the team have not helped with) which eliminate him driving at this weekends Australian Grand Prix.
But at a hearing at the Supreme Court of Victoria on Saturday morning (14/3/15), van der Garde's lawyer Jim Peters QC said that, following talks that went "through the night", the "matter had been finalised" and their summons withdrawn. Meaning that the Sauber team will race in this weekends Australian Grand Prix with Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson as their drivers'.
van der Garde was Sauber's reserve driver last year, won legal battles in Switzerland and Australia, which upheld his claim that he has a contract to drive for the Sauber team in 2015.
I feel very sorry Giedo van der Garde at this moment of time, he don't deserve it at all, should be racing with the team this weekend in my opinion.
Also, I am disgusted and appalled by the Sauber team treatment to Giedo van der Garde. And if the rumours are true that van der Garde already paid around £6 million in the middle of 2014, for the 2015 Sauber drive and helped the Sauber team to survive for the rest of the 2014 season. And then refusing him to drive because Nasr and Ericsson brings in more money and not paying back any of that money, that makes it even worse and it basically makes the team a bunch of modern day con-artists.
Overall this bizarre saga has not helped the sport in any way apart from bad headlines, hasn't helped Giedo van der Garde. And mainly damaged the respect and creditability of the Sauber team. And if Sauber's lawyers have got any common sense they should get this problem sorted out before Malaysian Grand Prix in two weeks time, because Giedo van der Garde will have a Superlicence in time and have the legally right to drive for the Sauber team this season.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Formula 1 2015 Season preview, predicting this season and Australian Grand Prix predictions too
Note: This post was originally going to be posted on Wednesday, and was mostly written the week before minus Manor, when line-up was sorted the post was ready. Until, Giedo van der Garde and Sauber court case popped up on Wednesday, so better late than never.
Today post is a 2015 F1 preview, all the teams and drivers. Also, predicting this seasons Championship winners and Australian Grand Prix predictions as-well. Starting of with last year constructors' champions Mercedes:
Mercedes: the team to beat for drivers constructors championship this year. Lewis Hamilton needs to defend his title. While, Nico Rosberg needs to challenge for the title and take it away from Hamilton.
Red Bull: first season without Sebastian Vettel, how much of an impact will the team miss Vettel skills? time will tell. So far in testing, the Renault power units are around 70bhp less than the Mercedes power units, so the RB11 needs every trick to match Mercedes in pace. Daniel Ricciardo now the team leader, while Daniil Kvyat taking the tough challenge as Ricciardo's team-mate. Wins this season for Red Bull? maybe.
Williams: Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa are retain for another season. Looks fast in testing, top three in the constructors' standings must be their target this season at Williams ahead of the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari.
Ferrari: looks fast in testing, better car, better power units in testing so far; second in the constructors' standings must be the target from a bad season from last year. A make or brake year for Kimi Raikkonen after bad season at Ferrari last year. Out goes Fernando Alonso, and in comes Sebastian Vettel. Race wins must be the target for both former world champions at Ferrari this season.
McLaren: looks like a very unreliable car in testing due to the new Honda power units, the worst unreliable team in testing. If the power units from Honda are reliable later in the season, McLaren might be a contender for podiums. The return of Fernando Alonso will be a big help the process of McLaren returning back to the front of the grid alongside Jenson Button who is still fast as ever.
Force India: new VJM08 came late to testing (second day of the Barcelona second test in fact), looked reliable so far in those three days of testing, fifth place in the constructors standings this season is their target ahead of the likes of Lotus, Sauber, Toro Rosso and McLaren this season. While, Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Pérez are retain for another season.
Toro Rosso: Carlos Sainz, Jr. replaces the promoted Daniil Kvyat, while Max Verstappen replaces the experience Jean-Éric Vergne; this might bite the team back this season if the inexperience rookies get into trouble. The team look fast and reliable in testing, a top six in the constructors' championship is their target this season at Toro Rosso.
Lotus: Out goes Renault power units and replace with Mercedes power units this season, looks fast and reliable in testing, fifth place in the constructors' standings this season is their target ahead of the likes of McLaren, Force India, Sauber and Toro Rosso and it might happen if they stay fast throughout the season. While Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado are retain for another season at Lotus.
Manor-Marussia: out of administration since February, undated 2014 car for the start of the season, 2015 car later in the season, 2014 Ferrari power units, the question in Melbourne is can the drivers qualify for the race on Saturday? and for the rest of the season; two rookies in the team of Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi (Melbourne for now) will race for the team this season.
Sauber: looks fast in testing, better car, and better power units from Ferrai so far in testing. Out goes Esteban Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil, in comes Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr. Points are the target for Sauber this season after scorning no points from last season, eighth place in the constructors' championship must be the target at least this season at Sauber.
So predictions time, Who going to win the world drivers' championship this season for 2015? My prediction is Lewis Hamilton for his third world drivers' championships this season because of performance and reliability in testing. But, if Hamilton has reliability issues that almost cost him title last season I would predict this team-mate Nico Rosberg would be challenging for title once again this season as a dark horse to win, as his was as fast as Lewis Hamilton last season. Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen will also challenge for this years title as-well. It will be another close drivers' championship once again this year in my opinion, as it might go down to the wire once again.
Constructors title: I will predict that Mercedes to win the constructors championships once again. Also don't forget Red Bull, Ferrari, and Williams will be challenging the constructors championship as-well.
And so predictions for this weekends Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne. For the win I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes, Nico Rosberg second in the other Mercedes and Valtteri Bottas third in the Williams. Don't forget Felipe Massa, Ferrari drivers, and the Red Bull drivers either for a podium position too.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Today post is a 2015 F1 preview, all the teams and drivers. Also, predicting this seasons Championship winners and Australian Grand Prix predictions as-well. Starting of with last year constructors' champions Mercedes:
Mercedes: the team to beat for drivers constructors championship this year. Lewis Hamilton needs to defend his title. While, Nico Rosberg needs to challenge for the title and take it away from Hamilton.
Red Bull: first season without Sebastian Vettel, how much of an impact will the team miss Vettel skills? time will tell. So far in testing, the Renault power units are around 70bhp less than the Mercedes power units, so the RB11 needs every trick to match Mercedes in pace. Daniel Ricciardo now the team leader, while Daniil Kvyat taking the tough challenge as Ricciardo's team-mate. Wins this season for Red Bull? maybe.
Williams: Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa are retain for another season. Looks fast in testing, top three in the constructors' standings must be their target this season at Williams ahead of the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari.
Ferrari: looks fast in testing, better car, better power units in testing so far; second in the constructors' standings must be the target from a bad season from last year. A make or brake year for Kimi Raikkonen after bad season at Ferrari last year. Out goes Fernando Alonso, and in comes Sebastian Vettel. Race wins must be the target for both former world champions at Ferrari this season.
McLaren: looks like a very unreliable car in testing due to the new Honda power units, the worst unreliable team in testing. If the power units from Honda are reliable later in the season, McLaren might be a contender for podiums. The return of Fernando Alonso will be a big help the process of McLaren returning back to the front of the grid alongside Jenson Button who is still fast as ever.
Force India: new VJM08 came late to testing (second day of the Barcelona second test in fact), looked reliable so far in those three days of testing, fifth place in the constructors standings this season is their target ahead of the likes of Lotus, Sauber, Toro Rosso and McLaren this season. While, Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Pérez are retain for another season.
Toro Rosso: Carlos Sainz, Jr. replaces the promoted Daniil Kvyat, while Max Verstappen replaces the experience Jean-Éric Vergne; this might bite the team back this season if the inexperience rookies get into trouble. The team look fast and reliable in testing, a top six in the constructors' championship is their target this season at Toro Rosso.
Lotus: Out goes Renault power units and replace with Mercedes power units this season, looks fast and reliable in testing, fifth place in the constructors' standings this season is their target ahead of the likes of McLaren, Force India, Sauber and Toro Rosso and it might happen if they stay fast throughout the season. While Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado are retain for another season at Lotus.
Manor-Marussia: out of administration since February, undated 2014 car for the start of the season, 2015 car later in the season, 2014 Ferrari power units, the question in Melbourne is can the drivers qualify for the race on Saturday? and for the rest of the season; two rookies in the team of Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi (Melbourne for now) will race for the team this season.
Sauber: looks fast in testing, better car, and better power units from Ferrai so far in testing. Out goes Esteban Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil, in comes Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr. Points are the target for Sauber this season after scorning no points from last season, eighth place in the constructors' championship must be the target at least this season at Sauber.
So predictions time, Who going to win the world drivers' championship this season for 2015? My prediction is Lewis Hamilton for his third world drivers' championships this season because of performance and reliability in testing. But, if Hamilton has reliability issues that almost cost him title last season I would predict this team-mate Nico Rosberg would be challenging for title once again this season as a dark horse to win, as his was as fast as Lewis Hamilton last season. Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen will also challenge for this years title as-well. It will be another close drivers' championship once again this year in my opinion, as it might go down to the wire once again.
Constructors title: I will predict that Mercedes to win the constructors championships once again. Also don't forget Red Bull, Ferrari, and Williams will be challenging the constructors championship as-well.
And so predictions for this weekends Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne. For the win I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes, Nico Rosberg second in the other Mercedes and Valtteri Bottas third in the Williams. Don't forget Felipe Massa, Ferrari drivers, and the Red Bull drivers either for a podium position too.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Wednesday 11 March 2015
Giedo van der Garde wins case against Sauber; Van der Garde should race for Sauber, court rules
It's been confirmed this morning down in Australia (11/3/15) that Giedo van der Garde has prevailed in his legal battle against Sauber, with the judge at the Victorian Supreme Court on Wednesday ruling in the Dutchman's favour and ordering the team to allow him to race.
Van der Garde took Sauber to court ahead of this weekends season-opening Australian Grand Prix, claiming that he had a valid contract to race for the outfit in 2015.
His claim had already been backed by a Swiss arbitral tribunal.
The initial hearing took place on Monday, and the court was adjourned until Wednesday morning, when Justice Croft delivered his verdict in a brief session.
Justice Croft stated that van der Garde's "application was successful and it will be enforced".
It was heavily reported middle of last year that Van der Garde had a contract to race for the Sauber team this season, during which he made seven practice appearances with the team last season. Until, when Sauber signed both Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr within days as their drivers for 2015.
A lawyer for van der Garde said he is "ready, willing and able" to drive this weekend, and that he is hoping to meet with Sauber chiefs to arrange a seat-fitting.
Meanwhile it would appear that the team has already launched an appeal against today's judgement. As this bizarre saga continues.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Van der Garde took Sauber to court ahead of this weekends season-opening Australian Grand Prix, claiming that he had a valid contract to race for the outfit in 2015.
His claim had already been backed by a Swiss arbitral tribunal.
The initial hearing took place on Monday, and the court was adjourned until Wednesday morning, when Justice Croft delivered his verdict in a brief session.
Justice Croft stated that van der Garde's "application was successful and it will be enforced".
It was heavily reported middle of last year that Van der Garde had a contract to race for the Sauber team this season, during which he made seven practice appearances with the team last season. Until, when Sauber signed both Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr within days as their drivers for 2015.
A lawyer for van der Garde said he is "ready, willing and able" to drive this weekend, and that he is hoping to meet with Sauber chiefs to arrange a seat-fitting.
Meanwhile it would appear that the team has already launched an appeal against today's judgement. As this bizarre saga continues.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Tuesday 10 March 2015
Confirmed: Roberto Merhi to race for Manor F1 Team in Australian Grand Prix
It's been confirmed this morning down in Australia (10/3/15) that Roberto Merhi will race for the Manor F1 Team in this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, alongside with Will Stevens.
The former Formula 3 Euro Series, Champion, who got his first taste of F1 running as a Friday practice driver for Caterham late last season, and has signed a one-off deal with the team to race in Melbourne, as Merhi previous raced with the Manor squad in the F3 Euro Series back in 2009.
Roberto Merhi is currently schedule to race for the Pons team in Formula Renault 3.5 Series this season, but that might change if he has a good Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Manor also announced this morning that current GP2 driver Jordan King, son of Manor investor and interim Chairman Justin King, has become the team's development driver for this season.
Now with both drivers are now confirmed at Manor for the start of the F1 season. All 20 drivers are ready for start the grid in Melbourne this Sunday morning.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
The former Formula 3 Euro Series, Champion, who got his first taste of F1 running as a Friday practice driver for Caterham late last season, and has signed a one-off deal with the team to race in Melbourne, as Merhi previous raced with the Manor squad in the F3 Euro Series back in 2009.
Roberto Merhi is currently schedule to race for the Pons team in Formula Renault 3.5 Series this season, but that might change if he has a good Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Manor also announced this morning that current GP2 driver Jordan King, son of Manor investor and interim Chairman Justin King, has become the team's development driver for this season.
Now with both drivers are now confirmed at Manor for the start of the F1 season. All 20 drivers are ready for start the grid in Melbourne this Sunday morning.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Monday 9 March 2015
2015 WRC Round 3 recap - Rally Mexico
Recap of the last round of WRC from this weekends Round three of Rally Mexico.
This weekends was the third round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Mexico (5th-8th March) was won by current WRC Champion Sébastien Ogier in this works Volkswagen Polo R WRC. While, Mads Østberg finished second in this works Citroën DS3 WRC, Østberg was 78 seconds behind Ogier at the end. Meanwhile, Andreas Mikkelsen finished third in his works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, Mikkelsen was 85 seconds behind Ogier at the end of the rally.
But, the main headlines come from M-Sport World Rally Team driver Ott Tänak and co-driver Raigo Mõlder when they escaped injury after a terrifying crash on stage three of Rally Mexico on Friday when their Ford Fiesta RS WRC plunged into a reservoir and sank. They managed to free themselves from their Fiesta RS before it disappeared below the surface. Although retired from the rally twice due to water in the engine needed to be drained, they re-entered the rally on Sunday via Rally-2 rules to finished in twenty-second place in their Ford Fiesta RS WRC, they were a hour and 55 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. A lucky escape from the pair of them.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by current WRC-2 Champion Nasser Al-Attiyah in his Nasser Al-Attiyah backed Ford Fiesta RRC. Nasser Al-Attiyah finished in seventh place overall, he was over 15 minutes Ogier at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
This weekends was the third round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Mexico (5th-8th March) was won by current WRC Champion Sébastien Ogier in this works Volkswagen Polo R WRC. While, Mads Østberg finished second in this works Citroën DS3 WRC, Østberg was 78 seconds behind Ogier at the end. Meanwhile, Andreas Mikkelsen finished third in his works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, Mikkelsen was 85 seconds behind Ogier at the end of the rally.
But, the main headlines come from M-Sport World Rally Team driver Ott Tänak and co-driver Raigo Mõlder when they escaped injury after a terrifying crash on stage three of Rally Mexico on Friday when their Ford Fiesta RS WRC plunged into a reservoir and sank. They managed to free themselves from their Fiesta RS before it disappeared below the surface. Although retired from the rally twice due to water in the engine needed to be drained, they re-entered the rally on Sunday via Rally-2 rules to finished in twenty-second place in their Ford Fiesta RS WRC, they were a hour and 55 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. A lucky escape from the pair of them.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by current WRC-2 Champion Nasser Al-Attiyah in his Nasser Al-Attiyah backed Ford Fiesta RRC. Nasser Al-Attiyah finished in seventh place overall, he was over 15 minutes Ogier at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
2015 WTCC Round 1 Recap - Race of Argentina
Review of Round One of the 2015 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 and current WTCC Champion José María López took the race win in his C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was over three seconds behind López in the end. While third place was Citroën Total WTCC driver Sébastien Loeb in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC to concluded a Citroën podium whitewash finish, he was over seven seconds behind López in the end.
Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Zengõ Motorsport driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC. He finished in sixth place overall and eighteen seconds behind López in the end.
While in the second race, Citroën Total WTCC driver Sébastien Loeb took the race win in his C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC to complete a Citroën one-two finish, he was over four seconds behind Loeb in the end. While third place was Honda Racing Team JAS driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was ten seconds behind Loeb in the end.
Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. He finished in fifth place overall and fifthteen seconds behind Loeb in the end.
Highlights of the two races below.
Next stop Race of Morocco on the Marrakech Street Circuit in Marrakech for Round Two of the 2015 World Touring Car Championship season in six weeks time.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
In the first race, Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López took the race win in his C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was over three seconds behind López in the end. While third place was Citroën Total WTCC driver Sébastien Loeb in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC to concluded a Citroën podium whitewash finish, he was over seven seconds behind López in the end.
Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Zengõ Motorsport driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC. He finished in sixth place overall and eighteen seconds behind López in the end.
While in the second race, Citroën Total WTCC driver Sébastien Loeb took the race win in his C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC to complete a Citroën one-two finish, he was over four seconds behind Loeb in the end. While third place was Honda Racing Team JAS driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was ten seconds behind Loeb in the end.
Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. He finished in fifth place overall and fifthteen seconds behind Loeb in the end.
Highlights of the two races below.
Next stop Race of Morocco on the Marrakech Street Circuit in Marrakech for Round Two of the 2015 World Touring Car Championship season in six weeks time.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Friday 6 March 2015
2016 Audi R8 LMS GT3
Audi has unveiled their new GT3 contender that will go on sale to customers in time for later this season. The Audi R8 LMS GT3, which was launched at Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday (3/3/15), will succeeds the old Audi R8 LMS GT3 for next season.
The R8 LMS GT3 will have the same 5.2-litre V10 engine as in the road-car R8 itself, producing 585bhp, a new six-speed gearbox with paddle shifters was specifically developed. The system is said to be significantly lighter than its predecessor. While the new R8 LMS GT3 is 25kg lighter than the previous R8 LMS GT3.
Audi is set to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the 24 Hours of Spa later this season with the new Audi R8 LMS GT3 for the works team, while customers teams will have the new R8 LMS GT3 at the end of 2015.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
The R8 LMS GT3 will have the same 5.2-litre V10 engine as in the road-car R8 itself, producing 585bhp, a new six-speed gearbox with paddle shifters was specifically developed. The system is said to be significantly lighter than its predecessor. While the new R8 LMS GT3 is 25kg lighter than the previous R8 LMS GT3.
Audi is set to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the 24 Hours of Spa later this season with the new Audi R8 LMS GT3 for the works team, while customers teams will have the new R8 LMS GT3 at the end of 2015.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
2016 Mercedes-AMG GT3
Mercedes has unveiled their new GT3 contender that will go on sale to customers in time for later this season. The Mercedes-AMG GT3, which was launched at Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday (3/3/15), will succeeds the old Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 for next season.
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 will have the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine from the SLS AMG GT3 instead of the 4 litre twin-turbo V8 from the AMG GT road car, that will producing 552bhp, mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox, overall the new AMG GT3 lighter than the old Mercedes SLS AMG GT3.
Mercedes is targeting the end of 2015 for the first customer deliveries for the Mercedes-AMG GT3, that will be ready for the start of the 2016 season.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 will have the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine from the SLS AMG GT3 instead of the 4 litre twin-turbo V8 from the AMG GT road car, that will producing 552bhp, mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox, overall the new AMG GT3 lighter than the old Mercedes SLS AMG GT3.
Mercedes is targeting the end of 2015 for the first customer deliveries for the Mercedes-AMG GT3, that will be ready for the start of the 2016 season.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Manor F1 Team will race in Melbourne
Manor has confirmed on Wednesday (4/3/15) that it will return and race in next weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix. While yesterday (5/3/15), it was confirmed that the team pass all the FIA's mandatory crash tests with its interim car will start the season, while a new 2015 race car will be introduce at a later date.
The team also confirmed that energy boss Stephen Fitzpatrick is the new investor, with former Sainsbury's CEO Justin King installed as an interim Team Chairman. While Graeme Lowdon will act as Manor's President and Sporting Director, with John Booth remaining as Team Principal.
Overall, this is great news for the team, as they will be ready to race at next weekends Australian Grand Prix in limited amount of time coming out of administration from last month.
The next question is for Manor who will be Will Stevens team-mate in Australia. No word yet on who will partner Will Stevens at Manor, but the rumour is it might be another young driver as-well. As it won't be former driver Max Chilton, as he was confirmed on Monday (2/5/15) that he will race with Nissan in the World Endurance Championship this season in the all new GT-R LM Nismo LMP1 car. As-well as that he will also be racing with Carlin in Indy Lights Series as-well this season.
Manor are ready for Formula 1 in 2015.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
The team also confirmed that energy boss Stephen Fitzpatrick is the new investor, with former Sainsbury's CEO Justin King installed as an interim Team Chairman. While Graeme Lowdon will act as Manor's President and Sporting Director, with John Booth remaining as Team Principal.
Overall, this is great news for the team, as they will be ready to race at next weekends Australian Grand Prix in limited amount of time coming out of administration from last month.
The next question is for Manor who will be Will Stevens team-mate in Australia. No word yet on who will partner Will Stevens at Manor, but the rumour is it might be another young driver as-well. As it won't be former driver Max Chilton, as he was confirmed on Monday (2/5/15) that he will race with Nissan in the World Endurance Championship this season in the all new GT-R LM Nismo LMP1 car. As-well as that he will also be racing with Carlin in Indy Lights Series as-well this season.
Manor are ready for Formula 1 in 2015.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Tuesday 3 March 2015
Fernando Alonso sits out Australian Grand Prix, Kevin Magnussen replacing Alonso
It was confirmed this morning (3/3/15) from McLaren that Fernando Alonso will sit out the Australian Grand Prix in the wake of his testing crash at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with McLaren reverse driver Kevin Magnussen replacing him.
Alonso suffered concussion in an accident on the final day of the second pre-season gathering (22/2/15), and spent three nights in hospital before returning home to recover.
McLaren released a statement this morning says that Fernando is very healthy but doctors don't want him in a situation where he could possibly get another concussion and cause further damage. And with concussions do take time to heal and it isn't worth risking a brain injury to race at a Grand Prix. With Alonso hopeful of returning at the Malaysian Grand Prix, Kevin Magnussen will replace Alonso for Albert Park, which he finished in second place at his debut Grand Prix last year.
In my opinion, it was the right call from the doctors and McLaren not to race Alonso if his not 100% fit in the head. This was more of long term health rather then thinking short term. And with the state of McLaren race car being too slow and unreliable with the new Honda power unit at the moment, it was right choice for McLaren to rest Fernando Alonso and replace him with Kevin Magnussen for a Grand Prix or two.
As for Fernando Alonso, get well soon and lets have a 100% Fernando back to race in Formula 1.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Alonso suffered concussion in an accident on the final day of the second pre-season gathering (22/2/15), and spent three nights in hospital before returning home to recover.
McLaren released a statement this morning says that Fernando is very healthy but doctors don't want him in a situation where he could possibly get another concussion and cause further damage. And with concussions do take time to heal and it isn't worth risking a brain injury to race at a Grand Prix. With Alonso hopeful of returning at the Malaysian Grand Prix, Kevin Magnussen will replace Alonso for Albert Park, which he finished in second place at his debut Grand Prix last year.
In my opinion, it was the right call from the doctors and McLaren not to race Alonso if his not 100% fit in the head. This was more of long term health rather then thinking short term. And with the state of McLaren race car being too slow and unreliable with the new Honda power unit at the moment, it was right choice for McLaren to rest Fernando Alonso and replace him with Kevin Magnussen for a Grand Prix or two.
As for Fernando Alonso, get well soon and lets have a 100% Fernando back to race in Formula 1.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)