Bye.
Tuesday 24 December 2019
Happy Christmas for 2019
Basically the last post for 2019 as I am taking over a week off with my family and try to enjoy Christmas. All that means is a Happy Christmas/Holidays to you all and see you in 2020.
Bye.
Bye.
Confirmed: Ferrari retains Charles Leclerc till 2024
It was confirmed yesterday (23/12/19) that Ferrari will retain Charles Leclerc through to the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Leclerc joined Ferrari from Sauber for 2019 replacing Kimi Raikkonen, winning back-to-back races in Belgium and Italy and scored seven pole positions, more than any other driver this season.
Leclerc finished fourth in the drivers' standings this season, ahead of his four-time world champion team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
Overall, a very good decision from Ferrari to keep Charles Leclerc for next five seasons. Not the first time Ferrari offered a driver a five-year deal, they gave Michael Schumacher a five-year deal back in 1998, big difference is Leclerc is not paid as much as Schumacher was.
Going into 2020 can Leclerc win the Drivers' Title with Ferrari in the next five seasons? time will tell. It's a very good deal for Ferrari for the next five seasons.
Leclerc joined Ferrari from Sauber for 2019 replacing Kimi Raikkonen, winning back-to-back races in Belgium and Italy and scored seven pole positions, more than any other driver this season.
Leclerc finished fourth in the drivers' standings this season, ahead of his four-time world champion team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
Overall, a very good decision from Ferrari to keep Charles Leclerc for next five seasons. Not the first time Ferrari offered a driver a five-year deal, they gave Michael Schumacher a five-year deal back in 1998, big difference is Leclerc is not paid as much as Schumacher was.
Going into 2020 can Leclerc win the Drivers' Title with Ferrari in the next five seasons? time will tell. It's a very good deal for Ferrari for the next five seasons.
Sunday 22 December 2019
Five predictions from 2019, did I got any of them right?
During my first post of 2019. I did a post on five racing predictions for 2019, and the post was really a fun post on five predictions that may happen in 2019. But the main question is did I got any right? let see:
Number 1, A privater LMP1 team to win this seasons 24 Hours of Le Mans.
No, top privater LMP1 team finished in third place. I got this prediction Wrong.
Number 2, Aston Martin to announce an Engine partnership with Red Bull for 2021 F1 season.
Just like 2018, I got this prediction Wrong.
Number 3, HWA (Mercedes) to win a race in Formula E this season in Season 5 (2018/19).
Third prediction I got Wrong. Highest finish for HWA (Mercedes) that season was a third place finish for Stoffel Vandoorne in Rome.
Number 4, Kimi Räikkönen to finish fifth place in a race this season.
Going into the last two rounds, Räikkönen best result was multiple seventh place finishes, enter the Brazilian Grand Prix and lucky enough Kimi Räikkönen finished in fourth place. Meaning I got this prediction Right.
Number 5, Kawasaki to announce a return to MotoGP for 2021.
Unless something happens in the next nine days. Fourth prediction I got Wrong. Not even close on this close on this one.
So basically I got one out of five predictions right. More fun predictions in 2020.
Number 1, A privater LMP1 team to win this seasons 24 Hours of Le Mans.
No, top privater LMP1 team finished in third place. I got this prediction Wrong.
Number 2, Aston Martin to announce an Engine partnership with Red Bull for 2021 F1 season.
Just like 2018, I got this prediction Wrong.
Number 3, HWA (Mercedes) to win a race in Formula E this season in Season 5 (2018/19).
Third prediction I got Wrong. Highest finish for HWA (Mercedes) that season was a third place finish for Stoffel Vandoorne in Rome.
Number 4, Kimi Räikkönen to finish fifth place in a race this season.
Going into the last two rounds, Räikkönen best result was multiple seventh place finishes, enter the Brazilian Grand Prix and lucky enough Kimi Räikkönen finished in fourth place. Meaning I got this prediction Right.
Number 5, Kawasaki to announce a return to MotoGP for 2021.
Unless something happens in the next nine days. Fourth prediction I got Wrong. Not even close on this close on this one.
So basically I got one out of five predictions right. More fun predictions in 2020.
Wednesday 18 December 2019
2019 WTCR Round 10 Recap - Race of Malaysia, Norbert Michelisz 2019 WTCR Champion!
Review of Round Ten of the 2019 World Touring Car Cup season was the Race of Malaysia, at Sepang International Circuit, on the outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for WTCR first ever night race.
In the first race, BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz took the race win in his Hyundai i30 N TCR. Second was Comtoyou Team DHL CUPRA Racing driver Aurélien Panis in his Cupra León TCR, he was two and half seconds behind Guerrieri in the end. While third place was Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver and Current WTCR Champion Gabriele Tarquini in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was ten seconds behind Michelisz in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport driver Esteban Guerrieri took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R TCR (FK8). Second was PWR Racing driver Mikel Azcona in his Cupra León TCR, he was a second behind Guerrieri in the end. While third place was SLR Volkswagen driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was thirteen tenths of a second behind Guerrieri in the end.
Finally in the third race, SLR Volkswagen driver Johan Kristoffersson took the race win in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Second was Team Mulsanne driver Kevin Ceccon in his Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR, he was two seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While third place was Comtoyou Team Audi Sport driver Frédéric Vervisch in his Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, he was four seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
Meanwhile BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz finished fourth place in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was nine seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. That was enough for Norbert Michelisz to win the WTCR Drivers' Champion and becoming 2019 WTCR Drivers' Champion to beat Esteban Guerrieri by twenty-three points. Contractions to Norbert Michelisz for winning this years title.
And so this years champions in WTCR, WTCR Drivers' Champion: Norbert Michelisz. And WTCR Teams' Championship: Cyan Racing Lynk & Co.
Contractions to the Champions this season.
In the first race, BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz took the race win in his Hyundai i30 N TCR. Second was Comtoyou Team DHL CUPRA Racing driver Aurélien Panis in his Cupra León TCR, he was two and half seconds behind Guerrieri in the end. While third place was Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver and Current WTCR Champion Gabriele Tarquini in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was ten seconds behind Michelisz in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport driver Esteban Guerrieri took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R TCR (FK8). Second was PWR Racing driver Mikel Azcona in his Cupra León TCR, he was a second behind Guerrieri in the end. While third place was SLR Volkswagen driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was thirteen tenths of a second behind Guerrieri in the end.
Finally in the third race, SLR Volkswagen driver Johan Kristoffersson took the race win in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Second was Team Mulsanne driver Kevin Ceccon in his Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR, he was two seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While third place was Comtoyou Team Audi Sport driver Frédéric Vervisch in his Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, he was four seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
Meanwhile BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz finished fourth place in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was nine seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. That was enough for Norbert Michelisz to win the WTCR Drivers' Champion and becoming 2019 WTCR Drivers' Champion to beat Esteban Guerrieri by twenty-three points. Contractions to Norbert Michelisz for winning this years title.
And so this years champions in WTCR, WTCR Drivers' Champion: Norbert Michelisz. And WTCR Teams' Championship: Cyan Racing Lynk & Co.
Contractions to the Champions this season.
Monday 16 December 2019
2019 8 Hours of Bahrain Review
Review of Round Four of the 2019/20 FIA World Endurance Championship was held at Bahrain International Circuit, in Sakhir, Bahrain.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid; Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6. While, second place was the other Toyota Gazoo Racing to complete a Toyota one-two finish, with the team of Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6; they were a lap behind the leaders at the end of the race. While third place was Rebellion Racing team to complete the podium, with the team of Gustavo Menezes, Norman Nato and Bruno Senna in their Rebellion R13, Gibson 4.5 L V8; they were three laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class (all cars using the Gibson 4.2 L V8 engine), United Autosports team of Filipe Albuquerque, Philip Hanson and Paul di Resta in their Oreca 07 won LMP2 class. They finish in fourth place overall and they were eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Alex Lynn and Maxime Martin won in their Aston Martin Vantage AMR. They finish in thirteenth place overall and they were twenty-two laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Team Project 1 of Jeroen Bleekemolen, Ben Keating and Larry ten Voorde in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in eighteenth place overall and they were twenty-four laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 8 Hours of Bahrain below, enjoy.
Next Stop Lone Star Le Mans (Circuit of the Americas) in ten weeks time for Round Five of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid; Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6. While, second place was the other Toyota Gazoo Racing to complete a Toyota one-two finish, with the team of Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6; they were a lap behind the leaders at the end of the race. While third place was Rebellion Racing team to complete the podium, with the team of Gustavo Menezes, Norman Nato and Bruno Senna in their Rebellion R13, Gibson 4.5 L V8; they were three laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class (all cars using the Gibson 4.2 L V8 engine), United Autosports team of Filipe Albuquerque, Philip Hanson and Paul di Resta in their Oreca 07 won LMP2 class. They finish in fourth place overall and they were eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Alex Lynn and Maxime Martin won in their Aston Martin Vantage AMR. They finish in thirteenth place overall and they were twenty-two laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Team Project 1 of Jeroen Bleekemolen, Ben Keating and Larry ten Voorde in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in eighteenth place overall and they were twenty-four laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 8 Hours of Bahrain below, enjoy.
Next Stop Lone Star Le Mans (Circuit of the Americas) in ten weeks time for Round Five of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Friday 13 December 2019
Valentino Rossi tests a 2017 Mercedes F1 car while Lewis Hamilton tests a 2019 Yamaha YZR-M1
Seven times MotoGP Champion Valentino Rossi tested a 2017 Mercedes F1 car at Valencia on Wednesday (11/12/2019).
Rossi's outing was in the 2017 F1 W08 EQ Power+ took place at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia where F1 Teams test and MotoGP race at.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton tested 2019 Yamaha YZR-M1 at Valancia as-well.
Rossi's outing was in the 2017 F1 W08 EQ Power+ took place at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia where F1 Teams test and MotoGP race at.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton tested 2019 Yamaha YZR-M1 at Valancia as-well.
Thursday 12 December 2019
2019 Monza Rally Show Review
So last weekend (6-8/12/19) was the annual Monza Rally Show. The final results saw Andrea Crugnola won this years Monza Rally Show in his Volkswagen Polo R WRC. Second was Dani Sordo in his Hyundai i20 WRC, he was eleven seconds behind Crugnola at the end. Meanwhile, Andrea Nucita finished in third place in his Hyundai i20 WRC, he was over a minute behind Crugnola at the end.
Here's a YouTube video of some of the Show's highlights from last week.
Here's a YouTube video of some of the Show's highlights from last week.
Wednesday 11 December 2019
It's Official: Johann Zarco signs for Avintia Racing on a one-year deal
It was confirmed on Monday (9/12/19), Johann Zarco has been confirmed as Reale Avintia Racing second rider for the 2020 MotoGP seasons on a one-year deal.
The former KTM rider will campaigning on a 2019 Desmosedici alongside Esteve Rabat.
Zarco will replace Karel Abraham at the team, who announced his MotoGP retirement two weeks ago, prior to Zarco's announcement.
Zarco finished in eighteenth place in the MotoGP Standings, with a best finish of tenth place back in Barcalona in June.
The former KTM rider will campaigning on a 2019 Desmosedici alongside Esteve Rabat.
Zarco will replace Karel Abraham at the team, who announced his MotoGP retirement two weeks ago, prior to Zarco's announcement.
Zarco finished in eighteenth place in the MotoGP Standings, with a best finish of tenth place back in Barcalona in June.
Tuesday 10 December 2019
Part 2 of Formula 1 2019 Season Review (Top Formula 1 drivers of 2019 and final thoughts of Formula 1 2019)
Second part of my Formula 1 2019 Season Review, this post will includes my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2019. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2019.
Starting of with My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2019, this is the part who was in my top 10 this season, not in championship order, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Kimi Raikkonen or Sergio Pérez to name a few, its just only opinion folks.
Anyway, here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2019:
10. Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) - Returning back to Formula 1 after a season off, fast and reliable, which include a third place finish at a wet to dry Hockenheim.
9. Pierre Gasly (Red Bull/Toro Rosso) - Despite being demoted back to Toro Rosso from Spa onwards could have lost his confidence but scored 32 points in those nine races includes a second place finish at Sao Paulo.
8. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - One race win at Singapore in 2019; should have won Montreal.
7. Lando Norris (McLaren) - Consistently fast in his first season, which include two sixth place finishes at Bahrain and at the Red Bull Ring.
6. Alexander Albon (Toro Rosso/Red Bull) - Some impressive performances in his first full season, which include a sixth place finish at a wet to dry Hockenheim; promoted to Red Bull Racing for the second half of the season scored 76 points in those nine races, highest finish of fourth place at Suzuka, should have finish second at Sao Paulo too.
5. Carlos Sainz, Jr. (McLaren) - Some impressive performances this season, which include three fifth place finishes at Hockenheim, Hungaroring and Suzuka; and a third place finish at Sao Paulo.
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - Consistently fast in his first season for Ferrari, which include Grand Prixs' he should have won this season but due to unreliable car in Bahrain, underpowered at the Red Bull Ring, team-orders in Singapore, Safety car in Soshi and pit-stop error in Mexico; however won two Grand Prix this season at Spa and Monza.
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Hamilton, Four Grand Prix wins at Melbourne, Baku, Suzuka and Austin.
2.Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives this season, which include three Grand Prix wins at the Red Bull Ring, Hockinheim and Sao Paulo.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season, eleven Grand Prix wins, to concluded with his sixth Drivers' World Championship.
Overall, possibly one of the most dominating seasons I have seen in Formula 1 despite it doesn't look like in times, fifteen Grand Prix wins out of twenty-one wins from Mercedes which include nine one-two finishes to conclude winning their fifth F1 Constructors' Championship in a row.
While in the Drivers' Championship it was Lewis Hamilton to win the off winning eleven Grand Prixs', to win this seasons Drivers' Championship for his sixth F1 Drivers' title and becoming only the second driver in Formula 1 history to join Michael Schumacher to win six or more F1 Drivers' Titles to conclude Formula 1 in 2019.
Bring on Formula 1 2020.
Starting of with My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2019, this is the part who was in my top 10 this season, not in championship order, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Kimi Raikkonen or Sergio Pérez to name a few, its just only opinion folks.
Anyway, here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2019:
10. Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) - Returning back to Formula 1 after a season off, fast and reliable, which include a third place finish at a wet to dry Hockenheim.
9. Pierre Gasly (Red Bull/Toro Rosso) - Despite being demoted back to Toro Rosso from Spa onwards could have lost his confidence but scored 32 points in those nine races includes a second place finish at Sao Paulo.
8. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - One race win at Singapore in 2019; should have won Montreal.
7. Lando Norris (McLaren) - Consistently fast in his first season, which include two sixth place finishes at Bahrain and at the Red Bull Ring.
6. Alexander Albon (Toro Rosso/Red Bull) - Some impressive performances in his first full season, which include a sixth place finish at a wet to dry Hockenheim; promoted to Red Bull Racing for the second half of the season scored 76 points in those nine races, highest finish of fourth place at Suzuka, should have finish second at Sao Paulo too.
5. Carlos Sainz, Jr. (McLaren) - Some impressive performances this season, which include three fifth place finishes at Hockenheim, Hungaroring and Suzuka; and a third place finish at Sao Paulo.
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - Consistently fast in his first season for Ferrari, which include Grand Prixs' he should have won this season but due to unreliable car in Bahrain, underpowered at the Red Bull Ring, team-orders in Singapore, Safety car in Soshi and pit-stop error in Mexico; however won two Grand Prix this season at Spa and Monza.
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Hamilton, Four Grand Prix wins at Melbourne, Baku, Suzuka and Austin.
2.Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives this season, which include three Grand Prix wins at the Red Bull Ring, Hockinheim and Sao Paulo.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season, eleven Grand Prix wins, to concluded with his sixth Drivers' World Championship.
Overall, possibly one of the most dominating seasons I have seen in Formula 1 despite it doesn't look like in times, fifteen Grand Prix wins out of twenty-one wins from Mercedes which include nine one-two finishes to conclude winning their fifth F1 Constructors' Championship in a row.
While in the Drivers' Championship it was Lewis Hamilton to win the off winning eleven Grand Prixs', to win this seasons Drivers' Championship for his sixth F1 Drivers' title and becoming only the second driver in Formula 1 history to join Michael Schumacher to win six or more F1 Drivers' Titles to conclude Formula 1 in 2019.
Bring on Formula 1 2020.
Monday 9 December 2019
Part 1 of Formula 1 2019 Season Review (the teams)
Two parter Formula One season review of the 2019 season. In this post I will review each team of 2019. Which, I will say one sentence that will be positive with each team. And one sentence that will be negative for each team. So starting with Mercedes below.
Mercedes:
+ As you were from 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018; Best car and driver on the grid with the W10 EQ Power+, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with 10 poles, 15 race wins, a Constructors' Title and a Drivers' Title with Lewis Hamilton.
- Poor race at Mercedes home Grand Prix at Hockenheim, Hamilton spun out of the lead to finish ninth and Bottas crashed out; apart from that another great season from Mercedes.
Ferrari
+ Some great race performances from both Charles Leclerc, which includes two wins at Spa and Monza, and Sebastian Vettel wining a race at Singapore.
- SF90 has not been fast enough then the Mercedes nor the Red Bull in race pace this season, also poor pace and reliabilities problems has cost race wins for Sebastian Vettel at Montreal and for Leclerc at Bahrain, the Red Bull Ring, Singapore and Mexico City.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Max Verstappen includes race wins for Verstappen at Red Bull Ring, Hockinheim and Sao Paulo giving Honda their first win as an engine partner since 2006.
- Replacing Pierre Gasly for Alexander Albon midway through the sesaaon, Albon was much improve than Gasly, Albon going into next season needs to reduce the gap between himself and team-mate Verstappen giving Red Bull a better shot of wining both titles next season.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris, which includes third place finish for Sainz Jr. at Sao Paulo; only 62 points at this stage last season, 145 points this season at this stage a much better improvement from McLaren; going into 2021 Mercedes power once again.
- Despite McLaren finished fourth in the Constructor's standings this season and best of the rest, there are still long way behind the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
Renault:
+ Fourth place finish for Daniel Ricciardo at Monza.
- Where to start, fifth place in the Constructor's standings; 122 points at this stage last season, 91 points this season shows the team has gone backwards, the Renault Power-Units are still around 50-60bhp less than the Mercedes Power-Units; R.S.19 has been too slow in races if not to too unreliable with eight DNF's and double DSQ at Suzuka; they must need to do better going into next season.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Some impressive performances from Daniil Kvyat, Alexander Albon and Pierre Gasly this season which include a second place for Gasly at Sao Paulo, a third place finish for Kvyat and a sixth place finish for Albon at Hockinheim; credit for Perre Gasly who was demoted back to Toro Rosso from Spa onwards could have lost his confidence but scored 32 points in 9 races; team finished sixth in the Constructor's standings with 85 points.
- Honda power-unit are still round 45-50bhp behind of the likes of Mercedes Power-Units; missed out on fifth in the Constructor's by 6 six points, apart from that a very good season from Toro Rosso possibly one of there best since Red Bull bought the team in 2005.
Racing Point:
+ Fourth place finish for Lance Stroll at Hockinheim and some impressive performances from Sergio Pérez this season with sixth place finishes at Baku and Spa.
- Still recovering from being put into administration last year resulting finishing seventh in the Constructors' Standings; despite finishing fourth at Hockinheim Stroll only scored 21 points compare to Pérez's tally of 52 points, results needs to be better going into 2020.
Alfa Romeo:
+ Some impressive performances from Kimi Räikkönen this season which include a fourth place finishes at Sao Paulo at the age of 40.
- Antonio Giovinazzi only scoring 14 point compare to Räikkönen's tally of 43 points this season meaning the team finished in eighth in the Constructor's standings once again, despite some great results Räikkönen pace has gone downhill in the second half of the season hopefully it doesn't continue into 2020 F1 season.
Haas:
+ Sixth place finish for Kevin Magnussen at Melbourne.
- Like Renault where to start, currently the the team finished ninth place in the Constructor's standings; 93 points at this stage last season, 28 points this season shows the team has gone backwards, VF-19 has been too slow in races if not to too unreliable with ten DNF's, main sponsor terminating their deal after Monza thankfully; the team need to do better going into the 2020 season.
Williams:
+ Robert Kubica finishing tenth place at Hockinheim is the teams only highlight this season.
- The FW42 been too slow and underdeveloped this season, concluded with tenth in the Constructors' with only one point, George Russell has not scored points despite being the fastest driver of the two; overall another disastrous season from Williams, nothing positive to say from the team this season once again.
In part 2 of Formula 1 2019 Season Review my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2019. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2019.
Mercedes:
+ As you were from 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018; Best car and driver on the grid with the W10 EQ Power+, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with 10 poles, 15 race wins, a Constructors' Title and a Drivers' Title with Lewis Hamilton.
- Poor race at Mercedes home Grand Prix at Hockenheim, Hamilton spun out of the lead to finish ninth and Bottas crashed out; apart from that another great season from Mercedes.
Ferrari
+ Some great race performances from both Charles Leclerc, which includes two wins at Spa and Monza, and Sebastian Vettel wining a race at Singapore.
- SF90 has not been fast enough then the Mercedes nor the Red Bull in race pace this season, also poor pace and reliabilities problems has cost race wins for Sebastian Vettel at Montreal and for Leclerc at Bahrain, the Red Bull Ring, Singapore and Mexico City.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Max Verstappen includes race wins for Verstappen at Red Bull Ring, Hockinheim and Sao Paulo giving Honda their first win as an engine partner since 2006.
- Replacing Pierre Gasly for Alexander Albon midway through the sesaaon, Albon was much improve than Gasly, Albon going into next season needs to reduce the gap between himself and team-mate Verstappen giving Red Bull a better shot of wining both titles next season.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris, which includes third place finish for Sainz Jr. at Sao Paulo; only 62 points at this stage last season, 145 points this season at this stage a much better improvement from McLaren; going into 2021 Mercedes power once again.
- Despite McLaren finished fourth in the Constructor's standings this season and best of the rest, there are still long way behind the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
Renault:
+ Fourth place finish for Daniel Ricciardo at Monza.
- Where to start, fifth place in the Constructor's standings; 122 points at this stage last season, 91 points this season shows the team has gone backwards, the Renault Power-Units are still around 50-60bhp less than the Mercedes Power-Units; R.S.19 has been too slow in races if not to too unreliable with eight DNF's and double DSQ at Suzuka; they must need to do better going into next season.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Some impressive performances from Daniil Kvyat, Alexander Albon and Pierre Gasly this season which include a second place for Gasly at Sao Paulo, a third place finish for Kvyat and a sixth place finish for Albon at Hockinheim; credit for Perre Gasly who was demoted back to Toro Rosso from Spa onwards could have lost his confidence but scored 32 points in 9 races; team finished sixth in the Constructor's standings with 85 points.
- Honda power-unit are still round 45-50bhp behind of the likes of Mercedes Power-Units; missed out on fifth in the Constructor's by 6 six points, apart from that a very good season from Toro Rosso possibly one of there best since Red Bull bought the team in 2005.
Racing Point:
+ Fourth place finish for Lance Stroll at Hockinheim and some impressive performances from Sergio Pérez this season with sixth place finishes at Baku and Spa.
- Still recovering from being put into administration last year resulting finishing seventh in the Constructors' Standings; despite finishing fourth at Hockinheim Stroll only scored 21 points compare to Pérez's tally of 52 points, results needs to be better going into 2020.
Alfa Romeo:
+ Some impressive performances from Kimi Räikkönen this season which include a fourth place finishes at Sao Paulo at the age of 40.
- Antonio Giovinazzi only scoring 14 point compare to Räikkönen's tally of 43 points this season meaning the team finished in eighth in the Constructor's standings once again, despite some great results Räikkönen pace has gone downhill in the second half of the season hopefully it doesn't continue into 2020 F1 season.
Haas:
+ Sixth place finish for Kevin Magnussen at Melbourne.
- Like Renault where to start, currently the the team finished ninth place in the Constructor's standings; 93 points at this stage last season, 28 points this season shows the team has gone backwards, VF-19 has been too slow in races if not to too unreliable with ten DNF's, main sponsor terminating their deal after Monza thankfully; the team need to do better going into the 2020 season.
Williams:
+ Robert Kubica finishing tenth place at Hockinheim is the teams only highlight this season.
- The FW42 been too slow and underdeveloped this season, concluded with tenth in the Constructors' with only one point, George Russell has not scored points despite being the fastest driver of the two; overall another disastrous season from Williams, nothing positive to say from the team this season once again.
In part 2 of Formula 1 2019 Season Review my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2019. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2019.
Monday 2 December 2019
2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Review
Review of the twenty-first and final round of the 2019 F1 season at Yas Marina Circuit on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
It was a dominating race weekend from Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was on pole for Sunday's race. In the day to night Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton took the advantage at the start and comfortably lead the race throughout, leading all the fifty-five laps and took the fastest lap to win this seasons Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Lewis Hamilton's eleventh race win of the season.
While, Max Verstappen finished in second place in the Red Bull, Verstappen was seventeen seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Leclerc was forty-three seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the fifty-five lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 10
Lewis Hamilton - 10 (pole, race win, fastest lap)
Valtteri Bottas - 10 (finished fourth)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (finished fifth)
Charles Leclerc - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Max Verstappen - 9 (finished second)
Alexander Albon - 7 (finished sixth)
Renault - 5
Daniel Ricciardo - 5 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Lando Norris - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Racing Point - 7
Sergio Pérez- 9 (finished seventh, lap down)
Lance Stroll - 5 (DNF, Brakes)
Alfa Romeo - 5
Kimi Räikkönen - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Daniil Kvyat - 8 (finished ninth, lap down)
Pierre Gasly - 5 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Williams - 4
George Russell - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Robert Kubica - 4 (finished nineteenth, two laps down)
Now bring on 2020, for another season of Formula 1. Only three months to go.
It was a dominating race weekend from Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was on pole for Sunday's race. In the day to night Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton took the advantage at the start and comfortably lead the race throughout, leading all the fifty-five laps and took the fastest lap to win this seasons Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Lewis Hamilton's eleventh race win of the season.
While, Max Verstappen finished in second place in the Red Bull, Verstappen was seventeen seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Leclerc was forty-three seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the fifty-five lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 10
Lewis Hamilton - 10 (pole, race win, fastest lap)
Valtteri Bottas - 10 (finished fourth)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (finished fifth)
Charles Leclerc - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Max Verstappen - 9 (finished second)
Alexander Albon - 7 (finished sixth)
Renault - 5
Daniel Ricciardo - 5 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Lando Norris - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Racing Point - 7
Sergio Pérez- 9 (finished seventh, lap down)
Lance Stroll - 5 (DNF, Brakes)
Alfa Romeo - 5
Kimi Räikkönen - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Daniil Kvyat - 8 (finished ninth, lap down)
Pierre Gasly - 5 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Williams - 4
George Russell - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Robert Kubica - 4 (finished nineteenth, two laps down)
Now bring on 2020, for another season of Formula 1. Only three months to go.
Friday 29 November 2019
Confirmed: Nicholas Latifi races with Williams for 2020
It's been confirmed yesterday (28/11/19), current Williams reserve driver Nicholas Latifi will race with the Williams F1 Team, for the 2020 Formula 1 season.
Latifi, who has spent 2019 as a reserve driver with the team, with six Friday Morning Practice sessions so far this season while currently sits second in FIA Formula 2 Standings, is stepping up to a race seat alongside George Russell for next season.
In my opinion, this was no big surprise this news happen, with the news of Robert Kubica leaving Williams at the end of the season, Latifi was more than likely to replace him at Williams as he brings sponsorship form Canada replacing Kubica money from Poland.
Hopely Williams team will have a stronger 2020 F1 season.
Latifi, who has spent 2019 as a reserve driver with the team, with six Friday Morning Practice sessions so far this season while currently sits second in FIA Formula 2 Standings, is stepping up to a race seat alongside George Russell for next season.
In my opinion, this was no big surprise this news happen, with the news of Robert Kubica leaving Williams at the end of the season, Latifi was more than likely to replace him at Williams as he brings sponsorship form Canada replacing Kubica money from Poland.
Hopely Williams team will have a stronger 2020 F1 season.
Thursday 28 November 2019
Confirmed: Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso retain Honda Power-units till 2021
It was confirmed on Wednesday (27/11/19), both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso has signed a new engine partnership deal with with Honda to supply both teams their Power-units till 2021.
Both teams already committed to Honda for next season, both teams have signed a new agreement going into 2021.
The Japanese company is still negotiating with both Red Bull teams over the period after 2021.
F1 is heading into a new era in 2021 after the agreement of new technical rules aimed at making racing closer.
In my opinion, this is no major surprise that the news has happen; three Grand Prix wins from Max Verstappen in the Red Bull this season and two podiums for Toro Rosso team with Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat each giving a podium, giving Honda a great reason to stay in Formula 1 another season at least.
Both teams already committed to Honda for next season, both teams have signed a new agreement going into 2021.
The Japanese company is still negotiating with both Red Bull teams over the period after 2021.
F1 is heading into a new era in 2021 after the agreement of new technical rules aimed at making racing closer.
In my opinion, this is no major surprise that the news has happen; three Grand Prix wins from Max Verstappen in the Red Bull this season and two podiums for Toro Rosso team with Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat each giving a podium, giving Honda a great reason to stay in Formula 1 another season at least.
Wednesday 27 November 2019
2019 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit outside of Abu Dhabi for the final round of the 2019 Formula 1 season.
So predictions for the race itself, for the win, I predict that, Lewis Hamilton for the win in the Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas second in the other Mercedes, and Max Verstappen third in the Red Bull. Don't forget Alexander Albon, the Ferrari drivers, the McLaren drivers, the Toro Rosso drivers' and the Renault drivers as well for a podium place.
So predictions for the race itself, for the win, I predict that, Lewis Hamilton for the win in the Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas second in the other Mercedes, and Max Verstappen third in the Red Bull. Don't forget Alexander Albon, the Ferrari drivers, the McLaren drivers, the Toro Rosso drivers' and the Renault drivers as well for a podium place.
Monday 25 November 2019
2019/20 Formula E - Ad Diriyah ePrix - Round 1 Recap
Review of Round One of the 2019-20 Formula E season held on the Riyadh Street Circuit in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, for two races that weekend.
On Friday's race, that was won by Envision Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird in his Spark-Audi. Second was TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team driver André Lotterer in his Spark-Porsche, he was thirteen tenths of a second behind Bird in the end. Meanwhile, third was Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team driver Stoffel Vandoorne in his Spark-Mercedes, he was seventeen tenths of a second behind Bird in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
On Saturday's race, that was won by BMW i Andretti Motorsport driver Alexander Sims in his Spark-BMW. Second was Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Audi, he was three seconds behind Sims in the end. Meanwhile, third was Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team driver Stoffel Vandoorne in his Spark-Mercedes, he was four seconds behind Sims in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Two of the 2019-20 Formula E season in Santiago, Chile for the Santiago ePrix in eight weeks time.
On Friday's race, that was won by Envision Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird in his Spark-Audi. Second was TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team driver André Lotterer in his Spark-Porsche, he was thirteen tenths of a second behind Bird in the end. Meanwhile, third was Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team driver Stoffel Vandoorne in his Spark-Mercedes, he was seventeen tenths of a second behind Bird in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
On Saturday's race, that was won by BMW i Andretti Motorsport driver Alexander Sims in his Spark-BMW. Second was Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Audi, he was three seconds behind Sims in the end. Meanwhile, third was Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team driver Stoffel Vandoorne in his Spark-Mercedes, he was four seconds behind Sims in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Two of the 2019-20 Formula E season in Santiago, Chile for the Santiago ePrix in eight weeks time.
Friday 22 November 2019
It's Official - Citroen quits World Rally Championship with immediate effect
It was confirmed on Wednesday (20/11/19), that Citroen has quits World Rally Championship with immediate effect, with the brand blaming the exit on Sebastien Ogier as the cause for its withdrawal, as he agreed a deal to race with Toyota next season.
There had been speculation that Citroen was unlikely to continue in the WRC beyond 2020, however on Wednesday morning the French manufacturer confirmed its exit with immediate effect, blaming it on "the absence of a first-class driver" being available for next season.
However, they will remains committed to supporting its customer teams next year, will continue to support the R5 variant of the Citroën C3 WRC in the championship's support categories.
Citroen won one hundred and two WRC rounds, won eight WRC Manufacturer titles since 1999 and winning nine WRC Drivers' titles with Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena.
My opinion I think it's a sad decision from Citroen that they are leaving the WRC. The excuse was cheap to blame it on Sebastien Ogier leaving for Toyota. I do believe that Citroen reason is (they properly won't say) is focus more on their budget onto the Formula E program and some of their budget is possibly removed from Citroen's parent company, PSA, to focus on their return to the World Endurance Championship from 2021 with Peugeot meaning they have to focus on one rather than the other.
I do hope that Citroen does return to the WRC one day, I believe Citroen is a great brand for the WRC. At least Toyota, M-Sport (Ford) and Hyundai are going no where from the WRC at least for another year.
There had been speculation that Citroen was unlikely to continue in the WRC beyond 2020, however on Wednesday morning the French manufacturer confirmed its exit with immediate effect, blaming it on "the absence of a first-class driver" being available for next season.
However, they will remains committed to supporting its customer teams next year, will continue to support the R5 variant of the Citroën C3 WRC in the championship's support categories.
Citroen won one hundred and two WRC rounds, won eight WRC Manufacturer titles since 1999 and winning nine WRC Drivers' titles with Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena.
My opinion I think it's a sad decision from Citroen that they are leaving the WRC. The excuse was cheap to blame it on Sebastien Ogier leaving for Toyota. I do believe that Citroen reason is (they properly won't say) is focus more on their budget onto the Formula E program and some of their budget is possibly removed from Citroen's parent company, PSA, to focus on their return to the World Endurance Championship from 2021 with Peugeot meaning they have to focus on one rather than the other.
I do hope that Citroen does return to the WRC one day, I believe Citroen is a great brand for the WRC. At least Toyota, M-Sport (Ford) and Hyundai are going no where from the WRC at least for another year.
Wednesday 20 November 2019
2019 WTCR Round 9 Recap - Guia Race of Macau
Review of Round Nine of the 2019 World Touring Car Cup season was the Guia Race of Macau, at Guia Circuit, Macau, South-East of China.
In the first race, Cyan Racing Lynk & Co driver Yvan Muller took the race win in his Lynk & Co 03 TCR. Second was BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was four tenths of a second behind Muller in the end. While third place was Team Mulsanne driver Kevin Ceccon in his Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR, he was sixteen tenths of a second behind Muller in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Cyan Racing Lynk & Co driver Yvan Muller once again took the race win in his Lynk & Co 03 TCR. Second was Cyan Racing Lynk & Co driver Thed Björk in his Lynk & Co 03 TCR, he was half a second behind Muller in the end. While third place was Team Mulsanne driver Kevin Ceccon in his Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR, he was nine tenths of a second behind Muller in the end.
Finally in the third race, Cyan Performance Lynk & Co driver Andy Priaulx took the race win in his Lynk & Co 03 TCR. Second was SLR VW Motorsport driver Robert Huff in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was four tenths of a second behind Priaulx in the end. While third place was Leopard Racing Team Audi Sport driver Jean-Karl Vernay in his Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, he was eleven tenths of a second behind Priaulx in the end.
Next stop Race of Malaysia at Sepang International Circuit, Sepang, Malaysia for Round Ten and the final round of the 2019 World Touring Car Cup season in four weeks time.
In the first race, Cyan Racing Lynk & Co driver Yvan Muller took the race win in his Lynk & Co 03 TCR. Second was BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was four tenths of a second behind Muller in the end. While third place was Team Mulsanne driver Kevin Ceccon in his Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR, he was sixteen tenths of a second behind Muller in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Cyan Racing Lynk & Co driver Yvan Muller once again took the race win in his Lynk & Co 03 TCR. Second was Cyan Racing Lynk & Co driver Thed Björk in his Lynk & Co 03 TCR, he was half a second behind Muller in the end. While third place was Team Mulsanne driver Kevin Ceccon in his Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR, he was nine tenths of a second behind Muller in the end.
Finally in the third race, Cyan Performance Lynk & Co driver Andy Priaulx took the race win in his Lynk & Co 03 TCR. Second was SLR VW Motorsport driver Robert Huff in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was four tenths of a second behind Priaulx in the end. While third place was Leopard Racing Team Audi Sport driver Jean-Karl Vernay in his Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, he was eleven tenths of a second behind Priaulx in the end.
Next stop Race of Malaysia at Sepang International Circuit, Sepang, Malaysia for Round Ten and the final round of the 2019 World Touring Car Cup season in four weeks time.
Tuesday 19 November 2019
2019 Valencia MotoGP Review, Matteo Ferrari 2019 MotoE Champion! and Álex Márquez signs for Repsol Honda in 2020
Review of round nineteen and the final round of the 2019 MotoGP season at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia for the Valencia GP.
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 was Petronas Yamaha SRT rider Fabio Quartararo on his Yamaha YZR-M1, he was a second behind Marquez at the end.
While, third was Pramac Racing rider Jack Miller on his Ducati Desmosedici GP19, he was two and half seconds behind Marquez at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-three 765cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM.
Second was Dynavolt Intact GP rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex, he was seven tenths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was +Ego Speed Up rider Jorge Navarro on the Speed Up, he was a second behind Binder at the end.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Sergio García on the Honda. Second was WorldWideRace rider Andrea Migno on the KTM, he was five thousandth of a second! behind García at the end.
While, third was Leopard Racing rider Xavier Artigas on the Honda, he was two tenths of a second behind García at the end.
Finally in the MotoE races (a single make class with all the riders riding the Energica Ego MotoE bike; new for 2019), Saturday's race was won by Avintia Esponsorama Racing rider Eric Granado. Second was One Energy Racing rider Bradley Smith, he was seven tenths of a second behind Granado at the end. While, third was Trentino Gresini MotoE rider Matteo Ferrari, he was three seconds behind Granado at the end.
For Sunday's race was won by Avintia Esponsorama Racing rider Eric Granado. Second was One Energy Racing rider Bradley Smith, he was half a second behind Granado at the end. While, third was Tech3 E-Racing rider Héctor Garzó, he was four seconds behind Granado at the end.
Finally, Trentino Gresini MotoE rider Matteo Ferrari finished in fifth place, he was seven and half seconds behind Granado at the end. Fifth place finish was enough to give Matteo Ferrari the 2019 MotoE title. Matteo Ferrari was 11 points ahead of Bradley Smith. Contracts to Matteo Ferrari for winning the MotoE championship.
Finally It was confirmed on Monday (18/11/19), Repsol Honda Team have sign Current Moto2 Champion Álex Márquez to replace Jorge Lorenzo who will leave the team and MotoGP at the end of the season when it was announced last week.
Márquez has sign on a one-year contract will join his brother MotoGP Champion Marc Márquez at the works Honda team going into 2020.
And so who won what in which class, MotoGP Champion: Marc Márquez, MotoGP Manufacturers' Champion: Honda, MotoGP Teams' Champion: Repsol Honda Team. Moto2 Champion: Álex Márquez, Moto2 Manufacturers' Champion: Kalex, Moto2 Teams' Champion: Flexbox HP40. Moto3 Champion: Lorenzo Dalla Porta, Moto3 Manufacturers' Champion: Honda and Moto3 Teams' Champion: Leopard Racing. And MotoE Champion: Matteo Ferrari.
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 was Petronas Yamaha SRT rider Fabio Quartararo on his Yamaha YZR-M1, he was a second behind Marquez at the end.
While, third was Pramac Racing rider Jack Miller on his Ducati Desmosedici GP19, he was two and half seconds behind Marquez at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-three 765cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM.
Second was Dynavolt Intact GP rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex, he was seven tenths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was +Ego Speed Up rider Jorge Navarro on the Speed Up, he was a second behind Binder at the end.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Sergio García on the Honda. Second was WorldWideRace rider Andrea Migno on the KTM, he was five thousandth of a second! behind García at the end.
While, third was Leopard Racing rider Xavier Artigas on the Honda, he was two tenths of a second behind García at the end.
Finally in the MotoE races (a single make class with all the riders riding the Energica Ego MotoE bike; new for 2019), Saturday's race was won by Avintia Esponsorama Racing rider Eric Granado. Second was One Energy Racing rider Bradley Smith, he was seven tenths of a second behind Granado at the end. While, third was Trentino Gresini MotoE rider Matteo Ferrari, he was three seconds behind Granado at the end.
For Sunday's race was won by Avintia Esponsorama Racing rider Eric Granado. Second was One Energy Racing rider Bradley Smith, he was half a second behind Granado at the end. While, third was Tech3 E-Racing rider Héctor Garzó, he was four seconds behind Granado at the end.
Finally, Trentino Gresini MotoE rider Matteo Ferrari finished in fifth place, he was seven and half seconds behind Granado at the end. Fifth place finish was enough to give Matteo Ferrari the 2019 MotoE title. Matteo Ferrari was 11 points ahead of Bradley Smith. Contracts to Matteo Ferrari for winning the MotoE championship.
Finally It was confirmed on Monday (18/11/19), Repsol Honda Team have sign Current Moto2 Champion Álex Márquez to replace Jorge Lorenzo who will leave the team and MotoGP at the end of the season when it was announced last week.
Márquez has sign on a one-year contract will join his brother MotoGP Champion Marc Márquez at the works Honda team going into 2020.
And so who won what in which class, MotoGP Champion: Marc Márquez, MotoGP Manufacturers' Champion: Honda, MotoGP Teams' Champion: Repsol Honda Team. Moto2 Champion: Álex Márquez, Moto2 Manufacturers' Champion: Kalex, Moto2 Teams' Champion: Flexbox HP40. Moto3 Champion: Lorenzo Dalla Porta, Moto3 Manufacturers' Champion: Honda and Moto3 Teams' Champion: Leopard Racing. And MotoE Champion: Matteo Ferrari.
2019 Brazilian Grand Prix Review
Review of the twentieth round of the 2019 F1 season at Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos on the outskirts of São Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Overall the race itself was enjoyable and entertaining race to watch possibly the best race of the season. Max Verstappen on pole for Sunday's race. At the start of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen took the lead ahead of both Sebastian Vettel and Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Things were going Verstappen way, until lap 51 when Valtteri Bottas retired with Hydraulics problems forcing the safety car out when properly not needed forcing Verstappen to pit for fresh soft tyres on lap 55 while Hamilton stayed out.
When Safety car went in on the end of lap 59, Verstappen retook the lead from Hamilton. By lap 65, when the Safety Car was deployed for the second time in the race involving both Ferrari drivers' Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc collided with each other on the back straight, this time Hamilton pitted for fresh soft tyres relegating him to fourth place.
When Safety car went in again at the end of lap 69, Verstappen put away from second while chaos behind him to win this seasons Brazilian Grand Prix for Max Verstappen's third race win of the season.
While, Pierre Gasly finished in second place in Toro Rosso, Gasly was six seconds behind Verstappen at the end.
Meanwhile, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in third place in the Mercedes to complete the podium. However Hamilton has been given a five-second time penalty for causing a collision with Alexander Albon on lap 70 fighting for second.
Meaning Carlos Sainz Jr. finished in third place in the McLaren to complete the podium despite starting from twentieth place after mechanical problems in qualifying, Sainz Jr. was nine seconds behind Verstappen at the end of the seventy-one lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 7 (finished seventh)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (DNF, Hydraulics, fastest lap)
Ferrari - 5
Sebastian Vettel - 5 (DNF, Collision with Leclerc)
Charles Leclerc - 6 (DNF, Collision with Vettel)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Max Verstappen - 10 (pole, race win)
Alexander Albon - 8 (finished fourteenth)
Renault - 6
Daniel Ricciardo - 7 (finished sixth)
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (finished fifteenth)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished thirteenth)
Kevin Magnussen - 6 (finished eleventh)
McLaren - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 10 (finished third)
Lando Norris - 7 (finished eighth)
Racing Point - 6
Sergio Pérez- 7 (finished ninth)
Lance Stroll - 5 (DNF, Suspension)
Alfa Romeo - 9
Kimi Räikkönen - 10 (finished fourth)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 9 (finished fifth)
Toro Rosso - 8
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (finished tenth)
Pierre Gasly - 10 (finished second)
Williams - 5
George Russell - 7 (finished twelfth)
Robert Kubica - 4 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Next stop Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi in two weeks time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the last round of the 2019 Formula 1 season.
Overall the race itself was enjoyable and entertaining race to watch possibly the best race of the season. Max Verstappen on pole for Sunday's race. At the start of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen took the lead ahead of both Sebastian Vettel and Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Things were going Verstappen way, until lap 51 when Valtteri Bottas retired with Hydraulics problems forcing the safety car out when properly not needed forcing Verstappen to pit for fresh soft tyres on lap 55 while Hamilton stayed out.
When Safety car went in on the end of lap 59, Verstappen retook the lead from Hamilton. By lap 65, when the Safety Car was deployed for the second time in the race involving both Ferrari drivers' Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc collided with each other on the back straight, this time Hamilton pitted for fresh soft tyres relegating him to fourth place.
When Safety car went in again at the end of lap 69, Verstappen put away from second while chaos behind him to win this seasons Brazilian Grand Prix for Max Verstappen's third race win of the season.
While, Pierre Gasly finished in second place in Toro Rosso, Gasly was six seconds behind Verstappen at the end.
Meanwhile, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in third place in the Mercedes to complete the podium. However Hamilton has been given a five-second time penalty for causing a collision with Alexander Albon on lap 70 fighting for second.
Meaning Carlos Sainz Jr. finished in third place in the McLaren to complete the podium despite starting from twentieth place after mechanical problems in qualifying, Sainz Jr. was nine seconds behind Verstappen at the end of the seventy-one lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 7 (finished seventh)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (DNF, Hydraulics, fastest lap)
Ferrari - 5
Sebastian Vettel - 5 (DNF, Collision with Leclerc)
Charles Leclerc - 6 (DNF, Collision with Vettel)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Max Verstappen - 10 (pole, race win)
Alexander Albon - 8 (finished fourteenth)
Renault - 6
Daniel Ricciardo - 7 (finished sixth)
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (finished fifteenth)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished thirteenth)
Kevin Magnussen - 6 (finished eleventh)
McLaren - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 10 (finished third)
Lando Norris - 7 (finished eighth)
Racing Point - 6
Sergio Pérez- 7 (finished ninth)
Lance Stroll - 5 (DNF, Suspension)
Alfa Romeo - 9
Kimi Räikkönen - 10 (finished fourth)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 9 (finished fifth)
Toro Rosso - 8
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (finished tenth)
Pierre Gasly - 10 (finished second)
Williams - 5
George Russell - 7 (finished twelfth)
Robert Kubica - 4 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Next stop Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi in two weeks time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the last round of the 2019 Formula 1 season.
Sunday 17 November 2019
2019 WRC Round 14 recap - Rally Australia, Rally Canelled! Hyundai 2019 WRC Manufacturers Champions! Pierre-Louis Loubet WRC-2 Champion! Champion!
Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round thirteen of Rally Australia.
Last weekend was the fourteenth and final round of the 2019 World Rally Championship at Rally Australia (14th-17th November) was cancelled due to bush-fires in New South Wales.
As a result of the rally's cancellation, Hyundai became the manufacturers' champions for Hyunadi's first WRC Manufacturers title, congrats to Hyunadi for winnings this years title.
While, Pierre-Louis Loubet and Vincent Landais won the divers' and co-drivers' titles respectively in the WRC-2 class.
And so this years champions, WRC champions: Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja, WRC Manufacturers' Champions: Hyunadi. WRC-2 Pro Champions: Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen, WRC-2 Pro for Manufactor Champions: Škoda, WRC-2 Champions: Pierre-Louis Loubet and Vincent Landais. And J-WRC Champions: Jan Solans and Mauro Barreriro.
Contractions to the Champions this season.
Last weekend was the fourteenth and final round of the 2019 World Rally Championship at Rally Australia (14th-17th November) was cancelled due to bush-fires in New South Wales.
As a result of the rally's cancellation, Hyundai became the manufacturers' champions for Hyunadi's first WRC Manufacturers title, congrats to Hyunadi for winnings this years title.
While, Pierre-Louis Loubet and Vincent Landais won the divers' and co-drivers' titles respectively in the WRC-2 class.
And so this years champions, WRC champions: Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja, WRC Manufacturers' Champions: Hyunadi. WRC-2 Pro Champions: Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen, WRC-2 Pro for Manufactor Champions: Škoda, WRC-2 Champions: Pierre-Louis Loubet and Vincent Landais. And J-WRC Champions: Jan Solans and Mauro Barreriro.
Contractions to the Champions this season.
Thursday 14 November 2019
Jorge Lorenzo retiring at the end of the season
It was confirmed today (14/11/19) Repsol Honda Team rider and former three-time MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo has announced he will retire from motorcycle racing at the end of 2019 MotoGP season.
Lorenzo, 32, had been part of the Repsol Honda works set-up since the start of this season after winning back-to-back 250cc (Moto2) titles in 2006 and 2007 with Aprilia, three MotoGP titles in 2010, 2012 and 2015 with Yamaha, was known to have been considering retirement following a horror first season with the factory Honda squad.
Lorenzo held talks with Ducati about a return to the team he competed with for two seasons, but these fell through, leaving retirement the only other option aside from pressing on and finishing his two-year contract at Honda.
Lorenzo has won 47 wins and 114 podiums in the premier class, won three MotoGP titles in 2010, 2012 and 2015 all with Yamaha.
Lorenzo currently sits nineteenth in the MotoGP standings with best finish of eleventh place finish back at Le Mans in May.
Repsol Honda has yet to confirm who will replace Lorenzo in the team's 2020 rider line-up.
Lorenzo, 32, had been part of the Repsol Honda works set-up since the start of this season after winning back-to-back 250cc (Moto2) titles in 2006 and 2007 with Aprilia, three MotoGP titles in 2010, 2012 and 2015 with Yamaha, was known to have been considering retirement following a horror first season with the factory Honda squad.
Lorenzo held talks with Ducati about a return to the team he competed with for two seasons, but these fell through, leaving retirement the only other option aside from pressing on and finishing his two-year contract at Honda.
Lorenzo has won 47 wins and 114 podiums in the premier class, won three MotoGP titles in 2010, 2012 and 2015 all with Yamaha.
Lorenzo currently sits nineteenth in the MotoGP standings with best finish of eleventh place finish back at Le Mans in May.
Repsol Honda has yet to confirm who will replace Lorenzo in the team's 2020 rider line-up.
2019 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos, São Paulo.
So predictions for the race itself, for the win, I predict that, Max Verstappen for the win in the Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton second in the Mercedes, and Valtteri Bottas third in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Alexander Albon, the Ferrari drivers, the McLaren drivers and the Renault drivers as well for a podium place.
So predictions for the race itself, for the win, I predict that, Max Verstappen for the win in the Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton second in the Mercedes, and Valtteri Bottas third in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Alexander Albon, the Ferrari drivers, the McLaren drivers and the Renault drivers as well for a podium place.
Peugeot announces Le Mans return
It was announced on Wednesday (13/11/19) that Peugeot it will return to all new Hypercars class that will replace LMP1 class in 2022 with a full-factory assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Though the manufacturer has had a sporadic involvement in sportscar racing in recent times, this announcement will see it go head-to-head with factory rivals Aston Martin and Toyota and with privateers Glickenhaus and ByKolles also set to join in the growing Hypercars category of Le Mans and WEC when the cars will introduce at the start of the 2020/21 WEC season.
Peugeot has previous experience racing at Le Mans, including wins in 1992, 1993 and 2009. Peugeot's last Le Mans outing as a manufacturer came in 2011.
Overall, it will be a very tough challenge ahead for Peugeot in 2022, challenging the likes of rivals Aston Martin and Toyota in technology and imagination.
Though the manufacturer has had a sporadic involvement in sportscar racing in recent times, this announcement will see it go head-to-head with factory rivals Aston Martin and Toyota and with privateers Glickenhaus and ByKolles also set to join in the growing Hypercars category of Le Mans and WEC when the cars will introduce at the start of the 2020/21 WEC season.
Peugeot has previous experience racing at Le Mans, including wins in 1992, 1993 and 2009. Peugeot's last Le Mans outing as a manufacturer came in 2011.
Overall, it will be a very tough challenge ahead for Peugeot in 2022, challenging the likes of rivals Aston Martin and Toyota in technology and imagination.
Wednesday 13 November 2019
Confirmed: Scuderia Toro Rosso retains both Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat till 2020
It was confirmed yesterday (12/11/19), that Scuderia Toro Rosso will retain both Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat through to the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season, on a one year deals. While the team name will be renamed as Scuderia Alpha Tauri (to promote parent company Red Bull's fashion label of the same name)from 2020.
Gasly currently sits eighth place in the Drivers' standings, best finish of fourth place at Silverstone when he was driving for Red Bull early in the season, while his best result driving for Toro Rosso is seventh place back at Suzuka in October.
While Kvyat sits thirteenth place in the Drivers' standings, best finish of third place at Hockenheim back in July.
Overall, a very good decision from Toro Rosso to keep both Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat for next season..
Overall, the right choice for Alpha Tauri going into 2020.
Gasly currently sits eighth place in the Drivers' standings, best finish of fourth place at Silverstone when he was driving for Red Bull early in the season, while his best result driving for Toro Rosso is seventh place back at Suzuka in October.
While Kvyat sits thirteenth place in the Drivers' standings, best finish of third place at Hockenheim back in July.
Overall, a very good decision from Toro Rosso to keep both Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat for next season..
Overall, the right choice for Alpha Tauri going into 2020.
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