2013 Japan MotoGP Review, Pol Espargaró Moto2 Champion, Ben Spies retires and News

Review of round seventeen of the 2013 MotoGP season at Twin Ring Motegi, Motegi, Tochigi for the Japanese GP.

In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Yamaha Factory Racing rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo in his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second place was Repsol Honda Team rider, current MotoGP points leader and 2012 Moto2 Champion Marc Márquez, in his works works Honda RC213V, he was over three seconds behind Lorenzo at the end. And with just one round to go, Marc Márquez leads the MotoGP Riders' standings by just 13 points ahead of Jorge Lorenzo.

Meanwhile third was the other Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedorsa in his works Honda RC213V, he was four and a half seconds behind Lorenzo at the end.

In CRT class (Claiming Rule Teams, street bike engines rather than non prototype engines), the NGM Mobile Forward Racing rider Colin Edwards won CRT class and finished 12th overall in his FTR-Kawasaki, he was over 63 seconds behind Lorenzo at the end.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Tuenti HP 40 rider Pol Espargaró on the Kalex for his sixth race win of the season and to give Pol Espargaró 2013 Moto2 title, Pol Espargaró was 41 points ahead of Scott Redding with one race to go. Contracts to Pol Espargaró for winning the Moto2 championship, next stop MotoGP next season on a Tech 3 Yamaha.

Second was the Marc VDS Racing Team rider of Mika Kallio on the Kalex, he was over one second behind Espargaró at the end of the race. While, third place was Interwetten Paddock Moto2 Racing rider Thomas Lüthi on the Suter, he was over three seconds behind Espargaró at the end.

While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Estrella Galicia rider and Marc Márquez younger brother Álex Márquez on the KTM, for his first Moto3 race win. Second was Team Calvo rider Maverick Viñales on the KTM, he was only three-hundredths of a second behind Márquez at the end of the race. And with just one round to go, Luis Salom leads the Moto3 Riders' standings by just 2 points ahead of Maverick Viñales, and 5 points ahead of Álex Rins.

While third place, was Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3 rider Jonas Folger on the Kalex KTM, he was over seven seconds behind Márquez at the end of the race.

During the Japanese GP weekend at Motegi, Pramac Ducati rider Ben Spies announced his retirement from racing due to his injuries. After finishing the first two races of the season with the Pramac Ducati squad, he was out of many races due to injuries from last season riding for Yamaha. He made an attempt to return at Indianapolis, but crashed and suffered more injuries, ruling him out for most of the rest of the season. Rumours did suggest that Ben Spies might be riding in World Superbikes with Ducati in 2014. Instead he will retire from motorcycling racing period.

In my opinion, this is sad news, I don't think any rider want to retire because they were force due to injuries. But, they want to go out on their own accord. Also, I feel sorry for Spies because he has been a wasted talent in his MotoGP career and should have won more races and challenge for the MotoGP titles more often then his record suggest. Nether-less, he did won three AMA Superbike titles for Suzuki (2006-08) and the 2009 World Superbikes Championship on his debut season with Yamaha. Anyway, good luck Ben Spies in retirement and hope his injures recovered in time.

In other news, and in most recent news from last week that former 2006 MotoGP Champion Nicky Hayden will be riding for the Aspar Racing Team on the Honda RCV1000R production bike next season, on a two year deal till 2015.

Meanwhile it has been reported that CRT class champion Aleix Espargaro has completed a deal to move from Aspar to Forward Racing on an FTR-Yamaha bike next season. The deal will include Yamaha engines, frame and swing-arm from Yamaha that Jorge Lorenzo, Valenino Rossi, Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaró will be using, with FTR supplying the remaining components.

End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

WRC Round 12 recap, VW WRC Manufacturers champions and Robert Kubica WRC-2 champion, Sébastien Chardonnet WRC-3 champion, Pontus Tidemand J-WRC champion, Champion

Last weekend was round twelve of the World Rally Championship at Rally de Catalunya (25th-27th October) was won by Sébastien Ogier to win the rally overall in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC. While, Jari-Matti Latvala finished in second place in the other works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, to give VW a one-two and to give Volkswagen the 2013 WRC Manufacturers championship, contracts to Volkswagen for winning their first WRC Manufacturers title. Latvala was 32 seconds behind Ogier at the end.



Meanwhile, Mikko Hirvonen finish in third place in the works Citroën DS3 WRC. Hirvonen was 73 seconds behind Ogier at the end of the rally.

Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by former Formula One driver Robert Kubica his Citroën backed Citroën DS3 RCC. Robert Kubica finished in ninth place overall and two points in the main standings as-well, he was over 11 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally to give Robert Kubica the 2013 WRC-2 championship; contracts to Robert Kubica for winning the WRC-2 championship, in next months rounds WalesRallyGB Robert Kubica will be racing in a fully works Citroën DS3 WRC alongside Mikko Hirvonen and Dani Sordo.



While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Enrique García Ojeda in his Autogomas Cantabria backed Citroën DS3 R3T. Enrique García Ojeda finished in thirteenth place overall, he was under 24 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. And despite Sébastien Chardonnet did not Rally last weekend, Sébastien Chardonnet did clinched the WRC-3 Championship at the last rounds Rallye de France-Alsace, contracts to Sébastien Chardonnet for winning the WRC-3 championship.



And finally in a class I do not write on this blog, Junior World Rally Championship class (all drivers in identical Ford Fiesta R2 cars, prepared by M-Sport. Hankook supplies tyres.) hat was won by Yeray Lemes in his Yeray Lemes backed Ford Fiesta R2. Yeray Lemes finished in seventeenth place overall, he was over 30 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. And despite, Pontus Tidemand did not finish the rally. Pontus Tidemand did clinched the J-WRC Championship at the last rounds Rallye de France-Alsace, contracts to Pontus Tidemand for winning the J-WRC championship.



Highlights of the rally below.



End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

2013 Indian Grand Prix Review, Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull World Champions for a forth time in a row! and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Predictions

2013 Indian Grand Prix Review, a few thoughts on the race itself, Japanese Grand Prix Predictions
A quick review of yesterdays Indian Grand Prix, and thoughts on the race as well. And Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing winning their fourth F1 World Drivers and Constructors Championships in a row. And predictions for this weekends Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Good points

• Sebastian Vettel (pole to finished with a race win and his forth F1 World Drivers Championships in a row)
• Red Bull (Red Bull are F1 Constructors Champions for the forth time in a row)
• Nico Rosberg (finished 2nd)
• Romain Grosjean (finished 3rd, despite he qualified in 17th place on the grid)
• Felipe Massa (finished 4th)
• Sergio Perez (finished 5th)
• Force India (Paul di Resta, finished 8th; Adrian Sutil, finished 9th)
• Daniel Ricciardo (finished 10th)
• Max Chilton (finished 17th, ahead of Marussia team-mate Jules Bianchi)

Bad points

• Mark Webber (DNF, Alternator)
• Fernando Alonso (finished 11th)
• Jenson Button (finished 14th)
• Sauber (Nico Hülkenberg, DNF, Brakes; Esteban Gutiérrez, finished 15th)
• Caterham (Charles Pic, DNF, Hydraulics; Giedo van der Garde, DNF, Collision damage from Max Chilton)

Overall, I thought it was a good race to watch. However, it was Another dominating race weekend from Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull, pole position on Saturday to conclude with an impressive race win on Sunday winning the race by over half a minute to give Sebastian his tenth Grand Prix win of the season and to give Sebastian Vettel his forth F1 World Drivers Championship title in a row and 115 points ahead of Fernando Alonso, who is second in the standing to retain his title with three races to go. And only the third F1 driver in Formula 1 history to achieve four drivers titles in a row (Juan Manuel Fangio 1954-57 and Michael Schumacher 2000-04). So contractions to Sebastian Vettel for winning his forth World Drivers title

Also, contractions to Red Bull as-well for winning the Constructors Championship for a forth time in a row in India with three races to spare.



Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg finishing in second place in the Mercedes. While Romain Grosjean finished in third place in the Lotus, despite he qualified in 17th place on the grid, if he qualified better in my opinion, he would have for curtain challenge Sebastian Vettel for the win.

And so this weekend is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit outside of Abu Dhabi. So predictions for the race itself, Sebastian Vettel for the win in his Red Bull, Romain Grosjean second in the Lotus, and Lewis Hamilton third in the Mercedes. Don't forget Mark Webber, Kimi Räikkönen, Nico Rosberg, Nico Hülkenberg, the two Ferrari drivers, or even the two McLaren drivers either for a podium position.

End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

2013 F1 Indian Grand Prix Predictions

Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, near the national capital New Delhi. So predictions for the race itself, and surprise surprise Sebastian Vettel for the race win once again in his Red Bull, Mark Webber second in the other Red Bull, and Lewis Hamilton third in the Mercedes. Don't forget Nico Rosberg, the two McLaren drivers, the two Lotus drivers, the two Ferrari drivers, or the two Sauber drivers either for a podium position.

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

Celebrating Life Marco Simoncelli, two years on

Its been two years today that Marco Simoncelli has past away from us, from the accident at was competing the last but one round at Sepang in Malaysia of the 2011 MotoGP season. 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 and got instantly killed.





Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forget who was Marco Simoncelli.



Bye.

Confirmed: Toro Rosso retains Jean-Eric Vergne for 2014, and brings in Daniil Kvyat as his team-mate

In the most surprising news of the season that happened on Monday evening (21/10/13), it has been confirmed that Toro Rosso have retains Jean-Eric Vergne and signed Russian GP3 championship contender and European F3 driver Daniil Kvyat as their drivers for the 2014 Formula 1 season.



This would be the most surprising news of the season because it was mostly rumoured since Monza when the news that Daniel Ricciardo will replace Mark Webber at Red Bull Racing, and that António Félix da Costa will get the Toro Rosso seat alongside Jean-Eric Vergne. But, the news of Daniil Kvyat getting the Toro Rosso drive is possibly the most shocking news of the season in my opinion. Also, he could win the GP3 championship at Abu Dhabi in a weeks time before driving for Toro Rosso next season.

Despite the young Russian is only 19 years old. This is not the first time that Toro Rosso done a shocking move to put a teenager in one of their Formula 1 cars, back in 2009, when Toro Rosso sacked Sébastien Bourdais and replaced him with Jaime Alguersuari just before the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix aged 19, despite winning the 2008 British F3 championship and having no testing experience in a Formula 1 car. Also back in 2007, when once again Toro Rosso sacked Scott Speed and replaced him with Sebastian Vettel just before the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix aged 19 and the rest is history with Vettel's carrer.

As for Scuderia Toro Rosso and Red Bull, for them keeping Jean-Eric Vergne for another season is a very good decision for at least another season in my opinion, despite he missed the opportunity of driving with Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull next season.

Anyway, good luck for both Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniil Kvyat next season at Toro Rosso.

End of post for now, new post soon, bye.

2013 Petit Le Mans Review, Sean Edwards 1986-2013

As the title says a Petit Le Mans Review of the race. Last Round of the American Le Mans Series 2013 season at Road Atlanta. Also, the last ever round of the American Le Mans Series, as next season the ALMS will merge with Grand-Am series to create the all new United SportsCar Championship. WEC LMP1 regulars Rebellion Racing won the race overall and P1 class in their Lola-Toyota 3.4l V8 with drivers Neel Jani, Nicolas Prost and Nick Hiedfied. Six laps ahead of P2 class winners Level 5 Motorsports team in their HPD ARX-03b Honda 2.8l Turbo V6, of Scott Tucker, Ryan Briscoe and Marino Franchitti. While Extreme Speed Motorsports team in their HPD ARX-03b Honda 2.8l Turbo V6, of Scott Sharp Anthony Lazzaro and David Brabham finished in third place and second in P2 class.



In PC class (LMPC), CORE Autosport team with Kyle Marcelli, Chris Cumming and Stefan Johansson won the class and finished fifth overall. While in GT class, that was won by Team Falken Tire in their Porsche 997 GT3-RSR with Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers and Nick Tandy finished 8th overall. In GTC class was won by Flying Lizard Motorsports team of Nelson Canache, Jr., Spencer Pumpelly and Madison Snow in their Porsche 997 GT3 Cup and finished 22nd overall.

Meanwhile, Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr won the ALMS P1 class champions overall in their HPD ARX-03a Honda LM-V8 3.4 L V8 for Muscle Milk Pickett Racing team. P2 class champions overall was won by Scott Tucker. In PC class champion was Mike Guasch for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. GT class champions were Antonio García and Jan Magnussen with their Corvette Racing team backed Chevrolet Corvette C6.R. While GTC champions was Jeroen Bleekemolen and Cooper MacNeil in his Alex Job Racing backed Porsche 997 GT3 Cup.

Congratulations for the champions of each class in ALMS this season.

And a sad note to finish this post that Sean Edwards who was leading this years Porsche Supercup championship and won this years 24 Hours of Dubai; and Nürburgring 24 Hours was killed last Tuesday (15/10/13) in a crash during a private session at Queensland Raceway in Willowbank, Queensland, Australia as a passenger whilst instructing Will Holzheimer in a Porsche 996 Supercup car. He was 26 years old. Thoughts goes out to Sean Edwards family and friends at this period of time.



American Le Mans Series organisers did tribute Sean's life with a special livery Porsche 911 race car before the race started.



R.I.P. Sean Edwards

2013 6 Hours of Fuji Review

Review of Round six of the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship at Fuji International Speedway in Fuji, Japan. The race only lasted three hours, a handful of laps and torrential rain that was un-drivable at Fuji International Speedway to conclude with only half points for everyone. And for the first time this season Toyota won a race, Toyota Racing team won the race overall and WEC LMP1 class too on their home track which Toyota owns. With the drivers of Alexander Wurz, Kazuki Nakajima and Nicolas Lapierre like last season giving the TS030 Hybrid its second win at the Fuji International Speedway. Menawhile, Audi Sport Team Joest team of Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Loïc Duval finished second place in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro. Meanwhile, third place was the Rebellion Racing team of Andrea Belicchi and Mathias Beche in their Lola B12/60-Toyota 3.4l V8.



In LMP2 class, the OAK Racing team of Bertrand Baguette, Martin Plowman and Ricardo González in their Morgan LMP2 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class and 4th overall. While in GTE Pro class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Darren Turner, Stefan Mücke and Frédéric Makowiecki won in their Aston Martin Vantage GTE, finished 13th overall as-well. While in GTE Am class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Christoffer Nygaard, Kristian Poulsen and Bruno Senna in their Aston Martin Vantage GTE and finished 17th overall.

Next Stop 6 Hours of Shanghai in three weeks time for round seven of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

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

The Sounds of the Honda F1 Turbo engine

With Formula One returning to turbo powered engines for the first time since 1988 season for the 2014 season. Already, in July this year Renault have launch their brand new 1.6 litre V6 turbo engine which Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Caterham and possibly Lotus will use for the 2014 season onwards.



And most recently in August this year, Mercedes have launch their brand new 1.6 litre V6 turbo engine with a simulated lap around Monza, which Mercedes, McLaren, Force India and Williams will use for the 2014 season onwards as-well.



And now it's Honda's turn, and despite they will not return until 2015 with McLaren's help, here's the noise of their new Honda Turbo 1.6 V6 Formula 1 Engine below to enjoy.



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

2013 Australian MotoGP Review

Review of round sixteen of the 2013 MotoGP season at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circult, Phillip Island, 87 miles of south-southeast of Melbourne, for the Australian GP.

In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Yamaha Factory Racing rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo in his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second place was Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa, in his works works Honda RC213V, he was under seven seconds behind Lorenzo at the end. While, third place was the other Yamaha Factory Racing rider and former seven times MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi in his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was twelve seconds behind Lorenzo at the end.

In CRT class (Claiming Rule Teams, street bike engines rather than non prototype engines), the Power Electronics Aspar rider Randy de Puniet won CRT class and finished 10th overall in his ART (Aprilia), he was 37 seconds behind Lorenzo at the end. Meanwhile the other Power Electronics Aspar rider Aleix Espargaró finished 11th overall in his ART (Aprilia), and top CRT rider of the season, he was 46 seconds behind Lorenzo at the end.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Tuenti HP 40 rider Pol Espargaró on the Kalex for his fifth race win of the season. Second was Interwetten Paddock Moto2 Racing rider Thomas Lüthi on the Suter, he was  six-tenths of a second behind Espargaró at the end of the race. While, third place was Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2 rider Jordi Torres on the Suter, he was seen tenths of a second behind Espargaró at the end.

While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Estrella Galicia rider Álex Rins on the KTM. Second was Team Calvo rider Maverick Viñales on the KTM, he was just over 0.003 of a second! behind Rins at the end of the race.



While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Luis Salom on the KTM, he was only seventeen hundredths of a second behind Rins at the end of the race.

End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

Nissan ZEOD RC, the facts

Just before this years 24 Hours of Le Mans race (21/6/13), Nissan has unveiled its new concept electric car that will run as the Garage 56 entry for next years 24 Hours of Le Mans called the ZEOD RC (stands for Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car). Designed by the same person who designed the DeltaWing from last year. And the ZEOD RC, will make use of the same battery technology found on Nissan's LEAF road car, as we thought it would be an all electric race car.



Well sort of, during the leauch of the Nissan ZEOD RC at Nissan's Nismo headquarters in Japan on Thursday (17/10/13) just before this weekends FIA World Endurance Championship race at Fuji, it will have an twin-electric motors inside the Nissan ZEOD RC, which can used on the opening lap of each stint will be completed with the electric motors before it goes into hybrid mode for the remainder of the run with an 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with approximently 300bhp for the rest of the shift. And aimed to produce lap times ahead of the GTE-Pro field with the car, with a max speed of over 180 mph on the Mulsanne Straight.



Am I sadden that it's not an all Electric race car, no it was a nice attempt from Nissan, never-less it can go fully electric on one lap at Le Mans and the best option for Nissan for this car should be a hybrid race car, and like I said in a pervious post, if any manufacture that have the technology and budget to race the 24 Hours of Le Mans in an all Electric race car and to finish the race as-well, it's more than likely is none other than Nissan whem the technology is there. So good luck to Nissan for 2014 race.








Also, during the launch event for the Nissan ZEOD RC at Nissan's Nismo headquarters in Japan they showed updates of the car from the last time we saw it at Le Mans from four months ago.

Nissan ZEOD RC concept from Le Mans this year:



End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

2013 Bathurst 1000 Review

Review of the V8 Supercars round of the 2012 Bathurst 1000 at the famous Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales. The team of Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards won the 166 lap race overall in their Ford Performance Racing, Ford FG Falcon. Second place was Jamie Whincup and Paul Dumbrell in their Triple Eight Race Engineering-Red Bull Racing Australia, Holden VF Commodore, just 0.47 of a second behind the leaders at the end. Meanwhile, the other Triple Eight Race Engineering-Red Bull Racing Australia of Craig Lowndes and Warren Luff finished third place in their Holden VF Commodore.

Highlights of this years race below, enjoy.



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

Celebrating Life Dan Wheldon, two years on

Its been two years today that Dan Wheldon has past away from us, from the accident at was competing in the final round of the Indy Car Series championship at Las Vegas Raceway, were Dan Wheldon was involved in a 15-car accident multi-car pile-up.







Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forget Dan Wheldon.

2013 Malaysia MotoGP Review

Review of round fifteen of the 2013 MotoGP season at Sepang International Circuit, on the outskirts of Selangor, south of Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysian GP.

In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa, in his works works Honda RC213V. Second place was his Repsol Honda team-mate, MotoGP championship leader and 2012 Moto2 Champion Marc Márquez, in his works works Honda RC213V, he was under three seconds behind Pedrosa at the end. And can win the MotoGP title at Phillip Island next week, if his 50 oints head of both Pedrosa and Lorenzo at the end of the race with two races to go. While, third place was Yamaha Factory Racing rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo in his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was under seven seconds behind Pedrosa at the end.

In CRT class (Claiming Rule Teams, street bike engines rather than non prototype engines), the Power Electronics Aspar rider Aleix Espargaró won CRT class and finished 9th overall in his ART (Aprilia), he was 59 seconds behind Pedrosa at the end.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Tuenti HP 40 rider Esteve Rabat on the Kalex for his third race win of the season. Second was the other Tuenti HP 40 rider Pol Espargaró on the Kalex, he was over one and half seconds behind Rabat at the end of the race. While, third place was Interwetten Paddock Moto2 Racing rider Thomas Lüthi on the Suter, he was under three seconds behind Rabat at the end.

While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Luis Salom on the KTM. Second was Estrella Galicia rider Álex Rins on the KTM, he was just seven hundredths of a second behind Salom at the end of the race. While third place, was Mahindra Racing rider Miguel Oliveira on the Mahindra, he was over four-tenths of a second behind Salom at the end of the race.

End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

2013 F1 Japanese Grand Prix Review and thoughts

2013 Japanese Grand Prix review of round fifteen of the F1 season at Suzuka, and thoughts on the race as well.

Good points

• Red Bull (Sebastian Vettel race win; Mark Webber finished 2nd)
• Romain Grosjean (finished 3rd)
• Fernando Alonso (finished 4th, ahead of future team-mate Kimi Räikkonen)
• Sauber (Nico Hülkenberg, finished 6th; Esteban Gutiérrez finished 7th)
• Charles Pic (finished 18th, ahead of Max Chilton)

Bad points

• Sergio Pérez (finished 15th)
• Lewis Hamilton (DNF, Collision damage from Sebastian Vettel on the first lap)
• Giedo van der Garde (DNF, Collision with Jules Bianchi)
• Jules Bianchi (DNF, Collision with Giedo van der Garde)

It was not another dominating race weekend from Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull. But, more of a challenging weekend for the current F1 world champion, started second for Sundays race and battling the lead against Romain Grosjean and Mark Webber throughout the race, until lap 42, were he take the lead the race after Mark Webber pitted for tyres to conclude for his fifth Grand Prix win in a row and his ninth Grand Prix win of the season.

Sebastian Vettel still leads the drivers' championship from 77 points to 90 points ahead of Fernando Alonso in the standings with four races to go, and can win the drivers' title in India in two weeks time if he finishes 5th or higher, even if Fernando Alonso wins the race.

Meanwhile, Mark Webber finished in second place in the other Red Bull to concluded a Red Bull one-two finish at Suzuka. While Romain Grosjean finished in third place in the Lotus, one of his best race performances of the season and a strong possibility of winning the Japanese Grand Prix, were he lead half of the race.

Next stop the Indian Grand Prix in two weeks time.

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

María de Villota 1980-2013

This morning ex-Marussia F1 reserve driver María de Villota has been found dead in a hotel room in Seville this morning. The Spaniard, who was working for the Banbury-based outfit when she suffered life-threatening injuries in a straight line testing crash at Duxford Aerodrome just before last years British Grand Prix, were she lost her right eye, she was only 33.



De Villota formerly contested the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and Superleague Formula, and was the daughter of ex-Formula 1 driver Emilio de Villota.

Thoughts goes out to María de Villota family and friends at this period of time.

R.I.P. María de Villota

WRC Round 11 recap, Sébastien Ogier 2013 World Rally Champion, au revoir and merci to Sébastien Loeb

Last weekend was round eleven of the World Rally Championship at Rallye de France-Alsace (3rd-6th October) was won by Sébastien Ogier to win the rally overall in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC and to give Sébastien Ogier the 2013 WRC title, contracts to Sébastien Ogier for winning his first WRC drivers title.



While, Dani Sordo finished in second place in the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team, Citroën DS3 WRC. Sordo was 12 seconds behind Ogier at the end. Meanwhile, Jari-Matti Latvala finished in third place in the other works Volkswagen Polo R WRC. Latvala was 19 seconds behind Ogier at the end of the rally.

Meanwhile, it was former nine timers WRC champion Sébastien Loeb last WRC event in the works Citroën DS3 WRC, Loeb crashed out on the final day to finish off his career in the WRC. Next season, Sébastien Loeb will be driving in the WTCC with Citroën brand new C-Elysee WTCC, with 2013 WTCC Champion Yvan Muller as his team-mate.



Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by former Formula One driver Robert Kubica his Citroën backed Citroën DS3 RCC. Robert Kubica finished in ninth place overall and two points in the main standings as-well, he was 9 and a half minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally.



While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Quentin Gilbert in his Quentin Gilbert backed Citroën DS3 R3T. S Quentin Gilbert finished in thirteenth place overall, he was under 20 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally.

Highlights of the rally below.



End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

2013 Korean Grand Prix Review, a few thoughts on the race itself, Japanese Grand Prix Predictions

A quick review of yesterdays Korean Grand Prix, a few thoughts on the race itself and predictions for this weekends Japanese Grand Prix.

Good points

• Sebastian Vettel (pole to finished with a race win)
• Lotus (Kimi Raikkonen, finished 2nd; Romain Grosjean, finished 3rd)
• Nico Hülkenberg (finished 10th)
• Charles Pic (finished 14th, ahead of his team-mate Giedo van der Garde and Marussia drivers)

Bad points

• Mark Webber (DNF, Collision from Adrian Sutil)
• Force India (Adrian Sutil, DNF, Collision damage from an accident with Mark Webber; Paul di Resta, DNF, Accident)
• Toro Rosso (Daniel Ricciardo, DNF, Brakes; Jean-Éric Vergne, DNF, Suspension)
• Charles Pic (ten-grid place penalty for Japanese Grand Prix after picking up his third reprimands of the season because he failed to slow sufficiently under yellow flags)
• Jules Bianchi (three-grid penalty for Korean Grand Prix after blocking Paul di Resta in Q1, after that a ten-grid place penalty for Japanese Grand Prix after picking up his third reprimands of the season because he failed to slow sufficiently under yellow flags)

Overall, I thought it was a good race to watch. However, it was another dominating race weekend from Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull, from pole position on Saturday to conclude with a fastest lap of the race day and a race win on Sunday to give Sebastian his eighth Grand Prix win of the season.

Sebastian Vettel still leads the drivers' championship from 60 points to 77 points ahead of Fernando Alonso in the standings with five races to go.

Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finishing in second place in the Lotus. While Romain Grosjean finished in third place in the other Lotus, one of his best race performances of the season.

And so to this weekends Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka and predictions for the race. So predictions for the race itself, Sebastian Vettel for the win in his Red Bull, Kimi Räikkönen second in the Lotus, and Lewis Hamilton third in the Mercedes. Don't forget Mark Webber, Romain Grosjean, Nico Rosberg, Nico Hülkenberg, the two Ferrari drivers, or even the two McLaren drivers either for a podium position.

Before I go, here's a screen shot of Mark Webber Red Bull in flames using a different camera than usual. Enjoy.



End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.

Confirmed: Sauber F1 Team using Ferrari turbo engines for 2014 and onwards

Sauber has confirmed on Friday (5/10/13) that they will continue using Ferrari V6 Turbo engines into the 2014 season on a multi-year deal that will see it continue to make use of Ferrari's full powertrain, which includes engine, gearbox and energy recovery systems.



In my opinion, this is no major surprise that the team will continue using Ferrari engines. As Sauber has a long history with Ferrari having used the Italian manufacturer's engines since 1997 (expect between 2006-09 as BMW owned Sauber and used BMW engines instead).

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

Confirmed: Marussia retains Jules Bianchi for 2014

Early in the week (3/10/13), Marussia confirmed they will retain Jules Bianchi for the 2014 Formula 1 season.



This is a very good decision from Marussia to keep Jules Bianchi for another season at least in my opinion as he's a talent driver. Also, the deal from early in the season that Marussia will be powered by Ferrari turbo engines from the 2014 Formula 1 season onwards. So, keeping a talented Ferrari development driver was an easy choice for the Marussia team.

As his team-mate for next season, it would be more than likely be his current team-mate this season Max Chilton, unless something changes.

End of post for now, new post soon, bye.

F1 2013 Korean Grand Prix Predictions

Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix at Korea International Circuit in Yeongam, South Jeolla. Sebastian Vettel for the win in his Red Bull, Fernando Alonso second in his Ferrari, and Nico Rosberg third in the Mercedes. Don't forget Mark Webber, Felipe Massa, Lewis Hamilton, the two Lotus drivers, or even the two McLaren drivers either for a podium position.

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

Top Six Ford Race/Rally Cars, Celebrating Henry Ford's 150th Birthday

If he lived on, this year would be Henry Ford's 150th Birthday. As so, this post is the Top Six Ford Race/Rally Cars from Ford's history.



This list does not includes any Formula One cars, Indy Cars, NASCAR's, Aussie V8s or joint race cars with other manufacters such as the Lotus Cortina. So basicly 100% Fords, starting with Number Six:

Number 6: Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Story: Ten WRC wins altogether, eight in Group A form, and two in World Rally Car spec.





Number 5: Ford Focus RS WRC
Story: Replaced the old Escort WRC back in 1999. Took 44 WRC wins in twelve seasons altogether in the WRC in the hands of Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, Markko Märtin, Marcus Grönholm, Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala. Close to few WRC Drivers titles but not close enough. But, the Ford Focus RS WRC did took Ford to two WRC Manufacture titles in hands of Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen in 2006 and 2007.



Number 4: 1999-2000 Ford Mondeo
Story: Prodrive replaced West Surrey Racing as Ford's works British Touring Car Championship team dubbed "Ford Team Mondeo". Designed by Prodrive themselves, Ford and Prodrive only managed one win for the Mondeo in 1999. Then in 2000, eleven wins overall, Touring Teams Champions, Manufacturers Champions, and British Touring Car Champion for Alain Menu too. Also, this was the last of the winning cars that won in the Supertouring car era too.





Number 3: 1987-1990 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth
Story: The Sierra RS500 Cosworth was designed for Group A racing, the rear-wheel drive machine almost won the World Touring Car Championship in 1987. Sierra RS500 did took outright British Touring Car Championship for Robb Gravett in his Trakstar Motorsport team. And for Dick Johnson too in 1988 and 1989 in the Australian Touring Car Championship with his own team Dick Johnson Racing, which also includes two Bathurst 1000 wins in 1988 and 1989 as-well. All in all, the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth will be the most successful touring car that Ford has ever produced.





Number 2: Ford Escort RS1800
Story: The original Ford Escort is possibly the best rally car Ford has ever created. Rear wheel drive, the RS1800 took twenty WRC wins between the mid 1970s through to the early 1980s. One manufacture title in 1979 for Ford and two WRC driver titles in 1979 for Björn Waldegård, and in 1981 for Ari Vatanen.



Number 1: 1966-69 Ford GT40
Story: The Ford GT40 will properly be the most iconic of the Ford cars in this list. The original Ford GT40 was designed and developed by Lola designers in 1963 with the Ford 4.2 litre V8 included. Then in 1964, Carroll Shelby took over the project put in his tuned Shelby Ford 7.0 litre V8 engine inside the Ford GT40 Mark IV, while later Ford GT40 Mark I and II models had the smaller Ford 4.9 litre V8 engine. The Ford GT40 took victory in the 1966 race with Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon as drivers to give Ford a one-two-three finish. While in 1967, Dan Gurney and A. J. Foyt took victory inside the Ford GT40. In 1968, Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi took victory. And finally in 1969, Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver took the final victory for the Ford GT40 at the 24 hours of Le Mans. To give the Ford GT40 the best Ford Race/Rally car ever.





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