Bye.
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Happy Christmas for 2015
Basically the last post for 2015 as I am taking a few weeks off with my family and try to enjoy Christmas. All that means is a Happy Christmas/Holidays to you all and see you in 2016.
Bye.
Bye.
Five predictions from 2015, did I got any of them right?
During my first post of 2015. I did a post on five racing predictions for 2015, and the post was really a fun post on five predictions that may happen in 2015. But the main question is did I got any right? let see:
Number 1, Citroen to win at least one rally in WRC this season.
First prediction was Right. As it did happen with Citroen with Kris Meeke winning the Rally Argentina back in late April for Kris Meeke first WRC win.
Number 2, Daniil Kvyat to win a Grand Prix by this seasons British Grand Prix.
No Grand Prix win before Silverstone for Daniil Kvyat. Best finish was a fourth place finish at Monaco before this seasons British Grand Prix. But, his best finish was at the Hungarian Grand Prix were Kvyat finished in second place ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo. I got a prediction Wrong.
Number 3, Suzuki to take a podium or two in MotoGP this season.
No podium this season for the works Suzuki team this season in MotoGP. Best position for a Suzuki was three sixth place finishes between Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales. Despite Aleix Espargaro took a pole position for the new Suzuki GSX-RR at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in mid-June. So once again I got another prediction Wrong.
Number 4, Porsche to win 2015 Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles in 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship season
Second prediction I got Right. Porsche did win this seasons Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles with Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley behind the wheel. While Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy and Nico Hülkenberg won this years 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Porsche 919 Hybrid. Basically, a great year for Porsche in Endurance racing.
Number 5, Williams, McLaren and Ferrari will win a race each in 2015.
Yes Ferrari did win three Grand Prixs with Sebastian Vettel this season. But, Williams didn't win a Grand Prix this season, with Williams only managing four third place finishes between Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas. While McLaren wasn't even close to a Grand Prix win, with Fernando Alonso taking McLaren best finish with a fifth place finish in Hungary. So once again I got another prediction Wrong.
So basically I got two out of five predictions right. More fun predictions in 2016.
End of post for now, new post soon, bye.
Number 1, Citroen to win at least one rally in WRC this season.
First prediction was Right. As it did happen with Citroen with Kris Meeke winning the Rally Argentina back in late April for Kris Meeke first WRC win.
Number 2, Daniil Kvyat to win a Grand Prix by this seasons British Grand Prix.
No Grand Prix win before Silverstone for Daniil Kvyat. Best finish was a fourth place finish at Monaco before this seasons British Grand Prix. But, his best finish was at the Hungarian Grand Prix were Kvyat finished in second place ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo. I got a prediction Wrong.
Number 3, Suzuki to take a podium or two in MotoGP this season.
No podium this season for the works Suzuki team this season in MotoGP. Best position for a Suzuki was three sixth place finishes between Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales. Despite Aleix Espargaro took a pole position for the new Suzuki GSX-RR at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in mid-June. So once again I got another prediction Wrong.
Number 4, Porsche to win 2015 Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles in 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship season
Second prediction I got Right. Porsche did win this seasons Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles with Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley behind the wheel. While Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy and Nico Hülkenberg won this years 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Porsche 919 Hybrid. Basically, a great year for Porsche in Endurance racing.
Number 5, Williams, McLaren and Ferrari will win a race each in 2015.
Yes Ferrari did win three Grand Prixs with Sebastian Vettel this season. But, Williams didn't win a Grand Prix this season, with Williams only managing four third place finishes between Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas. While McLaren wasn't even close to a Grand Prix win, with Fernando Alonso taking McLaren best finish with a fifth place finish in Hungary. So once again I got another prediction Wrong.
So basically I got two out of five predictions right. More fun predictions in 2016.
End of post for now, new post soon, bye.
It's Official - Nissan quits World Endurance Championship
It was confirmed on Tuesday (22/12/15), that Nissan has axed its LMP1 programme with immediate effect and withdrawn from next year's World Endurance Championship.
A statement from Nissan stated that it had been concluded that the Nissan GT-R LM Nismo programme "would not be able to reach its ambitions".
It stated that it had "worked diligently to bring the vehicle up to the desired performance level".
The latest decision follows its withdrawal from the second half of this season's WEC after the cars disastrous debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in Mid-June.
In my opinion, not a major surprise this has happen as I said in a previous post, that my guess they may pull out of the series after missing the second half of the WEC season. Now with Nissan withdrawing from the WEC, that leaves only Porsche, Audi and Toyota as the only manufactures in LMP1 class next season.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
A statement from Nissan stated that it had been concluded that the Nissan GT-R LM Nismo programme "would not be able to reach its ambitions".
It stated that it had "worked diligently to bring the vehicle up to the desired performance level".
The latest decision follows its withdrawal from the second half of this season's WEC after the cars disastrous debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in Mid-June.
In my opinion, not a major surprise this has happen as I said in a previous post, that my guess they may pull out of the series after missing the second half of the WEC season. Now with Nissan withdrawing from the WEC, that leaves only Porsche, Audi and Toyota as the only manufactures in LMP1 class next season.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Channel 4 replaces BBC as the home of F1 till 2018
It was confirmed yesterday morning (20/12/15), that Channel 4 is to become the new terrestrial home of Formula 1 television coverage in the UK from the 2016 F1 season on a three year deal, after the BBC which had been seeking to cut costs and relinquish the rights for the Formula 1 coverage.
Last month, the BBC had outlined plans to slash its television sports rights expenditure in coming years, and the broadcaster has now backed out of its deal with Sky Sports, which was set to run until 2018.
Channel 4 has stepped up to take the BBC's place despite interested from ITV, and will show 10 Grands Prix live, with no adverts during the live Grand Prix's, along with highlights of the remaining rounds, in a three-year deal till the end of 2018. While, Sky Sports will continue to show all Formula 1 sessions live on its own channel.
Overall, great news for Channel 4 with the three year deal, they wanted the F1 rights since 2011 I can recall, do expect Channel 4 will step up the F1 coverage for 2016. Although, very sad we have lost Formula 1 on the BBC due to the budget cuts from the corporation which has been the spiritual home for Formula 1.
Meanwhile, BBC Radio 5 Live has extended its commentary rights contract till 2021.
Channel 4, meanwhile, will announce details of its live Grand Prix schedule for 2016, and commentary team, in the beginning of 2016.
A new era beginning for both Channel 4 and Formula 1.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Last month, the BBC had outlined plans to slash its television sports rights expenditure in coming years, and the broadcaster has now backed out of its deal with Sky Sports, which was set to run until 2018.
Channel 4 has stepped up to take the BBC's place despite interested from ITV, and will show 10 Grands Prix live, with no adverts during the live Grand Prix's, along with highlights of the remaining rounds, in a three-year deal till the end of 2018. While, Sky Sports will continue to show all Formula 1 sessions live on its own channel.
Overall, great news for Channel 4 with the three year deal, they wanted the F1 rights since 2011 I can recall, do expect Channel 4 will step up the F1 coverage for 2016. Although, very sad we have lost Formula 1 on the BBC due to the budget cuts from the corporation which has been the spiritual home for Formula 1.
Meanwhile, BBC Radio 5 Live has extended its commentary rights contract till 2021.
Channel 4, meanwhile, will announce details of its live Grand Prix schedule for 2016, and commentary team, in the beginning of 2016.
A new era beginning for both Channel 4 and Formula 1.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Monday, 21 December 2015
2015/16 Formula E - Punta del Este ePrix - Round 3 Recap
Review of Round Three of the 2015-16 Formula E season held at the Punta del Este Street Circuit in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
The race was won by Renault e.Dams driver Sebastien Buemi in his Spark-Renault. Second was ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, he was three seconds behind Buemi in the end. Meanwhile, third was Dragon Racing driver Jérôme d'Ambrosio in his Spark-Venturi, he was six seconds behind Buemi in the end.
Highlights of the race bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Four of the 2015-16 Formula E season in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the Buenos Aires ePrix in seven weeks time.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
The race was won by Renault e.Dams driver Sebastien Buemi in his Spark-Renault. Second was ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, he was three seconds behind Buemi in the end. Meanwhile, third was Dragon Racing driver Jérôme d'Ambrosio in his Spark-Venturi, he was six seconds behind Buemi in the end.
Highlights of the race bellow, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Four of the 2015-16 Formula E season in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the Buenos Aires ePrix in seven weeks time.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Return of the Jaguar in motorsport, Jaguar to enter Formula E in 2016
It was confirmed on Tuesday (15/12/16), Jaguar will return to racing scene for the first time in over a decade with a programme in the 2016/17 Formula E championship.
Series organisers confirmed that Jaguar Land Rover will further "develop the future EV powertrain including motor and battery technology". Jaguar will also link up with Williams F1 team's own Williams Advanced Engineering division, which will be responsible for running the team and the development of the EV powertrain, having both brands worked previously together on the C-X75 hybrid supercar back in 2010.
Jaguar has a great racing history includes seven 24 Hours of Le Mans wins with the C-type in 1951 and 1953, D-type in 1955 to 1957, Jaguar XJR-9 in 1988, and the Jaguar XJR-12 in 1990. And three World Sports Car Championships Drivers' and Manufactures' titles in 1987, 1988 and 1991.
While Jaguar also dominate in touring cars, includes 1984 Drivers' Championship in European Touring Car Championship with Tom Walkinshaw winning with the Jaguar XJ-S. While the Jaguar XJ-S won the 1985 Bathurst 1000 race with John Goss and Armin Hahne behind the wheel.
Jaguar back in racing for 2016.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Series organisers confirmed that Jaguar Land Rover will further "develop the future EV powertrain including motor and battery technology". Jaguar will also link up with Williams F1 team's own Williams Advanced Engineering division, which will be responsible for running the team and the development of the EV powertrain, having both brands worked previously together on the C-X75 hybrid supercar back in 2010.
Jaguar has a great racing history includes seven 24 Hours of Le Mans wins with the C-type in 1951 and 1953, D-type in 1955 to 1957, Jaguar XJR-9 in 1988, and the Jaguar XJR-12 in 1990. And three World Sports Car Championships Drivers' and Manufactures' titles in 1987, 1988 and 1991.
While Jaguar also dominate in touring cars, includes 1984 Drivers' Championship in European Touring Car Championship with Tom Walkinshaw winning with the Jaguar XJ-S. While the Jaguar XJ-S won the 1985 Bathurst 1000 race with John Goss and Armin Hahne behind the wheel.
Jaguar back in racing for 2016.
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Part 2 of Formula 1 2015 Season Review (Top Formula 1 drivers of 2015 and final thoughts of Formula 1 2015)
Second part of my Formula 1 2015 Season Review, this post will includes my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2015. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2015.
Starting of with My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2015, this is the part who was in my top 10 this season, not in championship order, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes the likes of Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Carlos Saniz Jr., Nico Hülkenberg, Romain Grosjean or Felipe Nasr to name a few, its just only opinion folks.
Anyway, here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2015:
10. Felipe Massa (Williams) - Fast as ever, consistent, some great race performances at Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, and Monza this season, despite having a faster team-mate.
9. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Vettel, a second place finish in Bahrain, and two third place finishes in Singapore and Abu Dhabi.
8. Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered car in Monaco, Mexico and Hunganoring, with the later finishing in second place in that race.
7. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered car in Monaco, Hunganoring and Singapore; with the later finishing in second place in that race.
6. Sergio Pérez (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, and impressive drives at Spa, Soshi, Austin and Abu Dhabi this season, with an impressive third place finish at Soshi.
5. Valtteri Bottas (Williams) - Some impressive drives at Bahrain, Montreal, Soshi and Mexico, with two third place finishes in Montreal and Mexico.
4. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) - Some impressive drives in his rookie season and despite his still only 18!, which include a fourth place finishes at Hunganoring and Austin.
3. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) - A strong finish to the season with five wins, missed out on the drivers' championship due to Hamilton's mid season pace, nonetheless can be fast than his team mate if his late season form continues into 2016.
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - Back to winning ways with three race wins this season at Sepang, Hunganoring and Singapore.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season with eleven Grand Prix wins to concluded with his third drivers' championship this season.
Overall, possibly one of the most dominating seasons in modern era Formula 1, eleven wins from Lewis Hamilton to give Lewis Hamilton his third F1 drivers title and becoming the first British F1 driver to win back to back drivers' titles. While Mercedes once again taking sixteen out of nineteen wins and twelve one-two finishes. Upping the records from 2014 to give Mercedes another constructors championship to conclude Formula 1 in 2015. Bring on Formula 1 2016.
End of the two part posts of this seasons F1 review. A new shorter post soon. Bye.
Starting of with My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2015, this is the part who was in my top 10 this season, not in championship order, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes the likes of Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Carlos Saniz Jr., Nico Hülkenberg, Romain Grosjean or Felipe Nasr to name a few, its just only opinion folks.
Anyway, here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2015:
10. Felipe Massa (Williams) - Fast as ever, consistent, some great race performances at Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, and Monza this season, despite having a faster team-mate.
9. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Vettel, a second place finish in Bahrain, and two third place finishes in Singapore and Abu Dhabi.
8. Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered car in Monaco, Mexico and Hunganoring, with the later finishing in second place in that race.
7. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered car in Monaco, Hunganoring and Singapore; with the later finishing in second place in that race.
6. Sergio Pérez (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, and impressive drives at Spa, Soshi, Austin and Abu Dhabi this season, with an impressive third place finish at Soshi.
5. Valtteri Bottas (Williams) - Some impressive drives at Bahrain, Montreal, Soshi and Mexico, with two third place finishes in Montreal and Mexico.
4. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) - Some impressive drives in his rookie season and despite his still only 18!, which include a fourth place finishes at Hunganoring and Austin.
3. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) - A strong finish to the season with five wins, missed out on the drivers' championship due to Hamilton's mid season pace, nonetheless can be fast than his team mate if his late season form continues into 2016.
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - Back to winning ways with three race wins this season at Sepang, Hunganoring and Singapore.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season with eleven Grand Prix wins to concluded with his third drivers' championship this season.
Overall, possibly one of the most dominating seasons in modern era Formula 1, eleven wins from Lewis Hamilton to give Lewis Hamilton his third F1 drivers title and becoming the first British F1 driver to win back to back drivers' titles. While Mercedes once again taking sixteen out of nineteen wins and twelve one-two finishes. Upping the records from 2014 to give Mercedes another constructors championship to conclude Formula 1 in 2015. Bring on Formula 1 2016.
End of the two part posts of this seasons F1 review. A new shorter post soon. Bye.
Monday, 14 December 2015
Part 1 of Formula 1 2015 Season Review (the teams)
Two parter Formula One season review of the 2015 season. In this post I will review each team of 2015. Which, I will say one sentence that will be positive with each team. And one sentence that will be negative for each team. So starting with Mercedes below.
Mercedes:
+ As you were from 2014, Best car and drivers on the grid with the F1 W06 Hybrid, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, with 18 poles, 16 race wins, a Constructors' Title and a Drivers' Title with Lewis Hamilton.
- Bad races in Hungary and Singapore, apart from that great season from Mercedes.
Ferrari:
+ Some great race performances from Sebastian Vettel concluding with race wins at Sepang, Hungaroring and Singapore, meaning Ferrari are back to winning ways after last season with no wins.
- And despite the SF15T is much improved then its predecessor, its not fast enough then the Mercedes from overall race pace, however a much improved engine and car from Ferrari.
Williams:
+ Some great performances from Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa this season, which includes podiums for Massa at Red Bull Ring and Monza, Bottas at Montreal and Mexico City, retaining third in the constructors' is a great positive for Williams.
- Lost too many podiums in the season with either their race pace or going wet into a race such as Silverstone where both drivers go have been on the podium.
Red Bull:
+ impressive performance from Daniil Kvyat in Hungary and Daniel Ricciardo in Singapore collecting a second place each for both drivers, despite having an under performing race car throughout the season.
- An unreliable and underpowered from Renault power unit this season, the Renault power units are still around 70-90bhp less than the Mercedes power units; fourth in the constructors' its not good enough, with the lateness of the engine deal on which power unit will use next season (which is now a TAG sponsored Renault power unit) may cost Red Bull next season.
Force India:
+ Some impressive performances from Nico Hülkenberg and Sergio Pérez this season, which include a third place finish for Pérez at Sochi, which conclude with a fifth place finish in the constructors' for Force India.
- VJM08 came too late to testing with car being too slow that cost them points earlier in the season; Force India could have finished fourth in the constructors' if the car was fast enough at the start of the season.
Lotus:
+ Impressive third place finish for Romain Grosjean at Spa, the E23 Hybrid has been a much improvement from the unreliable E22.
- Financial questions from the second half of the season has been the main headlines for the Lotus F1 Team in 2015, includes unpaid taxes and paying former drivers, Renault bought the team for 2016, Enstone-based team now back as Renault which means teams future is bright for now.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Both Carlos Sainz, Jr. and Max Verstappen are showing why they are in Formula 1 with some great performances, and some impressive drives from both Carlos Sainz, Jr. and Max Verstappen that may put him in a top team in 2017 season.
- An unreliable and underpowered Renault power units has cost Toro Rosso more points then they have this season, back to year old Ferrari power units next season.
Sauber:
+ 0 points last season, this season 36 points a much improvement from the team which includes a fifth place finish for Felipe Nasr in Melbourne.
- Giedo van der Garde court case was a very negative thing for the team at the start of the season, also mid-season development from Sauber has cost the team more point then they should.
McLaren:
+ A fifth place finish for Fernando Alonso at the Hungaroring last time out.
- 181 points last season, to this season with only 27 points, a very unreliable car due to the new Honda power unit unreliability, power units are over 100bhp behind of the likes of Mercedes power units; the worse season in McLaren history under Ron Dennis, its going to be a make or brake year for Honda next season to be competitive, overall an embarrassing season from McLaren Honda.
Manor-Marussia:
+ A miracle for the team to be even on the grid this season, not below 107% mark in qualifying is a big help for the team despite using 2014 Ferrari power units and 2014 car, twelfth place finish for Roberto Merhi at Silverstone, and for Alexander Rossi in Austin; Mercedes power units for next season.
- A strong 2016 car is a must, if not the new Hass F1 Team will overtake Manor Team next season.
In part 2 of Formula 1 2015 Season Review my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2015. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2015.
But for now, end of post for now. A new post soon. Bye.
Mercedes:
+ As you were from 2014, Best car and drivers on the grid with the F1 W06 Hybrid, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, with 18 poles, 16 race wins, a Constructors' Title and a Drivers' Title with Lewis Hamilton.
- Bad races in Hungary and Singapore, apart from that great season from Mercedes.
Ferrari:
+ Some great race performances from Sebastian Vettel concluding with race wins at Sepang, Hungaroring and Singapore, meaning Ferrari are back to winning ways after last season with no wins.
- And despite the SF15T is much improved then its predecessor, its not fast enough then the Mercedes from overall race pace, however a much improved engine and car from Ferrari.
Williams:
+ Some great performances from Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa this season, which includes podiums for Massa at Red Bull Ring and Monza, Bottas at Montreal and Mexico City, retaining third in the constructors' is a great positive for Williams.
- Lost too many podiums in the season with either their race pace or going wet into a race such as Silverstone where both drivers go have been on the podium.
Red Bull:
+ impressive performance from Daniil Kvyat in Hungary and Daniel Ricciardo in Singapore collecting a second place each for both drivers, despite having an under performing race car throughout the season.
- An unreliable and underpowered from Renault power unit this season, the Renault power units are still around 70-90bhp less than the Mercedes power units; fourth in the constructors' its not good enough, with the lateness of the engine deal on which power unit will use next season (which is now a TAG sponsored Renault power unit) may cost Red Bull next season.
Force India:
+ Some impressive performances from Nico Hülkenberg and Sergio Pérez this season, which include a third place finish for Pérez at Sochi, which conclude with a fifth place finish in the constructors' for Force India.
- VJM08 came too late to testing with car being too slow that cost them points earlier in the season; Force India could have finished fourth in the constructors' if the car was fast enough at the start of the season.
Lotus:
+ Impressive third place finish for Romain Grosjean at Spa, the E23 Hybrid has been a much improvement from the unreliable E22.
- Financial questions from the second half of the season has been the main headlines for the Lotus F1 Team in 2015, includes unpaid taxes and paying former drivers, Renault bought the team for 2016, Enstone-based team now back as Renault which means teams future is bright for now.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Both Carlos Sainz, Jr. and Max Verstappen are showing why they are in Formula 1 with some great performances, and some impressive drives from both Carlos Sainz, Jr. and Max Verstappen that may put him in a top team in 2017 season.
- An unreliable and underpowered Renault power units has cost Toro Rosso more points then they have this season, back to year old Ferrari power units next season.
Sauber:
+ 0 points last season, this season 36 points a much improvement from the team which includes a fifth place finish for Felipe Nasr in Melbourne.
- Giedo van der Garde court case was a very negative thing for the team at the start of the season, also mid-season development from Sauber has cost the team more point then they should.
McLaren:
+ A fifth place finish for Fernando Alonso at the Hungaroring last time out.
- 181 points last season, to this season with only 27 points, a very unreliable car due to the new Honda power unit unreliability, power units are over 100bhp behind of the likes of Mercedes power units; the worse season in McLaren history under Ron Dennis, its going to be a make or brake year for Honda next season to be competitive, overall an embarrassing season from McLaren Honda.
Manor-Marussia:
+ A miracle for the team to be even on the grid this season, not below 107% mark in qualifying is a big help for the team despite using 2014 Ferrari power units and 2014 car, twelfth place finish for Roberto Merhi at Silverstone, and for Alexander Rossi in Austin; Mercedes power units for next season.
- A strong 2016 car is a must, if not the new Hass F1 Team will overtake Manor Team next season.
In part 2 of Formula 1 2015 Season Review my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2015. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2015.
But for now, end of post for now. A new post soon. Bye.
Monday, 7 December 2015
Top six Citroën rally cars
With Citroën taking a year out of the WRC next season, with an all new rally car in 2017. This post will be top six Citroën rally cars starting with Number 6:
Number 6: Citroën DS
Story: The Citroën DS is first Citroën car that started the ball rolling in rallying. The Citroën DS took three famous rally wins, Paul Coltelloni took 1959 Monte Carlo Rally win, Pauli Toivonen took 1962 1000 Lakes Rally win and 1966 Monte Carlo Rally win with the Citroën DS.
Number 5: Citroën Xsara F2
Story: Front wheel drive, 290 bhp, the Citroën F2 usually seen on tarmac rallies. When on tarmac in the WRC, usually with some brilliant results from the Citroën Xsara F2 despite it was only front wheel drive. Philippe Bugalski took two wins in 1999 with the Xsara F2 at that years Rally Catalunya and then Tour de Corse beating the four wheel drive WRC cars for victories which started the ball rolling in the WRC for Citroën.
Number 4: Citroën DS3 WRC
Story: Replaced the old Citroën C4 WRC back in 2011 after new rules were introduce to the WRC. The DS3 WRC uses a new Citroën 1.6 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine underneath that produces 275 bhp. The Citroën DS3 WRC took 24 WRC wins in five seasons altogether in the WRC in the hands of Sébastien Loeb, Sébastien Ogier, Mikko Hirvonen, Dani Sordo and Kris Meeke. The Citroën DS3 WRC took Citroën to two WRC Manufacture titles in 2011 and 2012. And Sébastien Loeb took two WRC Drivers' titles in 2011 and 2012.
Number 3: Citroën ZX Rallye-raid
Story: Created in 1990, Citroën ZX Rallye-raid uses a Citroën 2.5 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine underneath that produces 330 bhp. Citroën ZX Rallye-raid was created to contest the Paris-Dakar Rally and it did. Ari Vatanen took victory in Paris-Dakar Rally with the Citroën ZX Rallye-raid in 1991. While, Pierre Lartigue took Paris-Dakar Rally wins in 1994, 1995 and 1996 with the Citroën ZX Rallye-raid. Overall the Citroën ZX Rallye-raid took four Paris-Dakar Rally rally wins.
Number 2: Citroën Xsara WRC
Story: Début back in 2001. The Xsara WRC uses a Citroën 2 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine underneath that produces 315 bhp. The Citroën Xsara WRC took 32 WRC wins in five seasons altogether in the WRC in the hands of Sébastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz, Jesús Puras and François Duval. The Citroën Xsara WRC took Citroën to three WRC Manufacture titles in 2003, 2004 and 2005. And Sébastien Loeb took three WRC Drivers' titles in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Number 1: Citroën C4 WRC
Story: The Citroën C4 WRC is possibly the best rally car Citroën has ever created. Replaced the old Citroën Xsara WRC back in 2007. The C4 WRC uses the same engine from the Xsara WRC that produces 315 bhp from a 2 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine. The Citroën C4 WRC took 32 WRC wins in five seasons altogether in the WRC in the hands of Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier. The Citroën C4 WRC took Citroën to three WRC Manufacture titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010. And Sébastien Loeb took four WRC Drivers' titles in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Rendez-vous dans un Citroën ans de temps (See you in a years time Citroën).
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Number 6: Citroën DS
Story: The Citroën DS is first Citroën car that started the ball rolling in rallying. The Citroën DS took three famous rally wins, Paul Coltelloni took 1959 Monte Carlo Rally win, Pauli Toivonen took 1962 1000 Lakes Rally win and 1966 Monte Carlo Rally win with the Citroën DS.
Number 5: Citroën Xsara F2
Story: Front wheel drive, 290 bhp, the Citroën F2 usually seen on tarmac rallies. When on tarmac in the WRC, usually with some brilliant results from the Citroën Xsara F2 despite it was only front wheel drive. Philippe Bugalski took two wins in 1999 with the Xsara F2 at that years Rally Catalunya and then Tour de Corse beating the four wheel drive WRC cars for victories which started the ball rolling in the WRC for Citroën.
Number 4: Citroën DS3 WRC
Story: Replaced the old Citroën C4 WRC back in 2011 after new rules were introduce to the WRC. The DS3 WRC uses a new Citroën 1.6 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine underneath that produces 275 bhp. The Citroën DS3 WRC took 24 WRC wins in five seasons altogether in the WRC in the hands of Sébastien Loeb, Sébastien Ogier, Mikko Hirvonen, Dani Sordo and Kris Meeke. The Citroën DS3 WRC took Citroën to two WRC Manufacture titles in 2011 and 2012. And Sébastien Loeb took two WRC Drivers' titles in 2011 and 2012.
Number 3: Citroën ZX Rallye-raid
Story: Created in 1990, Citroën ZX Rallye-raid uses a Citroën 2.5 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine underneath that produces 330 bhp. Citroën ZX Rallye-raid was created to contest the Paris-Dakar Rally and it did. Ari Vatanen took victory in Paris-Dakar Rally with the Citroën ZX Rallye-raid in 1991. While, Pierre Lartigue took Paris-Dakar Rally wins in 1994, 1995 and 1996 with the Citroën ZX Rallye-raid. Overall the Citroën ZX Rallye-raid took four Paris-Dakar Rally rally wins.
Number 2: Citroën Xsara WRC
Story: Début back in 2001. The Xsara WRC uses a Citroën 2 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine underneath that produces 315 bhp. The Citroën Xsara WRC took 32 WRC wins in five seasons altogether in the WRC in the hands of Sébastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz, Jesús Puras and François Duval. The Citroën Xsara WRC took Citroën to three WRC Manufacture titles in 2003, 2004 and 2005. And Sébastien Loeb took three WRC Drivers' titles in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Number 1: Citroën C4 WRC
Story: The Citroën C4 WRC is possibly the best rally car Citroën has ever created. Replaced the old Citroën Xsara WRC back in 2007. The C4 WRC uses the same engine from the Xsara WRC that produces 315 bhp from a 2 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine. The Citroën C4 WRC took 32 WRC wins in five seasons altogether in the WRC in the hands of Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier. The Citroën C4 WRC took Citroën to three WRC Manufacture titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010. And Sébastien Loeb took four WRC Drivers' titles in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Rendez-vous dans un Citroën ans de temps (See you in a years time Citroën).
End of blog for now. New post soon. Bye.
Saturday, 5 December 2015
Confirmed: Toro Rosso using Ferrari year old power units for 2016
Toro Rosso has agreed a deal to use 2015-specification Ferrari power units next season, as it was confirmed yesterday (4/12/15), restarting an engine partnership which previously ran from 2007-2013.
Toro Rosso has been supplied by Renault for the past two seasons, but the fallout between the senior Red Bull team and the French manufacturer left its future plans unclear.
Toro Rosso will take Ferrari's 2015-spec engine, while fellow supplied teams Sauber and new team Haas will use 2016-spec Ferrari power units.
In my opinion, this is no major surprise that the news has happen. As this has been rumoured for a few months now that Toro Rosso will return back to Ferrari power for the 2016 F1 season.
This is not the first time that the Faenza-based team used year old Ferrari engines. Back in 1991 as Minardi, Minardi used 1990 Ferrari 3.5 litre V12 engines in their 1991 F1 car the Minardi M191. Which took Minardi to seventh in the Constructors' Standings with six points from Pierluigi Martini taking all the points, with two fourth place finishes at Imola at Estroil in 1991, giving Minardi their best constructor finish in Formula 1.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Toro Rosso has been supplied by Renault for the past two seasons, but the fallout between the senior Red Bull team and the French manufacturer left its future plans unclear.
Toro Rosso will take Ferrari's 2015-spec engine, while fellow supplied teams Sauber and new team Haas will use 2016-spec Ferrari power units.
In my opinion, this is no major surprise that the news has happen. As this has been rumoured for a few months now that Toro Rosso will return back to Ferrari power for the 2016 F1 season.
This is not the first time that the Faenza-based team used year old Ferrari engines. Back in 1991 as Minardi, Minardi used 1990 Ferrari 3.5 litre V12 engines in their 1991 F1 car the Minardi M191. Which took Minardi to seventh in the Constructors' Standings with six points from Pierluigi Martini taking all the points, with two fourth place finishes at Imola at Estroil in 1991, giving Minardi their best constructor finish in Formula 1.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Confirmed: Red Bull Racing using TAG-branded Renault power units for 2016
It was confirmed on Friday (4/12/15), that Red Bull Racing will run a TAG-branded Renault power units for the 2016 season, after striking a naming rights deal with Swiss watch manufacturer TAG Heuer.
Red Bull publicly fell out with Renault in 2015, with Red Bull leaving Renault at the end of the season, due to poor reliability and underpowered Renault power units which concluded with a fourth place constructor finish this season for Red Bull.
The team had held exploratory talks with the Volkswagen Group about entering the sport as an engine supplier for the start of the 2018 F1 Season, but that negotiations came to a halt following the emissions scandal that broke in mid September. While, plans to obtain power units from Mercedes, Honda, and Ferrari fell through as-well.
Therefore, Red Bull had no choice but to stay put with Renault for 2016, but under TAG Heuer branding instead of the Reanult name. Red Bull's Team principal Christian Horner named Renault's partnership with Mario Illien and his company Ilmor as a reason for staying with the manufacturer for 2016.
In my opinion, this is no major surprise that the news has happen. Red Bull couldn't get a power unit deal from Mercedes, Honda, and Ferrari due to how comparative Red Bull chassis are. There was no option but to stay with Renault, this time paying for the power units with rumours they're paying Renault €30 Million for them next season. After Renault bought the Lotus F1 Team on Thursday and will return to Formula 1 in 2016 as a full-time works team for the first time since 2010.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Red Bull publicly fell out with Renault in 2015, with Red Bull leaving Renault at the end of the season, due to poor reliability and underpowered Renault power units which concluded with a fourth place constructor finish this season for Red Bull.
The team had held exploratory talks with the Volkswagen Group about entering the sport as an engine supplier for the start of the 2018 F1 Season, but that negotiations came to a halt following the emissions scandal that broke in mid September. While, plans to obtain power units from Mercedes, Honda, and Ferrari fell through as-well.
Therefore, Red Bull had no choice but to stay put with Renault for 2016, but under TAG Heuer branding instead of the Reanult name. Red Bull's Team principal Christian Horner named Renault's partnership with Mario Illien and his company Ilmor as a reason for staying with the manufacturer for 2016.
In my opinion, this is no major surprise that the news has happen. Red Bull couldn't get a power unit deal from Mercedes, Honda, and Ferrari due to how comparative Red Bull chassis are. There was no option but to stay with Renault, this time paying for the power units with rumours they're paying Renault €30 Million for them next season. After Renault bought the Lotus F1 Team on Thursday and will return to Formula 1 in 2016 as a full-time works team for the first time since 2010.
End of blog for now, new post soon. Bye.
Friday, 4 December 2015
Confirmed: Renault finally buys back Lotus F1 Team, now known as Renault F1 Team
It was confirmed late Thursday evening (3/12/15), that Renault has finally completed its planned takeover of the Lotus Formula 1 team, after lengthy negotiations, meaning it will return to the sport as a fully-fledged works outfit from the 2016 F1 season.
Renault signed a letter of intent with Lotus to buy the team after this seasons Japanese Grand Prix, just before the Enstone-based team was due back in court over unpaid taxes, but only now has the deal been officially signed off by both parties, with Renault buying from previous owners Genii Capital believed to be worth €100 million.
Renault, which previously owned the Enstone-based team from 2002 to 2009, claiming both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships back-to-back in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso as Champion, had already re-deployed Renault staff at the squad's factory.
"Renault had two options: to come back at 100 per cent or leave," said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault, which has acted as an engine supplier in recent Formula 1 seasons.
"After a detailed study, I have decided that Renault will be in Formula 1, starting 2016. The final details supplied by F1's main stakeholders gave us the confidence to accept this new challenge."
Ghosn made clear: "Our ambition is to win, even if it will take some time."
Overall, great news for the team if Renault deal didn't happen to buy the team, I do believe it would be the end for the Enstone-based team making 470 people redundant.
Can the team return to winning ways for 2016? No due to an under-develop car and power unit. But, can the team win in a few years time? possibly as Renault will be in Formula 1 for the long-run. Don't forget when Renault bought the Enstone-based team off from Benetton in 2000, it took Renault five years to win their first Drivers' and Constructors' Championships with Fernando Alonso as Champion that season.
Meanwhile former Renault's works team Red Bull Racing will run a rebranded Renault power units next season, after its fallout with the firm. With Red Bull hinted on Thursday that it could run a TAG Heuer-branded unit, posting a tweet with the words, 'Swiss Engineering to close the gap next season, TAG Heuer and Infiniti Red Bull Racing 2016'.
While, sister team Toro Rosso will likely use 2015 Ferrari Power-Units next season replacing Renault power for the last two seasons.
Renault back as a Formula 1 Constructor once again.
End of post for now, new post soon. Bye.
Renault signed a letter of intent with Lotus to buy the team after this seasons Japanese Grand Prix, just before the Enstone-based team was due back in court over unpaid taxes, but only now has the deal been officially signed off by both parties, with Renault buying from previous owners Genii Capital believed to be worth €100 million.
Renault, which previously owned the Enstone-based team from 2002 to 2009, claiming both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships back-to-back in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso as Champion, had already re-deployed Renault staff at the squad's factory.
"Renault had two options: to come back at 100 per cent or leave," said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault, which has acted as an engine supplier in recent Formula 1 seasons.
"After a detailed study, I have decided that Renault will be in Formula 1, starting 2016. The final details supplied by F1's main stakeholders gave us the confidence to accept this new challenge."
Ghosn made clear: "Our ambition is to win, even if it will take some time."
Overall, great news for the team if Renault deal didn't happen to buy the team, I do believe it would be the end for the Enstone-based team making 470 people redundant.
Can the team return to winning ways for 2016? No due to an under-develop car and power unit. But, can the team win in a few years time? possibly as Renault will be in Formula 1 for the long-run. Don't forget when Renault bought the Enstone-based team off from Benetton in 2000, it took Renault five years to win their first Drivers' and Constructors' Championships with Fernando Alonso as Champion that season.
Meanwhile former Renault's works team Red Bull Racing will run a rebranded Renault power units next season, after its fallout with the firm. With Red Bull hinted on Thursday that it could run a TAG Heuer-branded unit, posting a tweet with the words, 'Swiss Engineering to close the gap next season, TAG Heuer and Infiniti Red Bull Racing 2016'.
Swiss Engineering to close the gap next season. @TAGHeuer #DontCrackUnderPressure pic.twitter.com/Orx2odPFBw— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 3, 2015While, sister team Toro Rosso will likely use 2015 Ferrari Power-Units next season replacing Renault power for the last two seasons.
Renault back as a Formula 1 Constructor once again.
End of post for now, new post soon. Bye.
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
A MotoGP Legend (Rossi) vs a Formula E driver (Liuzzi) vs a WRC driver (Neuville); that means a 2015 Monza Rally Show Review (Long Title isn't?)
So last weekend (27-29/11/15) was the annual Monza Rally Show and three main drivers who was at the Rally was current Yamaha MotoGP rider and nine times Motorcyling champion (seven MotoGP/500cc champ, one time 250cc champ, 125cc champ) Valentino Rossi, former Toro Rosso and Force India driver Vitantonio Liuzzi, and current Hyundai WRC driver Thierry Neuville.
So the Rally itself, the final results saw Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi won this years Monza Rally Show in his M-Sport spec Ford Fiesta RS WRC.
Second was Thierry Neuville in his Hyundai i20 WRC, he was 52 seconds behind Rossi at the end. Meanwhile, Roberto Brivio finished in third place in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC, he was 65 seconds behind Rossi at the end. While rally new boy Vitantonio Liuzzi finished in tenth place overall in his Ford Focus RS WRC, he was nearly 3 minutes behind Rossi in the end.
Here's a YouTube video of some of the Show's highlights from last week.
End of post for now, new post soon. Bye.
So the Rally itself, the final results saw Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi won this years Monza Rally Show in his M-Sport spec Ford Fiesta RS WRC.
Second was Thierry Neuville in his Hyundai i20 WRC, he was 52 seconds behind Rossi at the end. Meanwhile, Roberto Brivio finished in third place in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC, he was 65 seconds behind Rossi at the end. While rally new boy Vitantonio Liuzzi finished in tenth place overall in his Ford Focus RS WRC, he was nearly 3 minutes behind Rossi in the end.
Here's a YouTube video of some of the Show's highlights from last week.
End of post for now, new post soon. Bye.
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