Review of the first round of the 2017 MotoGP season at Losail, Doha in Qatar for MotoGP's only night race of the season. And for the season ahead, all MotoGP classes are reviewed (MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3).
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that race was won by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales on his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second was Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP16, he was half a second behind Viñales at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was two seconds behind Viñales at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli on the Kalex. Second was CarXpert Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex, he was two and half seconds behind Morbidelli at the end of the race. While, third was Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider Takaaki Nakagami on the Kalex, he was three seconds behind Morbidelli at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Leopard Racing rider Joan Mir on the Honda. Second was British Talent Team rider John McPhee on the Honda, he was a tenth of a second behind Mir at the end of the race. While, third was Del Conca Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda, he was only two tenths of a second behind Mir at the end of the race.
Monday 27 March 2017
2017 Australian Grand Prix Review
2017 Australian Grand Prix of the first round of the F1 season at Albert Park on the outskirts of Melbourne.
The race itself was a great race despite a limited amount of overtaking. Lewis Hamilton took the lead at the start with Sebastian Vettel behind him. By lap 17, Vettel took the lead after Hamilton pitted for tyres. With Hamilton stuck in traffic, Vettel took the advantage with a few fastest laps of the race, pitted for tyres a few laps later to re-take the lead just ahead of Hamilton and took a sizeable lead after that. Vettel stayed at the front to win this seasons Australian Grand Prix for his first race win of the season.
While, Lewis Hamilton finished in second place in the Mercedes, Hamilton was ten seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Meanwhile, Hamilton's team-mate Valtteri Bottas finished in third place in the other Mercedes in his debut race for the team to complete the podium, Bottas was eleven seconds behind Vettel at the end of the fifty-seven lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole, finished second)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (DNF, Fuel cell)
Max Verstappen - 8 (finished fifth)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 9 (race win)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished fourth, fastest lap)
Force India - 7
Sergio Pérez- 8 (finished seventh, lap down)
Esteban Ocon- 7 (finished tenth, lap down)
Williams - 7
Felipe Massa - 9 (finished sixth)
Lance Stroll - 6 (DNF, Brakes)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 7 (DNF, Brakes)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 5 (finished thirteenth, two laps down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 8 (finished ninth, lap down)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 7 (DNF, Water leak)
Kevin Magnussen - 4 (DNF, Suspension)
Renault - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 4 (DNF, Brakes)
Sauber - 7
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (DNF, Hydraulics)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 8 (finished twelfth, two laps down)
Next stop Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix in two weeks time.
The race itself was a great race despite a limited amount of overtaking. Lewis Hamilton took the lead at the start with Sebastian Vettel behind him. By lap 17, Vettel took the lead after Hamilton pitted for tyres. With Hamilton stuck in traffic, Vettel took the advantage with a few fastest laps of the race, pitted for tyres a few laps later to re-take the lead just ahead of Hamilton and took a sizeable lead after that. Vettel stayed at the front to win this seasons Australian Grand Prix for his first race win of the season.
While, Lewis Hamilton finished in second place in the Mercedes, Hamilton was ten seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Meanwhile, Hamilton's team-mate Valtteri Bottas finished in third place in the other Mercedes in his debut race for the team to complete the podium, Bottas was eleven seconds behind Vettel at the end of the fifty-seven lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole, finished second)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (DNF, Fuel cell)
Max Verstappen - 8 (finished fifth)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 9 (race win)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished fourth, fastest lap)
Force India - 7
Sergio Pérez- 8 (finished seventh, lap down)
Esteban Ocon- 7 (finished tenth, lap down)
Williams - 7
Felipe Massa - 9 (finished sixth)
Lance Stroll - 6 (DNF, Brakes)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 7 (DNF, Brakes)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 5 (finished thirteenth, two laps down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 8 (finished ninth, lap down)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 7 (DNF, Water leak)
Kevin Magnussen - 4 (DNF, Suspension)
Renault - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 4 (DNF, Brakes)
Sauber - 7
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (DNF, Hydraulics)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 8 (finished twelfth, two laps down)
Next stop Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Saturday 25 March 2017
Pascal Wehrlein withdrawns from Australian Grand Prix, Antonio Giovinazzi replacing Wehrlein
It was confirmed this morning (25/3/17) from Sauber that Pascal Wehrlein will sit out the Australian Grand Prix in the wake of injured his back in a crash at the Race of Champions in January, with Ferrari reverse driver Antonio Giovinazzi replacing him.
Wehrlein injured his back in a crash at the Race of Champions in January and was forced to miss the first pre-season test at Barcelona as a result.
Although he completed the second test and was able to drive in Friday practices in Melbourne, he told the team on Saturday morning that he was concerned about his ability to finish the race so wanted to stand down.
Ferrari reverse driver Antonio Giovinazzi stood in for Wehrlein in the first test at Barcelona and the 2016 GP2 runner-up will make his Grand Prix debut alongside Marcus Ericsson for this weekends Australian Grand Prix.
In my opinion, it was the right call from Pascal Wehrlein if his not 100% recovered and a surprising one too going into qualifying. This was more of long term health rather then thinking short term. As for Pascal Wehrlein, get well soon and lets have a 100% Pascal back to race in Formula 1.
Wehrlein injured his back in a crash at the Race of Champions in January and was forced to miss the first pre-season test at Barcelona as a result.
Although he completed the second test and was able to drive in Friday practices in Melbourne, he told the team on Saturday morning that he was concerned about his ability to finish the race so wanted to stand down.
Ferrari reverse driver Antonio Giovinazzi stood in for Wehrlein in the first test at Barcelona and the 2016 GP2 runner-up will make his Grand Prix debut alongside Marcus Ericsson for this weekends Australian Grand Prix.
In my opinion, it was the right call from Pascal Wehrlein if his not 100% recovered and a surprising one too going into qualifying. This was more of long term health rather then thinking short term. As for Pascal Wehrlein, get well soon and lets have a 100% Pascal back to race in Formula 1.
Tuesday 21 March 2017
2017 Australian Grand Prix Predictions
So this weekends Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Albert Park, Melbourne.
So Predictions for the race, and for the win I predict Sebastian Vettel for the race win in the Ferrari, Kimi Räikkönen second in the Ferrari, and Lewis Hamilton third in the Mercedes. Don't forget Valtteri Bottas, Red Bull drivers, the Renault drivers, the Williams drivers, the Force India drivers and the Toro Rosso drivers as well for a podium place.
So Predictions for the race, and for the win I predict Sebastian Vettel for the race win in the Ferrari, Kimi Räikkönen second in the Ferrari, and Lewis Hamilton third in the Mercedes. Don't forget Valtteri Bottas, Red Bull drivers, the Renault drivers, the Williams drivers, the Force India drivers and the Toro Rosso drivers as well for a podium place.
Formula 1 2017 Season preview, predicting the season ahead
Today post is a 2017 F1 preview, all the teams and drivers. Also, predicting this seasons Drivers' and Constructors' Championships ahead for 2017. Starting of with last seasons Constructors' Champions Mercedes:
Mercedes: the team to beat for the Drivers' and Constructors' Championship this year. F1 W08 EQ Power+ looks fast and reliable in testing with many laps. Lewis Hamilton looks to regain his title after losing it last season. While, Nico Rosberg has gone into early retirement, meaning in comes Valtteri Bottas; who looks fast in testing.
Red Bull: Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen are retain for another season. Retain the Renault power units for another season under the Tag Heuer name, maybe still around 50-70bhp less than the Mercedes power units. If the RB13 is on the right track Red Bull may shine. Top three in the constructors' standings must be their target at Red Bull this season.
Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen are retain for another season. SF70H looks fast in testing, better car, better power units in testing so far. Challenging for both championships is a must for Ferrari.
Force India: Out goes Nico Hulkenberg to Renault. In comes Esteban Ocon alongside Sergio Pérez for another season. VJM10 looks like an evolution from the VJM09 from last season. Looks fast in testing, and possible for Force India to retain fourth in the constructors' standings once again this season.
Williams: Out goes Valtteri Bottas to Mercedes, how much of an impact will the team miss Bottas skills? time will tell. In comes Lance Stroll alongside Felipe Massa who is retain for another season. FW40 looks fast in testing, fourth in the constructors' standings must be their target this season at Williams ahead of the likes of Renault, Force India and Toro Rosso.
McLaren: Jenson Button has gone into a sabbatical season meaning in comes Stoffel Vandoorne alongside Fernando Alonso for another season. McL32 looks like a very unreliable car in testing due to the new Honda power units new layout, the worst unreliable team in testing. If the power units from Honda are reliable and more powerful (maybe still around 80-100bhp less than the Mercedes power units) later in the season, McLaren might be a contender for podiums.
Toro Rosso: year old Ferrari power units are out, Renault power units are back in. While, Carlos Sainz, Jr. and Daniil Kvyat are retain for another season. STR12 look fast in testing. A few podiums may happen this season and fifth in the Constructors' standings might be the realistic target for Toro Rosso this season.
Haas: Out goes Esteban Gutiérrez and in comes Kevin Magnussen alongside Romain Grosjean for another season. The Dallara built VF-17 looks fast in testing matching times of Renault, Toro Rosso, Force India and Williams. Retaining eighth in the Constructors' standings might be the realistic target for Haas this season.
Renault: Out goes Kevin Magnussen to Haas. In comes Nico Hulkenberg alongside Jolyon Palmer for another season. R.S.17 look fast in testing. A few podiums may happen this season and fifth in the Constructors' standings might be the realistic target for Renault this season.
Sauber: Out goes Felipe Nasr and in comes Pascal Wehrlein alongside Marcus Ericsson for another season. C36 looks reliable in testing. But, with the team using year old power units from Ferrari which will be a handicap, could be 30bhp behind the 2017 spec and then some throughout the season so possibly scoring points early in the season might be the realistic target for Sauber this season despite where they finish in the Constructors' standings this season.
So predictions time, who's going to win the World Drivers' Championship this season for 2017? My prediction is Sebastian Vettel for his fifth World Drivers' Championships this season because of performance and reliability in testing. The improvements from Ferrari might be enough for Vettel to win this seasons title.
But, if Vettel doesn't step up Lewis Hamilton could take his fourth World Drivers' Title if things goes his way. Don't count out either Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen will also challenge for this years title as-well. Don't even count out both Red Bull drivers as-well, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen will go into this season as the dark horses for this season title if both Mercedes and Ferrari drivers' struggle. It will be another close drivers' championship once again this year in my opinion, as it might go down to the wire just like last season.
My top three prediction for the Drivers' Championship are:
1st Sebastian Vettel
2nd Lewis Hamilton
3rd Valtteri Bottas
Constructors' Championship: I will predict that Mercedes to win the constructors championships once again. And don't forget Ferrari and Red Bull, they will be certainly be challenging the constructors championship as-well.
My top three prediction for the Constructors' Championship are:
1st Mercedes
2nd Ferrari
3rd Red Bull
Predictions for this weekends Australian Grand Prix in the next post, for now, Bye.
Mercedes: the team to beat for the Drivers' and Constructors' Championship this year. F1 W08 EQ Power+ looks fast and reliable in testing with many laps. Lewis Hamilton looks to regain his title after losing it last season. While, Nico Rosberg has gone into early retirement, meaning in comes Valtteri Bottas; who looks fast in testing.
Red Bull: Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen are retain for another season. Retain the Renault power units for another season under the Tag Heuer name, maybe still around 50-70bhp less than the Mercedes power units. If the RB13 is on the right track Red Bull may shine. Top three in the constructors' standings must be their target at Red Bull this season.
Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen are retain for another season. SF70H looks fast in testing, better car, better power units in testing so far. Challenging for both championships is a must for Ferrari.
Force India: Out goes Nico Hulkenberg to Renault. In comes Esteban Ocon alongside Sergio Pérez for another season. VJM10 looks like an evolution from the VJM09 from last season. Looks fast in testing, and possible for Force India to retain fourth in the constructors' standings once again this season.
Williams: Out goes Valtteri Bottas to Mercedes, how much of an impact will the team miss Bottas skills? time will tell. In comes Lance Stroll alongside Felipe Massa who is retain for another season. FW40 looks fast in testing, fourth in the constructors' standings must be their target this season at Williams ahead of the likes of Renault, Force India and Toro Rosso.
McLaren: Jenson Button has gone into a sabbatical season meaning in comes Stoffel Vandoorne alongside Fernando Alonso for another season. McL32 looks like a very unreliable car in testing due to the new Honda power units new layout, the worst unreliable team in testing. If the power units from Honda are reliable and more powerful (maybe still around 80-100bhp less than the Mercedes power units) later in the season, McLaren might be a contender for podiums.
Toro Rosso: year old Ferrari power units are out, Renault power units are back in. While, Carlos Sainz, Jr. and Daniil Kvyat are retain for another season. STR12 look fast in testing. A few podiums may happen this season and fifth in the Constructors' standings might be the realistic target for Toro Rosso this season.
Haas: Out goes Esteban Gutiérrez and in comes Kevin Magnussen alongside Romain Grosjean for another season. The Dallara built VF-17 looks fast in testing matching times of Renault, Toro Rosso, Force India and Williams. Retaining eighth in the Constructors' standings might be the realistic target for Haas this season.
Renault: Out goes Kevin Magnussen to Haas. In comes Nico Hulkenberg alongside Jolyon Palmer for another season. R.S.17 look fast in testing. A few podiums may happen this season and fifth in the Constructors' standings might be the realistic target for Renault this season.
Sauber: Out goes Felipe Nasr and in comes Pascal Wehrlein alongside Marcus Ericsson for another season. C36 looks reliable in testing. But, with the team using year old power units from Ferrari which will be a handicap, could be 30bhp behind the 2017 spec and then some throughout the season so possibly scoring points early in the season might be the realistic target for Sauber this season despite where they finish in the Constructors' standings this season.
So predictions time, who's going to win the World Drivers' Championship this season for 2017? My prediction is Sebastian Vettel for his fifth World Drivers' Championships this season because of performance and reliability in testing. The improvements from Ferrari might be enough for Vettel to win this seasons title.
But, if Vettel doesn't step up Lewis Hamilton could take his fourth World Drivers' Title if things goes his way. Don't count out either Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen will also challenge for this years title as-well. Don't even count out both Red Bull drivers as-well, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen will go into this season as the dark horses for this season title if both Mercedes and Ferrari drivers' struggle. It will be another close drivers' championship once again this year in my opinion, as it might go down to the wire just like last season.
My top three prediction for the Drivers' Championship are:
1st Sebastian Vettel
2nd Lewis Hamilton
3rd Valtteri Bottas
Constructors' Championship: I will predict that Mercedes to win the constructors championships once again. And don't forget Ferrari and Red Bull, they will be certainly be challenging the constructors championship as-well.
My top three prediction for the Constructors' Championship are:
1st Mercedes
2nd Ferrari
3rd Red Bull
Predictions for this weekends Australian Grand Prix in the next post, for now, Bye.
Monday 20 March 2017
Top Six Williams F1 Rookie drivers
Lance Stroll will make his Formula 1 debut at this weekends Austrian Grand Prix with Williams team making Stroll the tenth driver to start his rookie career at Williams. Meaning this post will be a top six Williams F1 Rookie drivers.
Starting with Number 6:
Number 6: Jenson Button, 2000
Story: Jenson Button made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 2000. Button only raced for Williams for just one season. It was enough to make an impact in Formula 1 becoming the youngest driver to score a point at that seasons' Brazilian Grand Prix finishing in sixth place, while his best result was a fourth place finish during the German Grand Prix with a eighth place finish in the drivers' standings during his only season stay at Williams. After a season at Williams, Button moved on to Benetton.
Number 5: Nico Rosberg, 2006-09
Story: Nico Rosberg made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 2006 after winning 2005 GP2 series title. During his four seasons at Williams, Rosberg becoming the youngest driver to score a fastest lap in his debut race and finishing seventh in that seasons' Bahrain Grand Prix, while his best result at Williams was a second place finish during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, and finish seventh in the drivers' standings during his last season stay at Williams. After four seasons at Williams, Rosberg moved on to Mercedes.
Number 4: Valtteri Bottas, 2013-16
Story: Valtteri Bottas made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 2013 after a few seasons as a test-driver for the team. During his four seasons at Williams, Bottas best result at Williams was two second place finishes during the 2014 British and German Grand Prix, and finish fourth in the drivers' standings during his second season at Williams. After four seasons at Williams, Bottas moved on to Mercedes.
Number 3: David Coulthard, 1994-95
Story: David Coulthard made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 1994 replacing Ayrton Senna who got killed during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. During his one and half seasons at Williams, Coulthard best result at Williams was a Grand Prix win during the 1995 Portuguese Grand Prix, and finish third in the drivers' standings during his second season at Williams. After one and half seasons at Williams, Coulthard moved on to McLaren. Overall, David Coulthard took one Grand Prix win and a constructors' title in the David Coulthard/Williams era.
Number 2: Juan Paulo Montoya, 2001-04
Story: Juan Paulo Montoya made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 2001 after winning the 2000 Indy 500 and winning 1999 CART Series Championship. He took his first Grand Prix in his debut Season at the Italian Grand Prix. Montoya best season at Williams was two Grand Prix wins in 2003 at the Monaco and German Grand Prix, and finish third in the drivers' standings and came close winning the Drivers' title in 2003. After four seasons at Williams, Montoya moved on to McLaren. Overall, Juan Paulo Montoya took five Grand Prix wins in the Juan Paulo Montoya/Williams era.
Number 1: Jacques Villeneuve, 1996-98
Story: Jacques Villeneuve made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 1996 after winning the 1995 Indy 500 and winning 1995 IndyCar Series Championship. He took pole position in his debut Grand Prix at the Australian Grand Prix and came close winning the Drivers' title in 1996, despite only his debut season. Then in 1997 winning the Drivers' title by three points. After another season at Williams, Williams moved on to British American Racing in 1999. Overall, Jacques Villeneuve took eleven Grand Prix wins, a drivers' title in the Jacques Villeneuve/Williams era.
Good luck to all the new rookies for this season.
Starting with Number 6:
Number 6: Jenson Button, 2000
Story: Jenson Button made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 2000. Button only raced for Williams for just one season. It was enough to make an impact in Formula 1 becoming the youngest driver to score a point at that seasons' Brazilian Grand Prix finishing in sixth place, while his best result was a fourth place finish during the German Grand Prix with a eighth place finish in the drivers' standings during his only season stay at Williams. After a season at Williams, Button moved on to Benetton.
Number 5: Nico Rosberg, 2006-09
Story: Nico Rosberg made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 2006 after winning 2005 GP2 series title. During his four seasons at Williams, Rosberg becoming the youngest driver to score a fastest lap in his debut race and finishing seventh in that seasons' Bahrain Grand Prix, while his best result at Williams was a second place finish during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, and finish seventh in the drivers' standings during his last season stay at Williams. After four seasons at Williams, Rosberg moved on to Mercedes.
Number 4: Valtteri Bottas, 2013-16
Story: Valtteri Bottas made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 2013 after a few seasons as a test-driver for the team. During his four seasons at Williams, Bottas best result at Williams was two second place finishes during the 2014 British and German Grand Prix, and finish fourth in the drivers' standings during his second season at Williams. After four seasons at Williams, Bottas moved on to Mercedes.
Number 3: David Coulthard, 1994-95
Story: David Coulthard made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 1994 replacing Ayrton Senna who got killed during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. During his one and half seasons at Williams, Coulthard best result at Williams was a Grand Prix win during the 1995 Portuguese Grand Prix, and finish third in the drivers' standings during his second season at Williams. After one and half seasons at Williams, Coulthard moved on to McLaren. Overall, David Coulthard took one Grand Prix win and a constructors' title in the David Coulthard/Williams era.
Number 2: Juan Paulo Montoya, 2001-04
Story: Juan Paulo Montoya made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 2001 after winning the 2000 Indy 500 and winning 1999 CART Series Championship. He took his first Grand Prix in his debut Season at the Italian Grand Prix. Montoya best season at Williams was two Grand Prix wins in 2003 at the Monaco and German Grand Prix, and finish third in the drivers' standings and came close winning the Drivers' title in 2003. After four seasons at Williams, Montoya moved on to McLaren. Overall, Juan Paulo Montoya took five Grand Prix wins in the Juan Paulo Montoya/Williams era.
Number 1: Jacques Villeneuve, 1996-98
Story: Jacques Villeneuve made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Williams in 1996 after winning the 1995 Indy 500 and winning 1995 IndyCar Series Championship. He took pole position in his debut Grand Prix at the Australian Grand Prix and came close winning the Drivers' title in 1996, despite only his debut season. Then in 1997 winning the Drivers' title by three points. After another season at Williams, Williams moved on to British American Racing in 1999. Overall, Jacques Villeneuve took eleven Grand Prix wins, a drivers' title in the Jacques Villeneuve/Williams era.
Good luck to all the new rookies for this season.
2017 Sebring 12 Hours Review
As the title says a Sebring 12 Hours Review of the race. Review of Round two of the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season at Sebring International Raceway and the second round of the North American Endurance Cup.
Wayne Taylor Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor, and Alex Lynn in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8.
While, Mustang Sampling Racing finished in second place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8; the team of João Barbosa, Christian Fittipaldi and Filipe Albuquerque; they were thirteen seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Whelen Engineering Racing team finished in third place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8; the team of Dane Cameron, Mike Conway and Eric Curran; they were two laps behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), Performance Tech Motorsports team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in fifth place overall; with the drivers of James French, Kyle Masson and Patricio O'Ward; they were ten laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Corvette Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in eleventh place overall in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R; with the drivers of Antonio García, Jan Magnussen and Mike Rockenfeller; they were fourteen laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Riley Motorsports - Team AMG won GT Daytona Class and finished in sixteenth place overall in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with the drivers of Jeroen Bleekemolen, Mario Farnbacher and Ben Keating; they were sixteen laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Long Beach in three weeks time for round three of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Wayne Taylor Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor, and Alex Lynn in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8.
While, Mustang Sampling Racing finished in second place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8; the team of João Barbosa, Christian Fittipaldi and Filipe Albuquerque; they were thirteen seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Whelen Engineering Racing team finished in third place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8; the team of Dane Cameron, Mike Conway and Eric Curran; they were two laps behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), Performance Tech Motorsports team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in fifth place overall; with the drivers of James French, Kyle Masson and Patricio O'Ward; they were ten laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Corvette Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in eleventh place overall in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R; with the drivers of Antonio García, Jan Magnussen and Mike Rockenfeller; they were fourteen laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Riley Motorsports - Team AMG won GT Daytona Class and finished in sixteenth place overall in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with the drivers of Jeroen Bleekemolen, Mario Farnbacher and Ben Keating; they were sixteen laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Long Beach in three weeks time for round three of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Friday 17 March 2017
It's Official - Paddy Lowe joins Williams F1 Team as Chief Technical Officer
It was confirmed on Thursday (16/3/17), Williams F1 Team has signed former Mercedes technical director Paddy Lowe.
Lowe left Mercedes in January, Lowe replaces Pat Symonds as Chief Technical Officer for Williams, which will also see him join the company's Board of Directors and become a shareholder.
Lowe has officially kicked off his second stint at Williams today. Lowe started his F1 career with Williams back in 1987, conducting a six-year spell as Joint Head of Electronics, before a 20-year stint at McLaren, where he became technical chief in 2011.
In my opinion, this is not a big surprise this news happen. It has been strongly rumoured since the end of the season that Lowe will move to Williams replacing Pat Symonds.
Lowe left Mercedes in January, Lowe replaces Pat Symonds as Chief Technical Officer for Williams, which will also see him join the company's Board of Directors and become a shareholder.
Lowe has officially kicked off his second stint at Williams today. Lowe started his F1 career with Williams back in 1987, conducting a six-year spell as Joint Head of Electronics, before a 20-year stint at McLaren, where he became technical chief in 2011.
In my opinion, this is not a big surprise this news happen. It has been strongly rumoured since the end of the season that Lowe will move to Williams replacing Pat Symonds.
Monday 13 March 2017
2017 WRC Round 3 recap - Rally Mexico
Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round three of Rally Mexico.
Last weekends was the third round of the World Rally Championship at at the Rally Mexico (10th-12th March) that was won by Kris Meeke in the works Citroën C3 WRC.
While, M-Sport World Rally Team driver and current WRC champion Sébastien Ogier finished second in his Ford Fiesta WRC, Ogier was fourteen seconds behind Meeke at the end. Meanwhile, Thierry Neuville finished third in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, Neuville was a minute behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
While in the WRC Trophy (crews entering World Rally Cars used between 2011 and 2016), that was won by Eurolamp World Rally Team driver Valeriy Gorban in his Mini John Cooper Works WRC. Valeriy Gorban finished in thirteenth place overall, he was twenty-one minutes behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Škoda Motorsport driver Pontus Tidemand in his Škoda Fabia R5. Pontus Tidemand finished in tenth place overall, he was eleven minutes behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Four of the 2017 WRC season for Tour de Corse - Rallye de France in four weeks time.
Last weekends was the third round of the World Rally Championship at at the Rally Mexico (10th-12th March) that was won by Kris Meeke in the works Citroën C3 WRC.
While, M-Sport World Rally Team driver and current WRC champion Sébastien Ogier finished second in his Ford Fiesta WRC, Ogier was fourteen seconds behind Meeke at the end. Meanwhile, Thierry Neuville finished third in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, Neuville was a minute behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
While in the WRC Trophy (crews entering World Rally Cars used between 2011 and 2016), that was won by Eurolamp World Rally Team driver Valeriy Gorban in his Mini John Cooper Works WRC. Valeriy Gorban finished in thirteenth place overall, he was twenty-one minutes behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Škoda Motorsport driver Pontus Tidemand in his Škoda Fabia R5. Pontus Tidemand finished in tenth place overall, he was eleven minutes behind Meeke at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Four of the 2017 WRC season for Tour de Corse - Rallye de France in four weeks time.
Saturday 11 March 2017
John Surtees 1934-2017
John Surtees, 1964 Formula 1 World Champion and four time 500cc motorcycle World Champion, remains the only person to have won World Championships on both two and four wheels has passed away at the age of 83 on Friday afternoon (10/3/17). Condolences goes out to the family and friends of John Surtees.
Surtees started his motorcycling career in 1952 scoring his first point in his debut race. Then in 1956, winning his first 500cc title with MV Agusta. Then took his next three 500cc titles in a row 1958 to 1960, which included winning three 350cc titles in a row between 1958 till 1960 and winning numerous times at the Isle of Man TT in that period.
While winning his fourth 500cc title in 1960, Surtees switched over to four wheels with Team Lotus, with his first Grand Prix at Monaco, then during his second Grand Prix at Siverstone, Surtees finished second in the British Grand Prix behind Sir Jack Brabham.
Then in 1963, Surtees moved to Ferrari, which includes winning his first Grand Prix in Germany at Nurburgring beating Jim Clark by over a minute. Then in 1964, Surtees won two more Grand Prixs wins at Nurburgring and Monza, to win his only F1 Drivers' title and Ferrari another F1 Constructors' Championship.
Then in 1967, Surtees moved to Honda winning Honda their first Formula 1 Grand Prix win at Monza and last for Surtees in Formula 1.
Then in 1970, Surtees started his own Grand Prix team called Team Surtees. Then in 1971, John Surtees retired from his Formula 1 career later that season with one Formula 1 World Drivers' Titles and six Grand Prix wins. Stayed in Formula 1 as team boss to his own team, till the end 1978 when the team folded to end his Formula 1 career for good.
Surtees had one son and two daughters, Henry his only son became involved in motorsport in the lower formula's. However, Henry was killed in a Formula 2 race at Brands Hatch in July 2009.
Motorsport's only person to have won World Championships on both two and four wheels has gone but not forgotten.
R.I.P. John Surtees
Surtees started his motorcycling career in 1952 scoring his first point in his debut race. Then in 1956, winning his first 500cc title with MV Agusta. Then took his next three 500cc titles in a row 1958 to 1960, which included winning three 350cc titles in a row between 1958 till 1960 and winning numerous times at the Isle of Man TT in that period.
While winning his fourth 500cc title in 1960, Surtees switched over to four wheels with Team Lotus, with his first Grand Prix at Monaco, then during his second Grand Prix at Siverstone, Surtees finished second in the British Grand Prix behind Sir Jack Brabham.
Then in 1963, Surtees moved to Ferrari, which includes winning his first Grand Prix in Germany at Nurburgring beating Jim Clark by over a minute. Then in 1964, Surtees won two more Grand Prixs wins at Nurburgring and Monza, to win his only F1 Drivers' title and Ferrari another F1 Constructors' Championship.
Then in 1967, Surtees moved to Honda winning Honda their first Formula 1 Grand Prix win at Monza and last for Surtees in Formula 1.
Then in 1970, Surtees started his own Grand Prix team called Team Surtees. Then in 1971, John Surtees retired from his Formula 1 career later that season with one Formula 1 World Drivers' Titles and six Grand Prix wins. Stayed in Formula 1 as team boss to his own team, till the end 1978 when the team folded to end his Formula 1 career for good.
Surtees had one son and two daughters, Henry his only son became involved in motorsport in the lower formula's. However, Henry was killed in a Formula 2 race at Brands Hatch in July 2009.
Motorsport's only person to have won World Championships on both two and four wheels has gone but not forgotten.
R.I.P. John Surtees
Wednesday 1 March 2017
Game Over for Manor Racing in F1
Manor Racing F1 Team look set to close down after failing to find a buyer before the start of the 2017 season on Wednesday(1/1/17). It will be the first F1 team to close down since Caterham in early 2015.
The team was handed over to administration in early January by former owner Stephen Fitzpatrick. Attempts were made to find a buyer to save Manor Racing for the upcoming Formula 1 season but with no conclusion.
Personally, I think this is sad news for Formula 1. Because you've got a team leaving F1 that means we're down to twenty drivers, and ten teams not a lot of opportunity for drivers and mechanics now with the grid reduced. Also, I believe most of the F1 fans do love the underdog teams, which includes myself with the teams like Minardi, Super Aguri and Jordan from the past.
A sad day for Formula one for the lost of Manor Racing.
The team was handed over to administration in early January by former owner Stephen Fitzpatrick. Attempts were made to find a buyer to save Manor Racing for the upcoming Formula 1 season but with no conclusion.
Personally, I think this is sad news for Formula 1. Because you've got a team leaving F1 that means we're down to twenty drivers, and ten teams not a lot of opportunity for drivers and mechanics now with the grid reduced. Also, I believe most of the F1 fans do love the underdog teams, which includes myself with the teams like Minardi, Super Aguri and Jordan from the past.
A sad day for Formula one for the lost of Manor Racing.
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