It's has been twenty years this year of the passing of Ayrton Senna, from an accident at the San Marino Grand Prix were Senna crashed his Williams at Tumbrello on lap seven of the race. He would have been 54, if he was still here around today. So this post is the Top six Formula 1 great drivers after Ayrton Senna passing from the last twenty years.
Starting with Number Six:
Number 6: Kimi Raikkonen
Story: Only had 23 car races to his credit before his career in F1. Kimi Raikkonen was the surprise choice for driving for Sauber in 2001. Took a point in his first race at the Australian Grand Prix. Replaced Mika Hakkinen at McLaren a season later, taking nine Grand Prix wins between 2002-2006 at Mclaren. Then move to Ferrari in 2007 and took the driver's title in his first season at Ferrari and two constructors championships as-well, took nine wins between 2007-2009 at Ferrari. Then quit Formula 1 for two season to go rallying with Citroen.
And return to Formula 1 with Lotus, taking two more wins between 2012-2013 at Lotus. And now returned to Ferrari this season. Overall, Kimi Raikkonen have took twenty Grand Prix wins and a drivers world championship too in his F1 career so far.
Number 5: Damon Hill
Story: Was Senna team-mate at Williams for his last three Grand Prixs' in 1994. Started his F1 career at the age of 32 at Brabham in 1992. Then move over to Williams drive in 1993, taking twenty one Grand Prix wins at Williams between 1993-1996. Which includes three constructors championships for Williams and the 1996 drivers title, becoming the only son of a world champion to win the title (Graham Hill 1962, 1968). Then moved over to Arrows in 1997. And then move again to Jordan in 1998 taking a Grand Prix win, and then retiring at the end of the 1999 F1 season. Overall, Damon Hill have took twenty-one Grand Prix wins and a drivers world championship too in his F1 career.
Number 4: Mika Hakkinen
Story: Was Senna team-mate at McLaren for the final three Grand Prixs' in 1993. Started his F1 career at Team Lotus in 1991. Then moved over to Mclaren in 1993 as their test driver until Michael Andretti was sacked after the Italian Grand Prix that season. Overall, Hakkinen took twenty Grand Prix wins between 1993-2001 at McLaren, which includes one constructors championship for Mclaren and the 1998 and 1999 drivers titles. Mika Hakkinen retired after the 2001 season with McLaren.
After retiring from Formula One, Hakkinen drove in the DTM series, in which he won three races with Mercedes before announcing his retirement from competitive motorsports in 2007. Overall, Mika Hakkinen have took twenty Grand Prix wins and a two drivers world championships too in his F1 career.
Number 3: Fernando Alonso
Story: Despite taking no points in his first season in 2001, Fernando Alonso was very impressive that season. In a very underpowered Minardi that season, Alonso was the third-youngest driver ever to start a Formula 1 race when he made his debut for Minardi. Took a reserve drive at Renault in 2002, before being promoted as a race driver at Renault a year later. Then at that seasons, Alonso became the youngest driver to win a Formula one race at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Then in 2005, Alonso became the youngest F1 world champion in the sport's history taking the record from Emerson Fittipaldi. Then repeat it in 2006 once again. Also, taking two constructors championships for Renault. Then move to McLaren in 2007 and almost winning the driver's title in his first season at McLaren by one point to Kini Raikkonen after an all season war between team-mate Lewis Hamilton on and off the track. Returned to Renault in 2008 taking two more wins. Then moving to Ferrari in 2010 and almost taking the driver's title in his first season at Ferrari. Then missed out again for the divers title in 2012 as-well for Ferrari. Overall, Fernando Alonso have took thirty-two Grand Prix wins and two drivers world championship too in his F1 career so far.
Number 2: Sebastian Vettel
Story: Started his Formula 1 career as a test-driver at BMW-Sauber in 2006, then replace Robert Kubica for one race at the United States Grand Prix after Kubica's heavy crash at the Canadian Grand Prix, took a point on his debut becoming the youngest driver ever to score a point in F1. Then at the Hungarian Grand Prix, replace Scott Speed at Toro Rosso. Then in 2008, at the Italian Grand Prix, Vettel became the youngest driver in history taking it from Fernando Alonso to win a Formula One Grand Prix. Moved over to Red Bull Racing in 2009 and the rest is history. Then in 2010 Vettel became the youngest F! world champion in the sport's history once again taking it from Fernando Alonso. Which he continued in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to collect three more drivers titles, which includes four back to back constructors championships for Red Bull. Overall, Sebastian Vettel have took thirty-nine Grand Prix wins and four drivers world championship too in his F1 career so far.
Number 1: Michael Schumacher
Story: Started his Formula 1 career at Jordan in 1991, replacing the imprisoned Bertrand Gachot. Then in his debut race at the Belgium Grand Prix qualifying in seventh and out-qualified 11-year veteran team-mate Andrea de Cesaris, retired on the first lap of the race with clutch problems. Then at the next race at the Italian Grand Prix, went to Benetton replacing the sacked Roberto Moreno and scored points it that race as-well. Then in 1992, went on to take his first victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, in a wet race at the Spa. Then in 1994, taking his first driver's title. Then repeat it in 1995 once again with a constructors championship for Benetton that year. Then moved to Ferrari in 1996. Almost won the drivers title in 1997, then almost again in 1998. Then in 2000 won his third divers title and Ferrari's first for over 20 years since 1979. Which he continued in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 to collect four more drivers titles, which includes six back to back constructors championships for Ferrari. Retired at the end of the 2006 F1 season after 16 seasons of Formula 1.
And then return to Formula 1 with Mercedes, taking only a podium finish between 2010-2012. And finally retired at the end of the 2012 F1 season after 19 seasons of Formula 1. Overall, Michael Schumacher have took ninety-one Grand Prix wins and seven drivers world championship too in his F1 career. To give Michael Schumacher the best driver after Ayrton Senna passing.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
It's has been twenty years this year of the passing of Ayrton Senna, from an accident at the San Marino Grand Prix were Senna crashed his Williams at Tumbrello on lap seven of the race. He would have been 54, if he was still around today. So this post is the Top six Formula 1 race cars that Ayrton Senna have driven.
Starting with Number 6:
Number 6: 1984 Toleman TG184
Story: Toleman TG184 was designed by Rory Byrne and Pat Symonds. The TG184 was powered by the 4-clyinder turbocharged Hart engine which produced approximately 600 bhp. The Toleman TG184 took Ayrton Senna to two third place finished at Brands Hatch and Estoril. And also a second place finished at Monaco. The Toleman TG184 took to Toleman to seventh place in the Constructors standings in 1984, and Ayrton Senna to ninth place in the drivers' championship.
Number 5: 1987 Lotus 99T
Story: Lotus 99T was designed by Gérard Ducarouge and the first Formula 1 and Lotus chassis to be fitted with electronic active suspension. Also, the Lotus 99T had the Honda 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath, which produce over 1000 bhp in qualifying and around 790 bhp in race pace. The Lotus 99T took Ayrton Senna to third place in the drivers' championship, and took Lotus to third in the Constructors standings in 1987 and took two wins for Ayrton Senna at Monaco, Detroit and the final Grand prix win for Team Lotus.
Number 4: 1993 McLaren MP4/8
Story: McLaren MP4/8 was designed by Neil Oatley. The McLaren MP4/8 had the all new a Ford HBD7 3.5 V8, after the loss of the Honda deal, the McLaren MP4/8 has advanced racecar technology, including a semi-automatic transmission, active suspension and traction control systems. The McLaren MP4/8 took five Grand Prix wins in 1993, five for Ayrton Senna which includes race wins at Sao Paulo, Monaco, Suzuka, Adelaide, and Donington Park. The McLaren MP4/8 took to McLaren to second place in the Constructors standings in 1993, and Ayrton Senna to second place in the drivers' championship.
Number 3: 1991-92 McLaren MP4/6
Story: The McLaren MP4/6 was designed by Neil Oatley. The McLaren MP4/6 had the all new Honda 3.5 litre V12. The McLaren MP4/6 took eight Grand Prix wins in 1991, seven for Ayrton Senna and one for Gerhard Berger. Also, McLaren MP4/6 took the 1991 constructors' title for McLaren in 1991 and the drivers' title for Ayrton Senna in 1991, and Ayrton Senna's last of his drivers' titles as-well.
Number 2: 1989-90 McLaren MP4/5
Story: The McLaren MP4/5 was designed by Gordon Murray, Steve Nichols and Neil Oatley. And it's the first of the non turbo Honda F1 cars, the MP4/5 had the Honda 3.5 litre V10 producing around 680 bhp. The McLaren MP4/5 took two constructor titles' in 1989 and 1990 and two drivers titles' with Alain Prost in 1989 (Senna was second in the drivers' championship that season), and with Ayrton Senna in 1990. Sixteen Grand Prix wins in those two seasons, four for Alain Prost and twelve for Ayrton Senna and controversy in-between those two drivers.
Number 1: 1988 McLaren MP4/4
Story: The McLaren MP4/4 will be possibly the best McLaren car that have been created from the team and possibly the most dominant racing car in Formula 1 history. The McLaren MP4/4 was design by Gordon Murray. The McLaren MP4/4 has the famous Honda 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath the McLaren MP4/4, the last of the turbos in Formula 1 (until next season that is) which produce over 1000 bhp in qualifying and around 790 bhp in race pace. Which, McLaren took fifteen victories from sixteen races in 1988, eight for Ayrton Senna and seven for Alain Prost, including ten 1-2 finishes, fifteen Poles which Senna took thirteen poles that season. Finally gives McLaren the Constructors Championship in 1998 and Ayrton Senna to the Drivers Championship in 1988 as-well.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
This Wednesday coming up (30/4/14) and Thursday (1/5/14) it will be 20 years that Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna has past away from us, from the accidents at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994 were Ratzenberger crashed his Simtek at Villenunve in Qualifying and Senna crashed his Williams at Tumbrello in the race itself. Both would have been 53 if there still around today. So for this post remembering both Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.
First for Roland a two minute YouTube footage from his BTCC days in Brands Hatch 1988, in his BMW M3 (the red car), battling against 1988 BTCC champion Frank Sytner, who also in a BMW M3 (the white car) with commentary from Murray Walker.
As for Senna, there is a good YouTube video below of the late three times Formula 1 World Champion having an interview before the 1990 Australian Grand Prix with former three times Formula 1 World Champion Jackie Stewart as the interviewee, with some famous quotes about his views on racing. Enjoy.
The sport has change since their deaths, with the safety of both cars and tracks to improve safety year after year. So never forget Ayrton and Roland, both are still missed throughout the world of motor-racing in general.
Review of the third round of the 2014 MotoGP season at Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero in North Argentina.
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 Márquez on his works Honda RC213V. Second place was the other Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedorsa in his works Honda RC213V to give Honda a second one-two race finish of the season, he was under two seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was three seconds behind Márquez at the end.
In Open class (Full control ECU system, hardware and software), the Drive M7 Aspar rider Hiroshi Aoyama won Open class and finished tenth overall on his Honda RCV1000R, he was 43 seconds behind Márquez at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Marc VDS Racing Team rider of Esteve Rabat on the Kalex. Second was Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider of Xavier Siméon on the Suter, he was two seconds behind Rabat at the end of the race. While, third was Pons HP 40 rider of Luis Salom on the Kalex, he was under four seconds behind Rabat at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Romano Fenati on the KTM. Second was Estrella Galicia rider Álex Márquez on the Honda, he was only a tenth of a second behind Fenati at the end of the race. While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Jack Miller on the KTM, he was only half a second behind Fenati at the end of the race.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Review of Round Two of the 2014 World Touring Car Championship season was the Race of France, at Circuit Paul Ricard, in Southern France.
In the first race, Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC champion Yvan Muller took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver Sébastien Loeb in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC for another Citroën one-two in the race, he was twelve seconds behind Muller in the end. While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Gabriele Tarquini in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was fifteen seconds behind Muller in the end.
Meanwhile in TC2 class (the old s2000 cars such as BMW 320 TC, SEAT León WTCC and so forth), was won by Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver Franz Engstler in his BMW 320 TC. He finished in sixteenth place overall and 1 minute and 46 seconds behind Muller in the end.
While in the second race, it was Citroën Total WTCC driver José María López took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver current WTCC champion Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC for once-again another Citroën one-two in the race, he was under two seconds behind López in the end. While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was under eight seconds behind López in the end.
Meanwhile in TC2 class, was won by Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver Franz Engstler in his BMW 320 TC. He finished in sixteenth place overall and 44 seconds behind López in the end.
Next stop Race of Hungary at the Hungaroring for Round Three of the 2014 World Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Review of Round Two of the 2014 British Touring Car Championship season was at Donington Park's National Circuit, in Leicestershire.
In the first race, MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save driver Jason Plato took the race win in his MG6 GT. Second was MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save driver Sam Tordoff in his MG6 GT to take a MG one-two finish, he was four tenths of a second behind Plato in the end. While third place was Pirtek Racing driver and 2013 BTCC Champion Andrew Jordan in his Honda Civic and also took Independents class too, he was six seconds behind Plato in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save driver Sam Tordoff took the race win in his MG6 GT. Second was MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save driver Jason Plato in his MG6 GT to take another MG one-two finish, he was a second behind Tordoff in the end. While third place was Honda Yuasa Racing driver Gordon Shedden in his Honda Civic Tourer, he was two and a half seconds behind Tordoff in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Pirtek Racing driver and 2013 BTCC Champion Andrew Jordan in his Honda Civic, he finished in forth place and was three and a half seconds behind Tordoff in the end.
While in the third race, Honda Yuasa Racing driver Gordon Shedden took the race win in his Honda Civic Tourer and a first for an estate car in BTCC history as-well. Second was eBay Motors driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport and also took Independents class too, he was half a second behind Shedden in the end. While third place was Honda Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Tourer, he was four seconds behind Shedden in the end.
Next stop Thruxton for Round Three of the 2014 British Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Review of Round one of the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone.
The Toyota Racing team won the race overall and the LMP1-H class too of Anthony Davidson, Sébastien Buemi and Nicolas Lapierre in their Toyota TS040 Hybrid. While, the second Toyota of Alexander Wurz, Stéphane Sarrazin and Kazuki Nakajima took second place in their Toyota TS040 Hybrid. To give Toyota an one-two finish, they were a lap behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Porsche Team of Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley in their Porsche 919 Hybrid, they were two laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP1-L class (a new category this season, designed solely for privateers without hybrid systems in their cars), the Rebellion Racing team of Nicolas Prost, Nick Heidfeld and Mathias Beche in their Lola B12/60 with a Toyota RV8KLM 3.4 L V8 engine won LMP1-L class class. They finish in fourth place overall and they were eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class, the G-Drive Racing team of Roman Rusinov, Olivier Pla and Julien Canal in their Morgan LMP2 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class. They finish in fifth place overall and they were thirteen laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by Porsche Team Manthey team of Marco Holzer, Frédéric Makowiecki and Richard Lietz won in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in seventh place overall and they were twenty laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of David Heinemeier Hansson, Kristian Poulsen and Nicki Thiim in their Aston Martin Vantage GTE. They finish in fifteenth place overall and they were twenty-three laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Silverstone below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Spa in three weeks time for round two of the FIA World Endurance Championship. End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
2014 Chinese Grand Prix Review of the fourth round of the 2014 F1 season at Shanghai International Circuit, on the outskirts of Shanghai, and thoughts on the race as well.
Good Race
- Mercedes (Lewis Hamilton, pole, fastest lap, and race win; Nico Rosberg, finished 2nd)
- Fernando Alonso (finished 3rd)
- Red Bull Racing (Daniel Ricciardo, finished 4th; Sebastian Vettel, finished 5th)
- Force India (Nico Hülkenberg, finished 6th; Sergio Pérez, finished 9th)
- Valtteri Bottas (finished 7th)
- Daniil Kvyat (finished 10th)
- Jules Bianchi (finished 17th, ahead of team-mate Max Chilton, and the two Caterham drivers)
Bad Race
- Kimi Räikkönen (finished 8th, nearly a minute behind team-mate Fernando Alonso at the end of the rrace)
- McLaren (Jenson Button, finished 11th, lap down; Kevin Magnussen, finished 13th, lap down)
- Filipe Massa (finished 15th, lap down, a bad first pit-stop in the race)
- Romain Grosjean (DNF, Gearbox)
- Adrian Sutil (DNF, Engine)
Overall, I thought it wasn't that a good race to watch. But, Lewis Hamilton had a great race for him and Mercedes, on pole from Saturday's qualifying; lead the race since from start to finish, to conclude with a race win. His first third race win of the season.
While, team-mate Nico Rosberg finished in second place once again to give Mercedes another one-two finish.
And the first time that a manufacture taking three one-two finishes in a row since Ferrari in the 2004 season; where Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello taking three one-two finishes in a row at the European Grand Prix, Canadian Grand Prix and United States Grand Prix that season.
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari finish on the final step of the podium in third place. The first Ferrari and Fernando Alonso podium of the season.
Next stop Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Spanish Grnad Prix in three weeks time.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Peugeot Sport has revealed the first pictures of its 2008 DKR on Tuesday (15/4/14), which the French manufacture hopes will help it recapture former Dakar glories from the late eighties.
Based on the Peugeot 2008 Crossover. The 2008 DKR, to be driven by Carlos Sainz, Stephane Peterhansel and Cyril Despres, will run in two-wheel drive rather than four-wheel drive configuration, due to more technical South American stages that the Peugeot 2008 DKR can use bigger wheels and also to benefit from more suspension travel.
Also, the Peugeot 2008 DKR will race on 37-inch Michelin tyres. And Red Bull and French oil brand Total is also involved in the project as-well.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
The new Rebellion Racing R-One World Endurance Championship LMP1-L challenger ran for the first time at Paul Ricard on Wednesday (16/4/14) was described as a "successful shakedown".
The privateer team, will start the WEC season opener at Silverstone this weekend with the Lola B12/60-Toyota, follows a series of delays with the new R-One.
It is planned that the R-One will make its debut at the second round of the WEC at Spa in three weeks time after further testing at Ricard at the end of next week.
French manufacturer ORECA will design and developing on the new Rebellion R-One. And will use the same version of the Super GT-based 3.4-litre V8 the team currently uses for the Lola B12/60-Toyota which produces over 500 bhp.
ORECA boss Hugues de Chaunac described the test of the car, his company's first completed ground-up LMP design, as a "proud moment".
Meanwhile, Kodewa-based Lotus squad's new T129 LMP1-L World Endurance Championship challenger will miss the opening round of the series at Silverstone.
The team is moving up from LMP2 for this season, has been forced to scratch its solo entry from the British round after delays completing the AER-engined in their T129 LMP1 race car and is now planning to give the car its debut at round two at Spa in three weeks time. The reason the T129 will not race because they were "let down by our original engine supplier."
The original plan was to use a Neil Brown Engineering planned to developed out of the four-litre V8 Audi DTM engine, but could not deliver the engine on time. Instead they will use a new 2 litre twin-turbo V6 produced by AER (Advanced Engine Research) that forced a substantial redesign of the rear end of the car, including the monocoque.
When the car will be available in Spa, the new Lotus T129 will be driven by former F1 driver Christijan Albers, Pierre Kaffer and Christophe Bouchut. And then, Christijan Albers, Thomas Holzer and James Rossiter for the rest of the World Endurance Championship season.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Review of the second round of the 2014 MotoGP season at Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas in USA. And the news of Colin Edwards retring at the end of the MotoGP season.
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 Márquez on his works Honda RC213V. Second place was the other Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedorsa in his works Honda RC213V to give Honda an one-two race finish, he was four seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, third was Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso in his works Ducati Desmosedici GP14, the first Ducati MotoGP podium since September 2012, he was 21 seconds behind Márquez at the end.
In Open class (Full control ECU system, hardware and software), the NGM Forward Racing rider Aleix Espargaró won Open class and finished ninth overall on his FTR-Yamaha YZR-M1, he was under 47 seconds behind Márquez at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Tuenti HP 40 rider Maverick Viñales on the Kalex. Second was Marc VDS Racing rider of Esteve Rabat on the Kalex, he was over 4 second behind Viñales at the end. While, third was Technomag carXpert rider Dominique Aegerter on the Suter, he was over 7 seconds behind Viñales at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Jack Miller on the KTM. Second was Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Romano Fenati on the KTM, he was only 7 hundredths of a second behind Miller at the end of the race. While, third was axoPrint–RTG rider Efrén Vázquez on the Honda, he was only 17 hundredths of a second behind Miller at the end of the race.
Before the race weekend started (10/4/14), it was annocened that NGM Forward Racing rider Colin Edwards will retire from racing at the end of the 2014 MotoGP season.
The 40-year-old made the announcement during the pre-event press conference ahead of his home round in Austin.
Possibly the right time for Edwards to retire that the end of the season. Which includes, a great pre-MotoGP before that with two World Superbike tiles in 2000 and 2002 with Honda. To finish with twelve podiums finishes in MotoGP. That almost include a famous win at the 2006 Dutch TT, where a battle between him and Nicky Hayden throughout the race, when on the last lap when leading he crashed on the final corner and finished in thirteenth place.
One final season to go for one of the most loved MotoGP characters on the grid Colin Edwards, and he will be truly missed.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Review of Round One of the 2014 World Touring Car Championship season was the Race of Morocco, on the Marrakech Street Circuit in Marrakech, Morocco.
In the first race, Citroën Total WTCC driver José María López took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver Sébastien Loeb in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was seven-tenths of a second behind López in the end. While third place was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC champion Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC to concluded a Citroën podium whitewash finish in Citroën's first WTCC race, he was one and half a second behind López in the end.
Meanwhile in TC2 class (the old s2000 cars such as BMW 320 TC, SEAT León WTCC and so forth), was won by Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver Franz Engstler in his BMW 320 TC. He finished in twelfth place overall and 74 seconds behind López in the end.
While in the second race, it was Citroën Total WTCC driver Sébastien Loeb took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver José María López in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC for a Citroën one-two in the race, he was four seconds behind Loeb in the end. While third place was Campos Racing driver Hugo Valente in his Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1, he was over seven seconds behind Loeb in the end.
Meanwhile in TC2 class, was won by Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver Franz Engstler in his BMW 320 TC. He finished in seventh place overall and 39 seconds behind Loeb in the end.
Next stop Race of France at Circuit Paul Ricard for Round Two of the 2014 World Touring Car Championship season in a weeks time.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Review of Round three of the 2014 United SportsCar Championship at Long Beach Street Circuit.
Chip Ganassi Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in their Riley DP, Ford Ecoboost 3.5 L V6. While, Wayne Taylor Racing team finished second place in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Jordan Taylor, and Ricky Taylor; they were seven tenths of a second behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Action Express Racing team finished third place in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of João Barbosa, and Christian Fittipaldi; they were 4.2 seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Corvette Racing won GT Le Mans Class and finished in eighth place overall in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R; with the drivers of Antonio García and Jan Magnussen; they were 2 laps behind the leaders.
While both Prototype Challenge Class and GT Daytona Class did not participate for this race.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Gene Haas, co-owner of title-winning NASCAR outfit Stewart-Haas Racing, has been given the right to join the Formula 1 grid from the 2015 campaign onwards, the FIA announced on Friday afternoon (11/4/14).
The team has just over nine months from now to produce a car to take part in the pre-season tests ahead of the 2015 season.
Haas will be the first new team to join F1 since Caterham came on board in 2010. And the first American Formula 1 team to compete since the unrelated Haas Lola outfit raced in the 1985 and 1986 seasons.
No word yet on details of Haas’ plans, Haas Racing Developments headquarters will be in Kannapolis, North Carolina, alongside NASCAR Sprint Cup sister team Stewart-Haas Racing, but the two teams will be treated as separate bodies with a European base for the European rounds.
Gunter Steiner, formerly of Jaguar Racing and Red Bull would be Team principal. With Italian chassis manufacturer Dallara possibly designing the car. While Ferrari or Mercedes, more likely Ferrari power could power the cars.
Good decision from the FIA to pick Hass, a way much better choice then USF1 who failed to enter the F1 grid in 2010. Lets hope Haas Racing Developments makes their way and prove people wrong that an American team can enter into Formula 1.
With the announcemant that Haas Racing Developments will be the twelfth team in Formula 1 in 2015. There could be even a thirteenth team in Formula 1 in 2015 with former Midland and HRT front man Colin Kolles heading another bid with his own team Kodewa, who builds the Lotus LMP2 cars in FIA World Endurance Championship series.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round 4 of Rally de Portugal.
Last weekends was the forth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally de Portugal (3rd-6th April) was won by current WRC Champion Sébastien Ogier in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, to win the rally overall. While, M-Sport World Rally Team leader Mikko Hirvonen finished in second place in the Ford Fiesta RS WRC. Hirvonen was 43 seconds behind Ogier at the end. Meanwhile, Mads Østberg, finished in third place in the works Citroën DS3 WRC. Østberg was 72 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 Nasser Al-Attiyah in his own backed Ford Fiesta RRC. Nasser Al-Attiyah finished in ninth place overall, he was over 10 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Stéphane Lefebvre in his own backed Citroën DS3 R3T. Stéphane Lefebvre finished in twenty-seventh place overall, he was over 29 minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
On Monday morning (14/4/13) it was announce that Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali has resigned from his role as Team Principal of the team with immediate effect. The team have struggled this season, failing to register a podium finish in the first three races.
He will be replaced by Marco Mattiacci who is the current president of Ferrari North America, Stefano Domenicali had been in charge since replacing Jean Todt in 2008.
In Stefano Domenicali time as Team Principal at Ferrari took one Constructors championships in 2008, and missing out three drivers titles with Felipe Massa in 2008 and Fernando Alonso in 2010 and 2012.
Domenicali, who had been with the Italian team for 23 years in various roles, added: "This decision has been taken with the aim of doing something to shake things up."
Right decision? not so sure, Stefano Domenicali did the toughest job of replacing Jean Todt who took Ferrari to seven Constructors championships and seven Drivers titles with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Räikkönen and did took the toughest job of any Team Principal in Formula 1 and that is at Ferrari.
And if Stefano Domenicali had a bit of luck at the final races, Stefano Domenicali could have took have Three Drivers Titles his job wouldn't be highly question as-well. But, it would be time will tell if Stefano Domenicali did the right thing and quit his Team Principal role at Ferrari. As new Team Principal Marco Mattiacci toughest job of any Team Principal in Formula 1 and that is managing Ferrari expectations.
So what's next for Stefano Domenicali? Who knows.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit, on the outskirts of Shanghai.
And so predictions for the race itself, and surprise surprise another Mercedes victory for Lewis Hamilton, team-mate Nico Rosberg second in the other Mercedes. And finally third for Valtteri Bottas in the Williams. Don't forget Felipe Massa, the two Red Bull drivers, the two McLaren drivers or the two Force India drivers either for a podium place as-well.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Third post of the F1 season. A quick review of the Bahrain Grand Prix, thoughts on the race itself.
Good race
Mercedes (Lewis Hamilton, race win; Nico Rosberg, finished 2nd)
Force India (Sergio Perez, finished 3rd; Nico Hulkenberg, finished 5th)
Red Bull Racing (Daniel Ricciardo, finished 4th; Sebastian Vettel, finished 6th)
Williams (Filipe Massa, finished 7th; Valtteri Bottas, finished 8th)
Max Chilton (finished 13th, ahead of Pastor Maldonado, Kamui Kobayashi, and team-mate Jules Bianchi)
Bad race
Ferrari (Fernando Alonso, finished 9th, Kimi Räikkönen finished 10th)
McLaren (Kevin Magnussen, DNF, Clutch; Jenson Button, DNF, Clutch)
Pastor Maldonado (Collision with Esteban Gutierrez in the race, ten second penalty and five grid penalty for China as-well)
Sauber (Adrian Sutil, DNF, collision damaged with Jules Bianchi; Esteban Gutierrez, DNF, Collision with Pastor Maldonado)
Jean-Éric Vergne (DNF, collision damaged with Pastor Maldonado)
Marcus Ericsson (DNF, oil leak)
The race itself was the best race Of the season so far. A touch race win for Lewis Hamilton with 10 laps to go when Hamilton was leading comfortably, Pastor Maldonado crashed into Esteban Gutierrez Sauber to deploy the safety car. With ten laps to go, then a Mercedes drivers war for the win between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. To conclude with Lewis Hamilton winning his second race win of the season, ahead of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg by one second.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez in the Force India finish on the final step of the podium in third place. The first Force India podium since Giancarlo Fisichella at the Belgium Grand Prix in 2009.
Next stop Shanghai in two weeks time.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Former F1 champion Michael Schumacher is showing "moments of consciousness" after months in a coma, his agent has said.
Sabine Kehm said in a statement to the media that he was "making progress", adding that they remain "confident".
Doctors in France have been working to bring the seven-time champion out of a medically induced coma.
The 45-year-old suffered a severe head injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps on 29 December.
"We are on his side during his long and difficult fight, together with the team of the hospital in Grenoble," Ms Kehm said in the statement.
"We would like to thank you all for the continuous sympathies. At the same time we again ask for understanding that we do not intend to disclose details."
Last month Schumacher's relatives said in a statement that he had been showing "small, encouraging signs".
Investigators probing the accident said Schumacher had been going at the speed of "a very good skier" at the time of his crash in the resort of Meribel.
He had been skiing off-piste when he fell and hit a rock, investigators said.
Experts reconstructed events leading up to the crash after examining Schumacher's skiing equipment and viewing footage filmed on a camera attached to his helmet.
Review of Round One of the 2014 British Touring Car Championship season was at Brands Hatch's Indy Circuit, in Kent.
In the first race, Pirtek Racing driver and 2013 BTCC Champion Andrew Jordan took the race win in his Honda Civic and also took Independents class too. Second was MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save driver Jason Plato in his MG6 GT, he was half a second behind Jordan in the end. While third place was Honda Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Tourer, he was nine seconds behind Jordan in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, it was once again Pirtek Racing driver Andrew Jordan took the race win in his Honda Civic and also took Independents class too. Second was Honda Yuasa Racing driver Gordon Shedden in his Honda Civic Tourer, he was half a second behind Jordan in the end. While third place was eBay Motors driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was seven tenths of a second behind Jordan in the end.
While in the third race, eBay Motors driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport and also took Independents class too. Second was Honda Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Tourer, he was eleven tenths of a second behind Turkington in the end. While third place was MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save driver Jason Plato in his MG6 GT, he was one and half a second behind Turkington in the end.
Next stop Donington Park for Round Two of the 2014 British Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
End of post/blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
