In 2017, Toyota will return to the WRC for the first time in eighteen years, and debut the Toyota Yaris WRC in the World Rally Championship next season. The car was unveiled during Thursday's (29/9/2016) Paris Motor Show, where they announced a sponsorship deal with Microsoft.
Toyota Yaris WRC is based on the Toyota Yaris, the Toyota Yaris WRC powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine producing around 380 bhp.
The Toyota Yaris WRC will debut at the 2016 Monte Carlo Rally where it will be driven rumoured by Esapekka Lappi and Juho Hanninen.
It was announced on Tuesday (27/9/16) that BMW will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018, with the M4. The BMW M4 will race in LMGTE Pro class in the World Endurance Championship, and will see it go head-to-head with factory rivals of Ford, Ferrari, Porsche, Corvette and Aston Martin.
BMW will compete in the the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and World Endurance Championship in 2018 next year with the M4. Making it the first time BMW will race at Le Mans since 2011 with their M3 GT2.
No word yet on team and drivers is yet to be line up, but it is believed it will be dovetailed in line with BMW's current commitment in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, a similar way Ford took up at the start of 2016.
Overall, I think its great news that BMW will be racing with the M4 at Le Mans and all around the world going into 2018. Also, it will be a very tough challenge ahead for BMW in 2018, challenging the likes of rivals of Ford, Ferrari, Porsche, Corvette and Aston Martin in winning the LMGTE Pro class. But, with BMW behind the project, the brand could succeeded well in World Endurance Championship with the right people going into 2018.
Review of Round Eight of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at the Hungaroring, on the outskirts of Budapest in Hungary
On Saturday's race, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Edoardo Mortara took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver Jamie Green in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was a second behind Mortara in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt driver Miguel Molina in his Audi RS5 DTM to complete an Audi podium whitewash, he was nine seconds behind Mortara in the end.
On Sunday's race, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Mattias Ekström took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver Adrien Tambay in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was four seconds behind Ekström in the end. While, third place was BMW Team Schnitzer driver António Félix da Costa in his BMW M4 DTM, he was twenty-four seconds behind Ekström in the end.
Next stop Hockenheimring, Baden-Württemberg in Germany for Round Nine and the final round of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in three weeks time.
Review of Round Ten of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season was the Race of China, at Shanghai International Circuit, on the outskirts of Shanghai.
In the first race, Polestar Cyan Racing driver Thed Björk took the race win in his Volvo S60 Polestar TC1. Second was Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was three tenths of a second behind Björk in the end. While third place was Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was half a second behind Björk in the end.
Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by ROAL Motorsport driver Tom Coronel in his Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1. He finished in seventh place overall and seven seconds behind Björk 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 C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was eleven seconds behind López in the end. While third place was Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC to complete Citroën podium whitewash finish and also took Independents class win, he was thirteen seconds behind López in the end.
Next stop Race of Qatar at Losail International Circuit for WTCC only night race of the season, for Round Eleven and the final round of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in ten weeks time.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that, Nico Rosberg for the win in the Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton second in the other Mercedes, and Daniel Ricciardo third in the Red Bull. Don't forget Max Verstappen, the Ferrari drivers, the Williams drivers and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
Review of round fourteen of the 2016 MotoGP season at Motorland Aragón, on the outskirts of Alcañiz in east of Spain for the Aragon GP.
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 three seconds behind Márquez at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was six 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 Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Sam Lowes on the Kalex. Second was Estrella Galicia Marc VDS rider Álex Márquez on the Kalex, he was three seconds behind Lowes at the end. While, third was Estrella Galicia Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli on the Kalex, he was three and half seconds behind Lowes at the end.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Estrella Galicia rider Jorge Navarro on the Honda.
Second was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM, he was three hundredths of a second behind Navarro at the end. Second place was enough to give Brad Binder the 2016 Moto3 title, Brad Binder was 106 points ahead of Jorge Navarro in the standings with four races to go. Binder becomes the first South African motorcycling Grand Prix champion for 36 years since Jon Ekerold winning the 350cc championship back in 1980. Contracts to Brad Binder for winning this seasons Moto3 championship.
While, third was Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Enea Bastianini on the Honda, he was a tenth of a second behind Navarro at the end.
Last week, I wrote a top six best Toro Rosso F1 cars for Scuderia Toro Rosso's 200th Grand Prix during last weekends Singapore Grand Prix. Actually, the team done 346 Grand Prixs more under the team's former name Minardi. Minardi competed in Formula 1 between 1985 till 2005 after Red Bull bought the team renamed it as Toro Rosso. I did promise to write it last week, this post is the top six best Minardi F1 cars ever! Starting with number 6:
Number 6: 1999 Minardi M01
Story: Minardi M01 was designed by Gustav Brunner; the Minardi M01 had the 3 litre Ford V10 engine underneath. Minardi M01 took a sixth place finish with Marc Gené at that seasons European Grand Prix. The M01 took Minardi to tenth place in the Constructors' standings in 1999 with 1 point.
Number 5: 2002 Minardi PS02
Story: Minardi PS02 was designed by Gabriele Tredozi; the Minardi PS02 had the 3 litre Asiatech V10 engine underneath. Minardi PS02 took a fifth place finish with Mark Webber at that seasons Australian Grand Prix. The PS02 took Minardi to ninth place in the Constructors' standings in 2002 with 2 points.
Number 4: 1994 Minardi M194
Story: Minardi M194 was designed by Aldo Costa and Gustav Brunner; the Minardi M194 had the 3.5 litre Ford V8 engine underneath. Minardi M194 took a fifth place finish with Pierluigi Martini at that seasons French Grand Prix. The M194 took Minardi to tenth place in the Constructors' standings in 1994 with 5 points*.
*Note the Minardi M193 took the first three of five points in 1994.
Number 3: 1993-4 Minardi M193
Story: Minardi M194 was designed by Aldo Costa and Gustav Brunner; the Minardi M193 had the 3.5 litre Ford V8 engine underneath. Minardi M193 took a fourth place finish with Christian Fittipaldi at that seasons South African Grand Prix. The M193 took Minardi to eighth place in the Constructors' standings in 1993 with 7 points, and 3 more points in 1994.
Number 2: 1989-90 Minardi M189
Story: Minardi M189 was designed by Nigel Cowperthwaite; the Minardi M189 had the 3.5 litre Ford V8 engine underneath. Minardi M189 took two fifth place finish with Pierluigi Martini taking both fifth place finishes, while Martini lead with the M189 during the 1989 Portuguese Grand Prix and qualified the M189 on the front row for the 1990 United States Grand Prix just 0.067 of a second behind Gerhard Berger's pole time. Overall, the M189 took Minardi to eleventh place in the Constructors' standings in 1989 with 6 points.
Number 1: 1991 Minardi M191
Story: Minardi M191 was designed by Aldo Costa and Rene Hilhorst; the Minardi M191 had the 3.5 litre Ferrari V12 engine underneath. Minardi M191 took two fourth place finish with Pierluigi Martini taking both fourth place finishes. The M191 took Minardi to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 1991 with 6 points.
To give the 1991 Minardi M191 the best Minardi F1 car ever! Forza Minardi!
Review of Round Nine of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season was the World RX of Barcelona, at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on the outskirts of Barcalona, Spain.
In the four Heats, those were won by Mattias Ekström, Timmy Hansen and Johan Kristoffersson (winning twice).
In the first semi-final that was won by EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi S1. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was seven tenths of a second behind Ekström in the end. While, third was Larsson Jernberg Motorsport driver Robin Larsson in his Audi A1, he was five seconds behind Ekström in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by World RX Team Austria driver Timur Timerzyanov in his Ford Fiesta. Second was Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo, he was seven tenths of a second behind Timerzyanov in the end. While, third was World RX Team Austria driver Jānis Baumanis in his Ford Fiesta he was two seconds behind Timerzyanov in the end.
In the final race, EKS RX driver Mattias Ekström took the race win in his Audi S1. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was eight tenths of a second behind Ekström in the end. While third was World RX Team Austria driver Timur Timerzyanov in his Ford Fiesta, he was three seconds behind Ekström in the end.
Next stop World RX of Latvia at Biķernieku Kompleksā Sporta Bāze for Round Ten of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in two weeks time.
Review of Round Nine of the 2016 TCR International Series season was at Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore.
In the first race, Leopard Racing driver Jean-Karl Vernay took the race win in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Second was Leopard Racing driver and current TCR International Series Champion Stefano Comini in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was three seconds behind Vernay in the end. While, third place was Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver Pepe Oriola in his SEAT León TCR, he was seven seconds behind Vernay in the end.
While in the second race, WestCoast Racing driver Mikhail Grachev took the race win in his Honda Civic TCR. Second was B3 Racing Team Hungary driver Dušan Borković in his SEAT León TCR, he was four tenths of a second behind Grachev in the end. While, third place was Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver James Nash in his SEAT León TCR, he was eight tenths of a second behind Grachev in the end.
Next stop Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for Round Ten of the 2016 TCR International Series season in two weeks time.
Review of Round Nine of the 2016 British Touring Car Championship season was on the National Circuit at Silverstone, in Northamptonshire.
In the first race, MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton in his MG6 GT and also took the Jack Sears Trophy win. Second was MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Josh Cook in his MG6 GT, he was a second behind Sutton in the end. However both MG Racing RCIB Insurance drivers were later excluded from race one due to technical infringement after both cars were found to have illegal rear wing alignments.
Therefore, Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram took the win in race one in his Toyota Avensis and also took Independents class win. Second was Motorbase Performance driver Andrew Jordan in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win, he was three seconds behind Tom Ingram in the end. While third place was Handy Motorsport driver Rob Austin in his Toyota Avensis, he was seven seconds behind Ingram in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for top 'Rookie Driver' in the series) was won by Team BKR driver Mark Howard in his Volkswagen CC, he finished in sixteenth place and was thirty seconds behind Ingram in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Motorbase Performance driver Andrew Jordan took the race win in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win. Second was WIX Racing driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class, he was a second behind Jordan in the end. While third was Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis, he was two and half seconds behind Jordan in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by RCIB Insurance Racing driver Michael Epps in his Toyota Avensis, he finished in twelfth place and was seven seconds behind Jordan in the end.
Finally in the third race, Halfords Yuasa Racing driver and current BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R. Second was Motorbase Performance driver Mat Jackson in his Ford Focus ST and also took Independents class win, he was seven tenths of a second behind Shedden in the end. While third place was Team JCT600 with GardX driver Rob Collard in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was a second 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 tenth place and was nine seconds behind Shedden in the end.
Next stop Brands Hatch for Round Ten and the final round of the 2016 British Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.
Review of Round Eleven of the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas.
Wayne Taylor Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Jordan Taylor and Ricky Taylor in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8. While, Action Express Racing finished second place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of Dane Cameron and Eric Curran; they were a second behind the leaders. Meanwhile, the other Action Express Racing team finished third place in their Coyote Corvette, Chevrolet 5.5L V8, the team of João Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi; they were forty-seven seconds behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), Starworks Motorsport team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in fifth place overall; with the drivers of Alex Popow and Renger van der Zande; they were a lap behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Porsche North America team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in tenth place overall in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R; with the drivers of Earl Bamber and Frédéric Makowiecki; they were a lap behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Turner Motorsport team won GT Daytona Class and finished in twenty-second place overall in their BMW M6 GT3; with the drivers of Bret Curtis and Jens Klingmann; they were four laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta in two weeks time for Round Twelve and the final round of the 2016 season of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Review of Round six of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship at 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas in Austin, United States.
The Porsche Team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley in their Porsche 919 Hybrid. While, second was the Audi Sport Team Joest team of Oliver Jarvis, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro, they were twenty-three seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Toyota Gazoo Racing of Mike Conway, Stéphane Sarrazin and Kamui Kobayashi in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, they were twenty-six seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class, the Signatech Alpine team of Gustavo Menezes, Nicolas Lapierre and Stéphane Richelmi in their Alpine A460 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class. They finish in eighth place overall and they were fourteen laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Nicki Thiim and Marco Sørensen won in their Aston Martin Vantage GTE. They finish in sixteenth place overall and they were twenty-thtree laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Paul Dalla Lana, Pedro Lamy and Mathias Lauda in their Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE. They finish in twenty-third place overall and they were twenty-eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Fuji in four weeks time for round seven of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Review of the fifteenth round of the 2016 F1 season at Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore for Formula 1's only night-time street race of the season, for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Overall, a dominating race weekend from Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg. Rosberg was on pole for Sunday's race after current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton only managed to qualifying in third place. Rosberg took the advantage at the start and stayed there with most of the laps leading, despite a late charge from Daniel Ricciardo when Ricciardo opted for fresh set of super soft tyres while Rosberg remand on soft tyres till the end when the gamble paid off. To give Nico Rosberg a race win in this seasons Singapore Grand Prix for Rosberg's eighth race win of the season.
While, Daniel Ricciardo finished in second place in the Red Bull, Ricciardo was half a second behind Rosberg at the end.
Meanwhile, current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in third place in the Mercedes to complete the podium, Hamilton was eight seconds behind Rosberg at the end of the sixty-one lap race.
With Nico Rosberg's win in Singapore and Lewis Hamilton only managing a third place finish, it now gives Nico Rosberg the lead of the F1 drivers' championship by eight points ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton with six races to go.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 7 (finished third)
Nico Rosberg - 10 (pole and race win)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 9 (finished fifth)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished fourth)
Williams - 5
Valtteri Bottas - 5 (DNF, Overheating)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 9 (finished second and fastest lap)
Max Verstappen - 7 (finished sixth)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (DNF, Collision with Carlos Sainz Jr.)
Sergio Pérez - 7 (finished eighth)
Renault - 6
Kevin Magnussen - 8 (finished tenth)
Jolyon Palmer - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 8 (finished ninth)
Sauber - 6
Marcus Ericsson - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 7 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 9 (finished seventh)
Jenson Button - 5 (DNF, Brakes)
Manor - 4
Esteban Ocon - 4 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
To Celebrate Scuderia Toro Rosso's 200th Grand Prix start coming up at this weekends Singapore Grand Prix. To celebrate this, this post is the top six best Toro Rosso F1 cars ever! (note, I will do a Top six best Minardi F1 cars post later in the month). Starting with number 6:
Number 6: 2011 Toro Rosso STR6
Story: Toro Rosso STR6 was designed by Giorgio Ascanelli, Ben Butler and Nicolo Petrucci; the Toro Rosso STR6 had the 2.4 litre Ferrari V8 engine underneath. Toro Rosso STR8 took two seventh place finish with Jaime Alguersuari taking both seventh place finishes. The STR6 took Toro Rosso to eighth place in the Constructors' standings in 2011 with 41 points.
Number 5: 2013 Toro Rosso STR8
Story: Toro Rosso STR8 was designed by James Key, the Toro Rosso STR8 had the 2.4 litre Ferrari V8 engine underneath. Toro Rosso STR8 took a sixth place finish with Jean-Éric Vergne at that seasons Canadian Grand Prix. The STR8 took Toro Rosso to eighth place in the Constructors' standings in 2013 with 33 points.
Number 4: 2014 Toro Rosso STR9
Story: Toro Rosso STR9 was designed by James Key, the Toro Rosso STR9 had the 1.6 litre Renault power V6 turbo power unit underneath. Toro Rosso STR9 took a sixth place finish with Jean-Éric Vergne at that seasons Singapore Grand Prix. The STR9 took Toro Rosso to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 2014 with 30 points.
Number 3: 2007 Toro Rosso STR2
Story: Toro Rosso STR2 was designed by Adrian Newey, the Toro Rosso STR2 had the 2.4 litre Ferrari V8 engine underneath. The Toro Rosso STR2 took one fourth place finish with Sebastian Vettel at that seasons Chinese Grand Prix. The STR2 took Toro Rosso to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 2007 with 8 points.
Number 2: 2015 Toro Rosso STR10
Story: Toro Rosso STR10 was designed by James Key, Paolo Marabini and Matteo Piraccini; the Toro Rosso STR10 had the 1.6 litre Renault power V6 turbo power unit underneath. Toro Rosso STR10 took two top four finishes in that season with Max Verstappen taking both fourth place finishes. The STR10 took Toro Rosso to seventh place in the Constructors' standings in 2015 with 67 points.
Number 1: 2008 Toro Rosso STR3
Story: Toro Rosso STR3 was designed by Adrian Newey, the Toro Rosso STR3 had the 2.4 litre Ferrari V8 engine underneath. The Toro Rosso STR3 took an impressive race victory with Sebastian Vettel taking the win at that seasons Italian Grand Prix, Scuderia Toro Rosso Team's only Grand Prix win to date. Overall, the Toro Rosso STR3 took a race win, and a pole position with 39 points in 2008 F1 season, took Sebastian Vettel to eighth place in the F1 drivers' standings in 2008, and Toro Rosso to sixth place in the Constructor standings in 2008.
To give this 2008 Toro Rosso STR3 the best Toro Rosso F1 car ever! And many 200 Grand Prixs more.
For the last five years', I have done posts on Gymkhana Four, Gymkhana Five, Gymkhana Six, Gymkhana Seven and Gymkhana Eight. Six months after the previous Gymkhana came out. Hoonigan, Forza Horizon 3, and Ken Block bring out their new Gymkhana video onto YouTube called: "Ken Block's GYMKHANA NINE: Raw Industrial Playground" (video below).
And just like Gymkhana Five and Seven, its shot on an abandoned industrial estate around Buffalo, New York, USA. Using his trustworthy Ford Focus RS RX that produces 600 bhp. Enjoy the video below.
Ken Block's GYMKHANA NINE: Raw Industrial Playground
What my thoughts about the video. Equal as Gymkhana Five, Seven and eight if you have to compare it with any of Ken Block's previous Gymkhanas. I thought it was still edited well, the multiple use of Go-Pro cameras' inside and outside on the Focus ST RX. Also, I enjoyed Ken was doing multiple doughnuts with the Focus ST RX round a 2017 Ford Raptor that’s dangling precariously under a helicopter.
Overall I liked the video, is it better than last years Gymkhana, so far with nearly half a million views on YouTube since Tuesday in the space of 24 hours, its another 80 million views to catch up with Gymkhana Five record. Overall, another very cool video from Ken Block.
Review of Round Seven of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at Nürburgring, west of Germany.
On Saturday's race, BMW Team RMG driver Marco Wittmann took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was BMW Team RBM driver Tom Blomqvist in his BMW M4 DTM, he was seven seconds behind Wittmann in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver Jamie Green in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was nine seconds behind Wittmann in the end.
On Sunday's race, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Edoardo Mortara took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Mercedes-Benz DTM Team Mücke driver Lucas Auer in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was four seconds behind Mortara in the end. While, third place was BMW Team RMG driver Marco Wittmann in his BMW M4 DTM, he was seven seconds behind Mortara in the end.
Next stop Hungaroring, Mogyoród in Hungary for Round Eight of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in two weeks time.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix on the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. For Formula 1's only night-time street race of the season.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that, Daniel Ricciardo for the win in the Red Bull, Max Verstappen second in the other Red Bull, and Lewis Hamilton third in the Mercedes. Don't forget Nico Rosberg, the Ferrari drivers, the Williams drivers and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
Review of round thirteen of the 2016 MotoGP season at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, on the outskirts of Misano Adriatico in east of Italy for the San Marino GP.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that race was won by Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa on his works Honda RC213V.
Second was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1V, he was three seconds behind Pedrosa at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was four seconds behind Pedrosa at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Forward Team rider Lorenzo Baldassarri on the Kalex. Second was Paginas Amarillas HP 40 rider Álex Rins on the Kalex, he was two and half seconds behind Baldassarri at the end. While, third was Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider Takaaki Nakagami on the Kalex, he was six seconds behind Baldassarri at the end.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Enea Bastianini on the Honda, he was two tenths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Leopard Racing rider Joan Mir on the KTM, he was fourteen tenths of a second behind Binder at the end.
It was confirmed on Tuesday (6/9/16), that Channel 5 will replace ITV in broadcasting Formula E races live in the UK across the 2016/17 season for the next two seasons.
Channel 5 sport portfolio includes English Football League highlights, cricket highlights, live boxing, while it has increased its motorsport portfolio with highlight coverage of the World Rally Championship. It will broadcast all Formula E races live, while sister channel Spike will air the qualifying sessions.
ITV had been the free-to-air Formula E coverage in the UK for the first two seasons for the electric series.
Despite the split from ITV, this is still good news in the UK that Channel 5 has got the rights for Formula E for the next two seasons, as I don't believe it could develop as much as it would be on a premium/pay channel such as a Sky or BT for example. Anyway this is great news in the UK for motorsport fans in general as the only three series that are still free to air and live are Formula 1 (well half of it for now), BTCC and still Formula E.
Review of Round Eight of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season was the World RX of France, at Circuit de Lohéac located in Lohéac, in North-West France.
In the four Heats, those were won by Mattias Ekström (winning twice) and Johan Kristoffersson (winning twice).
In the first semi-final that was won by Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Ford Focus RS. Second was Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg in his Citroën DS3. he was under four seconds behind Bakkerud in the end. While, third was Münnich Motorsport driver Reinis Nitišs in his SEAT Ibiza Cupra, he was over four seconds behind Bakkerud in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was three seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Ken Block in his Ford Focus RS, he was four seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
In the final race, Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson took the race win in his Volkswagen Polo. Second was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Ford Focus RS, he was three seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was five seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
Next stop World RX of Barcelona at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for Round Nine of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in two weeks time.
Review of Round Nine of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season was the was the Race of Japan, on the Honda owned Twin Ring Motegi circuit, Motegi, Japan.
In the first race, Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Rob Huff in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was over a second behind Michelisz in the end. While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC to complete a Honda podium whitewash, he was over two seconds behind Michelisz 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 eighth place overall and nine seconds behind Michelisz in the end.
While in the second race, Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López, he was a second behind Muller in the end; the second place was enough to give José María López his third WTCC drivers’ title to win the 2016 title. Contractions to José María López for winning this years title.
While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was over two and half seconds behind Muller 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 fourth place overall and three seconds behind Muller in the end.
Next stop Race of China at Shanghai International Circuit for Round Ten of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
Review of the round twelve of the 2016 MotoGP season at Silverstone, on the outskirts of Northampton, UK.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Viñales on his works Suzuki GSX-RR. Giving Suzuki their first premier series win since Chris Vermeulen at Le Mans in 2007.
Second was LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow on his Honda RC213V, he was three seconds behind Viñales at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1V, he was four seconds behind Viñales at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Garage Plus Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex. Second was Estrella Galicia Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli on the Kalex, he was eight tenths of a second behind Lüthi at the end. While, third was Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider Takaaki Nakagami on the Kalex, he was eleven tenths of a second behind Lüthi at the end.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Aspar Mahindra Team Moto3 rider Francesco Bagnaia on the Mahindra, he was two tenths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Bo Bendsneyder on the KTM, he was three tenths of a second behind Binder at the end.
Review of Round five of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City, Mexico.
The Porsche Team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley in their Porsche 919 Hybrid. Second was the Audi Sport Team Joest team of André Lotterer, Marcel Fässler and Benoît Tréluyer in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro, they were sixty-one seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Toyota Gazoo Racing of Mike Conway, Stéphane Sarrazin and Kamui Kobayashi in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, they were sixty-nine seconds 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 sixth place overall and they were twenty laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Darren Turner and Richie Stanaway won in their Aston Martin Vantage GTE. They finish in fifteenth place overall and they were twenty-eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Abu Dhabi-Proton Racing team of Khalid Al Qubaisi, Patrick Long and David Heinemeier Hansson in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in twenty-second place overall and they were thirty-three laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Mexico City below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas in two weeks time for round six of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Review of the fourteenth round of the 2016 F1 season at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, near Milan, for the Italian Grand Prix.
Not going to be the best race of the race. But, a race that current F1 champion Lewis Hamilton want to forget. Hamilton who started on pole, had a poor start and bogged down to sixth on the first lap. Which means Nico Rosberg took the advantage at the start and took the lead, stayed there with most of the laps leading, to conclude with a race win in this seasons Italian Grand Prix for Nico Rosberg's seventh race win of the season
While, Rosberg's team-mate and current F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in second place in the other Mercedes to give the team its fourth one-two finish of the season, Hamilton was fifteen seconds behind Rosberg at the end.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Vettel was twenty seconds behind Rosberg at the end of the fifty-three lap race.
With Nico Rosberg's win in Italy and Lewis Hamilton only managing a second place finish at Monza, Hamilton still leads the F1 driver championship and now his gap between himself and team-mate Nico Rosberg is gone from nine points to two points with seven races to go.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole and finished second)
Nico Rosberg - 9 (race win)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished third)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished fourth)
Williams - 6
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (finished sixth)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished ninth)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fifth)
Max Verstappen - 6 (finished seventh)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (finished tenth)
Sergio Pérez - 7 (finished eighth)
Renault - 5
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 5 (DNF, Collision damage from Felipe Nasr)
Toro Rosso - 5
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 5 (DNF, Battery)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 4 (DNF, Collision with Jolyon Palmer)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 7 (finished fourteenth and fastest lap, lap down)
Jenson Button - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Manor - 6
Esteban Ocon - 5 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 7 (DNF, Oil leak)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 6 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Next stop Marina Bay Street Circuit in two weeks time for the Singapore Grand Prix.
It was confirmed yesterday (3/9/16) that Jenson Button will take a sabbatical from Formula 1 at the end of the 2016 season, which means the Englishmen will thus be leaving Formula 1 after seventeen seasons thus far, which includes fifteen Grand Prix victories and one F1 drivers' title. However, Button has signed a two year deal to be Ambassador with the the team holding an option for him to return as a race driver in 2018.
While, 2015 GP2 Series champion Stoffel Vandoorne will join McLaren as a full-time driver, replacing the 2009 World Champion.
Button's future has been the subject of speculation for the past few weeks, which he made the announcement after qualifying of the Italian Grand Prix.
Button career in Formula 1 started when he stepped up with Williams back in 2000, contesting a season includes becoming the youngest driver to score a point at that seasons' Brazilian Grand Prix finishing in sixth place, while his best result was a fourth place finish during the German Grand Prix.
Then swapping over to Benetton/Renault for two seasons. Then signed to B.A.R./Honda/Brawn in 2003 for seven seasons, which included seven Grand Prix wins and winning the F1 Drivers' Championship for Brawn.
Then in 2010, Button moved to McLaren winning eight Grand Prixs' which include finishing second place in the drivers' standings in 2011.
Just like Felipe Massa's post before, personally I thought Button might do another season with McLaren or return to Williams or another team for another season. But, with yesterday's news happening, it maybe the right time to take a sabbatical from Formula 1. Good luck whatever Jenson Button does next, as his been a great ambassador for the sport and a great driver for Formula 1.
While Jenson Button successor Stoffel Vandoorne, who won the 2015 GP2 Series championship. Spent 2016 as a reserve driver with the team, which include racing in the Super Formula Championship for Honda; and also replaces Fernando Alonso at this seasons Bahrain Grand Prix due to Alonso's heavy crash at the Grand Prix before, finishing an impressive tenth place finish in his debut race. Is stepping up to the main McLaren race seat alongside Fernando Alonso for next season.
Great news to see Stoffel Vandoorne stepping up to a full F1 drive at McLaren next season, well earned.
Everything changing at McLaren and for Formula 1 in 2017.
It was confirmed yesterday (1/9/16) that Felipe Massa will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2016 season, which means the Brazilian will thus be leaving Formula 1 after fifteen seasons thus far, which includes eleven Grand Prix victories.
Massa's future has been the subject of speculation for the past weeks, which he made the announcement during a special press conference, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, alongside Williams Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams.
Massa career in Formula 1 started when he stepped up with Sauber back in 2002, contesting three full seasons over the next four years, include best result for the team two fourth place finishes at Spa in 2004 and Montreal in 2005.
Then Massa signed by Ferrari for the 2006 season, which included eleven Grand Prix in the first three seasons, and almost claimed the 2008 world title, losing out to McLaren rival Lewis Hamilton by just one point after a dramatic season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.
Midway through the 2009 season in Hungary, Massa suffered a serious head injury when he was hit on the helmet by a spring from Rubens Barrichello's car, which ruled him of the remaining races.
Massa returned to Ferrari in 2010, but did not win again with the team in four more seasons afterwards, which prompted a switch to Williams for 2014.
So far in Massa's Williams career, results include a pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2014, five podiums between 2014 and 2015 and a best result of second place during the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and three more chances of winning a Grand Prix.
Should have been F1 World Champion back in 2008 in my opinion. I personally thought he might do another season with Williams or another team at least maybe another season more going into 2018. But, with yesterday's news happening, it maybe the right time to retire from Formula 1. Good luck whatever Felipe Massa does next, as his been a great ambassador for the sport and a great driver for Formula 1.
