Review of Round Five of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season was the Race of Germany, at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, west of Germany.
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 Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Tom Chilton in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC and also took Independents class win, he was half a second behind López in the end. While third place was Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was under seven seconds behind López in the end.
While in the second race, Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López took another race win in his C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was four tenths of a second behind López in the end. While third place was Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Tom Chilton in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC and also took Independents class win, he was a second behind López in the end.
Next stop Race of Russia at Moscow Raceway for Round Six of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.
Tuesday 31 May 2016
2016 24 Hours of Nürburgring review
Last weekend was the annual 24 Hours of Nürburgring (28-29th May). Black Falcon team was victories at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with team of Maro Engel, Bernd Schneider, Adam Christodoulou and Manuel Metzger came out on top to win this years 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 134 laps in total.
While the HTP-Motorsport team came in second place in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with team of Christian Vietoris, Marco Seefried, Christian Hohenadel and Renger Van der Zande as drivers. They were five seconds behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hour race.
While the Haribo Racing team came in third place in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with team of Uwe Alzen, Lance David Arnold, Maximilian Götz and Jan Seyffarth as drivers, they a lap behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hours race.
While the Black Falcon team came in fourth place in their Mercedes-AMG GT3 to complete a Mercedes top four whitewash; with team of Hubert Haupt, Yelmer Buurman, Maro Engel and Dirk Müller as drivers, they a lap behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hours race.
While the HTP-Motorsport team came in second place in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with team of Christian Vietoris, Marco Seefried, Christian Hohenadel and Renger Van der Zande as drivers. They were five seconds behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hour race.
While the Haribo Racing team came in third place in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with team of Uwe Alzen, Lance David Arnold, Maximilian Götz and Jan Seyffarth as drivers, they a lap behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hours race.
While the Black Falcon team came in fourth place in their Mercedes-AMG GT3 to complete a Mercedes top four whitewash; with team of Hubert Haupt, Yelmer Buurman, Maro Engel and Dirk Müller as drivers, they a lap behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hours race.
2016 Indy 500 Post Review
The 2016 Indy 500 Post Review.
This years Indianapolis 500 is the 100th running of the race. The winner was a surprising one as it was none other than former Manor F1 driver Alexander Rossi.
The Andretti Herta Autosport driver took the lead for the final time with four laps to go when team-mate Carlos Muñoz had to pit for fuel and tyres, to win his first Indy 500 race in his rookie season in IndyCar Series.
Meanwhile second was Andretti Autosport driver Carlos Muñoz, he was four seconds behind Rossi in the end. Third place was Ed Carpenter Racing driver Josef Newgarden, he was five seconds behind Rossi in the end. Fourth place was his Chip Ganassi Racing driver Tony Kanaan, he was ten seconds behind Rossi in the end.
This years Indianapolis 500 is the 100th running of the race. The winner was a surprising one as it was none other than former Manor F1 driver Alexander Rossi.
The Andretti Herta Autosport driver took the lead for the final time with four laps to go when team-mate Carlos Muñoz had to pit for fuel and tyres, to win his first Indy 500 race in his rookie season in IndyCar Series.
Meanwhile second was Andretti Autosport driver Carlos Muñoz, he was four seconds behind Rossi in the end. Third place was Ed Carpenter Racing driver Josef Newgarden, he was five seconds behind Rossi in the end. Fourth place was his Chip Ganassi Racing driver Tony Kanaan, he was ten seconds behind Rossi in the end.
Monday 30 May 2016
Confirmed: Toro Rosso using Renault power units for 2017 and 2018 seasons
It was confirmed before the Monaco Grand Prix (29/5/16) that Toro Rosso has agreed to return to Renault power units for the next two season, restarting an engine partnership which previously ran from 2014-2015. This means both Red Bull and Toro Rosso teams will be using the same Renault power units for 2017 and 2018 as Red Bull will continue to use Renault power units until at least the end of 2018 which was also confirmed as-well.
Both Red Bull and Toro Rosso will receive the latest specification of Renault's power unit and are free to badge the power units as they wish, as Red Bull Renault power units this season are badged as TAG Heuer power units.
In my opinion, this is a bit of a surprise that the news has happen. As this has been not been rumoured that Toro Rosso will be swapping back to Renault from the 2017 F1 season.
This is good news, yes of course, as Red Bull has shown this season with an improved Renault power units and great chassis underneath they have a won Spanish Grand Prix with Max Verstappen shows a good sign that Renault are catching up with the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari.
The last time Toro Rosso used the Renault power units, Renaults power units were unreliable and underpowered that cost Toro Rosso more points then they should during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. I think 2017 power units from Renault will be a different story this time around to the team.
As for Red Bull, no major surprise that the news has happen. It has been strongly rumoured that Red Bull will retain with Renault power units for 2017.
Both Red Bull and Toro Rosso will receive the latest specification of Renault's power unit and are free to badge the power units as they wish, as Red Bull Renault power units this season are badged as TAG Heuer power units.
In my opinion, this is a bit of a surprise that the news has happen. As this has been not been rumoured that Toro Rosso will be swapping back to Renault from the 2017 F1 season.
This is good news, yes of course, as Red Bull has shown this season with an improved Renault power units and great chassis underneath they have a won Spanish Grand Prix with Max Verstappen shows a good sign that Renault are catching up with the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari.
The last time Toro Rosso used the Renault power units, Renaults power units were unreliable and underpowered that cost Toro Rosso more points then they should during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. I think 2017 power units from Renault will be a different story this time around to the team.
As for Red Bull, no major surprise that the news has happen. It has been strongly rumoured that Red Bull will retain with Renault power units for 2017.
2016 Monaco Grand Prix Review
Review of the sixth round of the 2016 F1 season on the streets of Monte Carlo, for the Monaco Grand Prix.
Overall, in an entertaining race where it was a wet to dry race, Daniel Ricciardo took the lead at the start at a wet Monaco Grand Prix with Nico Rosberg behind him, until lap 17 when F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton overtake team-mate Nico Rosberg for second. Lap 23, Ricciardo pitted for intermediates while Hamilton stayed on Wets and went into the lead with a drying track. Then on Lap 30 pitted for ultra-soft dry tyres with Ricciardo retaking the lead.
Then on lap 32, Ricciardo pitted for super-soft dry tyres but Red Bull did not have his Super Soft rubber prepared and he lost a chunk of time and costing him the lead and the win itself, as Hamilton retake the lead. Despite on fresher tyres Ricciardo could not overtake Hamilton. And with Hamilton didn't need to pit again for tyres, Hamilton take the perfect gamble with tyres to conclude with Lewis Hamilton winning this seasons Monaco Grand Prix for his first race win of the season for the Formula 1 World Champion.
While, Daniel Ricciardo finished in second place in the Red Bull, Ricciardo was seven seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Sergio Pérez finished in third place in the Force India to complete the podium, Pérez was fourteen seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the seventy-eight lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (race win and fastest lap)
Nico Rosberg - 6 (finished seventh)
Ferrari - 6
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (finished fourth)
Kimi Räikkönen - 5 (DNF, Accident)
Williams - 5
Valtteri Bottas - 4 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 9 (pole, finished second)
Max Verstappen - 6 (DNF, Accident)
Force India - 9
Nico Hülkenberg - 9 (finished sixth)
Sergio Pérez - 10 (finished third)
Renault - 4
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (DNF, Accident)
Jolyon Palmer - 4 (DNF, Accident)
Toro Rosso - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (DNF, Steering)
Sauber - 4
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (DNF, Collision with Felipe Nasr)
Felipe Nasr - 4 (DNF, Collision with Marcus Ericsson)
McLaren - 8
Fernando Alonso - 10 (finished fifth)
Jenson Button - 7 (finished ninth, lap down)
Manor - 4
Rio Haryanto - 4 (finished fifteenth, four laps down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 4 (finished fourteenth, two laps down)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished thirteenth, two laps down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 7 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Next stop Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Overall, in an entertaining race where it was a wet to dry race, Daniel Ricciardo took the lead at the start at a wet Monaco Grand Prix with Nico Rosberg behind him, until lap 17 when F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton overtake team-mate Nico Rosberg for second. Lap 23, Ricciardo pitted for intermediates while Hamilton stayed on Wets and went into the lead with a drying track. Then on Lap 30 pitted for ultra-soft dry tyres with Ricciardo retaking the lead.
Then on lap 32, Ricciardo pitted for super-soft dry tyres but Red Bull did not have his Super Soft rubber prepared and he lost a chunk of time and costing him the lead and the win itself, as Hamilton retake the lead. Despite on fresher tyres Ricciardo could not overtake Hamilton. And with Hamilton didn't need to pit again for tyres, Hamilton take the perfect gamble with tyres to conclude with Lewis Hamilton winning this seasons Monaco Grand Prix for his first race win of the season for the Formula 1 World Champion.
While, Daniel Ricciardo finished in second place in the Red Bull, Ricciardo was seven seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Sergio Pérez finished in third place in the Force India to complete the podium, Pérez was fourteen seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the seventy-eight lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (race win and fastest lap)
Nico Rosberg - 6 (finished seventh)
Ferrari - 6
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (finished fourth)
Kimi Räikkönen - 5 (DNF, Accident)
Williams - 5
Valtteri Bottas - 4 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 9 (pole, finished second)
Max Verstappen - 6 (DNF, Accident)
Force India - 9
Nico Hülkenberg - 9 (finished sixth)
Sergio Pérez - 10 (finished third)
Renault - 4
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (DNF, Accident)
Jolyon Palmer - 4 (DNF, Accident)
Toro Rosso - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (DNF, Steering)
Sauber - 4
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (DNF, Collision with Felipe Nasr)
Felipe Nasr - 4 (DNF, Collision with Marcus Ericsson)
McLaren - 8
Fernando Alonso - 10 (finished fifth)
Jenson Button - 7 (finished ninth, lap down)
Manor - 4
Rio Haryanto - 4 (finished fifteenth, four laps down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 4 (finished fourteenth, two laps down)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished thirteenth, two laps down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 7 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Next stop Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Tuesday 24 May 2016
2016 TCR Round 4 Recap
Review of Round Four of the 2016 TCR International Series season was at Circuit de Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, on the outskirts of Bologna in Italy.
In the first race, Leopard Racing driver and current TCR International Series Champion Stefano Comini took the race win in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Second was Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver Pepe Oriola in his SEAT León TCR, he was two seconds behind Comini in the end. While, third place was Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver Davit Kajaia in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was three seconds behind Comini in the end.
While in the second race, WestCoast Racing driver Mikhail Grachev took the race win in his Honda Civic TCR. Second was B3 Racing Team Hungary driver Maťo Homola in his SEAT León TCR, he was a second and a half behind Grachev in the end, While, third place was Leopard Racing driver and current TCR International Series Champion Stefano Comini in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was two seconds behind Grachev in the end.
Next stop Salzburgring, Salzburg in Austria for Round Five of the 2016 TCR International Series season in two weeks time.
In the first race, Leopard Racing driver and current TCR International Series Champion Stefano Comini took the race win in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Second was Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver Pepe Oriola in his SEAT León TCR, he was two seconds behind Comini in the end. While, third place was Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver Davit Kajaia in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was three seconds behind Comini in the end.
While in the second race, WestCoast Racing driver Mikhail Grachev took the race win in his Honda Civic TCR. Second was B3 Racing Team Hungary driver Maťo Homola in his SEAT León TCR, he was a second and a half behind Grachev in the end, While, third place was Leopard Racing driver and current TCR International Series Champion Stefano Comini in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was two seconds behind Grachev in the end.
Next stop Salzburgring, Salzburg in Austria for Round Five of the 2016 TCR International Series season in two weeks time.
2016 DTM Round 2 Recap
Review of Round Two of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at Red Bull Ring, Spielberg in South East Austria.
On Saturday's race, BMW Team RMG driver Marco Wittmann took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was BMW Team RBM driver Tom Blomqvist in his BMW M4 DTM, he was seven tenths of a second behind Wittmann in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Edoardo Mortara in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was twelve tenths of a second behind Wittmann in the end.
On Sunday's race, BMW Team RMG driver Timo Glock took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was over two seconds behind Glock in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver Jamie Green in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was six seconds behind Glock in the end.
Next stop EuroSpeedway Lausitz, Brandenburg in Germany for Round Three of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in two weeks time.
On Saturday's race, BMW Team RMG driver Marco Wittmann took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was BMW Team RBM driver Tom Blomqvist in his BMW M4 DTM, he was seven tenths of a second behind Wittmann in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Edoardo Mortara in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was twelve tenths of a second behind Wittmann in the end.
On Sunday's race, BMW Team RMG driver Timo Glock took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was over two seconds behind Glock in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver Jamie Green in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was six seconds behind Glock in the end.
Next stop EuroSpeedway Lausitz, Brandenburg in Germany for Round Three of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in two weeks time.
2016 Indianapolis 500 Preview/Predictions
This weekends is the famous Indianapolis 500. Last Sunday (22/5/16) was Pole Day was for this weekends Indianapolis 500. Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver James Hinchcliffe will start on pole for this Sundays 500. While, Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay and Team Penske driver Will Power will start on the front row as-well. YouTube videos below from Indycar Series own channel from the top three from qualifying.
So predictions for the Indianapolis 500 this weekend, for the win on the race 100th running I am going to pick Hélio Castroneves in his Penske. Second place for Scott Dixon in his Ganassi, and third place for Ryan Hunter-Reay in his Andretti.
So predictions for the Indianapolis 500 this weekend, for the win on the race 100th running I am going to pick Hélio Castroneves in his Penske. Second place for Scott Dixon in his Ganassi, and third place for Ryan Hunter-Reay in his Andretti.
Monday 23 May 2016
2016 F1 Monaco Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix on the streets of Monte Carlo.
So Predictions for the race, for the win I predict Nico Rosberg for the race win in the Mercedes, Daniel Ricciardo second in the Red Bull, and third place for Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Max Verstappen, Romain Grosjean, Ferrari drivers, the Williams drivers, the Force India drivers and the Toro Rosso drivers as well for a podium place.
So Predictions for the race, for the win I predict Nico Rosberg for the race win in the Mercedes, Daniel Ricciardo second in the Red Bull, and third place for Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Max Verstappen, Romain Grosjean, Ferrari drivers, the Williams drivers, the Force India drivers and the Toro Rosso drivers as well for a podium place.
2016 WRC Round 5 recap - Rally de Portugal
Recap of the last round of WRC from this weekends Round Five of Rally de Portugal.
This weekend was the fifth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally de Portugal (20th-22nd May) was won by Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team driver Kris Meeke in his Citroën DS3 WRC for Citroën's first win since Argentina 2015.
While, Andreas Mikkelsen finished second in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, Mikkelsen was thirty seconds behind Meeke at the end. Meanwhile, current WRC champion Sébastien Ogier finished third in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, Ogier was thirty-five seconds behind Meeke at the end.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Škoda Motorsport driver Pontus Tidemand in his Škoda Fabia R5. Pontus Tidemand finished in ninth place overall, he was twelve minutes behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Simone Tempestini in his own backed Citroën DS3 R3T. Simone Tempestini finished in twenty-third place overall, he was over thirty-one minutes behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Six of the 2016 WRC season for Rally d'Italia Sardegna in three weeks time.
This weekend was the fifth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally de Portugal (20th-22nd May) was won by Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team driver Kris Meeke in his Citroën DS3 WRC for Citroën's first win since Argentina 2015.
While, Andreas Mikkelsen finished second in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, Mikkelsen was thirty seconds behind Meeke at the end. Meanwhile, current WRC champion Sébastien Ogier finished third in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, Ogier was thirty-five seconds behind Meeke at the end.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Škoda Motorsport driver Pontus Tidemand in his Škoda Fabia R5. Pontus Tidemand finished in ninth place overall, he was twelve minutes behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Simone Tempestini in his own backed Citroën DS3 R3T. Simone Tempestini finished in twenty-third place overall, he was over thirty-one minutes behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Six of the 2016 WRC season for Rally d'Italia Sardegna in three weeks time.
2016 Italy MotoGP Review, Rider News
Review of round six of the 2016 MotoGP season at the Mugello Circuit, in Mugello, Italy.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second was Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Márquez on his works Honda RC213V, he was two hundredths of a second behind Lorenzo at the end.
While, third was Ducati Team rider Andrea Iannone on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP16, he was five seconds behind Lorenzo at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Ajo Motorsport rider and current Moto2 champion Johann Zarco on the Kalex. Second was Forward Team rider Lorenzo Baldassarri on the Kalex, he was three tenths of a second behind Zarco at the end. While, third was Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Sam Lowes on the Kalex, he was a second behind Zarco at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio on the Honda, he was four hundredths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Aspar Mahindra Team Moto3 rider Francesco Bagnaia on the Mahindra, he was seven hundredths of a second behind Binder at the end of the race.
It was confirmed on Monday (16/5/16), Dani Pedrosa has signed a new two-year deal with that will see him continue to compete with the factory Repsol Honda Team in MotoGP for 2017 and 2018.
No word yet who is his team-mate yet for next season. Looks it would be more than likely is his current team-mate Marc Márquez, unless something changes.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed of Tuesday (17/5/16), Andrea Dovizioso has signed a new two-year deal with that will see him continue to compete with the factory Ducati Team in MotoGP for 2017 and 2018. Dovizioso will ride alongside current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo at Ducati for the next two seasons in MotoGP.
While it was confirmed on Thurday (19/5/16), Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team has signed Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Viñales for the 2017 and 2018 MotoGP season.
Viñales currently sits fifth in the championship, with a best finish of third place from two weeks ago at Le Mans.
With Valentino Rossi remaining at Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team for 2017 and 2018, Viñales will replace MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo who is off to Ducati next season.
Finally, it was confirmed on on Thursday (19/5/16) Team Suzuki Ecstar has signed Ducati Team rider Andrea Iannone for the 2017 and 2018 MotoGP season.
Iannone currently sits ninth in the championship, with a best finish of two third place finishes so far this season.
No word yet who is his team-mate yet for next season. Looks it would be more than likely be current Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Aleix Espargaró, unless something changes.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second was Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Márquez on his works Honda RC213V, he was two hundredths of a second behind Lorenzo at the end.
While, third was Ducati Team rider Andrea Iannone on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP16, he was five seconds behind Lorenzo at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Ajo Motorsport rider and current Moto2 champion Johann Zarco on the Kalex. Second was Forward Team rider Lorenzo Baldassarri on the Kalex, he was three tenths of a second behind Zarco at the end. While, third was Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Sam Lowes on the Kalex, he was a second behind Zarco at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio on the Honda, he was four hundredths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Aspar Mahindra Team Moto3 rider Francesco Bagnaia on the Mahindra, he was seven hundredths of a second behind Binder at the end of the race.
It was confirmed on Monday (16/5/16), Dani Pedrosa has signed a new two-year deal with that will see him continue to compete with the factory Repsol Honda Team in MotoGP for 2017 and 2018.
No word yet who is his team-mate yet for next season. Looks it would be more than likely is his current team-mate Marc Márquez, unless something changes.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed of Tuesday (17/5/16), Andrea Dovizioso has signed a new two-year deal with that will see him continue to compete with the factory Ducati Team in MotoGP for 2017 and 2018. Dovizioso will ride alongside current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo at Ducati for the next two seasons in MotoGP.
While it was confirmed on Thurday (19/5/16), Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team has signed Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Viñales for the 2017 and 2018 MotoGP season.
Viñales currently sits fifth in the championship, with a best finish of third place from two weeks ago at Le Mans.
With Valentino Rossi remaining at Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team for 2017 and 2018, Viñales will replace MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo who is off to Ducati next season.
Finally, it was confirmed on on Thursday (19/5/16) Team Suzuki Ecstar has signed Ducati Team rider Andrea Iannone for the 2017 and 2018 MotoGP season.
Iannone currently sits ninth in the championship, with a best finish of two third place finishes so far this season.
No word yet who is his team-mate yet for next season. Looks it would be more than likely be current Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Aleix Espargaró, unless something changes.
2015/16 Formula E - Berlin ePrix - Round 8 Recap
Review of Round Eight of the 2015-16 Formula E season season held at the Berlin Street Circuit in Berlin, Germany.
The race was won by Renault e.Dams driver Sebastien Buemi in his Spark-Renault for his third race win of the year. Second was ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, he was a fifteen tenths of a second behind Buemi in the end. Meanwhile, third was ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, he was two and half seconds behind Buemi in the end.
Highlights of the race bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Nine of the 2015-16 Formula E season in London, U.K. for two races for the London ePrix in six weeks time.
The race was won by Renault e.Dams driver Sebastien Buemi in his Spark-Renault for his third race win of the year. Second was ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, he was a fifteen tenths of a second behind Buemi in the end. Meanwhile, third was ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, he was two and half seconds behind Buemi in the end.
Highlights of the race bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Nine of the 2015-16 Formula E season in London, U.K. for two races for the London ePrix in six weeks time.
Sunday 22 May 2016
Top Ten Best McLaren F1 drivers, Celebrating 50 years of McLaren in F1
This season is the fiftieth year of McLaren in Formula 1. McLaren have won many Grand Prix wins' and Drivers and Constructor titles'. To Celebrate this a top ten best McLaren F1 drivers ever in their history.
Starting with number ten:
Number 10: Bruce McLaren 1966-1970
Story: After eight seasons at Cooper. Bruce McLaren stared his own Grand Prix team McLaren in 1966. McLaren won the first Grand Prix win for the team at the 1968 Belgium Grand Prix at Spa. McLaren stayed with the team till his death during the 1970 F1 season. Overall, Bruce McLaren took one Grand Prix win in four and half seasons in the Bruce McLaren/McLaren era.
Number 9: David Coulthard 1996-2004
Story: After two seasons at Williams. Coulthard moved to McLaren in 1996. Coulthard never won a drivers' title with McLaren he finished runner up once in 2001 during his McLaren career. After nine seasons at McLaren, Coulthard moved on to Red Bull. Overall, David Coulthard took twelve Grand Prix wins and a constructors' title in the David Coulthard/McLaren era.
Number 8: Emerson Fittipaldi 1974-1975
Story: After four seasons at the original Team Lotus. Fittipaldi moved to McLaren in 1974 and took his second drivers' title in that same season becoming the first McLaren driver to win driver's championship with the team. After another season at McLaren, Fittipaldi moved on to Fittipaldi Automotive. Overall, Emerson Fittipaldi took five Grand Prix wins, a constructors' title, a drivers' title in the Emerson Fittipaldi/McLaren era.
Number 7: Kimi Räikkönen 2002-2006
Story: After a seasons at Sauber. Räikkönen moved to McLaren in 2002. Räikkönen never won a drivers' title with McLaren he finished runner up twice (2003 and 2005) during his McLaren career, came close in 2003 only losing out by only two points to Michael Schumacher. After five seasons at McLaren, Räikkönen moved on to Ferrari replacing Michael Schumacher. Overall, Kimi Räikkönen took nine Grand Prix wins in the Kimi Räikkönen/McLaren era.
Number 6: Niki Lauda 1982-1985
Story: After two seasons away from Formula 1. Lauda return to Formula 1 with McLaren in 1982. In 1984, Lauda took his third drivers' title with the team. Niki Lauda retired after the 1985 season for good this time with four seasons at McLaren. Overall, Niki Lauda took eight Grand Prix wins, two constructors' titles, and a drivers' title in the Niki Lauda/McLaren era.
Number 5: James Hunt 1976-1978
Story: After three seasons at Hesketh Racing. Hunt moved to McLaren in 1976 and took his only drivers' title in that same season. After two more seasons at McLaren, Hunt moved on to Wolf. Overall, James Hunt took nine Grand Prix wins, a drivers' title in the James Hunt/McLaren era.
Number 4: Lewis Hamilton 2007-2012
Story: Lewis Hamilton made his F1 Grand Prix debut with McLaren in 2007. He almost won the Drivers' title in 2007, despite only one DNF that season, only losing the championship by a single point. Then in 2008 winning the Drivers' title by a point. After four more seasons at McLaren, Hamilton moved on to Mercedes in 2013. Overall, Hamilton took twenty-one Grand Prix wins, a drivers' title in the Lewis Hamilton/McLaren era.
Number 3: Mika Hakkinen 1993-2001
Story: After two seasons at the original Team Lotus. Hakkinen moved to Mclaren in 1993 as their test driver until Michael Andretti was sacked after the Italian Grand Prix that season. In 1998, Hakkinen took his first drivers' titles and then repeated again in 1999. Mika Hakkinen retired after the 2001 season with nine seasons at McLaren. Overall, Hakkinen took twenty Grand Prix wins, a constructors' title, and two drivers' titles in the Mika Hakkinen/McLaren era.
Number 2: Alain Prost 1980, 1984-1989
Story: After three seasons at Renault and a debut season at McLaren. Prost return to McLaren in 1984, and just missed out the drivers' title just by half a point to then team-mate Niki Lauda. Then in 1985 Prost took his first drivers' title and repeated again in 1986. And got his third drivers' title with McLaren in 1989. After that Prost moved on to Ferrari. Then return to McLaren after his retirement in 1994, working as a technical advisor for three more seasons, sometimes as a test driver. Overall, Alain Prost took thirty Grand Prix wins, four constructors' titles, and three drivers' titles in the Alain Prost/McLaren era.
Number 1: Ayrton Senna 1988-1993
Story: After three seasons at the original Team Lotus. Senna moved to McLaren in 1988 and took his first drivers' title in that same season. Then in 1990 Senna took his second drivers' title and repeated again in 1991 to took his third drivers' title for McLaren. After two more seasons at McLaren, Senna moved on to Williams. Overall, Ayrton Senna took thirty-five Grand Prix wins, four constructors' titles, and three drivers' titles in the Ayrton Senna/McLaren era.
And to many more years of winning form McLaren to come.
Starting with number ten:
Number 10: Bruce McLaren 1966-1970
Story: After eight seasons at Cooper. Bruce McLaren stared his own Grand Prix team McLaren in 1966. McLaren won the first Grand Prix win for the team at the 1968 Belgium Grand Prix at Spa. McLaren stayed with the team till his death during the 1970 F1 season. Overall, Bruce McLaren took one Grand Prix win in four and half seasons in the Bruce McLaren/McLaren era.
Number 9: David Coulthard 1996-2004
Story: After two seasons at Williams. Coulthard moved to McLaren in 1996. Coulthard never won a drivers' title with McLaren he finished runner up once in 2001 during his McLaren career. After nine seasons at McLaren, Coulthard moved on to Red Bull. Overall, David Coulthard took twelve Grand Prix wins and a constructors' title in the David Coulthard/McLaren era.
Number 8: Emerson Fittipaldi 1974-1975
Story: After four seasons at the original Team Lotus. Fittipaldi moved to McLaren in 1974 and took his second drivers' title in that same season becoming the first McLaren driver to win driver's championship with the team. After another season at McLaren, Fittipaldi moved on to Fittipaldi Automotive. Overall, Emerson Fittipaldi took five Grand Prix wins, a constructors' title, a drivers' title in the Emerson Fittipaldi/McLaren era.
Number 7: Kimi Räikkönen 2002-2006
Story: After a seasons at Sauber. Räikkönen moved to McLaren in 2002. Räikkönen never won a drivers' title with McLaren he finished runner up twice (2003 and 2005) during his McLaren career, came close in 2003 only losing out by only two points to Michael Schumacher. After five seasons at McLaren, Räikkönen moved on to Ferrari replacing Michael Schumacher. Overall, Kimi Räikkönen took nine Grand Prix wins in the Kimi Räikkönen/McLaren era.
Number 6: Niki Lauda 1982-1985
Story: After two seasons away from Formula 1. Lauda return to Formula 1 with McLaren in 1982. In 1984, Lauda took his third drivers' title with the team. Niki Lauda retired after the 1985 season for good this time with four seasons at McLaren. Overall, Niki Lauda took eight Grand Prix wins, two constructors' titles, and a drivers' title in the Niki Lauda/McLaren era.
Number 5: James Hunt 1976-1978
Story: After three seasons at Hesketh Racing. Hunt moved to McLaren in 1976 and took his only drivers' title in that same season. After two more seasons at McLaren, Hunt moved on to Wolf. Overall, James Hunt took nine Grand Prix wins, a drivers' title in the James Hunt/McLaren era.
Number 4: Lewis Hamilton 2007-2012
Story: Lewis Hamilton made his F1 Grand Prix debut with McLaren in 2007. He almost won the Drivers' title in 2007, despite only one DNF that season, only losing the championship by a single point. Then in 2008 winning the Drivers' title by a point. After four more seasons at McLaren, Hamilton moved on to Mercedes in 2013. Overall, Hamilton took twenty-one Grand Prix wins, a drivers' title in the Lewis Hamilton/McLaren era.
Number 3: Mika Hakkinen 1993-2001
Story: After two seasons at the original Team Lotus. Hakkinen moved to Mclaren in 1993 as their test driver until Michael Andretti was sacked after the Italian Grand Prix that season. In 1998, Hakkinen took his first drivers' titles and then repeated again in 1999. Mika Hakkinen retired after the 2001 season with nine seasons at McLaren. Overall, Hakkinen took twenty Grand Prix wins, a constructors' title, and two drivers' titles in the Mika Hakkinen/McLaren era.
Number 2: Alain Prost 1980, 1984-1989
Story: After three seasons at Renault and a debut season at McLaren. Prost return to McLaren in 1984, and just missed out the drivers' title just by half a point to then team-mate Niki Lauda. Then in 1985 Prost took his first drivers' title and repeated again in 1986. And got his third drivers' title with McLaren in 1989. After that Prost moved on to Ferrari. Then return to McLaren after his retirement in 1994, working as a technical advisor for three more seasons, sometimes as a test driver. Overall, Alain Prost took thirty Grand Prix wins, four constructors' titles, and three drivers' titles in the Alain Prost/McLaren era.
Number 1: Ayrton Senna 1988-1993
Story: After three seasons at the original Team Lotus. Senna moved to McLaren in 1988 and took his first drivers' title in that same season. Then in 1990 Senna took his second drivers' title and repeated again in 1991 to took his third drivers' title for McLaren. After two more seasons at McLaren, Senna moved on to Williams. Overall, Ayrton Senna took thirty-five Grand Prix wins, four constructors' titles, and three drivers' titles in the Ayrton Senna/McLaren era.
And to many more years of winning form McLaren to come.
Saturday 21 May 2016
Top Ten McLaren F1 cars, Celebrating 50 years of McLaren in F1
This season is the fiftieth year of McLaren in Formula 1. McLaren have won many Grand Prix wins' and Drivers and Constructor titles'. To Celebrate this a top ten best McLaren Formula 1 cars that ever made and produce.
Starting with Number ten of the top ten is:
Number 10: 1968-69 McLaren M7
Story: Designed by Robin Herd and Gordon Coppuck, the M7 was the first McLaren to be powered by the 3 litre V8 Cosworth DFV engine. This would be team first win in Formula 1 with the M7 in the hands of McLaren founder Bruce McLaren at the 1968 Belgium Grand Prix, while Denny Hulme took another three wins in the McLaren M7 between 1968 an 1969. Which even took McLaren to second in the Constructors Championship in 1968.
Number 9: 1981-1983 McLaren MP4/1
Story: McLaren MP4/1 was the first Formula 1 car to use a carbon fibre composite monocoque, a concept which is now ubiquitous in F1. McLaren MP4/1 was designed by John Barnard, the McLaren MP4/1 had the 3 litre Cosworth DFV engine underneath. Overall the McLaren MP4/1 took six race wins, four for John Watson, two for Niki Lauda. Took McLaren to second place in the Constructors championship in the 1982 season.
Number 8: 1999 McLaren MP4/14
Story: The McLaren MP4/14 was designed by Neil Oatley and Adrian Newey. Underneath the McLaren MP4/14 had a Mercedes 3 litre V10. The McLaren MP4/14 took Mika Hakkinen to the 1999 F1 Drivers title, while it took McLaren second in the F1 Constructors' standings. And the McLaren MP4/14 won seven races, five for Mika Hakkinen and two for David Coulthard as-well.
Number 7: 2008 McLaren MP4-23
Story: The McLaren MP4-23 was designed by Neil Oatley, Tim Goss and Paddy Lowe. Underneath the McLaren MP4-23 had a Mercedes 2.4 litre V8. The McLaren MP4-23 took Lewis Hamilton to the 2008 F1 Drivers title, while it took McLaren second in the F1 Constructors' standings. And the McLaren MP4-23 won six races, five for Lewis Hamilton and one for Heikki Kovalainen as-well.
Number 6: 1991-92 McLaren MP4/6
Story: The McLaren MP4/6 was designed by Neil Oatley. The McLaren MP4/6 had the all new Honda 3.5 litre V12. The McLaren MP4/6 took eight Grand Prix wins in 1991, seven for Ayrton Senna and one for Gerhard Berger. Also, McLaren MP4/6 took the 1991 constructors' title for McLaren in 1991 and the drivers' title for Ayrton Senna in 1991, and Ayrton Senna's last of his drivers' titles as-well.
Number 5: 1998 McLaren MP4-13
Story: The last time McLaren have won the F1 Constructors championship was with this car the McLaren MP4-13. This was Adrian Newey first F1 car design since leaving Williams at the start of 1997 season. The car had a Mercedes 3.0 litre V10 underneath. It won the F1 constructors championship in 1998. Also, David Coulthard won a Grand Prix in that car and Mika Hakkinen won eight wins that season to concluded with the 1998 F1 drivers championship for Hakkinen.
Number 4: 1989-90 McLaren MP4/5
Story: The McLaren MP4/5 was designed by Gordon Murray, Steve Nichols and Neil Oatley. And it's the first of the non turbo Honda F1 cars, the MP4/5 had the Honda 3.5 litre V10 producing around 680 bhp. The McLaren MP4/5 took two constructor titles' in 1989 and 1990 and two drivers titles' with Alain Prost in 1989, and with Ayrton Senna in 1990. Sixteen Grand Prix wins in those two seasons, four for Alain Prost and twelve for Ayrton Senna and controversy in-between those two drivers.
Number 3: 1973-77 McLaren M23
Story: The McLaren M23 took McLaren to their first Drivers' and Constructors' tiles in Formula 1. Designed by Gordon Coppuck, with input from John Barnard, the McLaren M23 had the 3 litre Cosworth DFV engine to give McLaren the F1 Constructors championship in 1974. Also, Emerson Fittipaldi to his second F1 drivers title in 1974. While, McLaren M23 took James Hunt to his 1976 Drivers championship as-well. McLaren M23 took sixteen race wins overall, two for Denny Hulme, two for Peter Revson, one for Jochen Mass, five for Emerson Fittipaldi and six for James Hunt in those four and half years in Formula 1.
Number 2: 1984-86 McLaren MP4/2
Story: McLaren MP4/2 was designed by John Barnard. Underneath the McLaren MP4/2 had a TAG-Porsche 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath. Overall, the McLaren MP4/2 took Niki Lauda the 1984 F1 Drivers' Championship and Alain Prost to the 1985 and 1986 F1 Drivers' Championships, while it took McLaren two back to back F1 Constructors' titles for McLaren in 1984 and 1985. McLaren MP4/3 won twenty-two wins in three seasons, sixteen for Alain Prost and six for Niki Lauda as-well.
Number 1: 1988 McLaren MP4/4
Story: The McLaren MP4/4 will be possibly the best McLaren car that have been created from the team and possibly one of the most dominant racing car in Formula 1 history. The McLaren MP4/4 was design by both Steve Nichols and Gordon Murray. The McLaren MP4/4 has the famous Honda 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath the McLaren MP4/4, the last of the turbos in Formula 1 (until next season that is) which produce over 1000 bhp in qualifying and around 790 bhp in race pace. Which, McLaren took fifteen victories from sixteen races in 1988, eight for Ayrton Senna and seven for Alain Prost, including ten 1-2 finishes, fifteen Poles which Senna took thirteen poles that season. Finally gives McLaren the Constructors Championship in 1998 and Ayrton Senna to the Drivers Championship in 1988 as-well.
And to many more years of winning form McLaren to come.
Starting with Number ten of the top ten is:
Number 10: 1968-69 McLaren M7
Story: Designed by Robin Herd and Gordon Coppuck, the M7 was the first McLaren to be powered by the 3 litre V8 Cosworth DFV engine. This would be team first win in Formula 1 with the M7 in the hands of McLaren founder Bruce McLaren at the 1968 Belgium Grand Prix, while Denny Hulme took another three wins in the McLaren M7 between 1968 an 1969. Which even took McLaren to second in the Constructors Championship in 1968.
Number 9: 1981-1983 McLaren MP4/1
Story: McLaren MP4/1 was the first Formula 1 car to use a carbon fibre composite monocoque, a concept which is now ubiquitous in F1. McLaren MP4/1 was designed by John Barnard, the McLaren MP4/1 had the 3 litre Cosworth DFV engine underneath. Overall the McLaren MP4/1 took six race wins, four for John Watson, two for Niki Lauda. Took McLaren to second place in the Constructors championship in the 1982 season.
Number 8: 1999 McLaren MP4/14
Story: The McLaren MP4/14 was designed by Neil Oatley and Adrian Newey. Underneath the McLaren MP4/14 had a Mercedes 3 litre V10. The McLaren MP4/14 took Mika Hakkinen to the 1999 F1 Drivers title, while it took McLaren second in the F1 Constructors' standings. And the McLaren MP4/14 won seven races, five for Mika Hakkinen and two for David Coulthard as-well.
Number 7: 2008 McLaren MP4-23
Story: The McLaren MP4-23 was designed by Neil Oatley, Tim Goss and Paddy Lowe. Underneath the McLaren MP4-23 had a Mercedes 2.4 litre V8. The McLaren MP4-23 took Lewis Hamilton to the 2008 F1 Drivers title, while it took McLaren second in the F1 Constructors' standings. And the McLaren MP4-23 won six races, five for Lewis Hamilton and one for Heikki Kovalainen as-well.
Number 6: 1991-92 McLaren MP4/6
Story: The McLaren MP4/6 was designed by Neil Oatley. The McLaren MP4/6 had the all new Honda 3.5 litre V12. The McLaren MP4/6 took eight Grand Prix wins in 1991, seven for Ayrton Senna and one for Gerhard Berger. Also, McLaren MP4/6 took the 1991 constructors' title for McLaren in 1991 and the drivers' title for Ayrton Senna in 1991, and Ayrton Senna's last of his drivers' titles as-well.
Number 5: 1998 McLaren MP4-13
Story: The last time McLaren have won the F1 Constructors championship was with this car the McLaren MP4-13. This was Adrian Newey first F1 car design since leaving Williams at the start of 1997 season. The car had a Mercedes 3.0 litre V10 underneath. It won the F1 constructors championship in 1998. Also, David Coulthard won a Grand Prix in that car and Mika Hakkinen won eight wins that season to concluded with the 1998 F1 drivers championship for Hakkinen.
Number 4: 1989-90 McLaren MP4/5
Story: The McLaren MP4/5 was designed by Gordon Murray, Steve Nichols and Neil Oatley. And it's the first of the non turbo Honda F1 cars, the MP4/5 had the Honda 3.5 litre V10 producing around 680 bhp. The McLaren MP4/5 took two constructor titles' in 1989 and 1990 and two drivers titles' with Alain Prost in 1989, and with Ayrton Senna in 1990. Sixteen Grand Prix wins in those two seasons, four for Alain Prost and twelve for Ayrton Senna and controversy in-between those two drivers.
Number 3: 1973-77 McLaren M23
Story: The McLaren M23 took McLaren to their first Drivers' and Constructors' tiles in Formula 1. Designed by Gordon Coppuck, with input from John Barnard, the McLaren M23 had the 3 litre Cosworth DFV engine to give McLaren the F1 Constructors championship in 1974. Also, Emerson Fittipaldi to his second F1 drivers title in 1974. While, McLaren M23 took James Hunt to his 1976 Drivers championship as-well. McLaren M23 took sixteen race wins overall, two for Denny Hulme, two for Peter Revson, one for Jochen Mass, five for Emerson Fittipaldi and six for James Hunt in those four and half years in Formula 1.
Number 2: 1984-86 McLaren MP4/2
Story: McLaren MP4/2 was designed by John Barnard. Underneath the McLaren MP4/2 had a TAG-Porsche 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath. Overall, the McLaren MP4/2 took Niki Lauda the 1984 F1 Drivers' Championship and Alain Prost to the 1985 and 1986 F1 Drivers' Championships, while it took McLaren two back to back F1 Constructors' titles for McLaren in 1984 and 1985. McLaren MP4/3 won twenty-two wins in three seasons, sixteen for Alain Prost and six for Niki Lauda as-well.
Number 1: 1988 McLaren MP4/4
Story: The McLaren MP4/4 will be possibly the best McLaren car that have been created from the team and possibly one of the most dominant racing car in Formula 1 history. The McLaren MP4/4 was design by both Steve Nichols and Gordon Murray. The McLaren MP4/4 has the famous Honda 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath the McLaren MP4/4, the last of the turbos in Formula 1 (until next season that is) which produce over 1000 bhp in qualifying and around 790 bhp in race pace. Which, McLaren took fifteen victories from sixteen races in 1988, eight for Ayrton Senna and seven for Alain Prost, including ten 1-2 finishes, fifteen Poles which Senna took thirteen poles that season. Finally gives McLaren the Constructors Championship in 1998 and Ayrton Senna to the Drivers Championship in 1988 as-well.
And to many more years of winning form McLaren to come.
Wednesday 18 May 2016
2016 World RX Round 3 Recap - World RX of Belgium
Review of Round Three of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season was the World RX of Belgium, at Circuit Jules Tacheny Mettet, Mettet, in South-West Belgium.
In the four Heats, those were won by Sébastien Loeb, Mattias Ekström (winning twice), and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg.
In the first semi-final that was won by EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi S1. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was two seconds behind Ekström in the end. While, third was Ecurie Bayard ASBL driver François Duval in his Ford Fiesta ST, he was eight seconds behind Ekström in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg in his Citroën DS3. Second was Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo, he was a second behind Solberg in the end. While, third was Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Anton Marklund in his Volkswagen Polo, he was five seconds behind Solberg in the end.
In the final race, EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström took the race win in his Audi S1. Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was two and half seconds behind Ekström in the end. While, third was Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg in his Citroën DS3, he was three seconds behind Ekström in the end.
Next stop World RX of Great Britain at Lydden Hill Race Circuit for Round Four of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in two weeks time.
In the four Heats, those were won by Sébastien Loeb, Mattias Ekström (winning twice), and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg.
In the first semi-final that was won by EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi S1. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was two seconds behind Ekström in the end. While, third was Ecurie Bayard ASBL driver François Duval in his Ford Fiesta ST, he was eight seconds behind Ekström in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg in his Citroën DS3. Second was Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo, he was a second behind Solberg in the end. While, third was Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Anton Marklund in his Volkswagen Polo, he was five seconds behind Solberg in the end.
In the final race, EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström took the race win in his Audi S1. Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was two and half seconds behind Ekström in the end. While, third was Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg in his Citroën DS3, he was three seconds behind Ekström in the end.
Next stop World RX of Great Britain at Lydden Hill Race Circuit for Round Four of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in two weeks time.
Monday 16 May 2016
2016 Spanish Grand Prix Review, Max Verstappen Wins!
Review of the fifth round of the 2016 F1 season at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, on the outskirts of Barcelona, for the Spanish Grand Prix, includes thoughts on Max Verstappen first Grand Prix win and thoughts on Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
Overall, I thought it was the best race of the season so far. Lewis Hamilton on pole and Nico Rosberg on the front row for Sunday's race, you would have thought it will be another one-two Mercedes finish. Until the fourth corner of the first lap in the race when Nico Rosberg who got around the outside of Hamilton in turn one, but coming out of turn three Hamilton and Rosberg collided ending the race of both Mercedes drivers. In my opinion it was a racing incident, possibly a clumsy attempt to overtake from Hamilton a complete poor error of judgement from the Formula 1 World Champion.
With both Mercedes drivers out, Daniel Ricciardo took the lead with Max Verstappen behind and Sebastian Vettel gaining. Then on lap 39, Vettel came in for his third and final stop, while Ricciardo stayed out for another four laps he returned were he was behind Vettel, despite on fresher tyres he could not overtake his former team-mate.
Despite all of that, Verstappen and Räikkönen opted not to pit for fresher tyres with Verstappen leading and Räikkönen and co catching up on the young leader. With Räikkönen closing on Verstappen was not enough at the end to overtake him, to give Max Verstappen with his first race win of the season and becoming the youngest ever race winner in Formula One just only eighteen years old beating Sebastian Vettel old record at twenty years old. Also, the first Dutch driver to win a Grand Prix to conclude this seasons Spanish Grand Prix.
While, Kimi Räikkönen finished in second place in the Ferrari, Räikkönen was half a second behind Verstappen at the end.
Meanwhile, Räikkönen's team-mate Sebastian Vettel finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Vettel was six seconds behind Verstappen at the end of the sixty-six lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 5
Lewis Hamilton - 5 (pole, DNF, Collision with Nico Rosberg)
Nico Rosberg - 6 (DNF, Collision with Lewis Hamilton)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished third)
Kimi Räikkönen - 9 (finished second)
Williams - 7
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished fifth)
Felipe Massa - 7 (finished eighth)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Daniel Ricciardo - 9 (finished fourth)
Max Verstappen - 10 (race win)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (DNF, Oil leak)
Sergio Pérez - 7 (finished seventh)
Renault - 5
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 6 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 9 (finished sixth)
Daniil Kvyat - 7 (finished tenth, fastest lap, lap down)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 8 (DNF, Engine)
Jenson Button - 7 (finished ninth, lap down)
Manor - 5
Rio Haryanto - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 6 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 6 (DNF, Brakes)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Next stop Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Overall, I thought it was the best race of the season so far. Lewis Hamilton on pole and Nico Rosberg on the front row for Sunday's race, you would have thought it will be another one-two Mercedes finish. Until the fourth corner of the first lap in the race when Nico Rosberg who got around the outside of Hamilton in turn one, but coming out of turn three Hamilton and Rosberg collided ending the race of both Mercedes drivers. In my opinion it was a racing incident, possibly a clumsy attempt to overtake from Hamilton a complete poor error of judgement from the Formula 1 World Champion.
With both Mercedes drivers out, Daniel Ricciardo took the lead with Max Verstappen behind and Sebastian Vettel gaining. Then on lap 39, Vettel came in for his third and final stop, while Ricciardo stayed out for another four laps he returned were he was behind Vettel, despite on fresher tyres he could not overtake his former team-mate.
Despite all of that, Verstappen and Räikkönen opted not to pit for fresher tyres with Verstappen leading and Räikkönen and co catching up on the young leader. With Räikkönen closing on Verstappen was not enough at the end to overtake him, to give Max Verstappen with his first race win of the season and becoming the youngest ever race winner in Formula One just only eighteen years old beating Sebastian Vettel old record at twenty years old. Also, the first Dutch driver to win a Grand Prix to conclude this seasons Spanish Grand Prix.
While, Kimi Räikkönen finished in second place in the Ferrari, Räikkönen was half a second behind Verstappen at the end.
Meanwhile, Räikkönen's team-mate Sebastian Vettel finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Vettel was six seconds behind Verstappen at the end of the sixty-six lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 5
Lewis Hamilton - 5 (pole, DNF, Collision with Nico Rosberg)
Nico Rosberg - 6 (DNF, Collision with Lewis Hamilton)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished third)
Kimi Räikkönen - 9 (finished second)
Williams - 7
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished fifth)
Felipe Massa - 7 (finished eighth)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Daniel Ricciardo - 9 (finished fourth)
Max Verstappen - 10 (race win)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (DNF, Oil leak)
Sergio Pérez - 7 (finished seventh)
Renault - 5
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 6 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 9 (finished sixth)
Daniil Kvyat - 7 (finished tenth, fastest lap, lap down)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 8 (DNF, Engine)
Jenson Button - 7 (finished ninth, lap down)
Manor - 5
Rio Haryanto - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 6 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 6 (DNF, Brakes)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Next stop Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Wednesday 11 May 2016
2016 World RX Round 2 Recap - World RX of Hockenheim
Review of Round Two of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season was the World RX of Hockenheim, at the Hockenheimring, Hockenheim, in South-West Germany.
In the four Heats, those were won by Mattias Ekström, Johan Kristoffersson, current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg and Toomas Heikkinen.
In the first semi-final that was won by EKS RX driver Toomas Heikkinen in his Audi S1. Second was EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi S1, he was half a second behind Heikkinen in the end. While, third was Larsson Jernberg Motorsport driver Robin Larsson in his Audi A1, he was four seconds behind Heikkinen in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by JRM Racing driver Liam Doran in his BMW Mini Countryman. Second was Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg in his Citroën DS3, he was a second behind Doran in the end. While, third was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Ken Block in his Ford Focus Mk3 RS, he was thirteen tenths of a second behind Doran in the end.
In the final race, EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström took the race win in his Audi S1. Second was EKS RX driver Toomas Heikkinen in his Audi S1, he was two and half seconds behind Ekström in the end. While, third was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Ken Block in his Ford Focus Mk3 RS, he was four seconds behind Ekström in the end.
Highlights of the final race bellow, enjoy.
Next stop World RX of Belgium at Circuit Jules Tacheny Mettet for Round Three of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in a weeks time.
In the four Heats, those were won by Mattias Ekström, Johan Kristoffersson, current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg and Toomas Heikkinen.
In the first semi-final that was won by EKS RX driver Toomas Heikkinen in his Audi S1. Second was EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi S1, he was half a second behind Heikkinen in the end. While, third was Larsson Jernberg Motorsport driver Robin Larsson in his Audi A1, he was four seconds behind Heikkinen in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by JRM Racing driver Liam Doran in his BMW Mini Countryman. Second was Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg in his Citroën DS3, he was a second behind Doran in the end. While, third was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Ken Block in his Ford Focus Mk3 RS, he was thirteen tenths of a second behind Doran in the end.
In the final race, EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström took the race win in his Audi S1. Second was EKS RX driver Toomas Heikkinen in his Audi S1, he was two and half seconds behind Ekström in the end. While, third was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Ken Block in his Ford Focus Mk3 RS, he was four seconds behind Ekström in the end.
Highlights of the final race bellow, enjoy.
Next stop World RX of Belgium at Circuit Jules Tacheny Mettet for Round Three of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in a weeks time.
Tuesday 10 May 2016
2016 DTM Round 1 Recap
Review of Round One of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at the Hockenheimring, Hockenheim, in South-West Germany.
On Saturday's race, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Edoardo Mortara took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Mercedes-Benz DTM Team HWA I driver Robert Wickens in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was two seconds behind Mortara in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt driver Nico Müller in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was four seconds behind Mortara in the end.
On Sunday's race, Mercedes-Benz DTM Team HWA II driver Paul di Resta took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was BMW Team MTEK driver Augusto Farfus in his BMW M4 DTM, he was under fourteen seconds behind di Resta in the end. While, third place was BMW Team RBM driver Maxime Martin in his BMW M4 DTM, he was over fourteen seconds behind di Resta in the end.
Next stop Red Bull Ring, Spielberg in Austria for Round Two of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in two weeks time.
On Saturday's race, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Edoardo Mortara took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Mercedes-Benz DTM Team HWA I driver Robert Wickens in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was two seconds behind Mortara in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt driver Nico Müller in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was four seconds behind Mortara in the end.
On Sunday's race, Mercedes-Benz DTM Team HWA II driver Paul di Resta took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was BMW Team MTEK driver Augusto Farfus in his BMW M4 DTM, he was under fourteen seconds behind di Resta in the end. While, third place was BMW Team RBM driver Maxime Martin in his BMW M4 DTM, he was over fourteen seconds behind di Resta in the end.
Next stop Red Bull Ring, Spielberg in Austria for Round Two of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in two weeks time.
2016 TCR Round 3 Recap
Review of Round Three of the 2016 TCR International Series season was at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Francorchamps, South East of Belgium.
In the first race, WestCoast Racing driver Aku Pellinen took the race win in his Honda Civic TCR. Second was Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver Pepe Oriola in his SEAT León TCR, he was four tenths of a second behind Pellinen in the end. While, third place was B3 Racing Team Hungary driver Dušan Borković in his SEAT León TCR, he was a second behind Pellinen in the end.
While in the second race, Leopard Racing driver Jean-Karl Vernay took the race win in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Second was Leopard Racing driver and current TCR International Series Champion Stefano Comini in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was two seconds behind Vernay in the end. While third place was Leopard Racing driver Antti Buri in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR to compete a Leopard Racing/VW podium whitewash, he was five seconds behind Vernay in the end.
Next stop Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola in Italy for Round Four of the 2016 TCR International Series season in two weeks time.
In the first race, WestCoast Racing driver Aku Pellinen took the race win in his Honda Civic TCR. Second was Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver Pepe Oriola in his SEAT León TCR, he was four tenths of a second behind Pellinen in the end. While, third place was B3 Racing Team Hungary driver Dušan Borković in his SEAT León TCR, he was a second behind Pellinen in the end.
While in the second race, Leopard Racing driver Jean-Karl Vernay took the race win in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Second was Leopard Racing driver and current TCR International Series Champion Stefano Comini in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was two seconds behind Vernay in the end. While third place was Leopard Racing driver Antti Buri in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR to compete a Leopard Racing/VW podium whitewash, he was five seconds behind Vernay in the end.
Next stop Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola in Italy for Round Four of the 2016 TCR International Series season in two weeks time.
2016 WTCC Round 4 Recap - Race of Morocco
Review of Round Four of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season was the Race of Morocco, on the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan in Marrakech, Morocco.
In the first race, ROAL Motorsport driver Tom Coronel took the race win in his Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1 and also took Independents class win. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was three tenths of a second behind Coronel in the end. While third was Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was two seconds behind Coronel in the end.
While in the second race, Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Robert Huff took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was half a second behind Huff in the end. While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC to complete a Honda podium whitewash finish, he was a second behind Huff 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 eighth place overall and he was thirty-six seconds behind Huff in the end.
Next stop Race of Germany at the Nürburgring Nordschleife for Round Five of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
In the first race, ROAL Motorsport driver Tom Coronel took the race win in his Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1 and also took Independents class win. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was three tenths of a second behind Coronel in the end. While third was Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was two seconds behind Coronel in the end.
While in the second race, Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Robert Huff took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was half a second behind Huff in the end. While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC to complete a Honda podium whitewash finish, he was a second behind Huff 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 eighth place overall and he was thirty-six seconds behind Huff in the end.
Next stop Race of Germany at the Nürburgring Nordschleife for Round Five of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
2016 BTCC Round 3 Recap
Review of Round Three of the 2015 British Touring Car Championship season was at Thruxton, in Hampshire.
In the first race, WIX Racing driver Adam Morgan took the race win in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class also took Independents class win. Second was Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis, he was three seconds behind Morgan in the end. While third place was Motorbase Performance driver Andrew Jordan in his Ford Focus ST, he was four seconds behind Morgan in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by RCIB Insurance Racing driver Michael Epps in his Toyota Avensis, he finished in tenth place and was nine seconds behind Morgan in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Motorbase Performance driver Andrew Jordan took the race win in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win. Second was Team JCT600 with GardX driver Rob Collard in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was four tenths of a second behind Jordan in the end. While third place was WIX Racing driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class, he was sixteen tenths of a second behind Jordan in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Eurotech Racing driver Daniel Lloyd in his Honda Civic Type R, he finished in seventh place and was three and half seconds behind Jordan in the end.
Finally in the third race, Motorbase Performance driver Mat Jackson took the race win in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win. Second was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Type R, he was three tenths of a second behind Jackson in the end. While third place was WIX Racing driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class, he was four seconds behind Jackson in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton in his MG6 GT, he finished in fifth place and was five seconds behind Jackson in the end.
Next stop Oulton Park for Round Four of the 2016 British Touring Car Championship season in four weeks time.
In the first race, WIX Racing driver Adam Morgan took the race win in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class also took Independents class win. Second was Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis, he was three seconds behind Morgan in the end. While third place was Motorbase Performance driver Andrew Jordan in his Ford Focus ST, he was four seconds behind Morgan in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by RCIB Insurance Racing driver Michael Epps in his Toyota Avensis, he finished in tenth place and was nine seconds behind Morgan in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Motorbase Performance driver Andrew Jordan took the race win in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win. Second was Team JCT600 with GardX driver Rob Collard in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was four tenths of a second behind Jordan in the end. While third place was WIX Racing driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class, he was sixteen tenths of a second behind Jordan in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Eurotech Racing driver Daniel Lloyd in his Honda Civic Type R, he finished in seventh place and was three and half seconds behind Jordan in the end.
Finally in the third race, Motorbase Performance driver Mat Jackson took the race win in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win. Second was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Type R, he was three tenths of a second behind Jackson in the end. While third place was WIX Racing driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class, he was four seconds behind Jackson in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton in his MG6 GT, he finished in fifth place and was five seconds behind Jackson in the end.
Next stop Oulton Park for Round Four of the 2016 British Touring Car Championship season in four weeks time.
Monday 9 May 2016
2016 F1 Spanish Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix Predictions at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, on the outskirts of Barcelona.
So Predictions for the race, for the win I predict Nico Rosberg for the race win in the Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton second in the other Mercedes, and third place for Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, Romain Grosjean, Red Bull drivers, the Williams drivers, the Force India drivers and the Toro Rosso drivers as well for a podium place.
So Predictions for the race, for the win I predict Nico Rosberg for the race win in the Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton second in the other Mercedes, and third place for Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, Romain Grosjean, Red Bull drivers, the Williams drivers, the Force India drivers and the Toro Rosso drivers as well for a podium place.
2016 France MotoGP Review, and Jonas Folger signs for Tech 3 Yamaha for 2017 MotoGP Season
Review of the round five of the 2016 MotoGP season at Le Mans Bugatti track in Le Mans, in central France.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1 for a Yamaha one-two finish, he was ten seconds behind Lorenzo at the end. While, third was Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Viñales on his works Suzuki GSX-RR for Suzuki's first podium as a manufacture since 2008, he was fourteen seconds behind Lorenzo at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Paginas Amarillas HP 40 rider Álex Rins on the Kalex. Second was Speed Up rider Simone Corsi on the Speed Up, he was two seconds behind Rins at the end. While, third was Garage Plus Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex, he was four seconds behind Rins at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Romano Fenati on the KTM, he was a tenth of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Jorge Navarro on the Honda, he was four tenths of a second behind Binder at the end of the race.
Finally, it was confirmed on Thursday (5/5/16) Moto2 rider Jonas Folger will graduate to MotoGP next year with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team.
Folger will replace Bradley Smith who have signed for the KTM's factory team when the manufacturer returns in MotoGP next season.
No word yet on who is Jonas Folger team-mate yet at Tech 3, it would be more than likely be current Tech 3 rider Pol Espargaró for 2017.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1 for a Yamaha one-two finish, he was ten seconds behind Lorenzo at the end. While, third was Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Viñales on his works Suzuki GSX-RR for Suzuki's first podium as a manufacture since 2008, he was fourteen seconds behind Lorenzo at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Paginas Amarillas HP 40 rider Álex Rins on the Kalex. Second was Speed Up rider Simone Corsi on the Speed Up, he was two seconds behind Rins at the end. While, third was Garage Plus Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex, he was four seconds behind Rins at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Romano Fenati on the KTM, he was a tenth of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Jorge Navarro on the Honda, he was four tenths of a second behind Binder at the end of the race.
Finally, it was confirmed on Thursday (5/5/16) Moto2 rider Jonas Folger will graduate to MotoGP next year with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team.
Folger will replace Bradley Smith who have signed for the KTM's factory team when the manufacturer returns in MotoGP next season.
No word yet on who is Jonas Folger team-mate yet at Tech 3, it would be more than likely be current Tech 3 rider Pol Espargaró for 2017.
2016 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Review
Review of Round two of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa-Francorchamps.
The Audi Sport Team Joest team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Oliver Jarvis, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro. While, second was the Porsche Team of Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb in their Porsche 919 Hybrid, they were two laps behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Rebellion Racing team of Dominik Kraihamer, Alexandre Imperatori, and Mathéo Tuscher in their Rebellion R-One, they were four laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class, the Signatech Alpine team of Gustavo Menezes, Nicolas Lapierre and Stéphane Richelmi in their Alpine A460 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class. They finish in seventh place overall and they were nine laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Davide Rigon and Sam Bird won in their Ferrari 488 GTE. They finish in fourteenth place overall and they were fifteen laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Paul Dalla Lana, Pedro Lamy and Mathias Lauda in their Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE. They finish in nineteenth place overall and they were twenty laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps below, enjoy.
Next Stop 24 Hours of Le Mans in six weeks time for Round three of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Audi Sport Team Joest team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Oliver Jarvis, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro. While, second was the Porsche Team of Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb in their Porsche 919 Hybrid, they were two laps behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Rebellion Racing team of Dominik Kraihamer, Alexandre Imperatori, and Mathéo Tuscher in their Rebellion R-One, they were four laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class, the Signatech Alpine team of Gustavo Menezes, Nicolas Lapierre and Stéphane Richelmi in their Alpine A460 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class. They finish in seventh place overall and they were nine laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Davide Rigon and Sam Bird won in their Ferrari 488 GTE. They finish in fourteenth place overall and they were fifteen laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Paul Dalla Lana, Pedro Lamy and Mathias Lauda in their Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE. They finish in nineteenth place overall and they were twenty laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps below, enjoy.
Next Stop 24 Hours of Le Mans in six weeks time for Round three of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Friday 6 May 2016
Driver Swap, Max Verstappen replaces Daniil Kvyat at Red Bull, Kvyat replaces Verstappen at Toro Rosso
It was announced on Thursday (5/5/16), Max Verstappen will replace Daniil Kvyat at Red Bull from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards, with Kvyat returning to Toro Rosso for the rest of the season.
Kvyat collided with Sebastian Vettel twice at the start of the Russian Grand Prix last weekend, with the second contact resulting in the Ferrari ending up in the wall. After the race, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said Kvyat "accepts he made a mistake" and apologized to the team. But following talks, Red Bull has taken the decision to drop Kvyat in favour of Verstappen from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards.
Verstappen will join Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull, while Kvyat will partner Carlos Sainz Jr at Toro Rosso, where Kvyat has previous experience with the team back in the 2014 season with best results of three ninth place finishes.
Overall, happy for Max Verstappen and completely gutted for Daniil Kvyat, despite he was on the podium in China the first lap nightmare at his home race last weekend was the perfect opportunity/excuse to replace him with Verstappen.
Also, the driver swap more on securing Max Verstappen for the long-term rather than demoting Kvyat. Keeping Verstappen services for the long-term at Red Bull was their number one priority, as he been rumoured he might be off to Mercedes or Ferrari next season and promoting him to the main team right now may secure his services for another few seasons rather than gambling it later on the season and paying more.
Also, with Verstappen and Sainz they are not getting along as team-mates it has been heavily rumoured lately, and with Kvyat not performing at Red Bull against team-mate Ricciardo. The best option for Red Bull is to promote Verstappen to Red Bull and demote Kvyat back to Toro Rosso and ease the pressure off for Kvyat. I don't think Kvyat will get sacked at the end of the season as there is no Red Bull Junior drivers to promote unless Pierre Gasly wins or heavily challenges the GP2 series this season and then his 2017 drive may be in jeopardy then.
Don't think this will be the last driver change in Formula 1 this season.
Kvyat collided with Sebastian Vettel twice at the start of the Russian Grand Prix last weekend, with the second contact resulting in the Ferrari ending up in the wall. After the race, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said Kvyat "accepts he made a mistake" and apologized to the team. But following talks, Red Bull has taken the decision to drop Kvyat in favour of Verstappen from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards.
Verstappen will join Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull, while Kvyat will partner Carlos Sainz Jr at Toro Rosso, where Kvyat has previous experience with the team back in the 2014 season with best results of three ninth place finishes.
Overall, happy for Max Verstappen and completely gutted for Daniil Kvyat, despite he was on the podium in China the first lap nightmare at his home race last weekend was the perfect opportunity/excuse to replace him with Verstappen.
Also, the driver swap more on securing Max Verstappen for the long-term rather than demoting Kvyat. Keeping Verstappen services for the long-term at Red Bull was their number one priority, as he been rumoured he might be off to Mercedes or Ferrari next season and promoting him to the main team right now may secure his services for another few seasons rather than gambling it later on the season and paying more.
Also, with Verstappen and Sainz they are not getting along as team-mates it has been heavily rumoured lately, and with Kvyat not performing at Red Bull against team-mate Ricciardo. The best option for Red Bull is to promote Verstappen to Red Bull and demote Kvyat back to Toro Rosso and ease the pressure off for Kvyat. I don't think Kvyat will get sacked at the end of the season as there is no Red Bull Junior drivers to promote unless Pierre Gasly wins or heavily challenges the GP2 series this season and then his 2017 drive may be in jeopardy then.
Don't think this will be the last driver change in Formula 1 this season.
Tuesday 3 May 2016
Round Four Recap of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Review of Round Four of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California. With this round is split into two different races, one race with both the Prototype class and GT Le Mans class only. And the other race with Prototype Challenge class and GT Daytona class only.
In the first race, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team won the race overall and Prototype Challenge class too (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car) of Robert Alon and Tom Kimber-Smith. Second was Starworks Motorsport team of Renger van der Zande and Alex Popow, they were two seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, thrid was CORE Autosport team of Jon Bennett and Colin Braun, they were fifteen seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In GT Daytona class, Team Seattle / Alex Job Racing team won GT Daytona class and finished in eighth place overall in their Porsche 911 GT3 R; with the drivers of Mario Farnbacher and Alex Riberas; they were three laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Meanwhile in the second race, Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian won the race overall and Prototype class too of Oswaldo Negri, Jr. and John Pew in their Ligier JS P2, Honda HR28TT 2.8 L V6 Turbo. While, VisitFlorida.com Racing team finished second place in their Coyote Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, with the team of Marc Goossens and Richard Westbrook; they were thirty seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Action Express Racing team finished in third place in their Coyote Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8; the team of Dane Cameron and Eric Curran; they were thirty-one seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in sixth place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were a lap behind the leaders.
Next Stop The Raceway on Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan in five weeks time for Round Five of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
In the first race, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team won the race overall and Prototype Challenge class too (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car) of Robert Alon and Tom Kimber-Smith. Second was Starworks Motorsport team of Renger van der Zande and Alex Popow, they were two seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, thrid was CORE Autosport team of Jon Bennett and Colin Braun, they were fifteen seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In GT Daytona class, Team Seattle / Alex Job Racing team won GT Daytona class and finished in eighth place overall in their Porsche 911 GT3 R; with the drivers of Mario Farnbacher and Alex Riberas; they were three laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Meanwhile in the second race, Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian won the race overall and Prototype class too of Oswaldo Negri, Jr. and John Pew in their Ligier JS P2, Honda HR28TT 2.8 L V6 Turbo. While, VisitFlorida.com Racing team finished second place in their Coyote Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, with the team of Marc Goossens and Richard Westbrook; they were thirty seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Action Express Racing team finished in third place in their Coyote Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8; the team of Dane Cameron and Eric Curran; they were thirty-one seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in sixth place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were a lap behind the leaders.
Next Stop The Raceway on Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan in five weeks time for Round Five of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Monday 2 May 2016
2016 Russian Grand Prix Review
Review of the fourth round of the 2016 F1 season at Sochi Autodrom, in Sochi for the Russian 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 Nico Rosberg. Fast in all practice sessions, on pole, lead all of the laps, and fastest lap to conclude with a win in this seasons Russian Grand Prix for his fourth race win of the season and his seventh race win in a row since last seasons Mexican Grand Prix.
While, Rosberg's team-mate and current F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in second place in the other Mercedes to give the team its second one-two finish of the season, Hamilton was twenty-five seconds behind Rosberg at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was thirty-two seconds behind Rosberg at the end of the fifty-three lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 9
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (finished second)
Nico Rosberg - 10 (pole, fastest lap and race win)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (DNF, Collision with Daniil Kvyat)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished third)
Williams - 7
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished fourth)
Felipe Massa - 7 (finished fifth)
Red Bull Racing - 5
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (DNF, Collision with Esteban Gutiérrez
Sergio Pérez - 7 (finished ninth, lap down)
Renault - 7
Kevin Magnussen - 9 (finished seventh, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 6 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Max Verstappen - 7 (DNF, Power unit)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 8
Fernando Alonso - 9 (finished sixth, lap down)
Jenson Button - 8 (finished tenth, lap down)
Manor - 5
Rio Haryanto - 5 (DNF, Collision with Nico Hülkenberg)
Pascal Wehrlein - 6 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 4 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Next stop Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona in two weeks time for the Spanish 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 Nico Rosberg. Fast in all practice sessions, on pole, lead all of the laps, and fastest lap to conclude with a win in this seasons Russian Grand Prix for his fourth race win of the season and his seventh race win in a row since last seasons Mexican Grand Prix.
While, Rosberg's team-mate and current F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in second place in the other Mercedes to give the team its second one-two finish of the season, Hamilton was twenty-five seconds behind Rosberg at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was thirty-two seconds behind Rosberg at the end of the fifty-three lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 9
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (finished second)
Nico Rosberg - 10 (pole, fastest lap and race win)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (DNF, Collision with Daniil Kvyat)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished third)
Williams - 7
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished fourth)
Felipe Massa - 7 (finished fifth)
Red Bull Racing - 5
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (DNF, Collision with Esteban Gutiérrez
Sergio Pérez - 7 (finished ninth, lap down)
Renault - 7
Kevin Magnussen - 9 (finished seventh, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 6 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Max Verstappen - 7 (DNF, Power unit)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 8
Fernando Alonso - 9 (finished sixth, lap down)
Jenson Button - 8 (finished tenth, lap down)
Manor - 5
Rio Haryanto - 5 (DNF, Collision with Nico Hülkenberg)
Pascal Wehrlein - 6 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 4 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Next stop Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona in two weeks time for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Sunday 1 May 2016
Senna's Greatest Race: Brazil 1991, Winning at Home
Its has been 22 years today, that Ayrton Senna has past away from us (read previous post). So we've got to celebrate Senna life, never forget Ayrton's achievements in Formula 1.
Five years back, I did a post on one of Senna best race's at Monaco in 1984, were he finished second place in an under-powered Toleman. Four years back, I wrote about his race win at Phoenix in USA back in 1990 in his McLaren. Three years back, I wrote about Senna's famous win from the 1986 Spanish Grand Prix were he beat Nigel Mansell by 0.010 of a second. Last year, I wrote about Senna's first Grand Prix win at a very wet Portuguese Grand Prix.
This year another Great Ayrton Senna race win from the 1991 season, round two at Interlagos on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Senna pleased his home fans by taking pole ahead of the two Williams cars of Riccardo Patrese and Nigel Mansell. At the start, Senna took off ahead of Mansell and Patrese. With 20 laps to go, Senna who was experiencing gearbox troubles, and 10 laps to go Senna only had 6th gear in wet conditions with Patrese closing down after Mansell retired with gearbox troubles. But, Senna continue on and won his home race at Sao Paulo by a mere three seconds from Patrese. And if the race continue for another lap, be may not have won it.
Highlight video of the race below.
Five years back, I did a post on one of Senna best race's at Monaco in 1984, were he finished second place in an under-powered Toleman. Four years back, I wrote about his race win at Phoenix in USA back in 1990 in his McLaren. Three years back, I wrote about Senna's famous win from the 1986 Spanish Grand Prix were he beat Nigel Mansell by 0.010 of a second. Last year, I wrote about Senna's first Grand Prix win at a very wet Portuguese Grand Prix.
This year another Great Ayrton Senna race win from the 1991 season, round two at Interlagos on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Senna pleased his home fans by taking pole ahead of the two Williams cars of Riccardo Patrese and Nigel Mansell. At the start, Senna took off ahead of Mansell and Patrese. With 20 laps to go, Senna who was experiencing gearbox troubles, and 10 laps to go Senna only had 6th gear in wet conditions with Patrese closing down after Mansell retired with gearbox troubles. But, Senna continue on and won his home race at Sao Paulo by a mere three seconds from Patrese. And if the race continue for another lap, be may not have won it.
Highlight video of the race below.
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