22 years on, Remembering Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger

This Saturday coming up (30/4/16) and Sunday (1/5/16) it will be 22 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 56 this year if there still around today. So for this post remembering both Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.





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.

Driving test

With the Russian Grand Prix coming up this weekend. With Russia's own Daniil Kvyat in the race, here's the Red Bull driver taking his driving test for his licence (in a Spoof way) in Moscow a few months back to enjoy.

Renault signs Sergey Sirotkin as reserve driver for rest of the season

It was announce yesterday (26/4/16) that former Sauber test-driver Sergey Sirotkin will be Renault's reserve driver for the rest of the 2016 season.



GP2 driver will make his first appearance for the team during Fridays first practice session at this weekends Russian Grand Prix taking over Kevin Magnussen's car for that session.



Sirotkin joins test driver Esteban Ocon in Renault's test driver line-up.

2016 TCR Round 2 Recap

Review of Round Two of the 2016 TCR International Series season was at Autódromo do Estoril, Estoril on the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal.

In the first race, WestCoast Racing driver Gianni Morbidelli took the race win in his Honda Civic TCR. Second was Leopard Racing driver Jean-Karl Vernay in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was over a second behind Morbidelli in the end. While, third place was Leopard Racing driver and current TCR International Series Champion Stefano Comini in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was four seconds behind Morbidelli in the end.



While in the second race, Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver James Nash took the race win in his SEAT León TCR. Second was Leopard Racing driver and current TCR International Series Champion Stefano Comini in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was two seconds behind Nash in the end. While third place was WestCoast Racing driver Gianni Morbidelli in his Honda Civic TCR, he was seven seconds behind Nash in the end.



Next stop Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Francorchamps in Belgium for Round Three of the 2016 TCR International Series season in two weeks time.

2016 WTCC Round 3 Recap - Race of Hungary

Review of Round Three of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season was the Race of Hungary, at Hungaroring, on the outskirts of Budapest.

In the first race, Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani took the race win in his Honda Citroën C-Elysée WTCC and also took Independents class win. Second was Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Tom Chilton in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was three seconds behind Bennani in the end. While third place was Lada Sport Rosneft driver Nick Catsburg in his Lada Vesta WTCC, he was six seconds behind Bennani in the end.



While in the second race, Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC to complete a one-two Citroën finish, he was three seconds behind López in the end. While third was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was fifteen seconds behind López in the end.

Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Tom Chilton in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. He finished in fifth place overall and he was twenty seconds behind López in the end.



Next stop Race of Morocco at the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan for Round Four of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.

2016 F1 Russian Grand Prix Predictions

Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom near Sochi.

So Predictions for the race, for the win I predict Nico Rosberg for the race win in the Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton second in the other Mercedes, and third place for Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, Romain Grosjean, Red Bull drivers, the Williams drivers, the Force India drivers and the Toro Rosso drivers as well for a podium place.

2016 Spain MotoGP Review

Review of the fourth round of the 2016 MotoGP season at Circuito de Jerez, Jerez in southern Spain.

In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1. Second was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1 to complete a Yamaha one-two finish, he was two seconds behind Rossi at the end. While, third was Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Márquez on his works Honda RC213V, he was seven second behind Rossi at the end.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Sam Lowes on the Kalex. Second was Dynavolt Intact GP rider Jonas Folger on the Kalex, he was two seconds behind Lowes at the end. While, third was Paginas Amarillas HP 40 rider Álex Rins on the Kalex, he was eight seconds behind Lowes 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 Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Nicolò Bulega on the KTM, he was three seconds behind Binder at the end. While, third was Aspar Mahindra Team Moto3 rider Francesco Bagnaia on the Mahindra, he was three and half seconds behind Binder at the end of the race.

2016 WRC Round 4 recap - Rally Argentina - Paddon and Hyundai wins!

Recap of the last round of WRC from this weekends Round four of Rally Argentina.

This weekend was the fourth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Argentina (22nd-24th April) was won by this season that is not a Volkswagen car or Sébastien Ogier either. It was won by Hayden Paddon in this works Hyundai i20 WRC for Hyundai's first win since Germany 2014.



While, current WRC champion Sébastien Ogier finished second in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, Ogier was fourteen seconds behind Paddon at the end. Meanwhile, Andreas Mikkelsen finished third in the works Volkswagen Polo R WRC, Mikkelsen was over a minute behind Paddon at the end.

Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Wevers Sport driver Nicolás Fuchs in his Škoda Fabia R5. Nicolás Fuchs finished in tenth place overall, he was twenty-four minutes behind Paddon at the end of the rally.

While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Saintéloc Junior Team driver Michel Fabre in his Citroën DS3 R3T. Michel Fabre finished in eighteenth place overall, he was over seventy-two minutes behind Paddon at the end of the rally.

Highlights of the rally bellow, enjoy.



Next stop, Round Five of the 2016 WRC season for Rally Portugal in four weeks time.

2015/16 Formula E - Paris ePrix - Round 7 Recap

Review of Round Seven of the 2015-16 Formula E season season held at the Paris Street Circuit in Paris, France.

The race was won by ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Abt Sportsline for his third race win of the year. Second was DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team driver Jean-Éric Vergne in his Spark-Citroën, he was a second behind di Grassi in the end. Meanwhile, third was Renault e.Dams driver Sebastien Buemi in his Spark-Renault, he was sixteen tenths of a second behind di Grassi in the end.

Highlights of the race bellow, enjoy.



Next stop, Round Eight of the 2015-16 Formula E season on the Berlin Street Circuit for the Berlin ePrix in four weeks time.

2016 World RX Round 1 Recap - World RX of Portugal

Review of Round One of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season was the World RX of Portugal, at Pista Automóvel de Montalegre, Montalegre, Northern Portugal.

In the four Heats, those were won by Johan Kristoffersson, Mattias Ekström (winning twice), and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg.



In the first semi-final that was won by Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo Mk5. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was half a second behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was Larsson Jernberg Motorsport driver Robin Larsson in his Audi A1, he was thirteen tenths of a second behind Kristoffersson in the end.

In the second semi-final that was won by Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg in his Citroën DS3. Second was EKS RX driver Toomas Heikkinen in his Audi S1, he was two and half seconds behind Solberg in the end. While, third was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Ford Focus Mk3 RS, he was five seconds behind Solberg in the end.



In the final race, Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg took the race win in his Citroën DS3. Second was Larsson Jernberg Motorsport driver Robin Larsson in his Audi A1, he was eight tenths of a second behind Solberg in the end. While, third was EKS RX driver Toomas Heikkinen in his Audi S1, he was two and half seconds behind Solberg in the end.

Highlights of the final race bellow, enjoy.



Next stop World RX of Hockenheim at the Hockenheimring for Round Two of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in three weeks time.

2016 WTCC Round 2 Recap - Race of Slovakia

Review of Round Two of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season was the was the Race of Slovakia, at Automotodróm Slovakia Ring, on the outskirts of Bratislava.

In the first race, Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC and also took Independents class win, he was two and half seconds behind Monteiro in the end. While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Robert Huff in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was seven seconds behind Monteiro in the end.



While in the second race, Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was seven tenths of a second behind López in the end. While third was Lada Sport Rosneft driver Nick Catsburg in his Lada Vesta WTCC, he was three seconds behind López in the end.

Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. He finished in sixth place overall and five seconds behind López in the end.



Next stop Race of Hungary at the Hungaroring for Round Three of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in a weeks time.

2016 BTCC Round 2 Recap

Review of Round Two of the 2016 British Touring Car Championship season was at Donington Park's National Circuit, in Leicestershire.

In the first race, Motorbase Performance driver Mat Jackson took the race win in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win. Second was MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Josh Cook in his MG6 GT, he was eighteen tenths of a second behind Jackson in the end. While third place was Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis, he was two seconds behind Jackson in the end.

While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton in his MG6 GT, he finished in fifth place and was eight seconds behind Jackson in the end.


Meanwhile in the second race, Team JCT600 with GardX driver Rob Collard took the race win in his BMW 125i M Sport. Second was Motorbase Performance driver Mat Jackson in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win, he was sixteen tenths of a second behind Collard in the end. While third place was Team BKR driver Árón Smith in his Volkswagen CC, he was three seconds behind Collard in the end.

While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton in his MG6 GT, he finished in thirteenth place and was twenty seconds behind Collard in the end.


Finally in the third race, Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R. Second was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver and current BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden in his Honda Civic Type R, he was two tenths of a second behind Neal in the end. While third place was Team JCT600 with GardX driver Sam Tordoff in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was two and half seconds behind Neal in the end.

While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton in his MG6 GT, he finished in fifth place and was four seconds behind Neal in the end.

Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Laser Tools Racing driver Aiden Moffat in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class, he finished in seventh place and was nine seconds behind Neal in the end.

Next stop Thruxton for Round Three of the 2016 British Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.

It's Official - Jorge Lorenzo off to Ducati for 2017 and 2018 MotoGP seasons

It was confirmed yesterday (18/4/16), Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo will leave Yamaha and move to Ducati from 2017 in a two-year deal.



Lorenzo entered MotoGP with Yamaha in 2008 and has won 41 races along with his 2010, 2012 and 2015 MotoGP titles, but this year will mark the end of that relationship.



There have been strong rumours that the current MotoGP champion would move to Ducati after current Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi signed a new contract extension during the Qatar MotoGP round last month.

Lorenzo was offered his own new deal at the same time but elected not to sign, with Lorenzo was waiting on an offer from Ducati.

Lorenzo leaving will be a shame in my opinion, I fell that Lorenzo and Yamaha are a perfect match for the last nine seasons developing the best bike on the grid. With Lorenzo moving to Ducati is a risky gamble unless Ducati can win races by the end of the season, but the reason maybe Lorenzo has gone to Ducati is the bike, with unified electronic package (ECU and software) coming into 2016 rules its down to the development of the bike and engine, and not what the electronics can do might be the reason and the money too.

With that shocker of the news, who would be Lorenzo's team-mate next season, in my opinion it could be either current Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone who are both out of contract at the end of the season or could promote current Octo Pramac Yakhnich rider Scott Redding. Or even dare I say it could be a Ducati super-team of a returning Casey Stoner back alongside Jorge Lorenzo perhaps. More than likely it would be one of the current Ducati riders alongside Jorenzo.



As for Yamaha, who would be Rossi's team-mate next season, in my opinion it could be either Suzuki rider Maverick Vinales which is strongly rumoured will be Rossi team-mate for next year. Or either Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Pol Espargaro, Moto2 rider Álex Rins, or even Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa with the connections with Yamahas title sponsor Movistar perhaps.



All we know with fifteen rounds to go in this seasons MotoGP championship that 2017 is hotting up.

Round Three Recap of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

Review of Round Three of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Long Beach Street Circuit.

Taylor Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Jordan Taylor and Ricky Taylor in their Corvette DP, Chevrolet 5.5L V8. While Action Express Racing team finished in second place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8; the team of João Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi; they were three seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, the other Action Express Racing team finished in third place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8; the team of Dane Cameron and Eric Curran; they were four seconds behind the leaders.

In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), JDC-Miller Motorsports team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in eighth place overall; with the drivers of Mikhail Goikhberg and Stephen Simpson; they were a lap behind the leaders.

In GT Le Mans Class, Porsche North America team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in eleventh place overall in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R; with the drivers of Patrick Pilet and Nick Tandy; they were two laps behind the leaders.

While GT Daytona Class did not participate for this race.

Next Stop Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in two weeks time for round four of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

2016 6 Hours of Silverstone Review

Review of Round One of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone.

The Audi Sport Team Joest team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of André Lotterer, Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro. Until the team was later excluded due to underfloor plank was found to be worn by more than the 5mm permitted by the regulations.

The exclusion means that the Porsche Team took the win and the race win overall and the LMP1 class too of Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb in their Porsche 919 Hybrid. While, second place was the Toyota Gazoo Racing team of Mike Conway, Stéphane Sarrazin, and Kamui Kobayashi in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, they were a lap behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Rebellion Racing team of Dominik Kraihamer, Alexandre Imperatori, and Mathéo Tuscher in their Rebellion R-One, they were eleven laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.

In LMP2 class, the RGR Sport by Morand team of Filipe Albuquerque, Bruno Senna, and Ricardo González in their Ligier JS P2 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class. They finish in fifth place overall and they were fifteen laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.

While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Davide Rigon and Sam Bird won in their Ferrari 488 GTE. They finish in seventeenth place overall and they were twenty-seven laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.

While in GTE Am class, was won by AF Corse team of François Perrodo, Emmanuel Collard, and Rui Águas in their Ferrari 458 Italia GT2. They finish in twenty-second place overall and they were thirty-one 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 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship.

2016 Chinese Grand Prix Review

Review of the third round of the 2016 F1 season at the Shanghai International Circuit, on the outskirts of Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix.

Overall the race itself was enjoyable and entertaining race to watch. A race where Nico Rosberg effortlessly took control for the weekend when his rivals didn't had the luck to compete against Rosberg. Daniel Ricciardo beat pole-sitter Rosberg into the first corner for the lead, until lap three when his left-rear tyre failed on him on the back straight and give the lead to Rosberg. Rosberg stayed there to win this seasons Chinese Grand Prix for his third race win of the season and his sixth race win in a row since last seasons Mexican Grand Prix.



While, Sebastian Vettel finished second place in the Ferrari, Vettel was thirty-eight seconds behind Rosberg at the end.

Meanwhile, Daniil Kvyat finished in third place in the Red Bull to complete the podium, Kvyat was forty-six seconds behind Rosberg at the end of the fifty-six lap race.

Rate the Teams and Drivers

Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 6 (finished seventh)
Nico Rosberg - 10 (pole, race win)

Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished second)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished fifth)

Williams - 7
Valtteri Bottas - 6 (finished tenth)
Felipe Massa - 8 (finished sixth)

Red Bull Racing - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fourth)
Daniil Kvyat - 8 (finished third)

Force India - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 4 (finished fifteenth, lap down, fastest lap)
Sergio Pérez - 6 (finished eleventh)

Renault - 4
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 3 (finished twenty-second, lap down)

Toro Rosso - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 7 (finished ninth)
Max Verstappen - 7 (finished eighth)

Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 4 (finished twentieth, lap down)

McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 7 (finished twelfth)
Jenson Button - 6 (finished thirteenth)

Manor - 6
Rio Haryanto - 5 (finished twenty-first, lap down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 7 (finished eighteenth, lap down)

Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished nineteenth, lap down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 6 (finished fourteenth, lap down)

Next stop Sochi Autodrom, Sochi in two weeks time for the Russian Grand Prix.

2017 Acura NSX GT3

Acura (Honda) has unveiled their new GT3 contender that will go on sale to customers in time for later this season. The Acura NSX GT3, which was launched at last months New York International Auto Show (23/3/16).



The NSX GT3 will have the same 3.5 twin-turbo V16 engine as in the NSX if-self, paired with a six-speed, sequential-shift racing gearbox, delivering power to the rear wheels meaning the NSX GT3 like the previous NSX its a mid-engine rear-wheel-drive race car. No word yet on Horse power output, but the NSX GT3 could be round the 600 bhp mark.

NSX back in racing.

2016 Chinese Grand Prix Predictions

Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit, on the outskirts of Shanghai.

So Predictions for the race, for the win I predict Nico Rosberg for the race win in the Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton second in the other Mercedes, and third place for Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, Romain Grosjean, Red Bull drivers, the Williams drivers, the Force India drivers and the Toro Rosso drivers as well for a podium place.

2016 USA MotoGP Review

Review of the third round of the 2016 MotoGP season at Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas in USA.

In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Márquez on his works Honda RC213V. Second was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was six seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, third was Ducati Team rider Andrea Iannone on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP16, he was eleven second behind Márquez at the end.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Paginas Amarillas HP 40 rider Álex Rins on the Kalex. Second was Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Sam Lowes on the Kalex, he was two seconds behind Rins at the end. While, third was Ajo Motorsport rider and current Moto2 champion Johann Zarco on the Kalex, he was eight seconds behind Rins 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 Jorge Navarro on the Honda, he was seven seconds behind Fenati at the end. While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM, he was ten seconds behind Fenati at the end of the race.

It's Official: Qualifying returns to 2015 rules for China and onwards

It was confirm this afternoon (7/4/16), the much controversial new knock-out F1 qualifying format will be ditched once and for all and return back to the 2015-style qualifying format from the Chinese Grand Prix onwards, after the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone agreed to a request from the teams on Thursday.



All eleven teams, in a letter to FIA President Jean Todt and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, stated that they were against a move to aggregate qualifying, and expressed a desire to revert to last year's set-up.

Formula 1 used the new-for-2016 live knock-out elimination system in Australia and Bahrain, but it was heavily criticised on both occasions, with limit to no track activity in the closing stages of each knock-out phase.

Ecclestone and FIA were initially unwilling to back down and return to the 2015 format, instead asking the teams to consider a new two-lap aggregate system, but Thursday's surprise letter forced a rethink.

In my opinion, qualifying wasn't broken at all from the 2006-2015 qualifying format, the new knock-out format from Australia and Bahrain was completely awful and thankfully people from the teams and now the echoes of the FIA have common sense to revert back to the previous rules until the end of the season at least.

If anyone forgot what the 2015 qualifying are in two simple bullet points:

• six drivers will drop out at the end of Q1 and Q2
• ten drivers to battle it out for pole position in Q3

Simple. Back to the future for China.

Sir Chris Hoy enters this years 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMP2 Class

Sir Chris Hoy will make his debut in this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a LMP2 car, it was announced last Thursday (31/3/15).



The six-time Olympic gold medallist who have been racing in the British GT Championship and European Le Mans Series in recent seasons, which includes winning the LMP3 title alongside Charlie Robertson in European Le Mans Series last year.



Will step up to LMP2 class with the Algarve Pro Racing team for the first two rounds of the ELMS series and this years Le Mans race in mid-June, in a Nissan-powered Ligier JSP2 alongside Michael Munemann and Andrea Pizzitola for those races.

All I can say its a brand new challenge ahead for the six-time Olympic gold medallist.

Top Ten BMW Race/Rally Cars, Celebrating BMW's 100th Birthday

On 7 March 1916 was the birth of BMW, this year is the 100th year BMW has been producing cars and bikes. As so, this post is the Top Ten BMW Race/Rally Cars from BMW's history.



This list is anything goes that does includes any Formula One cars, LMP1s, Touring cars and Superbikes. So basically 100% BMWs, starting with Number Ten:

Number 10: 2009- BMW S1000RR
Story: The BMW S1000RR is a sport bike initially made by BMW Motorrad to compete in the 2009 Superbike World Championship, that is now in commercial production. The BMW S1000RR uses a BMW 999 cc inline-4 engine producing 193 bhp @ 13,500 rpm. So far BMW S1000RR have took twelve World Superbike wins, nine for Marco Melandri and three for Chaz Davies.



Number 9: 2008 BMW Sauber F1.08
Story: BMW Sauber F1.08 was designed by Willy Rampf, the BMW Sauber F1.08 had the 2.4 litre BMW V8 engine underneath. The BMW Sauber F1.08 took an impressive one two finish with Robert Kubica taking the win and Nick Hiedfied finishing in second place at that seasons Canadian Grand Prix, for BMW's only Grand Prix win as a constructor. Overall, the BMW Sauber F1.08 took a race win, seven second place finishes, three third place finishes, two fastest laps, one pole position, 135 points in 2008 F1 season, took Robert Kubica to equal third in the F1 Drivers' Standings in 2008, and BMW Sauber to third place in the Constructors' Standings in 2008.



Number 8: 2003 Williams FW25
Story: Williams FW25 was designed by Patrick Head, Gavin Fisher and Antonia Terzi; the Williams FW25 had the 3 litre BMW V10 engine underneath. The Williams FW25 took Williams to second place in the 2003 F1 Constructors' Standings. The Williams FW25 won four races, two for Juan Pablo Montoya and two for Ralf Schumacher as-well.



Number 7: 2012- BMW M3 DTM/M4 DTM
Story: The BMW M3 DTM/M4 DTM was designed for DTM rules. BMW M3 DTM/M4 DTM was powered by the BMW 4 litre V8 engine underneath. So far the BMW M3 DTM/M4 DTM has won two DTM titles for Bruno Spengler in 2012 (in the M3 DTM)and for Marco Wittmann in 2014 (in the M4 DTM). Three Constructor Championships for BMW in 2012, 2013 and 2015 so far in its short DTM Career.





Number 6: 1991-2000 BMW 318i
Story: The BMW 318i was designed for Super Touring rules.



BMW 318i was powered by the BMW four cylinder 2 litre engine underneath. Overall, the BMW 318i was a dominating race car in the Super Touring era, with many championship wins from the rear-wheel drive machine.

• Which includes wins in the Super Tourenwagen Cup, with three championships for Johnny Cecotto in 1994 and 1997, and then Joachim Winkelhock in 1995.
• Two British Touring Car Championships for Tim Harvey in 1992, and then for Joachim Winkelhock in 1993.
• Two Italian Superturismo Championships for Roberto Ravaglia in 1993, and then for Emanuele Naspetti in 1997.
• Four French Supertouring Championships for Yvan Muller in 1995, and then for Eric Cayrolle in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
• Six Australian Super Touring Championships for Tony Longhurst in 1994, Alan Gurr in 2000, and then for Paul Morris in 1995,1997, 1999 and 2000.
• One 24 Hours Nürburgring win in 1995.
• Five Spa 24 Hours wins between 1994 to 1998.

Number 5: 2002-2010 BMW 320i/BMW 320si
Story: The BMW 320i/BMW 320si was designed for S2000 rules.



BMW 320i/BMW 320si was powered by the BMW four cylinder 2 litre engine underneath. Overall, the BMW 320i/BMW 320si was a dominating race car in the Super Touring era, with many championship wins from the rear-wheel drive machine.

• Which includes wins in the European Touring Car Championship in 2004 for Andy Priaulx.
• One British Touring Car Championship for Colin Turkington in 2009.
• Three World Touring Car Championship drivers' championships for Andy Priaulx in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
• Three World Touring Car Manufacturers' Championships for BMW in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
• And fifty-two outright wins in the World Touring Car Championship.

Number 4: 1972-79 BMW 3.0 CSL
Story: Nicknamed as the "Batmobile", the BMW 3.0 CSL was powered by the BMW six cylinder 3 litre engine underneath.



Overall, the BMW 3.0 CSL was a dominating race car in its era, with many championship wins from the rear-wheel drive machine.

• Which includes six wins in the European Touring Car Championship in 1973 for Toine Hezemans, Siegfried Müller Sr. and Alain Peltier in 1975, Jean Xhenceval and Pierre Dieudonné in 1976, Dieter Quester in 1977, Umberto Grano in 1978, and then for Martino Finotto and Carlo Facetti in 1979.
• One outright 24 Hour of Daytona win in 1976 with Peter Gregg, Brian Redman and John Fitzpatrick behind the wheel.
• Four Spa 24 Hours wins between 1973 to 1976.
• And one 24 Hours Nürburgring win in 1973 with Niki Lauda (yes, that Niki Lauda) and Hans-Peter Joisten behind the wheel.

Number 3: 1999 BMW V12 LMR
Story: Designed and developed by the Williams F1 team back in 1999. The BMW V12 LMR used a BMW 6 litre V12 engine which produces over 600 bhp. Which took, BMW to its only outright victory at Le Mans, winning the 1999 24 hours of Le Mans race with Pierluigi Martini, Yannick Dalmas and Joachim Winkelhock as drivers on that day.



Number 2: 1983 Brabham BT52
Story: Brabham BT52 was designed by Gordon Murray, the Brabham BT52 was powered by the BMW four cylinder 1.5 litre turbocharged engine underneath, which in 1983 produced about 850 bhp in qualifying, detuned to around 600 bhp for race spec. Brabham BT52 took four wins in 1983, three for Nelson Piquet and one for Riccardo Patrese. While Nelson Piquet driving the Brabham BMW BT52 took the drivers championship in 1983 and winning his second of his third F1 drivers championship. And took Brabham to third place in the Constructors' Standings that year.



Number 1: 1986-92 BMW M3
Story: The BMW M3 was designed for Group A rules.



BMW M3 was powered by the BMW four cylinder 2.3 litre engine underneath. Overall the BMW M3 was the most dominating Group A race car with many championship wins from the rear-wheel drive machine.

• Which include wins in the World Touring Car Championship in 1987 with Roberto Ravaglia.
• Two European Touring Car Championships for Winfried Vogt in 1988 and then for Roberto Ravaglia in 1988.
• Two DTM championships for Eric van de Poele in 1987, and then for Roberto Ravaglia in 1989.
• Two British Touring Car Championships for Frank Sytner in 1988, and then for Will Hoy in 1991.
• Four Italian Superturismo Championships for Michele Di Gioia in 1987, Johnny Cecotto in 1989, and for Roberto Ravaglia in 1990 and 1991.
• Four French Supertouring Championships for Fabien Giroix in 1987, and then for Jean-Pierre Malcher in 1988, 1989, and 1990.
• 1987 Australian Touring Car Championship for Jim Richards.
• 1993 Australian Super Touring Championship for Peter Doulmanin.
• Five 24 Hours Nürburgring wins (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1994).
• Four Spa 24 Hours wins (1987, 1988, 1990 and 1992).
• And one WRC win for Bernard Béguin at the 1987 Tour de Corse.

Basically the BMW M3 was the ultimate winning machine from BMW, and the greatest BMW Race/Rally Car ever!



Happy 100th Birthday BMW.

2016 TCR Round 1 Recap

Review of Round One of the 2016 TCR International Series season was at Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain.

In the first race, Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver Pepe Oriola took the race win in his SEAT León TCR. Second was WestCoast Racing driver Gianni Morbidelli in his Honda Civic TCR, he was over two seconds behind Oriola in the end. While, third place was Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver James Nash in his SEAT León TCR, he was three seconds behind Oriola in the end.



While in the second race, Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver Pepe Oriola once again took the race win in his SEAT León TCR. Second was Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver James Nash in his SEAT León TCR, he was two second behind Oriola in the end. While third place was B3 Racing Team Hungary driver Dušan Borković in his SEAT León TCR to complete a SEAT podium whitewash, he was six seconds behind Gené in the end.



Next stop Autódromo do Estoril, Estoril, Portugal for Round Two of the 2016 TCR International Series season in three weeks time.

2016 WTCC Round 1 Recap - Race of France

Review of Round One of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season was the was the Race of France, at Circuit Paul Ricard, in Southern France.

In the first race, Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Robert Huff took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC and also took Independents class win, he was two seconds behind Huff in the end. While third place was Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was seven seconds behind Huff in the end.



While in the second race, Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was three tenths of a second behind López in the end. While third was Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was three seconds behind López in the end.

Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. He finished in eighth place overall and twenty-two seconds behind López in the end.



Next stop Race of Slovakia at Automotodróm Slovakia Ring for Round Two of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.

2016 BTCC Round 1 Recap

Review of Round One of the 2016 British Touring Car Championship season was at Brands Hatch's Indy Circuit, in Kent.

In the first race, Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram took the race win in his Toyota Avensis and also took Independents class win. Second was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver and current BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden in his Honda Civic Type R, he was two second behind Ingram in the end. While third place was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Type R, he was four seconds behind Ingram in the end.

While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton in his MG6 GT, he finished in fourth place and was six seconds behind Ingram in the end.


Meanwhile in the second race, Halfords Yuasa Racing driver and current BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R. Second was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal in his Honda Civic Type R, he was eight tenths of a second behind Shedden in the end. While third place was Team BKR driver Árón Smith in his Volkswagen CC and also took Independents class win, he was three seconds behind Shedden in the end.

While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton in his MG6 GT, he finished in sixth place and was nine seconds behind Shedden in the end.


Finally in the third race, WIX Racing driver Adam Morgan took the race win in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class and also took Independents class win. Second was Team JCT600 with GardX driver Sam Tordoff in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was a tenth of a second behind Morgan in the end. While third place was Team IHG Rewards Club driver Jack Goff in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was half a second behind Morgan in the end.

While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton in his MG6 GT, he finished in tenth place and was eleven seconds behind Morgan in the end.


Next stop Donington Park for Round Two of the 2016 British Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.

2016 Argentina MotoGP Review

Review of the second round of the 2016 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 Marc Márquez on his works Honda RC213V. Second was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was eight seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, third was the other Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Márquez on his works Honda RC213V, he was over twenty-eight seconds behind Márquez at the end of the race.

In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Ajo Motorsport rider and current Moto2 champion Johann Zarco on the Kalex. Second was Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Sam Lowes on the Kalex, he was over a second behind Zarco at the end. While, third was Dynavolt Intact GP rider Jonas Folger on the Kalex, he was three seconds behind Zarco at the end of the race.

While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), on a drying track that race was won by Honda Team Asia rider Khairul Idham Pawi on the Honda and the first ever by a Malaysian, in only his third Moto3 race! Second was Estrella Galicia rider Jorge Navarro on the Honda, he was twenty-six seconds behind Idham Pawi at the end. While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM, he was thirty seconds behind Idham Pawi at the end of the race.

2015/16 Formula E - Long Beach ePrix - Round 6 Recap

Review of Round Six of the 2015-16 Formula E season held at the shorter version of the Long Beach Street Circuit in Long Beach, California, U.S.A.

The race was won by ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Abt Sportsline for his second race win of the year. Second was Venturi Formula E Team driver Stéphane Sarrazin in his Spark-Venturi, he was a eight tenths of a second behind di Grassi in the end. Meanwhile, third was ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, he was two seconds behind di Grassi in the end.

Highlights of the race bellow, enjoy.



Next stop, Round Seven of the 2015-16 Formula E season on the Paris Street Circuit for the Paris ePrix in three weeks time.

2016 Bahrain Grand Prix Review and thoughts

Review of the second round of the 2016 F1 season at Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Despite the new knock-out qualifying format is still a complete flop and quite boring, while the race itself was enjoyable and entertaining race to watch.

A race that both current F1 champion Lewis Hamilton and former F1 champion Sebastian Vettel want to forget and out of their own control. Vettel didn't started the race with an engine blow out on the formation lap, a first for Ferrari in twenty years. While, Hamilton bogged down at the start but was second into turn one before he was T-boned by Valtteri Bottas and finished the first lap in ninth. Which means Nico Rosberg took the advantage at the start and took the lead, stayed there with most of the laps leading, fastest lap as-well to conclude with a race win in this seasons Bahrain Grand Prix for Nico Rosberg's second race win of the season and his fifth race win in a row since last seasons Mexican Grand Prix.



While, Kimi Räikkönen finished second place in the Ferrari to give his first podium of the season, Raikkonen was ten seconds behind Rosberg at the end.

Meanwhile, Rosberg's team-mate and current F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in third place in the other Mercedes to complete the podium, Hamilton was thirty seconds behind Rosberg at the end of the fifty-seven lap race.

Finally, a quick mention to Stoffel Vandoorne in the McLaren finishing tenth place in his début race, he was confirmed to drive the McLaren days before the race after Fernando Alonso was ruled out from his Australian Grand Prix crash. Vandoorne becomes the first Belgium to score points in F1 since Thierry Boutsen did it since the 1992 Australian Grand Prix. Vandoorne was lap behind Rosberg at the end.



Rate the Teams and Drivers

Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 7 (pole, finished third)
Nico Rosberg - 9 (race win, fastest lap)

Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (DNS, Engine)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished second)

Williams - 5
Valtteri Bottas - 5 (finished ninth, lap down)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished eighth, lap down)

Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fourth)
Daniil Kvyat - 7 (finished seventh, lap down)

Force India - 4
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Sergio Pérez - 4 (finished sixteenth, lap down)

Renault - 4
Kevin Magnussen - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 3 (DNS, Hydraulics)

Toro Rosso - 6
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 5 (DNF, Collision Damage)
Max Verstappen - 8 (finished sixth)

Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 4 (finished fourteenth, lap down)

McLaren - 7
Stoffel Vandoorne - 9 (finished tenth, lap down)
Jenson Button - 6 (DNF, Power Unit)

Manor - 7
Rio Haryanto - 6 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 8 (finished thirteenth, lap down)

Haas - 8
Romain Grosjean - 9 (finished fifth)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 7 (DNF, Brakes)

Next stop Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix in two weeks time.