A name change and Happy Xmas too

Just a quick minute with you guys. Just like Team Lotus changing its name to Caterham F1 Team for 2012. I'm changing my blogger domain name for this site from Jonnyh5onmotorsport.blogspot.com to now on jhonmotorsport.blogspot.com the same guy is still here. The reason I did because I felt it needed a name change to be honest. But only a name change to the web-site, if the new domain doesn't work I change back to the old domain name. Also, my twitter account has change from @Jonnyh5onracing to @JHonMotorsport too.

Before I go Ferrari had their own little Christmas party, a traditional event which takes place every year over the Christmas period. This year it was held in a special area set up in the Fiorano track featuring games, attractions and theatre performances with all sorts of events aimed specifically at the youngest members of the Ferrari family. So over twelve hundred company employees and their families attended the party, the children receiving gifts from some rather special Santas', such as double World Champion Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Jules Bianchi, Marc Gene and so forth. On stage with them were Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali. Big credit for Ferrari for doing this for each Christmas, classy team. So enjoy the YouTube videos below.





So last post for 2011. That means Happy Christmas/Holidays guys and see you in 2012. Bye.

Fiat or a Ferrari 500 in the high-street? Very very Un-cool idea to do

Hi again, first post of the week, A normal high street in England(I will not tell which high street), saw this with my own eyes a Fiat 500, a very cool car, right?



Until you see the front of it, a Ferrari badge on a Fiat 500! Why? a very un-cool thing to do. Its a Fiat 500 (fiat 500 are cool and so is Ferrari too, to a degree) not a Fiat 500!



Has there ever been a Ferrari 500 before? yes a Ferrari 500 back in 1952 for Formula 2, which I found out, while i'm typing this. You know what I like to see? Fiat 500 Abarth in Group B form a 1.6l turbo in the back of the car, that I would like to see. Anyway End of post for now, new one soon. That is all. Bye.

Recent driver changes for 2012

Last post of the weekend talking about recent driver changes for 2012, with four big changes for F1 2012.

Lotus Renault will hire Romain Grosjean as their second driver for 2012, as team mate to Kimi Raikkonen. Romain is replacing both Bruno Senna and Vitaly Petrov who hasn't got a drive for 2012 at Lotus Renault. In my opinion is a brave decision by LRGP, They bought back Kimi Raikkonen into Formula 1, also bring back Romain Grosjean back into F1 as-well (drove with the same team at the back end of 2009 replacing Nelson Piquet Jr). I would have kept Vitaly Petrov personally, for a bit of constancy, but does he bring in any Russian money with him in 2012?

Meanwhile at Toro Rosso, Daniel Ricciardo will be teaming up with Jean-Éric Vergne for 2012, replacing both Sébastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari who are leaving STR. In my opinion Daniel Ricciardo was more than likely to get a seat at STR next year, but Jean-Éric Vergne getting a full driving, that really came out of a surprise. I thought Jaime Alguersuari will kept the seat which he brings in Spanish/UAE money. So no CESPA money for STR in 2012 or Jamie Alguersuari could be at HRT in 2012 alongside with Pedro de la Rosa with CESPA money then? who knows.

While at Force India Nico Hülkenberg will be teaming up with Paul di Resta next year, replacing Adrian Sutil who living Force India. In my opinion it would have been a hard choice between Nico Hülkenberg, Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil for the two drives at Force India. Is it the right decision? who knows until the first race at Melbourne. As for Adrian Sutil best bet for a drive would be at Williams then.

End of post for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

Subaru BRZ GT300 - Promo Video

Hi again second post of the weekend.The Toyota GT-86/Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S is a 2-door coupé sport car will be released in 2012, developed by Toyota and Subaru. The Subota BRZ-86 (by the way that's a joke) is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. 2.0 L flat-4 boxer petrol engine that will produced around approx 200 bhp.




So Subaru will turn their BRZ road car to a race car to run in the GT300 class of the SuperGT championship. They have produce a nice like promo video of their new race car below (note STI logos on the car while watching it). The BRZ GT300 will use a turbocharged version of the flat four that powers the production car to produced around 300 bhp for the GT300 class.



End of post for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

Ferrari 599XX around Spa and the Nurburgring and the Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione

First post of the week. Sorry I've haven't been here over a week due to work commitments, so the post below.

Back in 2009 Ferrari launched the Ferrari 599XX, the car is based on 599, the car was designed for track use only and is not street legal, think of it as a Group B race car such as Ferrari 288 GTO for example. Engine is a 6 litre V12, producing 720 bhp at 9000 rpm.

Footage around Spa of 599XX


Ferrari announced at the 2010 Beijing International Auto Show that the 599XX had completed the Nordschleife circuit at the Nürburgring in a time of 6 minutes and 58.16 seconds - the second fastest time ever recorded for a production-derived sports car. As the footage below shows.



For 2012, Ferrari will bring out the Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione. 35kg lighter than the pervious 599XX, 20bhp more (740bhp overall for the Evoluzione) a DRS rear wing and will cost over £1.25m. Want one?



End of blog for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

Things you don't see usually at an ASDAs in Basildon on a Tuesday Afternoon

A quick post today, were things I don't usually see in an ASDAs in Basildon when I was there today. Example number one a Red Bull Formula 1 car, the 2010 car (RBR6, which includes F-duct, wide car mirrors).

I think to be honist Red Bull are promoting their product, so bring out a F1 car to do it. So therefore, I took the photos on a crap camera phone to enjoy. To be quite honist, this did make me happy today. So enjoy the pictures.







End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.

F1 review 2011(via Twiter) and My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2011

Today I am doing My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2011. But first, I am doing a review of this seasons F1 that has finished last week in a twitter way I did this last weekend (3rd-4th Dec). I did this early on the season for the F1 Preview and F1 half term review too this season. So I'm re-doing this via twitter (@Jonnyh5onracing - follow me on twitter). Something like this, for example the image below I've done.



So starting off with the champs Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull Racing: best car, best team, best engine and best driver of the season with Sebastian Vettel as world champion. While Mark Webber, constantly fast throughout the season, won in Brazil, but not as fast as the double world champion Vettel is all season.

McLaren: second best car of the season, need to improve next season to match Red Bull. Jenson Button driving has been the best in his career finishing 2nd in the drivers championship. While Lewis Hamilton either having a good or bad races this season, good race at Nurburgring, or very bad race at Monaco this year. Needs to improve for 2012.

Ferrari: another disappointing season from the prancing horse. The same for Fernando Alonso as Jenson Button, driving his best of his career too, dispute a poor race car. While Felipe Massa hasn't impress he all season, slower than Alonso throughout the season, next season needs to improve, big time.

Mercedes GP: a disappointing season from the silver arrows. Nico Rosberg had a bad season compared to 2010, needs to improve in 2012. While former seven times champion Michael Schumacher was much faster 2011, in some races fast, in some races very slow and very clumsy still.

Lotus Renault: a good start for the first two races, then went down hill. Vitaly Petrov started well until after Canada, only 6pts in 10 races not impressive. Same as for Nick Hiedfied, but got fired after Hungary. Burno Senna no better, pace was there though. Missed Robert Kubica this season and next season too. Kimi Raikkonen could be the solution if things all work in 2012.

Force India: started disappointing, until Nurburgring everything change, possibly 5th best car of the year, if a few 11ths were 10ths could have finished ahead of LRGP in the constructors championship, still 6th in the Constructors is still good, improvement from last year. As for Sutil, 9th in the drivers, best of the non top 4 teams, impressive since Nurburgring. Paul di Resta best of rookies, Impressive this year, now next year.

Sauber: much improve from last season, disappointing in the second half to finish 6th or even 5th in the constructors championship. Sergio Perez has been impressive as a rookie, expressively in race pace after poor qualifyings. Kamui Kobayashi impressive until after Canada, 5pts in 10 races, needs to improve on. Don't forget that Pedro De la Rosa was too in Montreal replacing Perez with 10 mins before 2nd practice for Perez's Monaco accident for his only race in the season.

STR: wasn't impressive until Montreal when STR was on form, 34 points in 11 races. STR could be stronger in 2012. Sebastian Buemi better than 2010, will he stay in F1 next year? Who knows. Jamie Alguersuari wasn't impressive until Montreal, 26 points in 11 races. More than likely seeing him in 2012 with Spanish/UAE money coming into team.

Williams: poor car, not alot of points (5 points all year), need to improve on 2012, big time. Renault engines will be a big help. Rubens Barrichello had a terrible year (only 4 points) possibly his last year in F1? Who knows. While Pastor Maldonado impressive at Monaco and Spa apart from that hasn't been impressive all year. Only Venezuelan money has saved him for 2012 at Williams.

Team Lotus: better pace then HRT and Virgin, better than last season, but still needs half a second/second. To match the likes of the midfield teams, also a name changed to Caterham F1 Team for 2012. Both Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli fast at race pace, needs to show it more in qualifying to beat the midfield teams for 2012. Karun Chandhok had a race in Germany, not as fast as either driver (Kovalainen or Trulli). Are we going to see Trulli in 2012, despite his has got a contract for 2012.

HRT: bad start to the season (both cars DNQ in the first race) however the team improved through the season until Monza. Pedro De la Rosa in 2012 should make the car better for pace. 2011 drivers Tonio Liuzzi impressive Canada, constantly fast with a poor car, Narain Karthikeyan impressive in Canada and his home race in India. Daniel Ricciardo shows better pace than Liuzzi for the second half of the season, are we going to see him in 2012? Which team? HRT, Caterham or STR?

Virgin Racing: another disappointing season again, 12th in the constructors championship again. Out goes Nock Wirth CFD and Virgin name. In comes McLaren simulator and wind tunnel, and Marussia name aswell for 2012. Timo Glock same as Liuzzi, constantly fast with a poor car. As for Jerome d'Ambrosio match Glock in pace in some races in his only season in Formula 1. Charles Pic will be a faster driver than d'Ambrosio for 2012.

Overall a dominating season from the World Champions Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel. A better season for both Red Bull and Vettel from last season. Despite last season was exciting from a championship stand point. But, the races this year are great, for example China, Monaco, Canada and Hungary, but with a little help from KERS, DRS and the return of Pirelli tyres who replace Bridgestone from 2010 which was a big factor. Bring on 2012.

And so My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2011, this is the part who was in my top 10 this season, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes Felipe Massa or Nico Rosberg for example. So here is my list below.

My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2011:

1. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) - 2011 World Champion, and the best driver all year, enough said.
2. Jenson Button (McLaren) - The best driving in his career so far, despite not winning drivers championship.
3. Ferando Alonso (Ferrari) - Same as Button, the best driving in his career so far, despite a poor car.
4. Mark Webber (Red Bull) - Constantly fast throughout the season, despite not winning until the end of the season.
5. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) - Fast, some brilliant drives, but inconstant compare to his team mate
6. Adrian Sutil (Force India) - Best of the non top 4 teams, impressive since Nurburgring, should be in F1 next season.
7. Jamie Alguersuari (STR) - Impressive since Montreal, can get points from poor grid positions.
8. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes GP) - The old fox is still has the old magic when the magic is there to surprise people.
9. Paul di Resta (Force India) - Best of the rookies, mostly match/ beat the pace of his experience team mate.
10. Sergio Perez (Sauber) - race pace is great, when he uses old tyres for a one stop strategy to collect impressive points from the rookie.

End of a super long post/blog for now. A new shorter post soon. That is all. Bye.

Lotus Exige 260 Cup, Rally Monza 2011

Hi again, found this on YouTube below this week, a Lotus Exige 260 Cup car on a morning/night stage at this years Rally Monza. a 4-cyl 1796cc, supercharger engine:with 256bhp, cost only £45,950. Three times cheaper than a Ferrari F430, which has got a 4.3litre V8 with over 483bhp.



In Rally Monza last week, M. Fortina's Lotus Exige 260 Cup finished 25th overall. But, first in GT class ahead of A. Forato's Ferrari F430 who's second in the GT class too, who finished 42nd overall. But, Fortina's Lotus was almost three minutes faster then Forato's Ferrari overall. But, don't you enjoy the Davids beating Goliaths on Goliath own yard, big time.

So enjoy the video above, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

Sky very own F1 channel, BBC live 10 grand Prix for next season

So now in 2012 we got Sky showing Formula 1 next year. Sky have now going to have its own F1 channel called Sky Sports F1, which will be launch in March. Instead putting onto Sky Sports 1,2,3,4 avoiding congestion with golf, cricket, football, WWE or tennis coverage.

Sky Sports F1 channel will show all 20 races without adverts, as well as qualifying and practice sessions. There will be brand new analysis and highlights shows and extra coverage through Sky's red button interactive service will be devoted to Formula One. According to Sky there will be no extra charge to viewers who take both Sky Sports 1 and 2 or the HD pack of channels. Good for the die-hard F1 fans who can afford it.

Meanwhile on the Beeb. BBC has revealed its coverage plans for all F1 races in 2012. Ten races will be shown live on BBC One, including these races:

• 15 April: China
• 13 May: Spain
• 27 May: Monaco
• 24 June: Europe
• 8 July: Britain
• 2 September: Belgium
• 23 September: Singapore
• 14 October: Korea
• 4 November: Abu Dhabi
• 25 November: Brazil

The other 10, there will be extended highlights programmes on BBC One, of either 90-minute or two-hour duration depending on race location.

My view apart from Silverstone, Spa, Shanghai and Sau Paulo, the picks the BBC got are poor! Monaco and Singapore aside they do give you excitement in different ways than overtaking, the other four races the BBC got live are poor races altogether to watch as a fan, Korea is boring, Abu Dhabi is horrible, Barcelona is dual, Valencia overall is worse on of that all, you can go asleep there will be no overtakes throughout the race.

And Yes I'm still angry with the Beeb, still selling out half of our Formula one coverage to Sky. What the BBC done with six nations Rugby union coverage (a new 40m per year deal for next 5 years for all 15 matches a year, compare to F1 coverage 25m for 10 races a year) and Formula 1 get more ratings (a third of UK audiences to watch F1) than Rugby, its utter shocking.

If the BBC done it better they should have done something slimier in Germany were Sky Germany get all races included practice, qualifying and race coverage, while RTL (the show with Nicky Lauda in it as a race analyst) get the qualifying and race coverage as-well for all Grand Prixs throughout the season. I wouldn't mind that deal, missing the practice coverage getting all live grand prixs (somthing BBC and Eurosport did the 90s), that would be a better deal for the UK fans in my opinion.

Oh by the way former F1 driver and lead commentator Martin Brundle said last week his moving from the BBC to Sky for next season, saying he wanted to commenting all 20 races, instead of 10 and 10 highlights to commenting. I can't blame him for that, despite some fans calling him a traitor, which I completely disagree with that comment. So Martin Brundle leaving BBC, who will replace him? a poor mans Martin Brundle/Murrey Walker possibly.

Anyway, end of angry post, well sort of, I will promise a nicer post next time out. That is all. Bye.

Loab vs Rossi, Rally Monza 2011

A couple of weeks ago, Sebastian Loab won his Eighth World Rally Championship at Wales Rally GB in his Citroen DS3 ahead of Mikko Hirvonen, who is going to be his team mate next sesaon at Citroen. So contractions to Sebastian for winning his eighth championship.

Wales Rally GB 2012


So last weekend its Rally Monza and two main drivers who was at the Rally was eight times world rally champion Sebastian Loab and nine times Motorcyling champion (seven MotoGP/500cc champ, one time 250cc champ, 125cc champ ) The Doctor himself Valentino Rossi. By the Way I do like Valentino Rossi Ford Fiesta RS WRC crash helmet Monster Engery livery, as this YouTube viseo below shows.



So the Rally itself, the final results saw The Doctor lose out to the Current World Rally Champion by just 24.2 seconds. Among other familiar names in the Rally were former Le Mans 24 hour winner Rinaldo Capello who finished 3rd in his Citreon DS3 WRC, Current WRC Mini driver Dani Sordo who finished fifth overall in his Mini Countryman John Copper Works WRC, with MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso 54th in a Peugeot 207 S2000 car as-well. Here's a YouTube video of the final super special stage between the best World Rally Champion ever and the best Motorcycling Champion ever. Enjoy.

Loab vs Rossi, SS9 Rally Monza 2011


End of blog for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

Brazilian Grand Prix Review and Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus Renault GP 2012

First post of the week, Formula 1 review of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Sao Paulo and Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus Renault GP 2012-13.

Good weekend

• Red Bull Racing (Mark Webber first win of the season, Sebastian Vettel 15th pole of the season to smash Nigel Mansell record back in 1992, finished second with a gear box problem)
• Jenson Button (finished 3rd)
• Force India (finished sixth in the Constructors Championship, but could have finished fifth if some better luck, Adrian Sutil finished sixth in the race and finished ninth in the drivers championship, Paul di Resta finished 8th place in the race)
• Kamui Kobayashi (finished 9th)
• Team Lotus (finished 10th in the constructors championship, $25-million in the bank for finishing in the top 10)

Bad weekend

• STR (finished 8th in the Constructors Championship, three points behind Sauber)
• Williams (finished 9th in the Constructors Championship, the worse in Williams modern history)
• Michael Schumacher (finished 15th, first lap race instance with Bruno Senna)
• Bruno Senna (finished 17th, first lap race instance with Michael Schumacher)
• Vitantonio Liuzzi (DNF, possibly last F1 race)
• Lewis Hamilton (DNF, gearbox)
• Pastor Maldonado (DNF)
• Timo Glock (DNF, three wheels on my Virgin)

Overall a good Brazilian Grand Prix, not the best Brazilian Grand Prix I've ever seen, but still a good Grand Prix, between the two Red Bull drivers and Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso at the end of the race. Also, Sebastian Vettel had a good place, dispite having gear box issues and Adrian Sutil race performance too.

A couple of weeks back there was strong rumors that Kimi Räikkönen could be at Williams next season replacing Rubens Barrichello. As I said a few weeks back my view it might happen but I doubt it. Since last week Robert Kubica won't be returning to Lotus Renault at the start of the 2012 season. I said early in the year when we heard first that who should replace Kubica I picked Kimi Raikkonen, because he won a Drivers Championship, won races, can win races for Lotus Renault in the right mind. So this week that Kimi Raikkonen has signed for Lotus Renault GP 2012 and 2013 seasons.

In my opinion a good pick for Lotus Renault bringing back the former champion, as I said early on he can win races in the right mind, ask McLaren when they bought out poor unreliable cars out and Kimi win them (2003-06), when he been in WRC for the last two years, his motivation/passion came back. I also, believe Romain Grosjean, Bruno Senna or even Vitaly Petrov can not lead the team, at this moment of time, or be in the team with the calibre of Lotus Renault past (named before as Tolemen, Benetton or Renault for the last 30 years).

As for Williams, I think missing on Kimi driving for Williams could be a good thing, could cost Williams a lot of money in his salary. Any other picks for a Williams drive next season Rubens Barichello, Pastor Maldonado, Valtteri Bottas, Adrian Sutil or Bruno Senna? My picks if I was Frank Williams for 2012 would be Adrian Sutil and Bruno Senna. Why, I feel Pastor Maldonado hasn't done a good 2011 season in my opinion, also I think his Venezuelan sponsorship (PDVSA) could be a problem going into 2012 what I have heard from some web-site reports. So I would have two pay drivers with better talent rather than one with poor talent with a lot of sponsorship money to drive F1 cars, but still Rubens Barichello does have experience to develop F1 cars too, don't forget.

So good choice for Lotus Renault bring in Kimi Raikkonen, as for Robert Kubica who knows what will happen. Will we ever see Robert back in a Formula 1 car? or maybe Kubica coming back to Ferrari in 2013?

Anyway a Formula 1 2011 Review via twitter ahead in the weeks to come for a blogger post. End of blog for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

Predictions for Brazilian Grand Prix, Pedro De la Rosa at HRT next season

Hi again, Predictions for Brazilian Grand Prix at Sau Paulo, Interlagos circuit, where one of the races I enjoy watching in past few years, last race of the year, last ever race for an live exclusive BBC race, before Sky come in for 2012 (By The Way a post is coming up about that), last race for a few drivers with the likes of Tonio Luizzi, Jerome D'Ambrosio and Rubens Barichello in Formula 1 (I personally think they won't get contracts for a drive in 2012 in my opinion, a shame for Rubens Barichello).

So predictions for the race on Sunday evening, a Mark Webber win, Lewis Hamilton second, Sebastian Vettel third. Don't forget Jenson Button, Ferrari drivers or Mercedes drivers either too for a top three podium.

And the surprising news that Pedro De la Rosa will be driving at HRT next season on a two year deal?!. In my opinion I'm half way with this, the good thing he brings a lot of experience of developing a race car, but on my negative side of things, he no spring chicken only 40. Are we going to see a HRT on the grid next season or the season after that, who knows.

Anyway end of blog for now. New post soon. That is all. Bye

Post 100, F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Review and cheeky video too

Post 100 and a Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Review and a cheeky video too.

Good weekend

• McLaren (Lewis Hamilton (a win since July at Nurburgring), Jenson Button finished 3rd)
• Fernarndo Alonso (finished 2nd)
• Nico Rosberg (finished 6th ahead of Michael Schumacher)
• Force India (Adrian Sutil finished 8th, Paul di Resta finished 9th)
• Kamui Kobayashi (finished 10th, ahead of Sergio Perez, first point since Nurburgring)

Bad weekend

• Lotus Renault ( Vitaly Petrov 13th Burno Senna 16th)
• Sebastian Buemi (DNF, another DNF)
• Jerome D'Ambrosio (DNF)
• Sebastian Vettel (DNF, first DNF of the season)

Felt the race was one of the boring race of the year (minus Valencia). Only interesting part was Sebastian Vettel tyre blow up on the first lap, which concludes a first DNF of the season. As for Lewis Hamilton, possibly one the best races from the former championship this season, throughout the weekend he was the fastest driver of the weekend.

As for Sebastian Vettel, things you shouldn't say on Television, in front of Eddie Jordan about where Michael Schumacher tried to sign. A very funny video though. Laugh myself to death. Enjoy.



Happy 100 post, another 100 more. End of post for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

New Jersey here were come for F1 in 2013

Note: This should have be posted a couple of weeks ago, but still here it is.

For a couple of years now, Bernie Ecclestone wanted a Grand Prix return in America, particularly in New York City, since after the final F1 race in the US since Indianapolis in 2007. Next year a US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas for the next 10 years (if it ain't done another Donningon Park nightmere back in 2009). But Formula 1 still wants a race in New York City.

(This is a Fast Lane Daily episode from September 2009 trying to find a Grand Prix track in NY/NJ with a Porsche Caymen R in the night-time)


So a couple of weeks back the state of New York/New Jersey announced a ten-year contract for Americas Grand Prix at Port Imperial Street Circuit in New Jersey for middle of 2013. So someone did a 3D vesion of what the grand prix track will be like, enjoy.



Another post later in the week, but for now. That is all, bye.

Valencia MotoGP Review and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Predictions

A quick MotoGP Valencia G.P. Review, before that a big respect for MotoGP paddock for having a minute of noise with the bikes for the late Marco Simochelli instead of a minute silence, respected the wishes for the Simochelli family, throughout weekend remembering Marco Simochelli.

Even each catorgy had something for the race weekend, final 125cc race (replace by Moto 3 next year) and for Nicolás Terol winning the final ever 125cc championship. Michele Pirro winning the Moto 2 race for Gresini, the win for former team-mate Marco Simochelli. While Stefan Bradl wining the Moto 2 championship last weekend on Saturday Qualifying. While in MotoGP race was an exciting finish to the race between Casey Stoner (winning by 0.015 ahead of Ben Spies Yamaha) and Ben Spies. One the best I've seen in the Premier class.

So Predictions for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina track (by the way, writing this on Saturday 1 o'clock in the morning) A McLaren one-two (Lewis Hamilton ahead of Jenson Button), Sebastian Vettel third. Don't forget Mark Webber, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher too for a top three podium.

End of blog for now. New post soon. That is all. Bye.

Indian Grand Prix review and Blackadder/Mr Bean reaction too

First post of the week (first one of November too), Formula 1 review of the Indian Grand Prix at the new Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida and a funny YouTube video.

Good points

• Sebastian Vettel (pole to win and fastest lap)
• Jenson Button (finished 2nd)
• Fernando Alonso (finished 3rd)
• Michael Schumacher (finished 5th)
• Jaime Alguersuari (finished 8th)
• Adrian Sutil (finished 9th)
• Sergio Perez (finished 10th)
• Heikki Kovalainen (finished 14th, ahead of Rubens Barrichello)
• Narain Karthikeyan (finished 18th, ahead of team mate Daniel Ricciardo)

Bad points

• Kamui Kobayashi (DNF of the first lap)
• Sebastian Buemi (DNF with an engine blow up)
• Pastor Maldonado (DNF, gearbox)
• Timo Glock (DNF, a race weekend to forget)
• Filipe Massa (DNF, collusion with Lewis Hamilton)
• Lewis Hamilton (finished 7th, collusion in mid race with Filipe Massa)

Overall an OK Indian Grand Prix, nether-less a thumbs up for India for the Grand Prix to be there in general, so India can be proud of having their first Grand Prix, they done well. The race itself a classic race form Sebastian Vettel, a pole, a fastest lap and the win, despite he won the World Championship already.

Plus a Youtube video of Rowan Atkinson (who played Mr Bean and Blackadder) reaction when Massa collusion with Hamilton, funny as hell, so who Rowan portraying Blackadder or Mr Bean. Possibly Mr Bean in my opinion.

End of blog for now. New post soon. That is all. Bye.

F1 Indian Grand Prix Predictions and Red Bull 3D animation track video

Hi again, new post about Predictions for Indian Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. So my predictions for a new Grand Prrix venue are a Red Bull one -two (Sebastian Vettel leading Mark Webber), Jenson Button third place. Don't forget Lewis Hamilton, both Ferrari drivers, Mercedes G.P drivers and the Force India drivers too.



And finally an animation from Red Bull about the new Buddh International Circuit (narrated by Mark Webber) they created to show to the world. That is all, bye.

Marco Simoncelli 1987-2011

Just as the Dan Wheldon post from last week my thoughts of the late Marco Simoncelli, I didn't expect to write one of these within a week to be honest. It has bad week for motorsport in general. For now, my thoughts of the late Marco Simoncelli.

Marco Simoncelli was competing in Sundays, round 17 of the MotoGP World Championship, the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. On lap 2, Simoncelli was fighting for fourth with Alvaro Bautista when he lost the front of his bike at turn 11 and slid across the circuit, into the path of both Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi, both of whom then hit the Honda rider. While the race was cancelled after race direction felt they could not continue while they worked to treat Simoncelli. Simoncelli lay stricken on the track after the crash, his helmet having come off during the incident. He was taken to track hospital, announced he died from these injuries at five o'clock local time, aged 24. Simocelli was the first Premier MotoGP class fatality since the late Daijiro Kato was killed at Suzuka in 2003 riding the Motogp class. First since in any MotoGP class since Moto2 rider Shoya Tomizawa death last year at Misano.



Condolences goes to Marcos family and friends, 2008 250cc World Champion for Gilera. Move up to premier class in 2010 with the San Carlo Gresini Honda team. Then getting a factory specification Honda this season bike for 2011, then for next season with a factory specification Honda without being on the works team. Pole positions at Catalunya and Assen this season, while challanging for a win at Jerez, then taking his maiden MotoGP podium at Brno, and achieving a career-best second in Australia just a week ago. Possibly in my opinion replacing Valentino Rossi as the face of MotoGP in the future and possibly a future world champion too. But for now.

Rest in Peace Marco Simoncelli, you will be much missed.

Jonathan

Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

Before I start, motorsport is dangerous sport. No matter if its Go-Karting, motorbikes, Formula 1, Indy Car, any kind of Motorsport is dangerous, but motorsport can be safer between tracks, fans, specators, tracks marshells, people in pits, cars and drivers too.

This was written on the Monday Evening (17/10/11) I'm still on holiday, found out the death of this years Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon on Monday Afternoon while looking on my iPod touch on the BBC website in a cafe in Northern Cyprus.


Dan Wheldon was competing in the final round of the Indy Car Series championship at Las Vegas Raceway, where Dan Wheldon was moving his way through the 34-car field after starting from the back of the pack, which was part of his $5 million challenge to win the race. Then on lap 11 Dan Wheldon was involved in a 15-car accident multi-car pile-up resulted in a red flag. His was one of the last cars to get involved in the crash, and was sent flying from the bottom of the racetrack into the wall on the outside.

Wheldon's Dallara suffered severe damage to the topside, including its rollhoop structure. He was airlifted from the circuit to University Medical Centre in Las Vegas, but all medical efforts were to no answer. Dan Wheldon subsequently died of his injuries. Dan Wheldon was 33 years old. This was the first Indy Car death since Paul Dana death at Homestead (Miami) back in 2006.

Condolences goes to Dans family and friends, His will possibly the best British driver outside the F1 bubble. Possibly the best in his era, which includes Jenson Button and Anthony Davidson, they where used to race in go-karts when there were kids.

But, his career in Indy Car Series is remarkable, 2003 IRL Indy Car Series Rookie of the Year in his first full season in Indy Car with Andretti-Green Racing (minus two races in 2002 with Panther Racing). Then Indianapolis 500 Winner in 2005 and than later in the season winning overall IRL Indy Car Series Champion with Andretti-Green Racing.

Then he could've driven in Formula 1 back in 2006 with the BMW Sauber team, instead BMW Sauber kept with Jacques Villeneunve as a number two driver for the season, until the middle of the season when Robert Kubica replace Villeneunve as a driver. Instead Wheldon drive for Chip Ganassi Racing for the next three seasons, and almost winning the championship again in 2006.

Then in 2009-2010 move backed to Panther Racing, almost winning both Indianapolis 500 (both seconds places in 2009, 2010). Then without a full-time drive in 2011, won Indianapolis 500 Winner with Bryan Herta Racing on last lap of 200. Then done the final two races with Sam Schmidt Motorsports, with 2012 with a full-time drive for Andretti Racing for a multi-year deal to replace driver Danica Patrick, who was going to NASCAR next season.

But, the legacy for Dan Wheldon will be with the new 2012 Dallara Indy Car, that he developed throughout late 2011 for the 2012 Indy Car season. On 18th October, Dallara announced that the 2012 series car would be named after Wheldon in honour of his work of developing the car.

Rest in Peace Dan Wheldon, you will be much missed.

Jonathan

On Holiday for 12 days, before I stop BSB final

As the title says, I'm on holiday until 24th October as my tweet says, If you like to follow me on Twitter click on this link. So no posts untill then.



Before I go, how about a couple of YouTube videos of the final round, last race, end of last lap of the British Superbikes championship at Brands Hatch, where Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) beat John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Suzuki) for the title by two points, Tommy won the championship by 0.006 seconds ahead of Hopper, what a close margin to win any championship, don't even happen in the Indy Car Series. So contracts to Tommy Hill, unlucky for both John Hopkins and Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda), who would have won it without the The Showdown/Nascar chase rules. So here are the exciting videos, enjoy viewing them.





So, bye for now.

Felipe Massa, lost his soul at Ferrari

Hi, second post of the week, talking about Felipe Massa. During the Japanese Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso passed Feilipe Massa early on the race, I've Tweet this:



Oh by the way, follow me on Twitter, by clicking this link. Anyway it was an easy pass, a bit of team orders has happen, didn't needed, Fernando ain't going to finish no higher than second in the drivers championship, Ferrari ain't going to finish no lower than third in the constructors, maybe second, but I doubt it. But that's not the point. The point is since the end of 2010 Felipe has lost his sprit.

Before that back in 2003 Felipe was a test-driver for a year at Ferrari, with a pervious season race experince at Sauber, now at Ferrari with the dream team of Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Luca Badoer, Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, Aldo Costa and so forth. Gone back to Sauber for 2004 and 2005. Return to 2006 replacing Rubens Barrichello, winning races and beating Michael Schumacher back end of the season. 2007 Michael Schumacher retired and still at Ferrari, replaced by Kimi Raikkonen, also Rory Bryne and Ross Byrne left. 2008, Jean Todt left to be FIA President. In 2008, Felipe almost, ALMOST! won the drivers world title, he was 15 seconds away from the title at Sao Paulo, until Lewis Hamilton pass Timo Glock on the last lap to win the title.

Then the famous crash at the Hungaroring in 2009, where Massa was out till the start 2010. Then Ferrari signed Alonso (who possibly cost Massa the title in 2008 at Singapore with the Renault Team dirty tricks with Nelson Piquet Jr) replacing Kimi Raikkonen for 2010, While Schumacher left for Mercedes GP.

Then in the middle of 2010, round 11 at Hockenheim, team orders were Alonso pass Massa for the win with 20 laps to go. That is were the tide had change for Massa. Only two podiums afterwards, no podiums in 2011, he ain't finished no higher than 5th. and Luca Badoer and Aldo Costa have left. So those seven names I said from Schumacher to Costa (the dream team from 2000-2005) they have all gone from Ferrari, a part from team boss Stefano Domenicali.

With the body language I've seen from this season, it's not the same Massa back in 2006-2008. I feel dare to say lost his confidence at Ferrari in 2011, his became the same as Rubens Barrichello and Eddie Irvine as a Number two driver at Ferrari now.

Massa got a contract at Ferrari till 2012. In my opinion if I was Felipe Massa I try to get out of the contract a year early. 1) Confidence has lost in that team since August 2009 2) A new opportunities, Massa is still only 30 years old, he still at least got another five years in the sport. So were do you put Massa if he leaves Ferrari. Two places he could go to, a swap deal at Sauber, were Sergio Perez could go to Ferrari next season with only 17 grand prix experience (compare to Raikkonen at McLaren 2002, were Kimi only had 17 grand prix experience). Where Felipe has a great experience with Peter Sauber Team back in 2002, 2004-05. Or second option this I would like to see, would be a move to Mercedes G.P (possibly Nico Rosberg going to Ferrari) were he re-teams with Ross Brawn, Aldo Costa and 2006 team mate Michael Schumacher. This will pick up his confidence back up and gives him a new challenge with a brand new team (with some of his old friends of course).

Anyway hope to see the old Felipe Massa back, the driver who was great at Sauber 2002 -05 and really great at Ferrari in 2007-09. End of blog for now, new post soon. That is all, Bye.

Sebastian Vettel back to back double World Champion, plus F1 Japanese Grand Prix race review and F1 South Korean Grand Prix Predictions

I must admit too long for a title, anyway Hi again, first post of the week, F1 review of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka of this morning past, South Korean Grand Prix Predictions and Sebastian Vettel back to back double World Champion.

Good points

• Jenson Button (finished 1st)
• Fernando Alonso (finished 2nd)
• Sebastian Vettel (pole, finished 3rd, double world champion)
• Mark Webber (finished 4th)
• Mercedes GP (Michael Schumacher finished 6th, Nico Rosberg started 23rd to finished 10th)
• Sergio Perez (finished 8th)
• Vitaly Petrov (finished 9th)
• Team Lotus (Heikki Kovalainen finished 18th Jarno Trull finished 19th, still on lead lap)

Bad points

• Kamui Kobayashi (finished 13th on his home race)
• Burno Senna (finished 16th)
• Vitantonio Luizzi (finished 23rd and last, three laps behind the leader, race weekend to forget)
• Sebastian Buemi (DNF, three wheels on my STR)

Overall a good race overall. I felt that, possibly Jenson Button best dominating weekend since Monaco 2009 (minus the pole missing that Vettel got on saturday, fastest in each session), anyway a very good weekend for Jenson and McLaren overall.

An interesting fact that this is the first time since Michael Schumacher has lead a Grand Prix since Suzuka 2006 after Michael engine blow up, giving Fernando Alonso the win and the title, back in 2006.

Contracts to Sebastian Vettel for winning the drivers world champion this season again, making him the youngest back to back double world champion braking Fernando Alonso record back in 2005 and 2006. Also, I believe his driving has became much better this season, after winning his first world championship last year. The same with most drivers after winning the world championship ask Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, I believe all three guys are driving the best I have ever seen in theirs careers.

If this rate does continues with the poles, race wins and championships Sebastian gets. I believe Sebastian Vettel will be one of the all-time Formula 1 greats, in the breath as Alan Prost, Ayrton Senna and his friend/mentor seven times world champion Michael Schumacher. So well done Sebastian for winning your second drivers title this year, well earned.

So predictions for next race, this weekends South Korean Grand Prix Predictions at Korea International Circuit in Yeongam. I think Jenson Button will continue his race form for another win, Sebastian Vettel second, Fernando Alonso third. Don't forget Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes drivers as well. End of blog for now, new post soon, that is all, bye.

DTM & MotoGP mentions and Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix Predictions

Seocnd blog of the week, F1 Predictions for Suzuka in a while, but first DTM and contracts to Martin Tomczyk for winning his first DTM Championship, with a round to spare. Despite having a non works 2008 Audi A4. So a works Audi A5 for next season maybe?

While in MotoGP, Dani Pedrosa won at Motegi last week in his Honda, while Jorge Lorenzo in his Yamaha finished second, while Casey Stoner finished 3rd in his Honda. Casey only lost four points in the drivers championship, with the gap between Casey and Jorge only 40 points, with three rounds to go. Mission impossible for Jorge Jorenzo. To conclude this a dominating from Honda at their home race.

Now Formula 1 Predictions for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, one of the best tracks in the world for a racing driver, minus Spa. Anyway, predictions for the race: Sebastian Vettel for the win and the world championship, Jenson Button second and Fernando Alonso third in my opinion. Don't forget Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher as well. End of post for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

F1 artzy drawing I've done the iPod

Hi again, first post of the week, another post later in the week I believe for around Friday (possibly talking about F1, MotoGP and DTM). for now, an artzy post today.

I done a few sketches I've done on Adobe Ideas what's on my iPod. Enjoy the sketches of some racing cars I've done, such as:

Red Bull X2010 car in Gran Turismo 5

And the Lotus Renault R30 2010 (Black and Gold livery)

Anyway, end of blog for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

Mercedes GP Tech Team and Return of Kimi to Williams?

Second post of the weekend, talking about Mercedes GP and who they bring in for the start of 2012 and the return of Kimi Räikkönen to Formula 1 to a rumour at Williams.

First the news at Mercedes GP and that they are hiring former Minardi and Ferrari technical director Aldo Costa, will join the Mercedes GP Team alongside former HRT technical director Geoff Willis, the German manufacturer confirmed on Friday (9/30/11). Costa will be joining Mercedes as engineering director on 1st December. While Willis joins Mercedes after having left the HRT squad recently, and he will work as technology director starting 17th October.

When you look at it, Mercedes GP its looking like a winning team with the personal there got, such as Ross Brawn as a Team principal, won where he went in F1 (Benetton, Ferrari and Brawn), Norbert Haug Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport won many times at McLaren including drivers championships with Hakkinen and Hamilton, Bob Bell as a technical director at Mercedes who was the technical director at Renault where he won two constructors championships and two world drivers championship with Fernando Alonso, and new boys Geoff Willis (winning with Williams in the 1990s and a period with Red Bull) Aldo Costa (winning those drivers championships with Michael and Kimi and winning eight constructors championships with Ferrari! in that period). Don't forget Michael Schumacher a seven times drivers world champion. So next years Mercedes MGP W03 could be a winning car next year, if things go right.

From two weeks back there was and still is a strong rumour that 2007 world champion Kimi Räikkönen could be at Williams next season replacing Rubens Barrichello. My view it might happen but I doubt it, if he would, he would have been at McLaren, Mercedes or Renault by now. There will be a more than likely chance that Force India driver Adrian Sutil will be driving for Williams next season rather than Kimi Räikkönen, anyway it will be a big shock if Kimi returns to Formula 1, let alone racing with Williams, and Kimi is still only 31 years old.

Anyway, end of blog for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

2011 F1 Singapore Grand Prix a proper Review

Two posts this weekend, second post will be about Mercedes and Kimi Raikkonen, writen by tomorrow, I'm hopping. And today post will be a review of the Formula 1 night race at last weekends race at Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore.

Good points

• Red Bull Racing (Sebastian Vettel pole to win, Mark Webber finished 3rd)
• Jenson Button (finished 2nd in the race)
• Force India (Paul Di Resta finished 6th, Adrian Sutil finished 8th, now sixth in the constructors championship, now catching up Lotus Renault for fifth place in the constructors championship)
• Sergio Perez (finished 10th)
• Heikki Kovalainen (finished 16th, fighting with (Lotus) Renaults in the race)

Bad points

• Lewis Hamilton (finished 5th, incident with Felipe Massa)
• Felipe Massa ( finished 9th, incident with Lewis Hamilton, just handbags at night between Massa and Hamilton)
• Lotus Renault (B. Senna 15th, Petrov 17th)
• Michael Schumacher (DNF, a scarey crash with Perez)
• Timo Glock (DNF in his Virgin-Cosworth)

Overall a good race in the night in Singapore. A good race between Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber and Jenson Button. While Sebastian Vettel took a conformable win. And now only Vettel needs only a top 10 finish at Suzuka while Jenson Button needs to win the last five races, which I can't see for Button, to make Sebastian Vettel to be youngest ever back to back/double world champion in the history of the sport.

Anyway end of post for now, new post soon (tomorrow), that is all, Bye.

A quick F1 Singapore Grand Prix Predictions

Third post of the week, A quick Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix Prediction for tomorrows race. Note: I'm writing this after Qualifying session (due to other business). So, Predictions for the Singapore Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel win, Jenson Button second and Lewis Hamilton third place, don't forget Mark Webber, Ferrari's or the Mercedes' cars too.

Remember last year with Heikki Kovalainen's firing Team Lotus car last year, here it is on Youtube, hope it doesn't happen again this year again.



That is all. Bye.

MotoGP race review and Street Bike Kawasaki around the Nordschleife,

Hi again, Second post of the week, a quick review of last weeks MotpGP race at Aragon and a Kawasaki around the Nurburgring.

Stoner won Round 14 in the MotoGP Championship at Aragon, Spain. With Casey Stoner finished first, Dani Pedrosa finished second for a Honda 1-2, while current champion Jorge Lorenzo finished 3rd in his Yamaha. Now with 44 points gap between Stoner and Lorenzo,with four races to go, look set for Stoner for the drivers world championship. Next stop Motegi in Japan in two weeks time.

At the start of September I wriiten a post about an electric race car around the Nordschleife under eight minute mark. Todays post, a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2011 going around the 13 mile Nordschleife track in 7 minutes and 50 seconds only on two wheels as fast as the electric based race car.So enjoy the video below.



Anyway end of blog for now, new post soon. That is all. Bye.

DTM 2012, The new batch of DTM cars

Hi again, possibly three posts this week, today post is all about DTM in 2012. Back in early July, I've written a post about DTM in Munich and the BMW M3 car for next season. As the videos below shows the New M3.

BMW M3 DTM 2012





Last week at the Frankfurt Automotive Show both Mercedes and Audi showed off their new cars for next season, Mercedes AMG C-Coupe and Audi A5.

Mercedes DTM AMG C-Coupe 12





Audi A5 DTM 12





An interesting fact that next season, all three cars will be sharing 50 parts, which includes flappy paddle gear box and rear wing to save cost. Which is quite amazing between these three brands. Also, for new manufactures who may want to go into DTM such as an Opel for example. Who would possibly have the same components as Audi, Mercedes and BMW. Anyway bring on Round 1 at Hockinheim 2012 with the three brands in DTM.

That is all. Bye.