Review of Round Eight of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season was on the International Super Sports Car Circuit at Rockingham Motor Speedway, in Northamptonshire.
In the first race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver James Cole took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton driver in his Subaru Levorg GT, he was two and half seconds behind Cole in the end. While third place was Eurotech Racing driver Jack Goff in his Honda Civic Type R and also took Independents class win, he was three seconds behind Cole in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by A-Plan Academy driver Josh Price in his Subaru Levorg GT, he finished in ninth place and was nine seconds behind Cole in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo driver Mat Jackson in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win, he was two and half seconds behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was three seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Power Maxed Racing driver Senna Proctor in his Vauxhall Astra, he finished in eleventh place and was sixteen seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Finally in the third race, BMW Pirtek Racing driver Andrew Jordan took the race win in his BMW 125i M Sport. Second was Ciceley Motorsport with MAC Tools driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class and also took Independents class win, he was seventeen tenths of a second behind Jordan in the end. While third place was Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Jason Plato driver in his Subaru Levorg GT, he was two seconds behind Jordan in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Power Maxed Racing driver Senna Proctor in his Vauxhall Astra, he finished in seventh place and was six and half seconds behind Jordan in the end.
Next stop Silverstone for Round Nine of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
Tuesday 29 August 2017
Monday 28 August 2017
Round Ten Recap of the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Review of Round Ten of the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Virginia International Raceway on the outskirts of Danville, Virginia.
Corvette Racing team won the race overall and GT Le Mans Class too of Antonio García and Jan Magnussen in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R. While, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team finished second place in their Ford GT, with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were twelve seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Risi Competizione team finished in third place in their Ferrari 488 GTE, with the drivers of Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander; they were thirteen seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Change Racing team won GT Daytona Class and finished in ninth place overall in their Lamborghini Huracan GT3; with the drivers of Corey Lewis and Jeroen Mul; they were two laps behind the leaders.
While both Prototype Class and Prototype Challenge Class did not participate for this race.
Next Stop Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in four weeks time for Round Eleven of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Corvette Racing team won the race overall and GT Le Mans Class too of Antonio García and Jan Magnussen in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R. While, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team finished second place in their Ford GT, with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were twelve seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Risi Competizione team finished in third place in their Ferrari 488 GTE, with the drivers of Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander; they were thirteen seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Change Racing team won GT Daytona Class and finished in ninth place overall in their Lamborghini Huracan GT3; with the drivers of Corey Lewis and Jeroen Mul; they were two laps behind the leaders.
While both Prototype Class and Prototype Challenge Class did not participate for this race.
Next Stop Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in four weeks time for Round Eleven of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
2017 UK MotoGP Review, Rider News
Review of the round twelve of the 2017 MotoGP season at Silverstone, on the outskirts of Northampton, UK.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP17.
Second was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was a tenth of a second behind Dovizioso at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was seven tenths of a second behind Dovizioso at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider Takaaki Nakagami on the Kalex. Second was Italtrans Racing Team rider Mattia Pasini n the Kalex, he was seven tenths of a second behind Nakagami at the end. While, third was EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli on the Kalex, he was two and half seconds behind Nakagami at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Arón Canet on the Honda. Second was Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Enea Bastianini on the Honda, he was six hundredths of a second behind Canet at the end of the race. While, third was Del Conca Gresini Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda, he was a tenth of a second behind Canet at the end of the race.
It was confirmed last Monday (14/8/17) Octo Pramac Racing rider Scott Redding have signed for the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini team for the 2018 MotoGP next season.
Redding currently sits twelfth in the championship, with a best finish of seven place at Qatar in March. Redding will replace Sam Lowes. Redding will be partnered with Aleix Espargaró during the 2018 MotoGP seasons at Aprilia Racing Team Gresini.
It was confirmed on last Sunday (20/8/17), Moto2 rider Takaaki Nakagami will graduate to MotoGP next year with the LCR Honda team for the 2018 MotoGP season.
Nakagami sits as seventh in the Moto2 championship winning his first Grand Prix this weekend, Nakagami will be partnered with Cal Crutchlow during the 2018 MotoGP seasons at LCR Honda.
It was confirmed last Monday (21/8/17), that Karel Abraham will remain with Pull&Bear Aspar Team till 2018 after signing a new one-year deal to remain with the Aspar team.
Abraham currently sits seventeenth in the championship, with a best finish of seventh place at last months Assen TT race. Abraham will be partnered with Álvaro Bautista during the 2018 MotoGP seasons at Pull&Bear Aspar Team.
It was confirmed on Friday (25/8/17), Moto2 rider Thomas Lüthi will graduate to MotoGP next year with the EG 0,0 Marc VDS MotoGP team for the 2018 MotoGP season.
Lüthi sits second in the Moto2 championship winning one Moto2 win, Lüthi will be partnered with Moto2 rider Franco Morbidelli who will graduate to MotoGP next year with the EG 0,0 Marc VDS MotoGP team next season.
Finally, it was confirmed on Sunday (27/8/17), Aprilia Racing Team Gresini rider Sam Lowes will return to Moto2 next season with the Garage Plus Interwetten team replacing Moto2 graduate Thomas Lüthi.
Lowes currently sits twenty-fifth in the championship, with a best finish of fourteen place at Le Mans in May.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP17.
Second was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was a tenth of a second behind Dovizioso at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was seven tenths of a second behind Dovizioso at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider Takaaki Nakagami on the Kalex. Second was Italtrans Racing Team rider Mattia Pasini n the Kalex, he was seven tenths of a second behind Nakagami at the end. While, third was EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli on the Kalex, he was two and half seconds behind Nakagami at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Arón Canet on the Honda. Second was Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Enea Bastianini on the Honda, he was six hundredths of a second behind Canet at the end of the race. While, third was Del Conca Gresini Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda, he was a tenth of a second behind Canet at the end of the race.
It was confirmed last Monday (14/8/17) Octo Pramac Racing rider Scott Redding have signed for the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini team for the 2018 MotoGP next season.
Redding currently sits twelfth in the championship, with a best finish of seven place at Qatar in March. Redding will replace Sam Lowes. Redding will be partnered with Aleix Espargaró during the 2018 MotoGP seasons at Aprilia Racing Team Gresini.
It was confirmed on last Sunday (20/8/17), Moto2 rider Takaaki Nakagami will graduate to MotoGP next year with the LCR Honda team for the 2018 MotoGP season.
Nakagami sits as seventh in the Moto2 championship winning his first Grand Prix this weekend, Nakagami will be partnered with Cal Crutchlow during the 2018 MotoGP seasons at LCR Honda.
It was confirmed last Monday (21/8/17), that Karel Abraham will remain with Pull&Bear Aspar Team till 2018 after signing a new one-year deal to remain with the Aspar team.
Abraham currently sits seventeenth in the championship, with a best finish of seventh place at last months Assen TT race. Abraham will be partnered with Álvaro Bautista during the 2018 MotoGP seasons at Pull&Bear Aspar Team.
It was confirmed on Friday (25/8/17), Moto2 rider Thomas Lüthi will graduate to MotoGP next year with the EG 0,0 Marc VDS MotoGP team for the 2018 MotoGP season.
Lüthi sits second in the Moto2 championship winning one Moto2 win, Lüthi will be partnered with Moto2 rider Franco Morbidelli who will graduate to MotoGP next year with the EG 0,0 Marc VDS MotoGP team next season.
Finally, it was confirmed on Sunday (27/8/17), Aprilia Racing Team Gresini rider Sam Lowes will return to Moto2 next season with the Garage Plus Interwetten team replacing Moto2 graduate Thomas Lüthi.
Lowes currently sits twenty-fifth in the championship, with a best finish of fourteen place at Le Mans in May.
F1 2017 Italian Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, near Milan. For the home race for both Ferrari and Toro Rosso teams.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel second in the Ferrari, and third place for Valtteri Bottas in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, the Red Bull drivers and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel second in the Ferrari, and third place for Valtteri Bottas in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, the Red Bull drivers and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
2017 Belgian Grand Prix Review
Review of the twelfth round of the 2017 F1 season at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Spa, east of Belgium, for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Overall, a dominating race weekend for Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton was on pole for Sunday's race for his sixty-eighth pole position in Formula 1 equalling to Michael Schumacher's record for all-time pole positions.
In a sunny Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton took the advantage at the start and comfortably lead the race throughout, despite a late Safety Car period when both Force India drivers collide with each other, it was enough to conclude with a race win in this seasons Belgian Grand Prix for Hamilton's fifth race win of the season.
While, Sebastian Vettel finished second place in the Ferrari, Vettel 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 eleven seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the forty-four lap race.
Sebastian Vettel still leads the Drivers' Championship from Lewis Hamilton, but the gap is now reduce from fourteen points to seven points in the standings with eight races to go. While, Valtteri Bottas is third in the standings is now thirty-three points from the Hungaroring to now forty-one points behind Vettel after his fifth place finish at Spa.
While Mercedes still leads F1 Constructors' Standings, the gap is now gained from thirty-nine points to forty-four points for Ferrari who are second in the Constructors' Standings with eight races to go.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (pole, race win)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (finished fifth)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished third)
Max Verstappen - 7 (DNF, Power unit)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished second, fastest lap)
Kimi Räikkönen - 6 (finished fourth)
Force India - 4
Sergio Pérez - 3 (DNF, Gearbox)
Esteban Ocon - 6 (finished ninth)
Williams - 6
Felipe Massa - 7 (finished eighth)
Lance Stroll - 5 (finished eleventh)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 7 (DNF, Power unit)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 5 (finished fourteenth)
Toro Rosso - 5
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished tenth)
Daniil Kvyat - 5 (finished twelfth)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 8 (finished seventh)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fifteenth)
Renault - 7
Nico Hülkenberg - 9 (finished sixth)
Jolyon Palmer - 6 (finished thirteenth)
Sauber - 4
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (finished sixteenth)
Pascal Wehrlein - 5 (DNF, Suspension)
Next stop Monza for the Italian Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Overall, a dominating race weekend for Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton was on pole for Sunday's race for his sixty-eighth pole position in Formula 1 equalling to Michael Schumacher's record for all-time pole positions.
In a sunny Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton took the advantage at the start and comfortably lead the race throughout, despite a late Safety Car period when both Force India drivers collide with each other, it was enough to conclude with a race win in this seasons Belgian Grand Prix for Hamilton's fifth race win of the season.
While, Sebastian Vettel finished second place in the Ferrari, Vettel 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 eleven seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the forty-four lap race.
Sebastian Vettel still leads the Drivers' Championship from Lewis Hamilton, but the gap is now reduce from fourteen points to seven points in the standings with eight races to go. While, Valtteri Bottas is third in the standings is now thirty-three points from the Hungaroring to now forty-one points behind Vettel after his fifth place finish at Spa.
While Mercedes still leads F1 Constructors' Standings, the gap is now gained from thirty-nine points to forty-four points for Ferrari who are second in the Constructors' Standings with eight races to go.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (pole, race win)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (finished fifth)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished third)
Max Verstappen - 7 (DNF, Power unit)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished second, fastest lap)
Kimi Räikkönen - 6 (finished fourth)
Force India - 4
Sergio Pérez - 3 (DNF, Gearbox)
Esteban Ocon - 6 (finished ninth)
Williams - 6
Felipe Massa - 7 (finished eighth)
Lance Stroll - 5 (finished eleventh)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 7 (DNF, Power unit)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 5 (finished fourteenth)
Toro Rosso - 5
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished tenth)
Daniil Kvyat - 5 (finished twelfth)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 8 (finished seventh)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fifteenth)
Renault - 7
Nico Hülkenberg - 9 (finished sixth)
Jolyon Palmer - 6 (finished thirteenth)
Sauber - 4
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (finished sixteenth)
Pascal Wehrlein - 5 (DNF, Suspension)
Next stop Monza for the Italian Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Sunday 27 August 2017
Confirmed: Ferrari retains Sebastian Vettel till 2020
It was confirmed before qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix (26/8/17) that Ferrari will retain four-times Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel through to the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season and alongside Kimi Räikkönen for the 2018 F1 season.
Vettel's current Ferrari deal was set to expire at the end of the season and he had hinted that he was in no hurry to sort his future. But, Ferrari confirmed on Saturday that Vettel has signed a new contract covering the next three seasons.
Vettel joined Ferrari from Red Bull in 2015, after winning four world titles at Red Bull; Vettel currently leads the Drivers' Championship with nine rounds to go with a fourteen point lead over Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton. With a best finish of four Grand Prix wins at Australia, Bahrain, Monaco and Hungary so far this season.
Overall, a very good decision from Ferrari to keep Sebastian Vettel for next three seasons. Although, there were some rumours he might jump ship to Mercedes in 2018, with recent Räikkönen deal sorted, it made scene for Vettel to stay at Ferrari for next season at least. My guess Vettel will win a Drivers' Championship for Ferrari, will be a matter of when its this season or the next.
Vettel's current Ferrari deal was set to expire at the end of the season and he had hinted that he was in no hurry to sort his future. But, Ferrari confirmed on Saturday that Vettel has signed a new contract covering the next three seasons.
Vettel joined Ferrari from Red Bull in 2015, after winning four world titles at Red Bull; Vettel currently leads the Drivers' Championship with nine rounds to go with a fourteen point lead over Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton. With a best finish of four Grand Prix wins at Australia, Bahrain, Monaco and Hungary so far this season.
Overall, a very good decision from Ferrari to keep Sebastian Vettel for next three seasons. Although, there were some rumours he might jump ship to Mercedes in 2018, with recent Räikkönen deal sorted, it made scene for Vettel to stay at Ferrari for next season at least. My guess Vettel will win a Drivers' Championship for Ferrari, will be a matter of when its this season or the next.
Thursday 24 August 2017
Celebrating Life Justin Wilson, two years on
Its been two years today that Justin Wilson has past away from us, Wilson suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident at the Pocono Raceway at the penultimate round of the Indy Car Series championship, which caused his death the following day. Wilson was struck in the head by large debris from the crash from another driver car.
Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forget Justin Wilson.
Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forget Justin Wilson.
Confirmed: McLaren retains Stoffel Vandoorne for 2018
It was confirmed yesterday (23/8/17) that McLaren will retain Stoffel Vandoorne for the 2018 Formula 1 season.
Vandoorne stepped up to a full-time race seat with the team for 2017, after previous success in GP2 (now F2), and has taken a best finish so far this season of tenth place, which he achieved at the Hungarian Grand Prix last time out.
Overall, a good decision from McLaren to keep Stoffel Vandoorne for next season. Although, Vandoorne team-mate Fernando Alonso has not signed a deal yet for 2018 season with the former double world champion indicating that he will make a decision in September or October, meaning he will wait until what power-unit is behind the McLaren for 2018.
Vandoorne stepped up to a full-time race seat with the team for 2017, after previous success in GP2 (now F2), and has taken a best finish so far this season of tenth place, which he achieved at the Hungarian Grand Prix last time out.
Overall, a good decision from McLaren to keep Stoffel Vandoorne for next season. Although, Vandoorne team-mate Fernando Alonso has not signed a deal yet for 2018 season with the former double world champion indicating that he will make a decision in September or October, meaning he will wait until what power-unit is behind the McLaren for 2018.
Wednesday 23 August 2017
Confirmed: Ferrari retains Kimi Räikkönen for 2018
It was confirmed yesterday (22/8/17) that Ferrari will retain 2007 Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen for the 2018 Formula 1 season.
Räikkönen made the return switch to the team in 2014 after two seasons at Lotus (now Renault), Räikkönen currently sits fifth place in the championship, with a best finish of two second places at Monaco and Hungary so far this season.
Overall, a good decision from Ferrari to keep Kimi Räikkönen for next season. Although, Räikkönen team-mate Sebastian Vettel has not been announced as his team-mate for next season. Although, Italian Grand Prix is next week meaning the deal could be announce in a weeks time for Ferrari's home race.
Räikkönen made the return switch to the team in 2014 after two seasons at Lotus (now Renault), Räikkönen currently sits fifth place in the championship, with a best finish of two second places at Monaco and Hungary so far this season.
Overall, a good decision from Ferrari to keep Kimi Räikkönen for next season. Although, Räikkönen team-mate Sebastian Vettel has not been announced as his team-mate for next season. Although, Italian Grand Prix is next week meaning the deal could be announce in a weeks time for Ferrari's home race.
Tuesday 22 August 2017
2017 DTM Round 6 Recap
Review of Round Six of the 2017 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at Zandvoort, in north Holland.
On Saturday's race, BMW Team RMG driver Timo Glock took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was BMW Team RMG driver and current DTM Champion Marco Wittmann, he was a tenth of a second behind Glock in the end. While, third place was BMW Team RBM driver Maxime Martin in his BMW M4 DTM to compete a BMW podium whitewash, he was eight tenths of a second behind Glock in the end.
On Sunday's race, BMW Team RMG driver and current DTM Champion Marco Wittmann took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. However, he was later disqualified for not having enough fuel at the end of the race. Which gives Team Phoenix driver Mike Rockenfeller the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Team Phoenix driver Loïc Duval in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was seventeen seconds behind Rockenfeller in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Mattias Ekströma in his Audi RS5 DTM to compete an Audi podium whitewash, he was fifty-eight seconds behind Rockenfeller in the end.
Next stop Nürburgring, Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany for Round Seven of the 2017 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in three weeks time.
On Saturday's race, BMW Team RMG driver Timo Glock took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was BMW Team RMG driver and current DTM Champion Marco Wittmann, he was a tenth of a second behind Glock in the end. While, third place was BMW Team RBM driver Maxime Martin in his BMW M4 DTM to compete a BMW podium whitewash, he was eight tenths of a second behind Glock in the end.
On Sunday's race, BMW Team RMG driver and current DTM Champion Marco Wittmann took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. However, he was later disqualified for not having enough fuel at the end of the race. Which gives Team Phoenix driver Mike Rockenfeller the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Team Phoenix driver Loïc Duval in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was seventeen seconds behind Rockenfeller in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Mattias Ekströma in his Audi RS5 DTM to compete an Audi podium whitewash, he was fifty-eight seconds behind Rockenfeller in the end.
Next stop Nürburgring, Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany for Round Seven of the 2017 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in three weeks time.
Monday 21 August 2017
Acura's own LMP2 (well sort of) car, ARX-05
Despite this car won't be allowed to race the World Endurance Championship for LMP2 rules meaning no Le Mans outing. The Acura ARX-05 is enable to race in next seasons Prototype class in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship meaning it will race in next seasons 24 hours of Daytona.
The 2018 ARX-05, which will make its debut at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January with Team Penske, is the first prototype race car from Acura since 2009 with the Acura ARX-02a.
Team Penske will run a pair of Acura's, and the first time for Team Penske returing to Sport Car Racing since 2008 when they run a pair of LMP2 Porsche RS Spyders'.
The ARX-05 will use the Acura 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that comes from the Hponda NSX that produces approximately 600 horsepower, meaning the ARX-05 won't be allowed to race in the World Endurance Championship next year due to next year rules in LMP2 have to use Gibson Technology 4.0 V8 engine. ARX-05 will have Oreca to develop their chassis for next year meaning this car could be competitive at the start.
A new challenge ahead for Acura in 2018.
The 2018 ARX-05, which will make its debut at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January with Team Penske, is the first prototype race car from Acura since 2009 with the Acura ARX-02a.
Team Penske will run a pair of Acura's, and the first time for Team Penske returing to Sport Car Racing since 2008 when they run a pair of LMP2 Porsche RS Spyders'.
The ARX-05 will use the Acura 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that comes from the Hponda NSX that produces approximately 600 horsepower, meaning the ARX-05 won't be allowed to race in the World Endurance Championship next year due to next year rules in LMP2 have to use Gibson Technology 4.0 V8 engine. ARX-05 will have Oreca to develop their chassis for next year meaning this car could be competitive at the start.
A new challenge ahead for Acura in 2018.
F1 2017 Belgian Grand Prix Predictions
After four weeks off, its the return of Formula one for the Belgian Grand Prix. Which means, predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Spa.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes. Valtteri Bottas second in the other Mercedes, and third place for Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, the Red Bull drivers and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes. Valtteri Bottas second in the other Mercedes, and third place for Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, the Red Bull drivers and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
2017 WRC Round 10 recap - Rallye Deutschland, Pontus Tidemand WRC-2 Champion! and Nil Solans WRC-3 Champion!
Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round Ten of Rallye Deutschland.
Last weekend was the tenth round of the World Rally Championship at Rallye Deutschland (18th - 20th August) was won by by M-Sport World Rally Team driver Ott Tänak in his Ford Fiesta WRC.
While, Andreas Mikkelsen finished second in the works Citroën C3 WRC, Mikkelsen was sixteen seconds behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
Meanwhile, M-Sport World Rally Team driver and current WRC champion Sébastien Ogier finished third in his Ford Fiesta WRC, Ogier was thirty seconds behind Tänak 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 Jean-Michel Raoux in his own backed Citroën DS3 WRC. Jean-Michel Raoux finished in twenty-fourth place overall, he was twenty-five minutes behind Tänak 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 M-Sport World Rally Team driver Eric Camilli in his Ford Fiesta R5. Eric Camilli finished in tenth place overall, he was eleven minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
While, Škoda Motorsport driver Pontus Tidemand finished in twelfth place overall and third place in WRC-2 class in his Škoda Fabia R5, he was twelve and half minutes behind Tänak at the end; and that was enough to give Pontus Tidemand the 2017 WRC-2 championship; contracts to Pontus Tidemand for winning this years WRC-2 championship.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by ADAC Sachsen driver Julius Tannert in his Ford Fiesta R2T. Julius Tannert finished in thirty-first place overall, he was thirty-three minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
While, Nil Solans in his own backed Ford Fiesta R2T finished in thirty-ninth place overall and second in WRC-3 class, he was forty-six minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally. With that result, Nil Solans did clinched the WRC3 Championship this season with a round to spare in his own backed Ford Fiesta R2T, contracts to Nil Solans for winning the WRC3 championship.
Highlights of the rally below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Eleven of the 2017 WRC season for Rally de Catalunya in seven weeks time.
Last weekend was the tenth round of the World Rally Championship at Rallye Deutschland (18th - 20th August) was won by by M-Sport World Rally Team driver Ott Tänak in his Ford Fiesta WRC.
While, Andreas Mikkelsen finished second in the works Citroën C3 WRC, Mikkelsen was sixteen seconds behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
Meanwhile, M-Sport World Rally Team driver and current WRC champion Sébastien Ogier finished third in his Ford Fiesta WRC, Ogier was thirty seconds behind Tänak 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 Jean-Michel Raoux in his own backed Citroën DS3 WRC. Jean-Michel Raoux finished in twenty-fourth place overall, he was twenty-five minutes behind Tänak 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 M-Sport World Rally Team driver Eric Camilli in his Ford Fiesta R5. Eric Camilli finished in tenth place overall, he was eleven minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
While, Škoda Motorsport driver Pontus Tidemand finished in twelfth place overall and third place in WRC-2 class in his Škoda Fabia R5, he was twelve and half minutes behind Tänak at the end; and that was enough to give Pontus Tidemand the 2017 WRC-2 championship; contracts to Pontus Tidemand for winning this years WRC-2 championship.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by ADAC Sachsen driver Julius Tannert in his Ford Fiesta R2T. Julius Tannert finished in thirty-first place overall, he was thirty-three minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
While, Nil Solans in his own backed Ford Fiesta R2T finished in thirty-ninth place overall and second in WRC-3 class, he was forty-six minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally. With that result, Nil Solans did clinched the WRC3 Championship this season with a round to spare in his own backed Ford Fiesta R2T, contracts to Nil Solans for winning the WRC3 championship.
Highlights of the rally below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Eleven of the 2017 WRC season for Rally de Catalunya in seven weeks time.
Tuesday 15 August 2017
2017 BTCC Round 7 Recap
Review of Round Seven of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season was at Knockhill Racing Circuit, in the Fife countryside north of Dunfermline for Scotland's only BTCC round.
In the first race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Jason Plato took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton driver in his Subaru Levorg GT, he was two tenths of a second behind Plato in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was nine tenths of a second behind Plato in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis (2015), he finished in sixth place and was sixteen seconds behind Plato in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by Power Maxed Racing driver Senna Proctor in his Vauxhall Astra, he finished in seventh place and was twenty-two seconds behind Plato in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Jason Plato driver in his Subaru Levorg GT, he was two tenths of a second behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was three seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by BTC Norlin Racing driver Dave Newsham in his Chevrolet Cruze, he finished in seventh place and was twenty-five seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo driver Rory Butcher in his Ford Focus ST, he finished in ninth place and was twenty-six seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Finally in the third race, Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram took the race win in his Toyota Avensis (2015) and also took Independents class win. Second was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver and current BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden in his Honda Civic Type R, he was a second behind Ingram in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was fifteen tenths of a second behind Ingram in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo driver Rory Butcher in his Ford Focus ST, he finished in ninth place and was six seconds behind Ingram in the end.
Next stop Rockingham Motor Speedway for Round Eight of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.
In the first race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Jason Plato took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton driver in his Subaru Levorg GT, he was two tenths of a second behind Plato in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was nine tenths of a second behind Plato in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis (2015), he finished in sixth place and was sixteen seconds behind Plato in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by Power Maxed Racing driver Senna Proctor in his Vauxhall Astra, he finished in seventh place and was twenty-two seconds behind Plato in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Jason Plato driver in his Subaru Levorg GT, he was two tenths of a second behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was three seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by BTC Norlin Racing driver Dave Newsham in his Chevrolet Cruze, he finished in seventh place and was twenty-five seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo driver Rory Butcher in his Ford Focus ST, he finished in ninth place and was twenty-six seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Finally in the third race, Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram took the race win in his Toyota Avensis (2015) and also took Independents class win. Second was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver and current BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden in his Honda Civic Type R, he was a second behind Ingram in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was fifteen tenths of a second behind Ingram in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo driver Rory Butcher in his Ford Focus ST, he finished in ninth place and was six seconds behind Ingram in the end.
Next stop Rockingham Motor Speedway for Round Eight of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.
Monday 14 August 2017
2017 Austria MotoGP Review, and Jack Miller signs for Pramac Racing for 2018 MotoGP Season
Review of round eleven of the 2017 MotoGP season at the Red Bull Ring, on the outskirts of Spielberg, Styria, Austira.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP17.
Second was Repsol Honda Team rider and current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on his works Honda RC213V, he was two tenths of a second behind Dovizioso at the end. While, third was Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa on his works Honda RC213V, he was two and half seconds behind Dovizioso 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 EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Álex Márquez on the Kalex, he was a second behind Morbidelli at the end. While, third was CarXpert Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex, he was two and half 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 Südmetall Schedl GP Racing rider Philipp Öttl on the KTM, he was three seconds behind Mir at the end. While, third was Del Conca Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda, he was over three seconds behind Mir at the end of the race.
Finally, it was confirmed on Thursday (10/8/17) EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Jack Miller have signed for the Octo Pramac Racing team for the 2018 MotoGP next season.
Miller currently sits thirteenth in the championship, with a best finish of sixth place at last months Assen TT race. Miller will replace Scott Redding who will more than likely sign for the Aprillia's factory team. Miller will be partnered with Danilo Petrucci during the 2018 MotoGP seasons at Octo Pramac Racing.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP17.
Second was Repsol Honda Team rider and current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on his works Honda RC213V, he was two tenths of a second behind Dovizioso at the end. While, third was Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa on his works Honda RC213V, he was two and half seconds behind Dovizioso 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 EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Álex Márquez on the Kalex, he was a second behind Morbidelli at the end. While, third was CarXpert Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex, he was two and half 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 Südmetall Schedl GP Racing rider Philipp Öttl on the KTM, he was three seconds behind Mir at the end. While, third was Del Conca Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda, he was over three seconds behind Mir at the end of the race.
Finally, it was confirmed on Thursday (10/8/17) EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Jack Miller have signed for the Octo Pramac Racing team for the 2018 MotoGP next season.
Miller currently sits thirteenth in the championship, with a best finish of sixth place at last months Assen TT race. Miller will replace Scott Redding who will more than likely sign for the Aprillia's factory team. Miller will be partnered with Danilo Petrucci during the 2018 MotoGP seasons at Octo Pramac Racing.
Half Term Review of F1 Season so far and My top Formula 1 drivers of 2017 so far
The half term review of Formula 1 season so far, with the next race is in two weeks time. Just like last year, I will say one sentence that will be positive with each team. And one sentence that will be negative for each team. Also, I will include with this post my Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2017 so far below. Starting with Mercedes:
Mercedes:
+ Best car and drivers on the grid so far with the F1 W08 EQ Power+, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
- Poor performance at Monaco; despite leading the Constructors' Standing, nor Hamilton or Bottas isn't leading the Drivers' Championship, although the advantage could belong to Mercedes in the second half of the season.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen includes a race win for Ricciardo in Baku, and for Verstappen in Shangahi.
- The Renault Power-Units are still around 50-60bhp less than the Mercedes power-units; RB13 is not strong as thought and also reliability has cost Verstappen podiums this season.
Ferrari
+ Leading the Drivers' Championship with Sebastian Vettel, includes four wins, that includes two one-two finishes in Monaco and Hungaroring with Vettel leading from Kimi Räikkönen.
- SF70H has been fast throughout the first half of the season, will it last through to the end of the second half of the season to win the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships', with the last eight of the nine tracks will suit Mercedes more than Ferrari.
Force India:
+ Some impressive performances from Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon this season which include fourth and fifth finish at Barcelona.
- The Force India drivers' colliding with each other has cost the team big points this season, includes podiums in Montreal and Baku.
Williams:
+ Some great performances from Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll this season, which includes podium for Stroll in Baku.
- The FW40 been too slow and underdeveloped this season, fifth in the Constructors' is a must for Williams this season if not they will be overtaken by Toro Rosso.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from both Fernando Alonso, which include a sixth place finishes for Alonso at the Hungaroring.
- Still, Honda power-unit are still round 90-100bhp behind of the likes of Mercedes power unit; and the thirsty (and still unreliable) Honda power-units has not helped the team getting points this season, if Honda reduce the horsepower deficit and reliability to Mercedes, McLaren will finish seventh in the Constructor's standings.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Some impressive performances from Carlos Sainz, Jr. this season which include a sixth place finish at Monaco.
- Kvyat only scoring 4 points compare to Sainz's tally of 35 points so far this season, could see Kyvat getting the sack before the end of the season is finished; could finish fifth in the Constructor's standings for Toro Rosso is possible going into the second half of the season.
Haas:
+ Some impressive performances from Romain Grosjean this season which include a sixth place finish at the Red Bull Ring.
- Double DNF at Melbourne with mechanical problems, apart from that a good second season from Haas.
Renault:
+ A sixth place finish for Nico Hülkenberg at Barcelona and Silverstone, only 6 points at this stage last season, 26 points this season at this stage a much better improvement from Renault.
- No points from Jolyon Palmer, could see Palmer getting the sack before the end of the season is finished; could finish fifth in the constructor's standings for Renault is possible going into the second half of the season.
Sauber:
+ Some impressive performances from Pascal Wehrlein this season which include a eighth place finish at Barcalona.
- Still last in the Constructor's standings despite scoring five points so far this season, also sacking former Team Boss Monisha Kaltenborn in mid-season hasn't helped the team nor what Power-Unit deal going into 2018 with the cancellation of the Honda deal to remain with Ferrari power till 2020.
And just like last season, my Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2017 so far this season, this is the part who was in my top 10 so far this season, not in championship order. So here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2017 so far this season:
10. Carlos Sainz, Jr. (Toro Rosso) - Some impressive performances so far this season, which include a sixth place finish at Monaco.
9. Nico Hülkenberg (Renault) - Consistently fast and some impressive drives at Barcelona and Silverstone; includes a sixth place finish at Silverstone finishing on the lead lap.
8. Sergio Pérez (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which include a fourth place finish at Barcelona.
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives in his third season and despite his still only 19!, which include a third place finish at Shanghai.
6. Esteban Ocon (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable in his second season, which include a fifth place finish at Barcelona.
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered car includes a Grand Prix win at Baku.
4. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Vettel, which includes two second place finishes at Monaco and Hungaroring, if team-orders wasn't in place he would have won them both.
3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Four Grand Prix wins, a strong possibility of winning the Drivers' Championship once again, only problem his team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel.
2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - Two Grand Prix wins in Sochi and at the Red Bull Ring, a possibility of winning the Drivers' Championship, an epic second half of a season that is needed for Bottas to beat both Hamilton and Vettel to the Drivers' Championship.
1. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - Best driver on the grid this season so far, with four Grand Prix wins, leading the Drivers' Championship and a strong possibility of winning the title, only problem both Mercedes drivers.
Nine races to go to see who will be the champions for 2017, starting at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Mercedes:
+ Best car and drivers on the grid so far with the F1 W08 EQ Power+, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
- Poor performance at Monaco; despite leading the Constructors' Standing, nor Hamilton or Bottas isn't leading the Drivers' Championship, although the advantage could belong to Mercedes in the second half of the season.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen includes a race win for Ricciardo in Baku, and for Verstappen in Shangahi.
- The Renault Power-Units are still around 50-60bhp less than the Mercedes power-units; RB13 is not strong as thought and also reliability has cost Verstappen podiums this season.
Ferrari
+ Leading the Drivers' Championship with Sebastian Vettel, includes four wins, that includes two one-two finishes in Monaco and Hungaroring with Vettel leading from Kimi Räikkönen.
- SF70H has been fast throughout the first half of the season, will it last through to the end of the second half of the season to win the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships', with the last eight of the nine tracks will suit Mercedes more than Ferrari.
Force India:
+ Some impressive performances from Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon this season which include fourth and fifth finish at Barcelona.
- The Force India drivers' colliding with each other has cost the team big points this season, includes podiums in Montreal and Baku.
Williams:
+ Some great performances from Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll this season, which includes podium for Stroll in Baku.
- The FW40 been too slow and underdeveloped this season, fifth in the Constructors' is a must for Williams this season if not they will be overtaken by Toro Rosso.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from both Fernando Alonso, which include a sixth place finishes for Alonso at the Hungaroring.
- Still, Honda power-unit are still round 90-100bhp behind of the likes of Mercedes power unit; and the thirsty (and still unreliable) Honda power-units has not helped the team getting points this season, if Honda reduce the horsepower deficit and reliability to Mercedes, McLaren will finish seventh in the Constructor's standings.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Some impressive performances from Carlos Sainz, Jr. this season which include a sixth place finish at Monaco.
- Kvyat only scoring 4 points compare to Sainz's tally of 35 points so far this season, could see Kyvat getting the sack before the end of the season is finished; could finish fifth in the Constructor's standings for Toro Rosso is possible going into the second half of the season.
Haas:
+ Some impressive performances from Romain Grosjean this season which include a sixth place finish at the Red Bull Ring.
- Double DNF at Melbourne with mechanical problems, apart from that a good second season from Haas.
Renault:
+ A sixth place finish for Nico Hülkenberg at Barcelona and Silverstone, only 6 points at this stage last season, 26 points this season at this stage a much better improvement from Renault.
- No points from Jolyon Palmer, could see Palmer getting the sack before the end of the season is finished; could finish fifth in the constructor's standings for Renault is possible going into the second half of the season.
Sauber:
+ Some impressive performances from Pascal Wehrlein this season which include a eighth place finish at Barcalona.
- Still last in the Constructor's standings despite scoring five points so far this season, also sacking former Team Boss Monisha Kaltenborn in mid-season hasn't helped the team nor what Power-Unit deal going into 2018 with the cancellation of the Honda deal to remain with Ferrari power till 2020.
And just like last season, my Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2017 so far this season, this is the part who was in my top 10 so far this season, not in championship order. So here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2017 so far this season:
10. Carlos Sainz, Jr. (Toro Rosso) - Some impressive performances so far this season, which include a sixth place finish at Monaco.
9. Nico Hülkenberg (Renault) - Consistently fast and some impressive drives at Barcelona and Silverstone; includes a sixth place finish at Silverstone finishing on the lead lap.
8. Sergio Pérez (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which include a fourth place finish at Barcelona.
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives in his third season and despite his still only 19!, which include a third place finish at Shanghai.
6. Esteban Ocon (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable in his second season, which include a fifth place finish at Barcelona.
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered car includes a Grand Prix win at Baku.
4. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Vettel, which includes two second place finishes at Monaco and Hungaroring, if team-orders wasn't in place he would have won them both.
3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Four Grand Prix wins, a strong possibility of winning the Drivers' Championship once again, only problem his team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel.
2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - Two Grand Prix wins in Sochi and at the Red Bull Ring, a possibility of winning the Drivers' Championship, an epic second half of a season that is needed for Bottas to beat both Hamilton and Vettel to the Drivers' Championship.
1. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - Best driver on the grid this season so far, with four Grand Prix wins, leading the Drivers' Championship and a strong possibility of winning the title, only problem both Mercedes drivers.
Nine races to go to see who will be the champions for 2017, starting at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Monday 7 August 2017
2017 World RX Round 8 Recap - World RX of Canada
Review of Round Eight of the 2017 World Rallycross Championship season was the World RX of Canada, at Circuit Trois-Rivières located in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada.
In the four Heats, those were won by Toomas Heikkinen, Petter Solberg, and Johan Kristoffersson (winning twice).
In the first semi-final that was won by PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo GTI. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was four seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was MJP Racing Team Austria driver Kevin Eriksson in his Ford Fiesta, he was five seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Petter Solberg in his Volkswagen Polo GTI. Second was MJP Racing Team Austria driver Kevin Eriksson in his Ford Fiesta, he was six seconds behind Solberg in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was seven seconds behind Solberg in the end.
In the final race, PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson took the race win in his Volkswagen Polo GTI. Second was PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Petter Solberg in his Volkswagen Polo GTI to take a Volkswagen one-two finish, he was a second behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was five seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
Next stop World RX of France at Circuit de Lohéac for Round Nine of the 2017 World Rallycross Championship season in four weeks time.
In the four Heats, those were won by Toomas Heikkinen, Petter Solberg, and Johan Kristoffersson (winning twice).
In the first semi-final that was won by PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo GTI. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was four seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was MJP Racing Team Austria driver Kevin Eriksson in his Ford Fiesta, he was five seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Petter Solberg in his Volkswagen Polo GTI. Second was MJP Racing Team Austria driver Kevin Eriksson in his Ford Fiesta, he was six seconds behind Solberg in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was seven seconds behind Solberg in the end.
In the final race, PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson took the race win in his Volkswagen Polo GTI. Second was PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Petter Solberg in his Volkswagen Polo GTI to take a Volkswagen one-two finish, he was a second behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was five seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
Next stop World RX of France at Circuit de Lohéac for Round Nine of the 2017 World Rallycross Championship season in four weeks time.
Round Nine Recap of the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Review of Round Nine of the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
Tequila Patrón ESM team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Pipo Derani and Johannes van Overbeek in their Nissan Onroak DPi, Nissan 3.8 L Turbo V6. While, Wayne Taylor Racing finished in second place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8; the team of Jordan Taylor and Ricky Taylor; they were two seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Tequila Patrón ESM team finished in third place in their Nissan Onroak DPi, Nissan 3.8 L Turbo V6; the team of Ryan Dalziel and Scott Sharp; they were three seconds 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 ninth place overall; with the drivers of James French and Patricio O'Ward; they were a lap 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 Joey Hand and Dirk Müller; they were two laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Turner Motorsport team won GT Daytona Class and finished in seventeenth place overall in their BMW M6 GT3; with the drivers of Jens Klingmann and Jesse Krohn; they were three laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Virginia International Raceway in three weeks time for Round Ten of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Tequila Patrón ESM team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Pipo Derani and Johannes van Overbeek in their Nissan Onroak DPi, Nissan 3.8 L Turbo V6. While, Wayne Taylor Racing finished in second place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8; the team of Jordan Taylor and Ricky Taylor; they were two seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Tequila Patrón ESM team finished in third place in their Nissan Onroak DPi, Nissan 3.8 L Turbo V6; the team of Ryan Dalziel and Scott Sharp; they were three seconds 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 ninth place overall; with the drivers of James French and Patricio O'Ward; they were a lap 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 Joey Hand and Dirk Müller; they were two laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Turner Motorsport team won GT Daytona Class and finished in seventeenth place overall in their BMW M6 GT3; with the drivers of Jens Klingmann and Jesse Krohn; they were three laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Virginia International Raceway in three weeks time for Round Ten of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
2017 Czech Republic MotoGP Review, Álvaro Bautista remains at Aspar for 2018
Review of round ten of the 2017 MotoGP season at Masaryk Circuit, on the outskirts of Brno in Czech Republic.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Repsol Honda Team rider and current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on his works Honda RC213V.
Second place was Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa on his works Honda RC213V to compete a Repsol Honda one-two finish, he was eleven seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was fourteen seconds behind Márquez at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by CarXpert Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex. Second was EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Álex Márquez on the Kalex, he was five seconds behind Lüthi at the end. While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Miguel Oliveira on the KTM, he was seven seconds behind Lüthi 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 Marinelli Rivacold Snipers rider Romano Fenati on the Honda, he was four tenths of a second behind Mir at the end. While, third was Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Arón Canet on the Honda, he was three seconds behind Mir at the end of the race.
And finally, it was confirmed on a few Monday's (17/7/17) ago that Álvaro Bautista will remain with Pull&Bear Aspar Team till 2018 after signing a new one-year deal to remain with the Aspar team.
Bautista currently sits eleventh in the championship, with a best finish of fourth place in Argentina back in April, ending recent speculation over his future at the team. No word yet who is his team-mate yet for next season at Aspar.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Repsol Honda Team rider and current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on his works Honda RC213V.
Second place was Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa on his works Honda RC213V to compete a Repsol Honda one-two finish, he was eleven seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was fourteen seconds behind Márquez at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by CarXpert Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex. Second was EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Álex Márquez on the Kalex, he was five seconds behind Lüthi at the end. While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Miguel Oliveira on the KTM, he was seven seconds behind Lüthi 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 Marinelli Rivacold Snipers rider Romano Fenati on the Honda, he was four tenths of a second behind Mir at the end. While, third was Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Arón Canet on the Honda, he was three seconds behind Mir at the end of the race.
And finally, it was confirmed on a few Monday's (17/7/17) ago that Álvaro Bautista will remain with Pull&Bear Aspar Team till 2018 after signing a new one-year deal to remain with the Aspar team.
Bautista currently sits eleventh in the championship, with a best finish of fourth place in Argentina back in April, ending recent speculation over his future at the team. No word yet who is his team-mate yet for next season at Aspar.
Tuesday 1 August 2017
2017 BTCC Round 6 Recap
Review of Round Six of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season was at Snetterton Circuit on the 300 Course, in Norfolk.
In the first race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Eurotech Racing driver Jack Goff in his Honda Civic Type R and also took Independents class win, he was two seconds behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Type R, he was six and half seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing driver Will Burns in his Volkswagen CC, he finished in sixteenth place and was thirty-one seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was three seconds behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver Rob Collard in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was four seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo driver Mat Jackson in his Ford Focus ST, he finished in fourth place and was five seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing driver Will Burns in his Volkswagen CC, he finished in sixteenth place and was fifteen seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Finally in the third race, Halfords Yuasa Racing driver and current BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R. Second was Team BMW driver Rob Collard in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was seven tenths of a second behind Shedden in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was a second behind Shedden in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Independents class was won by Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo driver Mat Jackson in his Ford Focus ST, he finished in fourth place and was seven seconds behind Shedden in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Power Maxed Racing driver Senna Proctor in his Vauxhall Astra, he finished in ninth place and was eleven seconds behind Shedden in the end.
Next stop Knockhill Racing Circuit for Round Seven of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.
In the first race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Eurotech Racing driver Jack Goff in his Honda Civic Type R and also took Independents class win, he was two seconds behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Type R, he was six and half seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing driver Will Burns in his Volkswagen CC, he finished in sixteenth place and was thirty-one seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was three seconds behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver Rob Collard in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was four seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo driver Mat Jackson in his Ford Focus ST, he finished in fourth place and was five seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing driver Will Burns in his Volkswagen CC, he finished in sixteenth place and was fifteen seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Finally in the third race, Halfords Yuasa Racing driver and current BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R. Second was Team BMW driver Rob Collard in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was seven tenths of a second behind Shedden in the end. While third place was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was a second behind Shedden in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Independents class was won by Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo driver Mat Jackson in his Ford Focus ST, he finished in fourth place and was seven seconds behind Shedden in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Power Maxed Racing driver Senna Proctor in his Vauxhall Astra, he finished in ninth place and was eleven seconds behind Shedden in the end.
Next stop Knockhill Racing Circuit for Round Seven of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.
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