Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round Nine of Rally Finland.
Last weekends was the ninth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Finland (28th-30th July) was won by current WRC-2 Champion Esapekka Lappi in his works Toyota Yaris WRC, for Lappi's first WRC win.
While, M-Sport World Rally Team driver Elfyn Evans finished second in his Ford Fiesta WRC, Evans was thirty-six seconds behind Lappi at the end. Meanwhile, Juho Hänninen finished third in his works Toyota Yaris WRC, Hänninen was thirty-seven seconds behind Lappi at the end of the rally.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Printsport driver Jari Huttunen in his Škoda Fabia R5. Jari Huttunen finished in eleventh place overall, he was ten minutes behind Lappi at the end of the rally.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Nicolas Ciamin in his own backed Ford Fiesta R2T. Nicolas Ciamin finished in twenty-fourth place overall, he was twenty-eight minutes behind Lappi at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Ten of the 2017 WRC season for Rallye Deutschland in three weeks time.
Last weekend was the annual 24 hours of Spa race (29-30th July). The Audi Sport Team Sainteloc in their Audi R8 LMS; with Christopher Haase, Jules Gounon and Markus Winkelhock came out on top to win this years 24 hours of Spa race in 546 laps in total.
While the Bentley Team M-Sport came in second place in their Bentley Continental GT3; with team of Maxime Soulet, Vincent Abril and Andy Soucek as drivers. They were twelve seconds behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hour race.
While the AKKA ASP team came in third place in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with Edoardo Mortara, Michael Meadows and Raffaele Marciello as drivers, they were fifty-two seconds behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hours race.
Review of Round Nine of the 2016-17 Formula E season held at the Montreal Street Circuit in Montreal, Canada for two races that weekend.
On Saturday's race, that race was won by ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Abt Sportsline. Second was Second was Techeetah driver Jean-Éric Vergne in his Spark-Renault, he was four tenths of a second behind di Grassi in the end. Meanwhile, third was Techeetah driver Stéphane Sarrazin in his Spark-Renault, he was eight seconds behind di Grassi in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
While in Sunday's race, that was won by Techeetah driver Jean-Éric Vergne. Second was Mahindra Racing Formula E Team driver Felix Rosenqvist in his Spark-Mahindra, he was a second behind Vergne in the end. Meanwhile, third was DS Virgin Racing driver José María López in his Spark-Citroën, he was four seconds behind Vergne in the end.
While, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi finished seventh place in his Spark-Abt Sportsline, was enough for di Grassi to win the Drivers' Championship this season by only twenty=four points ahead of title rivals Sébastien Buemi; di Grassi was twenty-five seconds behind Vergne in the end.
Despite, Renault e.Dams team didn't scored points in the final race, it was enough for Renault e.Dams team to win this seasons Teams' Championship to give the team their third Team's Championship in a row.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Constructions to both Lucas di Grassi and Renault e.Dams for winning each championships in Formula E this season.
Review of the eleventh round of the 2017 F1 season at the Hungaroring outside of Budapest, for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Overall, a dominating race weekend for Ferrari, dominating in practice, dominating in qualifying, and most importantly dominating in the race for Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel. Vettel on pole for Sunday's hot and dry Hungarian Grand Prix, Vettel took the advantage at the start and comfortably lead the race throughout. Despite, Vettel had handing problems with his Ferrari throughout the race, it was enough for Vettel to conclude with this seasons Hungarian Grand Prix for Sebastian Vettel's fourth race win of the season.
While, Vettel's team-mate Kimi Räikkönen finished in second place in the other Ferrari to give the team its second one-two finish of the season, Räikkönen was a second behind Vettel at the end.
Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas finished in third place in the Mercedes to complete the podium, Bottas was twelve seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the seventy lap race.
Now with nine races to go, with Sebastian Vettel's win in Hungary and Lewis Hamilton only managing a fourth place finish at the Hungaroring, Sebastian Vettel has now improve his lead of the F1 Drivers' Standings from one point to fourteen points ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Despite, he only finished in third place in the race, Valtteri Bottas is third in the standings with thirty-three points behind Vettel with nine races to go.
While Mercedes still leads F1 Constructors' Standings, the gap is now reduce from fifty-five points to thirty-nine points for Ferrari who are second in the Constructors' Standings with nine races to go.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 7 (finished fourth)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 6
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (DNF, Collision with Verstappen)
Max Verstappen - 7 (finished fifth)
Ferrari - 9
Sebastian Vettel - 10 (pole and race win)
Kimi Räikkönen - 9 (finished second)
Force India - 6
Sergio Pérez - 6 (finished eighth, lap down)
Esteban Ocon - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Williams - 6
Paul di Resta - 8 (DNF, Power unit)
Lance Stroll - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 9
Fernando Alonso - 10 (finished sixth and fastest lap)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 9 (finished tenth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 9 (finished seventh, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Haas - 4
Romain Grosjean - 4 (DNF, Mechanical)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Renault - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (DNF, Electrical)
Jolyon Palmer - 7 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Sauber - 4
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 4 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Next stop Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix in four weeks time.
It was confirmed an hour before qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix (29/7/17) from Williams that Felipe Massa will sit out the Hungarian Grand Prix due to illness, with Williasm reverse driver Paul di Resta replacing him.
Massa felt sick and dizzy at the end of Friday's practices at the Hungaroring, after examination at the track's medical centre, he was transferred to hospital in Budapest for further checks. No major issue was discovered.
Although he felt better on Saturday morning and was given the all clear by the FIA to take part in final practice, but his symptoms persisted, prompting him to end the session early and then make the call to withdraw from the event.
Di Resta, who last raced in Formula 1 with Force India in 2013, will step in to replace Massa, making his Grand Prix return alongside Lance Stroll for this weekends Hungarian Grand Prix.
Di Resta, qualified in nineteen place, seven tenths off team-mate Stroll despite not racing a Formula 1 car in nearly four years for the former DTM Champion.
In my opinion, it was the right call from Williams if his not 100% well and a surprising one too going into qualifying. All I can say get well soon Felipe and lets have a 100% Felipe back to race in Formula 1 for the second half of the season.
It has been announced yesterday, before on the eve of the Hungarian Grand Prix (28/7/17); Sauber F1 Team will be using a 2018-specification Ferrari power-units for next season, marking a continuation of its collaboration with the manufacturer, after abandoning its planned partnership with Honda.
Sauber notified its intention to switch to Honda power-units for the 2018 season during the Russian Grand Prix in late April, joining McLaren. But, speculation during the British Grand Prix a fortnight ago surfaced that the team was seeking to abort the deal, with the news confirmed on Thursday.
On Friday morning, Sauber confirmed an extension to its relationship with Ferrari, having been powered by the marque since 2010, and previously between 1997 and 2005.
As per its 2010-16 situation, Sauber will use Ferrari's current-year power-units, having elected to use year-old power-units in 2017.
Overall, no surprises that Sauber will retain Ferrari power units. My guess with the news for 2018 that Sauber will use Ferrari power-units for next season, the deal may include F2 Championship leader and Ferrari Academy driver Charles Leclerc as a driver added in the deal for next season.
Overall, Sauber got the right power-unit deal for themselves going into 2018.
It was confirmed on Friday (28/7/17), Porsche will enter Formula E for the sixth season of the category in 2019/20, and will quit its LMP1 WEC programme at the end of 2017 season, mirroring Mercedes' approach that was confirmed on Monday.
Porsche confirmed that it has already taken the first steps towards developing its own Formula E car.
Porsches' entry into Formula E will also bring down the curtain on its participation in LMP1 class at the WEC, Porsche's decision to quit LMP1 class is less than a year after sister brand Audi's departure leaves Toyota as the only manufacturer potentially committed for 2018.
Overall, its the right time for Porsche to jump into Formula E with their electric technology. Leaving the LMP1 class in WEC (although remaining in GTE Pro class) is a sad news to here, meaning an end of winning of the 24 Hours of Le Mans which is at nineteen wins overall.
With the recent news of Mercedes joining Formula E in 2019 alone with Porshce, and BMW entering the series in 2018, while Audi will have fully works entry next season. Meaning there is four big German brands coming into Formula E in the years to come.
It has been announced yesterday (27/7/17); Sauber F1 Team has cancelled its planned engine deal with Honda, citing "strategic reasons" and "the best intent for the future" of the team, with a new engine supplier to be outlined in the near future.
However, reports surfaced before the British Grand Prix weekend that the Sauber Honda agreement was called off, following the departure of Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn.
With Sauber's said that a new engine supplier "will be announced shortly". My guess is 2018 Ferrari power-units for next season which include F2 Championship leader and Ferrari Academy driver Charles Leclerc added in the deal.
As for Honda, with the deal is now cancelled for Sauber, the question is will they continue with Formula 1 going to 2018, with rumours that McLaren want to leave from their Honda contract and want to race with Mercedes power units for 2018. Maybe its the end for Honda in Formula 1 once again.
It was confirmed on Monday (24/7/17), Mercedes will enter Formula E for the sixth season of the category in 2019/20, and will quit its DTM programme at the end of 2018 season.
Mercedes took up an option last October to enter Formula E for 2018/19 and confirmed they will compete in the championship, deferring its debut by a year.
Mercedes' entry into Formula E will also bring down the curtain on its participation in the DTM, which it will leave at the end of 2018.
Overall, its the right time for Mercedes to jump into Formula E with their electric technology. Leaving the DTM is a sad news to here. But, will it be enough for Mercedes to stay in Formula 1, there has been rumours since Baku they may quit Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 F1 season.
With the recent news of Mercedes quitting the DTM at the end of next season and focusing on Formula E in 2019 it may help Mercedes to say in Formula 1 a few more seasons to say the least.
Review of Round Five of the 2017 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at Moscow Raceway, on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia.
On Saturday's race, Team Rosberg driver René Rast took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Team Phoenix driver Mike Rockenfeller in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was eight tenths of a second behind Rast in the end. While, third place was BMW Team RMG driver and current DTM Champion Marco Wittmann in his BMW M4 DTM, he was four seconds behind Rast in the end.
On Sunday's race, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport SILBERPFEIL Energy driver Maro Engel took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was four tenths of a second behind Engel in the end. While, third place was BMW Team RBM driver Bruno Spengler in his BMW M4 DTM, he was four seconds behind Engel in the end.
Next stop Circuit Park Zandvoort, in Holland for Round Six of the 2017 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in four weeks time.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix at Hungaroring outside of Budapest.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel second in the Ferrari, and third place for Daniel Ricciardo in his Red Bull. Don't forget Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen, Kimi Räikkönen, and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
Review of Round Eight of the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Lime Rock Park, on the outskirts of Salisbury, Connecticut.
Porsche GT Team won the race overall and GT Le Mans Class too in their Porsche 911 RSR, with the team of Patrick Pilet and Dirk Werner. While the other Porsche GT Team finished second place in their Porsche 911 RSR to complete a Porsche one-two finish, with the team of Laurens Vanthoor and Gianmaria Bruni; they were fourteen seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, BMW Team RLL finished third place in their BMW M6 GTLM, with the team of John Edwards and Martin Tomczyk; they were fourty seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Park Place Motorsports team won GT Daytona Class and finished in eighth place overall in their Porsche 911 GT3 R; with the drivers of Jörg Bergmeister and Patrick Lindsey; they were six laps behind the leaders.
While Prototype Class and Prototype Challenge Class did not participate for this race.
Next Stop Road America in two weeks time for Round Nine of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Review of Round Six of the 2017 World Touring Car Championship season was the was the Race of Argentina, Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo, north of Argintina.
In the opening race, RC Motorsport driver Yann Ehrlacher took the race win in his Lada Vesta WTCC and also took the WTCC Trophy win. Second was Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, he was seven tenths of a second behind Ehrlacher in the end. While, third was Campos Racing driver Esteban Guerrieri in his Chevrolet RML Cruze, he was thirteen tenths of a second behind Bennani in the end.
While in the main race, Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Norbert Michelisz took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was half a second behind Michelisz in the end. While, third was Polestar Cyan Racing driver Thed Björk in his Volvo S60 Polestar TC1, he was fourteen tenths of a second behind Michelisz in the end.
Meanwhile in the WTCC Trophy, was won by Campos Racing driver Esteban Guerrieri in his Chevrolet RML Cruze. He finished in fourth place overall and he was six seconds behind Michelisz in the end.
Next stop Race of China at Ningbo International Circuit for Round Seven of the 2017 World Touring Car Championship season in thirteen weeks time.
Its been two years today that Jules Bianchi has past away from us, from an accident he was competing in the Japanese Grand Prix nine months before his death, were he collided with a recovery vehicle resulting him going into a coma for nine months resulting his death two years ago today.
Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forgetting Jules Bianchi.
Review of Round four of the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring.
The Porsche Team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Timo Bernhard, Brendon Hartley and Earl Bamber in their Porsche 919 Hybrid. Second was the Porsche Team of Neel Jani, Nick Tandy and André Lotterer in their Porsche 919 Hybrid to compete a Porsche one-two finish, they were two seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Toyota Gazoo Racing team of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, they were sixty-four seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class (all cars using the Gibson 4.2 L V8 engine), the Jackie Chan DC Racing team of Ho-Pin Tung, Thomas Laurent and Oliver Jarvis in their Oreca 07 won LMP2 class. They finish in fifth place overall and they were thirteen laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi won in their Ferrari 488 GTE. They finish in fifteenth place overall and they were twenty-five laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Dempsey-Proton Racing team of Christian Ried, Marvin Dienst and Matteo Cairoli in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in twenty-second place overall and they were twenty-nine laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Nürburgring below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Mexico City in seven weeks time for round five of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Review of Round Eight of the 2016-17 Formula E season held at the Brooklyn Street Circuit in New York City, U.S.A. for two races that weekend.
On Saturday's race, that was won by DS Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird in his Spark-Citroën. Second was Techeetah driver Jean-Éric Vergne in his Spark-Renault, he was a second behind Bird in the end. Meanwhile, third was Techeetah driver Stéphane Sarrazin in his Spark-Renault, he was four seconds behind Bird in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
While in Sunday's race, that was won by DS Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird in his Spark-Citroën. Second was Mahindra Racing Formula E Team driver Felix Rosenqvist in his Spark-Mahindra, he was eleven seconds behind Bird in the end. Meanwhile, third was Mahindra Racing Formula E Team driver Nick Heidfeld in his Spark-Mahindra, he was twelve seconds behind Bird in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Nine of the 2016-17 Formula E season at the Montreal Street Circuit in Montreal, Canada for two races for the Montreal ePrix in two weeks time.
Review of the tenth round of the 2017 F1 season at Silverstone, Northamptonshire, for the British Grand Prix.
Overall, a dominating race weekend for Mercedes, dominating in practice, dominating in qualifying, and most importantly dominating in the race for Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was on pole for Sunday's race. In a dry overcast British Grand Prix, Hamilton took the advantage at the start and comfortably lead the race throughout to lead all the laps and the fastest lap of the race to conclude with a fifth home race win in this seasons British Grand Prix for Hamilton's fourth race win of the season.
While, Hamilton's team-mate and Valtteri Bottas finished in second place in the other Mercedes to give the team its second one-two finish of the season, Bottas was fourteen seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was thirty-seven seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the fifty-one lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 9
Lewis Hamilton - 10 (pole, race win and fastest lap)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished second)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fifth)
Max Verstappen - 8 (finished fourth)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 7 (finished seventh)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished third)
Force India - 6
Sergio Pérez - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Esteban Ocon - 7 (finished eighth, lap down)
Williams - 5
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Lance Stroll - 4 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 7 (DNF, Power unit)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 7 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 3
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 3 (DNF, Collision with Kvyat)
Daniil Kvyat - 3 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
It's been forty years since Renault debut as a constructor and engine suppler in Formula 1 supplying teams like Williams, Red Bull and Lotus to name a few, and have won many Grand Prix wins' and Drivers and Constructor titles'. To Celebrate this a top ten best Renault Formula 1 cars that ever made and produce.
Starting with Number ten of the top ten is:
Number 10: 1986 Lotus 98T
Story: Lotus 98T was designed by Gérard Ducarouge and Martin Ogilvie. The Lotus 98T had the Renault 1.5 litre V6 turbo engine underneath, which produce over 1200bhp in qualifying and around 800bhp in race pace. The Lotus 98T was dubbed as the fastest Lotus ever! The Lotus 98T took Lotus to third in the Constructors standings in 1986 and took two wins for Ayrton Senna at Jerez and Detroit.
Number 9: 2010 Red Bull RB6
Story: The Red Bull RB6 was designed by Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall and Peter Prodromou. The Red Bull RB6 was powered by the Renault 2.4 litre V8. The Red Bull RB6 took Red Bull the 2010 F1 Constructors' Championship and nine wins altogether in 2010 to give Red Bull their first Constructors' title, were Mark Webber took four wins that season. While, Sebastian Vettel took five wins and his first F1 Drivers' Championship title as-well.
Number 8: 1995 Benetton B195
Story: The Benetton B195 was designed by Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn. Underneath the Benetton B195 had a Renault 3 litre V10. The Benetton B195 took Michael Schumacher to the 1995 F1 Drivers title, while it took Benetton to the 1995 F1 Constructors' championship. And the Benetton B195 won eleven races, nine for Michael Schumacher and two for Johnny Herbert as-well.
Number 7: 1996 Williams FW18
Story: The FW18 was designed by Adrian Newey and Patrick Head. The FW18 was powered by a 3.0 litre Renault V10 engine. The FW18 took Williams the 1996 F1 Constructors' Championship were Jacques Villeneuve took four wins' that season. While, Damon Hill took eight wins' and the 1996 F1 World Drivers' Championship title as-well, making Damon Hill the first son of a World Champion to become a Champion himself.
Number 6: 2006 Renault R26
Story: The Renault R26 was designed by Bob Bell. Underneath the Renault R26 had the new Renault 2.4 litre V8. The Renault R26 took Fernando Alonso to the 2006 F1 Drivers title, while it took Renault to the 2006 F1 Constructors' championship. And the Renault R26 won eight races, seven for Fernando Alonso and one for Giancarlo Fisichella as-well.
Number 5: 2011 Red Bull RB7
Story: The RB7 took Mark Webber a race win in that car. While, Sebastian Vettel took eleven grand prixs and fifteen poles that season to concluded with his second F1 drivers championship for Vettel. Underneath the RB7 a Renault 2.4 litre V8 that took Red Bull's second F1 constructors title.
Number 4: 1993 Williams FW15C
Story: The FW15C was designed by Adrian Newey and Patrick Head. The FW15C was powered by a 3.5 litre V10 Renault engine, the Williams FW15C was the most technically sophisticated car on the grid in 1993. The FW15C featured a semi automatic gearbox, active suspension, traction control and for a brief period anti-lock brakes which took Williams fifteen poles', ten Grand Prix wins' that season and a F1 constructors championship as-well. Which, Damon Hill took two poles and three Grand Prix wins'. While, Alain Prost took thirteen poles and seven Grand Prix wins' to concluded with the 1993 F1 World Drivers' Championship for Alain Prost to take his forth and final F1 drivers' title.
Number 3: 2013 Red Bull RB9
Story: The Red Bull RB9 was designed by Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall and Peter Prodromou. The Red Bull RB9 was powered by the Renault 2.4 litre V8. The Red Bull RB9 took Sebastian Vettel to the 2013 F1 Drivers title, while it took Red Bull to the 2013 F1 Constructors' championship. And the Red Bull RB9 won thirteen races, all thirteen wins for Sebastian Vettel, which includes nine race wins in a row by the end off 2013.
Number 2: 2005 Renault R25
Story: The Renault R25 was designed by Bob Bell. Underneath the Renault R26 had a Renault 3 litre V10. The Renault R25 took Fernando Alonso to the 2005 F1 Drivers title, while it took Renault to the 2005 F1 Constructors' championship to give Renault their first Drivers' and Constructors' title as a Constructor in Formula 1. And the Renault R25 won eight races, seven for Fernando Alonso and one for Giancarlo Fisichella as-well.
Number 1: 1992 Williams FW14B Story: This is possibly the best F1 car that Williams has ever raced in their Forty Year Grand Prix history. The FW14B was designed by Adrian Newey and Patrick Head. The FW14B was powered by a 3.5 litre V10 Renault engine, the Williams FW14B was the most technically sophisticated car on the grid in 1992. By 1992 the FW14B featured a semi automatic gearbox, active suspension, traction control and for a brief period anti-lock brakes which took Williams fifteen poles, ten Grand Prix wins' that season and a F1 constructors championship as-well. Which, Riccardo Patrese took a pole and a Grand Prix win. While, Nigel Mansell took fourteen poles' and nine Grand Prix wins' to concluded with the 1992 F1 World Drivers' Championship for Nigel Mansell and his only one as-well.
To give this 1992 Williams FW14B the best Renault F1 car ever!
And to many more years of winning from Renault to come.
It was confirmed on Wednesday (12/7/17), that former Renault chief Frédéric Vasseur was named as Sauber's new Team Principal, Vasseur will take up his new position at the team after this weekend's British Grand Prix.
Vasseur, who operates the ART team, helped guide the career of several current Formula 1 drivers, with Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Nico Hülkenberg, and Valtteri Bottas to name a few that won GP2 and GP3 titles at ART in the last decade; spent 2016 as Team Principal, during Renault's first year back in Formula 1 as a works team.
Review of Round Seven of the 2017 TCR International Series season was at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, Oschersleben in Germany. Second was
In the first race, WestCoast Racing driver Gianni Morbidelli took the race win in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Second was Lukoil Craft-Bamboo Racing driver Daniel Lloyd in his SEAT León TCR, he was two and half seconds behind Morbidelli in the end. While, third place was Leopard Racing Team WRT driver Rob Huff in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was five seconds behind Morbidelli in the end.
While in the second race, WestCoast Racing driver Gianni Morbidelli took the race win in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Second was DG Sport Compétition driver Maťo Homola in his Opel Astra TCR, he was four tenths of a second behind Morbidelli in the end. While, third place was Leopard Racing Team WRT driver Jean-Karl Vernay in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, he was seven tenths of a second behind Morbidelli in the end.
Next stop Chang International Circuit, Buriram in Thailand for Round Eight of the 2017 TCR International Series season in eight weeks time.
Review of Round Seven of the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, north of Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.
Whelen Engineering Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Dane Cameron and Eric Curran in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8. While, JDC-Miller Motorsports finished in second place in their Oreca 07, Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8; the team of Mikhail Goikhberg and Stephen Simpson; they were eight seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Tequila Patrón ESM team finished in third place in their Nissan Onroak DPi, Nissan 3.8 L Turbo V6; the team of Ryan Dalziel and Scott Sharp; they were twelve seconds behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), Performance Tech Motorsports team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in eighth place overall; with the drivers of James French and Patricio O'Ward; they were five laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, BMW Team RLL team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in ninth place overall in their BMW M6 GTLM; with the drivers of Bill Auberlen and Alexander Sims; they were five laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Stevenson Motorsports won GT Daytona Class and finished in seventeenth place overall in their Audi R8 LMS; with the drivers of Lawson Aschenbach and Andrew Davis; they were eight laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Lime Rock Park in two weeks time for Round Eight of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone the home of the British Grand Prix, were seven Formula one teams (Mercedes AMG, Red Bull, Williams, McLaren, Force India, Renault, and Haas) and two Formula 1 drivers (Lewis Hamilton, and Jolyon Palmer) is their home Grand Prix.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel second in the Ferrari, and third place for Valtteri Bottas in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, Romain Grosjean, the Williams drivers, the Red Bull drivers and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
Review of the ninth round of the 2017 F1 season at the Red Bull Ring, on the outskirts of Spielberg, Styria, for the Austrian Grand Prix.
Overall the race itself was enjoyable and entertaining race to watch. Valtteri Bottas was on pole for Sunday's race, while his team-mate Lewis Hamilton was force to start eight on the grid after a gearbox change in practice.
At the start of the Austrian Grand Prix, Bottas had a lightning start (despite some drivers thought Bottas jump the start) and took the lead and took a strong lead over Sebastian Vettel. Bottas took control throughout the race, despite a late charge from Vettel with a few laps to go. But, it was not enough, to conclude with a race win in this seasons Austrian Grand Prix for Valtteri Bottas's second race win of the season.
While, Sebastian Vettel finished second place in the Ferrari, Vettel was seven tenths of a second behind Bottas at the end.
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo finished in third place in the Red Bull to complete the podium, Ricciardo was six seconds behind Bottas at the end of the seventy-one lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (finished fourth and fastest lap)
Valtteri Bottas - 9 (pole and race win)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished third)
Max Verstappen - 7 (DNF, Collision with Kvyat)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished second)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished fifth)
Force India - 7
Sergio Pérez - 7 (finished seventh, lap down)
Esteban Ocon - 7 (finished eighth, lap down)
Williams - 6
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Lance Stroll - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 7 (DNF, Collision with Kvyat)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 5
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (DNF, Suspension)
Daniil Kvyat - 4 (finished sixteenth, three laps down)
Review of Round Seven of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season was the World RX of Sweden, at Höljesbanan Circuit on the outskirts of Höljes, in the west of middle Sweden.
In the four Heats, those were won by Sébastien Loeb, Johan Kristoffersson(winning twice), and Petter Solberg.
In the first semi-final that was won by PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo GTI. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was a second behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was two and half seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Ford Focus RS. Second was MJP Racing Team Austria driver Kevin Eriksson in his Ford Fiesta, he was three seconds behind Bakkerud in the end. While, third was STARD driver Jānis Baumanis in his Ford Fiesta, he was four seconds behind Bakkerud in the end.
In the final race, PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson took the race win in his Volkswagen Polo GTI. Second was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Ford Focus RS, he was two and half seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was three seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
Next stop World RX of Canada at Circuit Trois-Rivières for Round Eight of the 2017 World Rallycross Championship season in five weeks time.
Review of Round Six of the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the third round of the North American Endurance Championship at Watkins Glen International Raceway on the outskirts of New York.
Mustang Sampling Racing team won the race overall and Prototype class too of João Barbosa, Christian Fittipaldi and Filipe Albuquerque in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 6.2 L V8. While, JDC-Miller Motorsports finished in second place in their Oreca 07, Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8; the team of Mikhail Goikhberg, Stephen Simpson and Chris Miller; they were a seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Mazda Motorsports finished in third place in their Mazda RT24-P, Mazda MZ-2.0T 2.0 L Turbo I4; the team of Jonathan Bomarito, Tristan Nunez and Spencer Pigot; they were eight seconds behind the leaders.
In Prototype Challenge Class (all teams using Oreca FLM09 race car), Performance Tech Motorsports team won Prototype Challenge Class and finished in seventh place overall; with the drivers of James French, Kyle Masson and Patricio O'Ward; they were five laps behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, BMW Team RLL team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in eighth place overall in their BMW M6 GTLM; with the drivers of Bill Auberlen and Alexander Sims; they were eight laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian won GT Daytona Class and finished in seventeenth place overall in their Acura NSX GT3; with the drivers of Andy Lally and Katherine Legge; they were thirteen laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in a weeks time for Round Seven of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Review of Round Four of the 2017 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at Norisring, Nuremberg in central Germany.
On Saturday's race, BMW Team RBM driver Bruno Spengler took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was BMW Team RBM driver Maxime Martin in his BMW M4 DTM, he was four seconds behind Spengler in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was five seconds behind Spengler in the end.
On Sunday's race, BMW Team RBM driver Maxime Martin took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport BWT driver Lucas Auer in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was three seconds behind Martin in the end. While, third place was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport BWT driver Edoardo Mortara in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was four seconds behind Martin in the end.
Next stop Circuit Park Moscow Raceway, Volokolamsk in Russia for Round Five of the 2017 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in three weeks time.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring (formally the A1-Ring) on the outskirts of Spielberg, Styria.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Lewis Hamilton for the race win in the Mercedes. Valtteri Bottas second in the other Mercedes, and third place for Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, the Williams drivers, the Red Bull drivers and the Force India drivers as well for a podium place.
Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round eight of Rally Poland.
Last weekends was the eighth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Poland (30th June - 2nd July), and was won by Thierry Neuville in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC. While, Hayden Paddon finished second in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC to complete a Hyundai one-two finish, Paddon was eighty-three seconds behind Neuville at the end. Meanwhile, M-Sport World Rally Team driver and current WRC champion Sébastien Ogier finished third in his Ford Fiesta WRC, Ogier was two and half minutes behind Neuville at the end of the rally.
While in the WRC Trophy (crews entering World Rally Cars used between 2011 and 2016), that was won by Eurolamp World Rally Team driver Valeriy Gorban in his Mini John Cooper Works WRC. Valeriy Gorban finished in sixteenth place overall, he was over seventeen and half minutes behind Neuville at the end of the rally.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Printsport driver Ole Christian Veiby in his Škoda Fabia R5. Ole Christian Veiby finished in twelfth place overall, he was over theirteen minutes behind Neuville at the end of the rally.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Nil Solans in his own backed Ford Fiesta R2T. Nil Solans finished in twenty-fourth place overall, he was thirty-seven minutes behind Neuville at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Nine of the 2017 WRC season for Rally Finland in four weeks time.
Review of the round nine of the 2017 MotoGP season at Sachsenring, in Eastern Germany.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Repsol Honda Team rider and current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on his works Honda RC213V.
Second place was Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Jonas Folger on his Yamaha YZR-M1, he was three seconds behind Márquez at the end.
While, third was Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa on his works Honda RC213V, he was eleven seconds behind Márquez at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli on the Kalex. Second was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Miguel Oliveira on the KTM, he was seven hundredths of a second behind Morbidelli at the end. While, third was Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Francesco Bagnaia on the Kalex, he was half a second behind Morbidelli at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Leopard Racing rider Joan Mir on the Honda. Second was Marinelli Rivacold Snipers rider Romano Fenati on the Honda, he was only a tenth of a second behind Mir at the end. While, third was Platinum Bay Real Estate rider Marcos Ramírez on the KTM, he was only two tenths of a second behind Mir at the end of the race.
And finally, it was confirmed on Saturday (1/7/17) that Danilo Petrucci will remain with Octo Pramac Racing till 2018 after signing a new one-year deal to remain with Pramac Racing team.
Petrucci currently sits eighth in the championship, with a best finish of second place at last weekends Assen TT race, ending recent speculation over his future at the team. No word yet who is his team-mate yet for next season at Pramac Racing.
