Review of Round Eight of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Lime Rock Park, on the outskirts of Salisbury, Connecticut.
Starworks Motorsport team won the race overall and Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car) too with the team of Alex Popow and Renger van der Zande. While, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team finished second place with the team of Robert Alon and Tom Kimber-Smith; they were eight tenths of a second behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Performance Tech Motorsports team finished third place with the team of Kyle Marcelli and James French; they were a lap behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Corvette Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in fifth place overall in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R; with the drivers of Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner; they were two laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Magnus Racing team won GT Daytona Class and finished in eleventh place overall in their Audi R8 LMS; with the drivers of John Potter and
Andy Lally; they were seven laps behind the leaders.
While Prototype Class did not participate for this race.
Next Stop Road America in two weeks time for Round Nine of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Tuesday 26 July 2016
Monday 25 July 2016
2016 6 Hours of Nürburgring Review
Review of Round four of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring.
The Porsche Team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley in their Porsche 919 Hybrid. Second was the Audi Sport Team Joest team of Oliver Jarvis, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro, they were fifty-three seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Audi Sport Team Joest team of André Lotterer and Marcel Fässler in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro, they were fifty-four seconds 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 eighth place overall and they were sixteen laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Gianmaria Bruni and James Calado won in their Ferrari 488 GTE. They finish in eighteenth place overall and they were twenty-four 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 twenty-fourth place overall and they were twenty-eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Nürburgring below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Mexico City in six weeks time for round five of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Porsche Team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley in their Porsche 919 Hybrid. Second was the Audi Sport Team Joest team of Oliver Jarvis, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro, they were fifty-three seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Audi Sport Team Joest team of André Lotterer and Marcel Fässler in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro, they were fifty-four seconds 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 eighth place overall and they were sixteen laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Gianmaria Bruni and James Calado won in their Ferrari 488 GTE. They finish in eighteenth place overall and they were twenty-four 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 twenty-fourth place overall and they were twenty-eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Nürburgring below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Mexico City in six weeks time for round five of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
F1 2016 German Grand Prix Predictions
For the first time in two years, Formula 1 returns to Germany at Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix; the home Grand Prix for Mercedes Benz and home Grand Prix for four Formula one drivers on the grid (Sebastian Vettel, Pascal Wehrlein, Nico Rosberg, and Nico Hülkenberg).
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that Nico Rosberg for the win in his Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton second in the other Mercedes, and Sebastian Vettel third in the Ferrari. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, the Red Bull drivers, the Williams drivers, and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that Nico Rosberg for the win in his Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton second in the other Mercedes, and Sebastian Vettel third in the Ferrari. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, the Red Bull drivers, the Williams drivers, and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
2016 Hungarian Grand Prix Review
Review of the eleventh round of the 2016 F1 season at the Hungaroring outside of Budapest, for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Overall, a dominating race weekend for Mercedes, dominating in practice, dominating in qualifying, and most importantly dominating in the race for Mercedes driver and current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Nico Rosberg on pole for Sunday's race, the race was decided by the first corner of the first lap of the race with Hamilton overtaking Rosberg in a drag race to the first corner where Hamilton took the lead and stayed there and stayed there controlling the race to conclude with this seasons Hungarian Grand Prix for Hamilton's fifth race win of the season.
While, Hamilton's team-mate and Nico Rosberg finished in second place in the other Mercedes to give the team its third one-two finish of the season, Rosberg was two seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo finished in third place in the Red Bull to complete the podium, Ricciardo was twenty-seven seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the seventy lap race.
Now with ten races to go, with Lewis Hamilton's win in Hungary, it now gives Hamilton the lead of the F1 drivers' championship by six points ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (race win)
Nico Rosberg - 8 (pole and finished second)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (finished fourth)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished sixth and fastest lap)
Williams - 5
Valtteri Bottas - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Felipe Massa - 5 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 9 (finished third)
Max Verstappen - 7 (finished fifth)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Sergio Pérez - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Renault - 7
Kevin Magnussen - 6 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 8 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Sauber - 4
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (finished twentieth, two laps down)
Felipe Nasr - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 8 (finished seventh, lap down)
Jenson Button - 6 (DNF, Oil leak)
Manor - 3
Rio Haryanto - 3 (finished twenty-first, two laps down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 4 (finished nineteenth, two laps down)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Next stop Hockenheimring for the German Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Overall, a dominating race weekend for Mercedes, dominating in practice, dominating in qualifying, and most importantly dominating in the race for Mercedes driver and current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Nico Rosberg on pole for Sunday's race, the race was decided by the first corner of the first lap of the race with Hamilton overtaking Rosberg in a drag race to the first corner where Hamilton took the lead and stayed there and stayed there controlling the race to conclude with this seasons Hungarian Grand Prix for Hamilton's fifth race win of the season.
While, Hamilton's team-mate and Nico Rosberg finished in second place in the other Mercedes to give the team its third one-two finish of the season, Rosberg was two seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo finished in third place in the Red Bull to complete the podium, Ricciardo was twenty-seven seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the seventy lap race.
Now with ten races to go, with Lewis Hamilton's win in Hungary, it now gives Hamilton the lead of the F1 drivers' championship by six points ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (race win)
Nico Rosberg - 8 (pole and finished second)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (finished fourth)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished sixth and fastest lap)
Williams - 5
Valtteri Bottas - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Felipe Massa - 5 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 9 (finished third)
Max Verstappen - 7 (finished fifth)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Sergio Pérez - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Renault - 7
Kevin Magnussen - 6 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 8 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Sauber - 4
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (finished twentieth, two laps down)
Felipe Nasr - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 8 (finished seventh, lap down)
Jenson Button - 6 (DNF, Oil leak)
Manor - 3
Rio Haryanto - 3 (finished twenty-first, two laps down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 4 (finished nineteenth, two laps down)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Next stop Hockenheimring for the German Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Saturday 23 July 2016
Confirmed: Mercedes retains Nico Rosberg till 2018
It was confirmed yesterday (22/7/16) that Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team will retain Nico Rosberg for the next two seasons.
Rosberg made the switch to the team in 2010 after four seasons at Williams, has so far claimed nineteen Grand Prix victories with the team, also finishing as runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in the championship in 2014 and 2015, and currently leads the drivers' championship, with a best finish of five Grand Prix wins. While Rosberg remains as Lewis Hamilton team-mate for the next two seasons.
Overall, a very good decision from Mercedes to keep Nico Rosberg for next two season. Not surprising it has been heavily rumoured Rosberg will remain with the team till 2018. Now with Nico Rosberg till 2018. The top three teams are locked all locked in for their drivers for 2017. Meaning most of the midfield teams will be focused who goes where drivers go in Formula 1 in 2017.
Rosberg made the switch to the team in 2010 after four seasons at Williams, has so far claimed nineteen Grand Prix victories with the team, also finishing as runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in the championship in 2014 and 2015, and currently leads the drivers' championship, with a best finish of five Grand Prix wins. While Rosberg remains as Lewis Hamilton team-mate for the next two seasons.
It is done...https://t.co/oolmUCVrgx— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) July 22, 2016
Overall, a very good decision from Mercedes to keep Nico Rosberg for next two season. Not surprising it has been heavily rumoured Rosberg will remain with the team till 2018. Now with Nico Rosberg till 2018. The top three teams are locked all locked in for their drivers for 2017. Meaning most of the midfield teams will be focused who goes where drivers go in Formula 1 in 2017.
Thursday 21 July 2016
Sauber F1 team sold to Swiss-based investment firm Longbow Finance
It was confirmed yesterday (20/7/16) that Sauber Formula 1 team has been sold to a Swiss-based investment firm Longbow Finance fully acquiring the team, in a move that will see founder Peter Sauber retire from all functions with the team.
Under the terms of the sale, the team will continue to race as Sauber F1 Team and will remain based at Hinwil, Zürich in Switzerland for the foreseeable future. The team will be still run by Monisha Kaltenborn will continue as CEO and Team Principal. While, Pascal Picci will replace Peter Sauber as Chairman.
This is good news for the team they need? Ask me in six months time as I think losing the support of the teams founder Peter Sauber is not good for the team. But, the results do show from this season that the team has been struggling financially in recent seasons, which includes late payments to staff while the team yet to score a single point so far in 2016. Which could be the right time for Peter Sauber to sell up and enjoy his retirement.
Let's see what the new owners can do with the Sauber F1 Team now.
Under the terms of the sale, the team will continue to race as Sauber F1 Team and will remain based at Hinwil, Zürich in Switzerland for the foreseeable future. The team will be still run by Monisha Kaltenborn will continue as CEO and Team Principal. While, Pascal Picci will replace Peter Sauber as Chairman.
This is good news for the team they need? Ask me in six months time as I think losing the support of the teams founder Peter Sauber is not good for the team. But, the results do show from this season that the team has been struggling financially in recent seasons, which includes late payments to staff while the team yet to score a single point so far in 2016. Which could be the right time for Peter Sauber to sell up and enjoy his retirement.
Let's see what the new owners can do with the Sauber F1 Team now.
Tuesday 19 July 2016
2016 DTM Round 5 Recap
Review of Round Five of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at Zandvoort, in north Holland.
On Saturday's race, Mercedes-Benz DTM Team HWA I driver Robert Wickens took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63. Second was BMW Team RMG driver Marco Wittmann in his BMW M4 DTM, he was seven seconds behind Wickens in the end. While, third place was Mercedes-Benz DTM Team Mücke driver Christian Vietoris in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was nine seconds behind Wickens in the end.
On Sunday's race, Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver Jamie Green took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Mercedes-Benz DTM Team ART driver Gary Paffett in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was ten seconds behind Green in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Edoardo Mortara in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was fourteen seconds behind Green in the end.
Next stop Circuit Park Moscow Raceway, Volokolamsk in Russia for Round Six of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in five weeks time.
On Saturday's race, Mercedes-Benz DTM Team HWA I driver Robert Wickens took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63. Second was BMW Team RMG driver Marco Wittmann in his BMW M4 DTM, he was seven seconds behind Wickens in the end. While, third place was Mercedes-Benz DTM Team Mücke driver Christian Vietoris in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was nine seconds behind Wickens in the end.
On Sunday's race, Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver Jamie Green took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Mercedes-Benz DTM Team ART driver Gary Paffett in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was ten seconds behind Green in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Edoardo Mortara in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was fourteen seconds behind Green in the end.
Next stop Circuit Park Moscow Raceway, Volokolamsk in Russia for Round Six of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in five weeks time.
Monday 18 July 2016
F1 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix at Hungaroring outside of Budapest.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that, Daniel Ricciardo for the win in his Red Bull, Max Verstappen second in the other Red Bull, and third place for Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Nico Rosberg, the 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 that, Daniel Ricciardo for the win in his Red Bull, Max Verstappen second in the other Red Bull, and third place for Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Nico Rosberg, the Ferrari drivers, the Williams drivers, the Force India drivers and the Toro Rosso drivers as well for a podium place.
2016 Germany MotoGP Review, Jack Miller remains at Marc VDS for 2017, and Johann Zarco signs for Tech 3 Yamaha for 2017 MotoGP Season
Review of the round nine of the 2016 MotoGP season at Sachsenring, in Eastern Germany.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Márquez on his works Honda RC213V. Second place was LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow on his Honda RC213V, he was ten seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, third was Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP16, he was eleven seconds behind Márquez 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 Dynavolt Intact GP rider Jonas Folger on the Kalex, he was six hundredths of a second behind Zarco at the end. While, third was QMMF Racing Team rider Julián Simón on the Speed Up, he was twenty seconds behind Zarco at the end.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Honda Team Asia rider Khairul Idham Pawi on the Honda. Second was Leopard Racing rider Andrea Locatelli on the KTM, he was eleven seconds behind Idham Pawi at the end. While, third was Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Enea Bastianini on the Honda, he was thirteen seconds behind Idham Pawi at the end.
It was confirmed on last Tuesday (5/7/16), that Jack Miller will remain with Estrella Galicia Marc VDS till 2017 after signing a new one-year deal to remain with Marc VDS team.
Miller currently sits thirteenth in the championship, with a best finish of a race win at last months Assen TT race, ending recent speculation over his future at the team. No word yet on who is Jack Miller team-mate yet at Marc VDS, it would be more than likely be current Marc VDS rider Tito Rabat for 2017.
Finally, it was confirmed on Thursday (14/7/16) current Moto2 Champion Johann Zarco will graduate to MotoGP next year with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team.
Zarco will replace Pol Espargaró who have signed for the KTM's factory team when the manufacturer returns in MotoGP next season. Zarco will be partnered with Jonas Folger during the 2017 and 2018 MotoGP seasons at Monster Yamaha Tech 3.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Márquez on his works Honda RC213V. Second place was LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow on his Honda RC213V, he was ten seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, third was Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP16, he was eleven seconds behind Márquez 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 Dynavolt Intact GP rider Jonas Folger on the Kalex, he was six hundredths of a second behind Zarco at the end. While, third was QMMF Racing Team rider Julián Simón on the Speed Up, he was twenty seconds behind Zarco at the end.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Honda Team Asia rider Khairul Idham Pawi on the Honda. Second was Leopard Racing rider Andrea Locatelli on the KTM, he was eleven seconds behind Idham Pawi at the end. While, third was Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Enea Bastianini on the Honda, he was thirteen seconds behind Idham Pawi at the end.
It was confirmed on last Tuesday (5/7/16), that Jack Miller will remain with Estrella Galicia Marc VDS till 2017 after signing a new one-year deal to remain with Marc VDS team.
Miller currently sits thirteenth in the championship, with a best finish of a race win at last months Assen TT race, ending recent speculation over his future at the team. No word yet on who is Jack Miller team-mate yet at Marc VDS, it would be more than likely be current Marc VDS rider Tito Rabat for 2017.
Finally, it was confirmed on Thursday (14/7/16) current Moto2 Champion Johann Zarco will graduate to MotoGP next year with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team.
Zarco will replace Pol Espargaró who have signed for the KTM's factory team when the manufacturer returns in MotoGP next season. Zarco will be partnered with Jonas Folger during the 2017 and 2018 MotoGP seasons at Monster Yamaha Tech 3.
Sunday 17 July 2016
Celebrating Life Jules Bianchi, a year on
Its been one year today that Jules Bianchi has past away from us, from an accident he was competing in the Japanese Grand Prix nine months before his death, were he collided with a recovery vehicle resulting him going into a coma for nine months resulting his death one year ago today.
Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forgetting Jules Bianchi.
Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forgetting Jules Bianchi.
Monday 11 July 2016
Round Seven Recap of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Review of Round Seven of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, north of Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.
Action Express Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Dane Cameron and Eric Curran in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8. While, the other Action Express Racing team finished second place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of João Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi; they were ten seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Wayne Taylor Racing team finished third place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Jordan Taylor and Ricky Taylor; they were eighteen seconds behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), CORE Autosport team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in sixth place overall; with the drivers of Jon Bennett and Colin Braun; they were two laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in fourteenth place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were six laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Turner Motorsport team won GT Daytona Class and finished in twenty-third place overall in their BMW M6 GT3; with the drivers of Bret Curtis and Jens Klingmann; they were nine laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Lime Rock Park in two weeks time for Round Eight of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Action Express Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Dane Cameron and Eric Curran in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8. While, the other Action Express Racing team finished second place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of João Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi; they were ten seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Wayne Taylor Racing team finished third place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Jordan Taylor and Ricky Taylor; they were eighteen seconds behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), CORE Autosport team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in sixth place overall; with the drivers of Jon Bennett and Colin Braun; they were two laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in fourteenth place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were six laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Turner Motorsport team won GT Daytona Class and finished in twenty-third place overall in their BMW M6 GT3; with the drivers of Bret Curtis and Jens Klingmann; they were nine laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Lime Rock Park in two weeks time for Round Eight of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
2016 British Grand Prix Review
Review of the tenth round of the 2016 F1 season at Silverstone, Northamptonshire, for the British Grand Prix.
Overall, a dominating race weekend for Mercedes, dominating in practice, dominating in qualifying, and most importantly dominating in the race for Mercedes driver and current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was on pole for Sunday's race. In a wet to dry British Grand Prix, Hamilton took the advantage in the wet conditions and comfortably lead the race throughout going into dry conditions to conclude with a home race win in this seasons British Grand Prix for Hamilton's fourth race win of the season.
While, team-mate Nico Rosberg finished in second place in the other Mercedes. However, Rosberg received a ten-second time penalty for receiving illegal assistance via team radio, demoting him to third. Therefore, Max Verstappen instead finished in second place in the Red Bull, Verstappen was eight seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg finished in third place in the other Mercedes to complete the podium, Rosberg was seventeen seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the fifty-two lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 10 (pole and race win)
Nico Rosberg - 7 (finished third and fastest lap)
Ferrari - 6
Sebastian Vettel - 6 (finished ninth)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished fifth)
Williams - 5
Valtteri Bottas - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished eleven, lap down)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fourth)
Max Verstappen - 10 (finished second)
Force India - 8
Nico Hülkenberg - 8 (finished seventh)
Sergio Pérez - 8 (finished sixth)
Renault - 5
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished seventeenth/DNF, three laps down/Gearbox)
Jolyon Palmer - 5 (DNF, Gearbox)
Toro Rosso - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth)
Daniil Kvyat - 7 (finished tenth)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (DNF, Power Unit)
Felipe Nasr - 6 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 6 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Jenson Button - 6 (finished twelfth, lap Down)
Manor - 5
Rio Haryanto - 6 (DNF, Spun off)
Pascal Wehrlein - 5 (DNF, Spun off)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 6 (DNF, Transmission)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Next stop Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Overall, a dominating race weekend for Mercedes, dominating in practice, dominating in qualifying, and most importantly dominating in the race for Mercedes driver and current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was on pole for Sunday's race. In a wet to dry British Grand Prix, Hamilton took the advantage in the wet conditions and comfortably lead the race throughout going into dry conditions to conclude with a home race win in this seasons British Grand Prix for Hamilton's fourth race win of the season.
While, team-mate Nico Rosberg finished in second place in the other Mercedes. However, Rosberg received a ten-second time penalty for receiving illegal assistance via team radio, demoting him to third. Therefore, Max Verstappen instead finished in second place in the Red Bull, Verstappen was eight seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg finished in third place in the other Mercedes to complete the podium, Rosberg was seventeen seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the fifty-two lap race.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 10 (pole and race win)
Nico Rosberg - 7 (finished third and fastest lap)
Ferrari - 6
Sebastian Vettel - 6 (finished ninth)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished fifth)
Williams - 5
Valtteri Bottas - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished eleven, lap down)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fourth)
Max Verstappen - 10 (finished second)
Force India - 8
Nico Hülkenberg - 8 (finished seventh)
Sergio Pérez - 8 (finished sixth)
Renault - 5
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished seventeenth/DNF, three laps down/Gearbox)
Jolyon Palmer - 5 (DNF, Gearbox)
Toro Rosso - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth)
Daniil Kvyat - 7 (finished tenth)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (DNF, Power Unit)
Felipe Nasr - 6 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 6 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Jenson Button - 6 (finished twelfth, lap Down)
Manor - 5
Rio Haryanto - 6 (DNF, Spun off)
Pascal Wehrlein - 5 (DNF, Spun off)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 6 (DNF, Transmission)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Next stop Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Friday 8 July 2016
Confirmed: Ferrari retains Kimi Räikkönen for 2017
It was confirmed this morning (8/7/16) that Ferrari will retain 2007 Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen for the 2017 Formula 1 season alongside Sebastian Vettel.
Räikkönen made the return switch to the team in 2014 after two seasons at Lotus (now Renault), Räikkönen currently sits equal third place in the championship, with a best finish of two second places at Bahrain and Spain so far this season.
Overall, a good decision from Ferrari to keep Kimi Räikkönen for next season. Although, there were some rumours they could have gone for likes of drivers of Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Pérez, Romain Grosjean, or Carlos Sainz, Jr. to name a few would have still been excellent choices to team up with Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari next season. Instead, Ferrari have gone for the conservative choice and choose someone they know well which included winning a drivers title back in 2007 and keep Kimi Räikkönen for another season at Ferrari.
Räikkönen made the return switch to the team in 2014 after two seasons at Lotus (now Renault), Räikkönen currently sits equal third place in the championship, with a best finish of two second places at Bahrain and Spain so far this season.
Overall, a good decision from Ferrari to keep Kimi Räikkönen for next season. Although, there were some rumours they could have gone for likes of drivers of Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Pérez, Romain Grosjean, or Carlos Sainz, Jr. to name a few would have still been excellent choices to team up with Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari next season. Instead, Ferrari have gone for the conservative choice and choose someone they know well which included winning a drivers title back in 2007 and keep Kimi Räikkönen for another season at Ferrari.
Wednesday 6 July 2016
2016 World RX Round 6 Recap - World RX of Sweden
Review of Round Six of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season was the World RX of Sweden, at Höljesbanan Circuit on the outskirts of Höljes, in the west of middle Sweden.
In the four Heats, those were won by Sébastien Loeb, Johan Kristoffersson, current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg and Andreas Bakkerud.
In the first semi-final that was won by Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208. Second was Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo, he was half a second behind Hansen in the end. While, third was EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi S1, he was a second behind Hansen in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Ford Focus RS. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was a second behind Bakkerud in the end. While, third was Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Anton Marklund in his Volkswagen Polo, he was three seconds behind Bakkerud in the end.
In the final race, Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud took the race win in his Ford Focus RS. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was three seconds behind Bakkerud in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was four seconds behind Bakkerud in the end.
Next stop World RX of Canada at Circuit Trois-Rivières for Round Seven of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in five weeks time.
In the four Heats, those were won by Sébastien Loeb, Johan Kristoffersson, current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg and Andreas Bakkerud.
In the first semi-final that was won by Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208. Second was Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo, he was half a second behind Hansen in the end. While, third was EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi S1, he was a second behind Hansen in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Ford Focus RS. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was a second behind Bakkerud in the end. While, third was Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Anton Marklund in his Volkswagen Polo, he was three seconds behind Bakkerud in the end.
In the final race, Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud took the race win in his Ford Focus RS. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was three seconds behind Bakkerud in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was four seconds behind Bakkerud in the end.
Next stop World RX of Canada at Circuit Trois-Rivières for Round Seven of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in five weeks time.
Tuesday 5 July 2016
Round Six Recap of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Review of Round Six of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the third round of the North American Endurance Championship at Watkins Glen International Raceway on the outskirts of New York.
Action Express Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of João Barbosa, Christian Fittipaldi and Filipe Albuquerque in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8. While, the other Action Express Racing team finished second place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Dane Cameron, Eric Curran and Filipe Albuquerque; they were seven tenths of a second behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian team finished third place in their Ligier JS P2, Honda HR35TT 3.5 L V6 Turbo, the team of Oswaldo Negri, Jr., John Pew and Olivier Pla; they were a second behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), Starworks Motorsport team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in seventh place overall; with the drivers of Alex Popow and Renger van der Zande; they were two laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in eleventh place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were seven laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Scuderia Corsa team won GT Daytona Class and finished in twenty-second place overall in their Ferrari 488 GT3; with the drivers of Marco Seefried, Christina Nielsen and Jeff Segal; they were tweleve laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in a weeks time for Round Seven of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Action Express Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of João Barbosa, Christian Fittipaldi and Filipe Albuquerque in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8. While, the other Action Express Racing team finished second place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Dane Cameron, Eric Curran and Filipe Albuquerque; they were seven tenths of a second behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian team finished third place in their Ligier JS P2, Honda HR35TT 3.5 L V6 Turbo, the team of Oswaldo Negri, Jr., John Pew and Olivier Pla; they were a second behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), Starworks Motorsport team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in seventh place overall; with the drivers of Alex Popow and Renger van der Zande; they were two laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in eleventh place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were seven laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Scuderia Corsa team won GT Daytona Class and finished in twenty-second place overall in their Ferrari 488 GT3; with the drivers of Marco Seefried, Christina Nielsen and Jeff Segal; they were tweleve laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in a weeks time for Round Seven of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
2016 TCR Round 7 Recap
Review of Round Seven of the 2016 TCR International Series season was at Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia.
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 WestCoast Racing driver Gianni Morbidelli in his Honda Civic TCR, he was eight 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 Leopard Racing driver Jean-Karl Vernay in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR he was a second behind Grachev in the end. While, third place was B3 Racing Team Hungary driver Attila Tassi in his SEAT León TCR, he was a second and a half behind Grachev in the end.
Next stop Chang International Circuit, Buriram in Thailand for Round Eight of the 2016 TCR International Series season in eight 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 WestCoast Racing driver Gianni Morbidelli in his Honda Civic TCR, he was eight 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 Leopard Racing driver Jean-Karl Vernay in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR he was a second behind Grachev in the end. While, third place was B3 Racing Team Hungary driver Attila Tassi in his SEAT León TCR, he was a second and a half behind Grachev in the end.
Next stop Chang International Circuit, Buriram in Thailand for Round Eight of the 2016 TCR International Series season in eight weeks time.
2016 WRC Round 7 recap - Rally Poland
Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round seven of Rally Poland.
Last weekends was the seventh round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Poland (1st-3rd July), and was won by Andreas Mikkelsen in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC. While, DMACK World Rally Team driver Ott Tänak finished second in the Fiesta RS WRC, Tänak was twenty-six seconds behind Mikkelsen at the end. Meanwhile, Hayden Paddon, finished in third place in this works Hyundai i20 WRC, Paddon was twenty-eight seasons behind Mikkelsen at the end.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Team Oreca driver Teemu Suninen in his Škoda Fabia R5. Teemu Suninen finished in eleventh place overall, he was six minutes behind Mikkelsen 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-fourth place overall, he was over twenty-six minutes behind Mikkelsen at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Eight of the 2016 WRC season for Rally Finland in four weeks time.
Last weekends was the seventh round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Poland (1st-3rd July), and was won by Andreas Mikkelsen in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC. While, DMACK World Rally Team driver Ott Tänak finished second in the Fiesta RS WRC, Tänak was twenty-six seconds behind Mikkelsen at the end. Meanwhile, Hayden Paddon, finished in third place in this works Hyundai i20 WRC, Paddon was twenty-eight seasons behind Mikkelsen at the end.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Team Oreca driver Teemu Suninen in his Škoda Fabia R5. Teemu Suninen finished in eleventh place overall, he was six minutes behind Mikkelsen 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-fourth place overall, he was over twenty-six minutes behind Mikkelsen at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Eight of the 2016 WRC season for Rally Finland in four weeks time.
Monday 4 July 2016
2015/16 Formula E - London ePrix - Round 9 Recap - Sébastien Buemi 2015/16 Formula E Champion
Review of Round Nine of the 2015-16 Formula E season held at the Battersea Park Street Circuit in London, U.K. for two races that weekend.
On Saturday's race, that race was won by Renault e.Dams driver Nicolas Prost in his Spark-Renault for his first race win of the year. Second was Mahindra Racing Formula E Team driver Bruno Senna in his Spark-Mahindra, he was five seconds behind Prost in the end. Meanwhile, third was DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team driver Jean-Éric Vergne in his Spark-Citroën, he was eight seconds behind Prost in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
While in Sunday's race, that was won by Renault e.Dams driver Nicolas Prost in his Spark-Renault for his second race win of the year. Which was enough for Renault e.Dams team to win this seasons Teams' Championship to give the team their second Team's Championship in a row. Second was ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, he was eight seconds behind Prost in the end. Meanwhile, third was Dragon Racing driver Jerome d'Ambrosio in his Spark-Venturi, he was twenty-two seconds behind Prost in the end.
But, the race will be remembered with first lap race crash between title rivals Sébastien Buemi in his Spark-Renault and Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Abt Sportsline. But, Buemi in his Spark-Renault did enough with the fastest lap of the race which gives him two points to win this seasons Drivers' Championship by only two points ahead of Lucas di Grassi.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Constructions to both Sébastien Buemi and Renault e.Dams for winning each championships in Formula E this season.
On Saturday's race, that race was won by Renault e.Dams driver Nicolas Prost in his Spark-Renault for his first race win of the year. Second was Mahindra Racing Formula E Team driver Bruno Senna in his Spark-Mahindra, he was five seconds behind Prost in the end. Meanwhile, third was DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team driver Jean-Éric Vergne in his Spark-Citroën, he was eight seconds behind Prost in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
While in Sunday's race, that was won by Renault e.Dams driver Nicolas Prost in his Spark-Renault for his second race win of the year. Which was enough for Renault e.Dams team to win this seasons Teams' Championship to give the team their second Team's Championship in a row. Second was ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, he was eight seconds behind Prost in the end. Meanwhile, third was Dragon Racing driver Jerome d'Ambrosio in his Spark-Venturi, he was twenty-two seconds behind Prost in the end.
But, the race will be remembered with first lap race crash between title rivals Sébastien Buemi in his Spark-Renault and Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Abt Sportsline. But, Buemi in his Spark-Renault did enough with the fastest lap of the race which gives him two points to win this seasons Drivers' Championship by only two points ahead of Lucas di Grassi.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Constructions to both Sébastien Buemi and Renault e.Dams for winning each championships in Formula E this season.
F1 2016 British Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone the home of the British Grand Prix, were eight Formula one teams (Mercedes AMG, Red Bull, Williams, McLaren, Force India, Renault, Haas and Manor) and three Formula 1 drivers (Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, and Jolyon Palmer) is their home Grand Prix.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that, Lewis Hamilton for the win in his Mercedes, Nico Rosberg second in the other Mercedes, and Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari. Don't forget the Williams drivers, Force India drivers, Red Bull drivers and Kimi Raikkonen either for a podium place as-well.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that, Lewis Hamilton for the win in his Mercedes, Nico Rosberg second in the other Mercedes, and Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari. Don't forget the Williams drivers, Force India drivers, Red Bull drivers and Kimi Raikkonen either for a podium place as-well.
2016 Austrian Grand Prix Review, the civil war at Mercedes continues
Review of the ninth round of the 2016 F1 season at the Red Bull Ring, on the outskirts of Spielberg, Styria, for the Austrian Grand Prix. Which includes thoughts on Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton
Overall, I thought it was the best race of the season so far. A race of two halves, the first part was current F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton controlling the lead with Nico Rosberg catching up to his team-mate. Until lap 27, when Sebastian Vettel stayed out and took the lead, until his right-rear tire exploded down the main straight bringing out the safety car and giving Nico Rosberg the lead. With the last few laps to go Rosberg leading and Hamilton in second catching up to Rosberg.
Then drama on the final lap, when both Mercedes drivers battling for the lead, Hamilton closed in on Rosberg around the outside of Turn two, only to be forced off the track as they again ran into one another. Rosberg sustained severe damage to his front wing, and was eventually passed by not only Hamilton but also Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari giving Lewis Hamilton the win for this seasons Austrian Grand Prix for his third race win of the season for the Formula 1 World Champion.
And so the civil war at Mercedes continues with Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton from Spain with the last lap shenanigans in Austria as it did cost Mercedes their third one two finish of the season and cost Nico Rosberg points for his championship. In my opinion it was not racing incident, possibly a clumsy attempt from Rosberg to defend his lead and to block on Hamilton's move for the lead in which the stewards agree give Rosberg a ten second timed penalty to his result.
As this incident may give Mercedes a good reason to reinstate team orders if another race incident happens again with these two drivers, and even may cost Nico Rosberg his job at Mercedes going into 2017, as Rosberg isn't yet contracted to the team next season while Hamilton is till 2018. It may give Mercedes an opportunity to change the driver line-up for 2017 as both can't play along with each other.
While, Max Verstappen finished in second place in the Red Bull, Verstappen was under six seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was six seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the seventy-one lap race.
Finally, a quick mention to Pascal Wehrlein in the Manor finishing tenth place giving Manor their first point of the season and their first points since Monaco 2014 when their were named Marussia with the late Jules Bianchi finishing in ninth place. Wehrlein was a lap behind Hamilton at the end.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole, race win and fastest lap)
Nico Rosberg - 7 (finished fourth)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (DNF, Accident)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished third)
Williams - 6
Valtteri Bottas - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Felipe Massa - 6 (DNF, Brakes)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fifth)
Max Verstappen - 10 (finished second)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 7 (DNF, Brakes)
Sergio Pérez - 6 (finished seventeenth/DNF, two laps down/Brakes)
Renault - 5
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth)
Daniil Kvyat - 4 (DNF, Mechanical)
Sauber - 6
Marcus Ericsson - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 7 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 8
Fernando Alonso - 7 (DNF, Battery)
Jenson Button - 10 (finished sixth)
Manor - 8
Rio Haryanto - 6 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 10 (finished tenth, lap down)
Haas - 8
Romain Grosjean - 9 (finished seventh)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 7 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Next stop Silverstone for the British Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Overall, I thought it was the best race of the season so far. A race of two halves, the first part was current F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton controlling the lead with Nico Rosberg catching up to his team-mate. Until lap 27, when Sebastian Vettel stayed out and took the lead, until his right-rear tire exploded down the main straight bringing out the safety car and giving Nico Rosberg the lead. With the last few laps to go Rosberg leading and Hamilton in second catching up to Rosberg.
Then drama on the final lap, when both Mercedes drivers battling for the lead, Hamilton closed in on Rosberg around the outside of Turn two, only to be forced off the track as they again ran into one another. Rosberg sustained severe damage to his front wing, and was eventually passed by not only Hamilton but also Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari giving Lewis Hamilton the win for this seasons Austrian Grand Prix for his third race win of the season for the Formula 1 World Champion.
And so the civil war at Mercedes continues with Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton from Spain with the last lap shenanigans in Austria as it did cost Mercedes their third one two finish of the season and cost Nico Rosberg points for his championship. In my opinion it was not racing incident, possibly a clumsy attempt from Rosberg to defend his lead and to block on Hamilton's move for the lead in which the stewards agree give Rosberg a ten second timed penalty to his result.
As this incident may give Mercedes a good reason to reinstate team orders if another race incident happens again with these two drivers, and even may cost Nico Rosberg his job at Mercedes going into 2017, as Rosberg isn't yet contracted to the team next season while Hamilton is till 2018. It may give Mercedes an opportunity to change the driver line-up for 2017 as both can't play along with each other.
While, Max Verstappen finished in second place in the Red Bull, Verstappen was under six seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was six seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the seventy-one lap race.
Finally, a quick mention to Pascal Wehrlein in the Manor finishing tenth place giving Manor their first point of the season and their first points since Monaco 2014 when their were named Marussia with the late Jules Bianchi finishing in ninth place. Wehrlein was a lap behind Hamilton at the end.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole, race win and fastest lap)
Nico Rosberg - 7 (finished fourth)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (DNF, Accident)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished third)
Williams - 6
Valtteri Bottas - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Felipe Massa - 6 (DNF, Brakes)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fifth)
Max Verstappen - 10 (finished second)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 7 (DNF, Brakes)
Sergio Pérez - 6 (finished seventeenth/DNF, two laps down/Brakes)
Renault - 5
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth)
Daniil Kvyat - 4 (DNF, Mechanical)
Sauber - 6
Marcus Ericsson - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 7 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 8
Fernando Alonso - 7 (DNF, Battery)
Jenson Button - 10 (finished sixth)
Manor - 8
Rio Haryanto - 6 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 10 (finished tenth, lap down)
Haas - 8
Romain Grosjean - 9 (finished seventh)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 7 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Next stop Silverstone for the British Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Friday 1 July 2016
Confirmed: Red Bull Racing retains Daniel Ricciardo till 2018
It was confirmed yesterday (30/6/16) that Red Bull Racing will retain Daniel Ricciardo for the next two seasons.
Ricciardo made the switch to the team in 2014 after two seasons at Toro Rosso, currently sits fifth place in the championship, with a best finish of second place at the Monaco Grand Prix this season. While Max Verstappen will remain as his team-mate for the next two seasons as-well.
Overall, a very good decision from Red Bull to keep Daniel Ricciardo for next two season. Although, there were some rumours he could have gone to Ferrari next season. But, for Daniel Ricciardo is maybe better the devil you know and remain at Red Bull Racing, which possibly make Red Bull Racing line-up a very strong one going into 2017.
Ricciardo made the switch to the team in 2014 after two seasons at Toro Rosso, currently sits fifth place in the championship, with a best finish of second place at the Monaco Grand Prix this season. While Max Verstappen will remain as his team-mate for the next two seasons as-well.
Overall, a very good decision from Red Bull to keep Daniel Ricciardo for next two season. Although, there were some rumours he could have gone to Ferrari next season. But, for Daniel Ricciardo is maybe better the devil you know and remain at Red Bull Racing, which possibly make Red Bull Racing line-up a very strong one going into 2017.
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