Bye.
Friday, 22 December 2017
Happy Christmas for 2017
Basically the last post for 2017 as I am taking over a week off with my family and try to enjoy Christmas. All that means is a Happy Christmas/Holidays to you all and see you in 2018.
Bye.
Bye.
Thursday, 21 December 2017
Five predictions from 2017, did I got any of them right?
During my first post of 2017. I did a post on five racing predictions for 2017, and the post was really a fun post on five predictions that may happen in 2017. But the main question is did I got any right? let see:
Number 1, 2017 VW Polo to race in the WRC this season.
No, we didn't see the the all new 380 bhp Volkswagen Polo R WRC in the WRC this season, as the car wasn't homologation this season. Don't expect to see it next season in the WRC, although a Polo R5 for WRC-2 spec will likely to rally with customers teams next season. I got this prediction Wrong.
Number 2, Renault to score at least 64 points in the F1 Constructors' Standings in 2017.
No, Renault only managed 57 points this season with Nico Hülkenberg and Jolyon Palmer taking multiple sixth place finishes. Meaning, I got this prediction Wrong too.
Number 3, An LMP2 team to finish in the top three positions in this seasons 24 Hours of Le Mans.
First prediction I got Right. With two LMP2 teams finishing on the main podium at Le Mans this season with both Jackie Chan DC Racing cars finished second and third place, and a change to win this years 24 Hours of Le Mans with an hour to go.
Number 4, Jorge Lorenzo to win at least four times this season on the Ducati.
No. Not even close, only one second place finish in Malaysia this season. Meanwhile team-mate Andrea Dovizioso did win six races this season in MotoGP. Meaning I got this prediction totally Wrong as-well.
Number 5, Toro Rosso to finish fourth or higher in the F1 Constructors' Standings in 2017.
Fourth prediction I got Wrong. The team finished seventh in the F1 Constructors' Standings in 2017. Nowhere close to finish fourth or higher in the F1 Constructors' Standings this season.
So basically I got one out of five predictions right. More fun predictions in 2018.
Number 1, 2017 VW Polo to race in the WRC this season.
No, we didn't see the the all new 380 bhp Volkswagen Polo R WRC in the WRC this season, as the car wasn't homologation this season. Don't expect to see it next season in the WRC, although a Polo R5 for WRC-2 spec will likely to rally with customers teams next season. I got this prediction Wrong.
Number 2, Renault to score at least 64 points in the F1 Constructors' Standings in 2017.
No, Renault only managed 57 points this season with Nico Hülkenberg and Jolyon Palmer taking multiple sixth place finishes. Meaning, I got this prediction Wrong too.
Number 3, An LMP2 team to finish in the top three positions in this seasons 24 Hours of Le Mans.
First prediction I got Right. With two LMP2 teams finishing on the main podium at Le Mans this season with both Jackie Chan DC Racing cars finished second and third place, and a change to win this years 24 Hours of Le Mans with an hour to go.
Number 4, Jorge Lorenzo to win at least four times this season on the Ducati.
No. Not even close, only one second place finish in Malaysia this season. Meanwhile team-mate Andrea Dovizioso did win six races this season in MotoGP. Meaning I got this prediction totally Wrong as-well.
Number 5, Toro Rosso to finish fourth or higher in the F1 Constructors' Standings in 2017.
Fourth prediction I got Wrong. The team finished seventh in the F1 Constructors' Standings in 2017. Nowhere close to finish fourth or higher in the F1 Constructors' Standings this season.
So basically I got one out of five predictions right. More fun predictions in 2018.
Monday, 18 December 2017
If I was Sir Frank Williams at Williams who is the second driver for 2018?
Interesting times at the Williams F1 Team, the recent news that Felipe Massa has retired from Formula 1 at the end of this season, while Lance Stroll is more than likely to retain for another season, the team will not announce who will be driving for the team after the Christmas break. Meaning, the team haven't confirmed their second drivers yet. The five main drivers competing for the one race seats next season are Robert Kubica, Daniil Kvyat, Paul di Resta and Pascal Wehrlein and Sergey Sirotkin. I'm going to talk about each drivers positives and negatives they will bring to the team.
Robert Kubica, positives: a Grand Prix winner, still fast despite not been in a Formula 1 car for seven years, also ideal for Williams title sponsor Martini who is over 25. Missuses: has he recovered from his injures from 2011, which includes his right hand which almost was amputated.
Daniil Kvyat, positives: scored a few podiums in his Formula 1 career so far. Minuses: had two poor seasons for Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso which concluded being fired from his Red Bull contract.
Paul di Resta, positives: test-driver for Williasm for the last two seasons, showed lost none of his speed when he replaced Massa at Hungary after three seasons away from Formula 1, also ideal for Williams title sponsor Martini who is over 25. Missuses: may miss the drive due to his budget he will bring (or none) as there is higher bidders for this drive.
Pascal Wehrlein, positives: have the backing of Mercedes, show great drives in underfunded cars (Manor 2016) or underpowered cars (Sauber 2017). Missuses: may miss the drive due to his budget he will bring in as rumoured that Mercedes will discount their power-units supplies to the team for next season.
Sergey Sirotkin, positives: test driver for Renault F1 team for the last two seasons and he will bring in sponsorship from Russian back company SMP Racing with a budget up to £15 million to the team. Missuses: age, if he signed Stroll will be 19 for most of 2018 while Sirotkin is only 22, meaning the drivers average age for 2018 is 20.
If I was Sir Frank Williams who is the second driver for 2018 for his team? I pick Lance Stroll and Pascal Wehrlein/Robert Kubica for their talent, but the likely happening will be Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin because of sponsorship from Russia via Sirotkin as much as £15 million to the team as they still needs the money to get through 2018, the romantic side of me wants Robert Kubica have a fairy-tale return to Formula 1 as I said before has he recovered from his injures from 2011 from the rally crash and Pascal Wehrlein decisive to drive for a midfield team despite having the backing of Mercedes, at the end of the day money talks.
Time will tell who will be driving for Williams next season in a few weeks time.
Robert Kubica, positives: a Grand Prix winner, still fast despite not been in a Formula 1 car for seven years, also ideal for Williams title sponsor Martini who is over 25. Missuses: has he recovered from his injures from 2011, which includes his right hand which almost was amputated.
Daniil Kvyat, positives: scored a few podiums in his Formula 1 career so far. Minuses: had two poor seasons for Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso which concluded being fired from his Red Bull contract.
Paul di Resta, positives: test-driver for Williasm for the last two seasons, showed lost none of his speed when he replaced Massa at Hungary after three seasons away from Formula 1, also ideal for Williams title sponsor Martini who is over 25. Missuses: may miss the drive due to his budget he will bring (or none) as there is higher bidders for this drive.
Pascal Wehrlein, positives: have the backing of Mercedes, show great drives in underfunded cars (Manor 2016) or underpowered cars (Sauber 2017). Missuses: may miss the drive due to his budget he will bring in as rumoured that Mercedes will discount their power-units supplies to the team for next season.
Sergey Sirotkin, positives: test driver for Renault F1 team for the last two seasons and he will bring in sponsorship from Russian back company SMP Racing with a budget up to £15 million to the team. Missuses: age, if he signed Stroll will be 19 for most of 2018 while Sirotkin is only 22, meaning the drivers average age for 2018 is 20.
If I was Sir Frank Williams who is the second driver for 2018 for his team? I pick Lance Stroll and Pascal Wehrlein/Robert Kubica for their talent, but the likely happening will be Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin because of sponsorship from Russia via Sirotkin as much as £15 million to the team as they still needs the money to get through 2018, the romantic side of me wants Robert Kubica have a fairy-tale return to Formula 1 as I said before has he recovered from his injures from 2011 from the rally crash and Pascal Wehrlein decisive to drive for a midfield team despite having the backing of Mercedes, at the end of the day money talks.
Time will tell who will be driving for Williams next season in a few weeks time.
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
Top six Alfa Romeo F1 race cars
With Alfa Romeo returning (as a Sponsor) to Formula 1 with the Sauber F1 Team. Making the brand's return to Formula 1 for the first time since the 1985 F1 season, with a possibility the brand may return as an engine supplier in 2021 when there will be new engine rules replacing the current 1.6 litre V6 turbo hybrid engines. This post will be Top six Alfa Romeo F1 race cars that have been in Formula 1.
Starting with Number 6:
Number 6: 1979-1982 Alfa Romeo 179
Story: Alfa Romeo 179 was designed by Carlo Chiti and Robert Choulet. The 179 was powered by the 3 litre V12 Alfa Romeo engine. The Alfa Romeo 179 took Bruno Giacomelli to a third place finish at the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in 1981. It took Alfa Romeo to ninth place in the Constructors' standings in 1981 with 10 points overall.
Number 5: 1984-85 Alfa Romeo 184T
Story: Alfa Romeo 184T was designed by Mario Tollentino and Luigi Marmiroli. The 184T was powered by the 1.5 litre V8 turbocharged Alfa Romeo engine. The Alfa Romeo 184T took Riccardo Patrese to a third place finish at the Italian Grand Prix in 1984. The Alfa Romeo 184T took Alfa Romeo to eighth place in the Constructors' standings in 1984 with 11 points overall.
Number 4: 1983 Alfa Romeo 183T
Story: Alfa Romeo 183T was designed by Gérard Ducarouge and Mario Tollentino. The 183T was powered by the 1.5 litre V8 turbocharged Alfa Romeo engine. The Alfa Romeo 183T took Andrea de Cesaris to two second place finishes in 1983. The Alfa Romeo 183T took Alfa Romeo to sixth place in the Constructors' standings in 1983 with 18 points overall.
Number 3: 1976-78 Brabham BT45
Story: The Brabham BT45 was designed by Gordon Murray, the Brabham BT45 was powered by the 3 litre Alfa Romeo Flat-12 engine that that produces 500 bhp. Brabham BT45 took six podiums which includes three second place finishes between 1976 and 1978, one second each for Carlos Pace, John Watson and Niki Lauda. It did took Brabham to fifth place in the Constructors' Standings in the 1977 F1 Season.
Number 2: 1978 Brabham BT46/BT46B
Story: Brabham BT46 was designed by Gordon Murray, the Brabham BT46 was powered by the 3 litre Alfa Romeo Flat-12 engine that that produces 500 bhp. It was Brabham BT46B is the most remembered dubbed the "fan car". The story goes that once Lotus had introduced the concept of ground effect to the Formula One with the Lotus 79 in 1978. Gordon Murray who designed the Brabham BT46 could not put ground effect technique onto the car due to Alfa Romeo flat-12 engine used by Brabham that season was too wide to permit the venturi tunnels needed for really significant ground effect. So, the Brabham BT46B was inspired by the Chaparral 2J sticking a fan at the rear of the Brabham BT46B to dubbed the car to many as the "fan car". It only managed to do one Grand Prix and winning its only Grand Prix, the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix with Niki Lauda. Afterwards the Brabham BT46B 'fan car' never raced again. It is popularly thought that it was banned, but it was actually voluntarily withdrawn by Brabham themselves.
Meant that the BT46 raced for the rest of the 1978 F1 season with Niki Lauda taking another win at the 1978 Italian Grand Prix. Overall, Brabham BT46/46B took two victories in 1978, all of them for Niki Lauda. It did took Brabham to third place in the Constructors championship in the 1978 season with 53 points, just behind Team Lotus and Ferrari in the standings.
Number 1: 1938-51 Alfa Romeo 158/159
Story: The Alfa Romeo 158/159 was designed by Gioacchino Colombo, the Alfa Romeo 158/159 was powered by the Alfa Romeo 1.5 litre straight-eight supercharged engine. The Alfa Romeo 158/159 started its life in 1938, and continued after the Second World War which includes 37 wins between 1938 till 1953. But in Formula 1, the Alfa Romeo 158/159 took ten Grand Prix wins in-between 1950 and 51, five for Juan Manuel Fangio, four for Giuseppe Farina, and one shared win between Juan Manuel Fangio and Luigi Fagioli. Which took, Giuseppe Farina to the 1950 F1 Drivers' Title the first ever Drivers' Champion in Formula 1, and Juan Manuel Fangio to his first F1 Drivers' Title in 1951.
To give the 1938-51 Alfa Romeo 158/159 the best Alfa Romeo F1 car ever!
Starting with Number 6:
Number 6: 1979-1982 Alfa Romeo 179
Story: Alfa Romeo 179 was designed by Carlo Chiti and Robert Choulet. The 179 was powered by the 3 litre V12 Alfa Romeo engine. The Alfa Romeo 179 took Bruno Giacomelli to a third place finish at the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in 1981. It took Alfa Romeo to ninth place in the Constructors' standings in 1981 with 10 points overall.
Number 5: 1984-85 Alfa Romeo 184T
Story: Alfa Romeo 184T was designed by Mario Tollentino and Luigi Marmiroli. The 184T was powered by the 1.5 litre V8 turbocharged Alfa Romeo engine. The Alfa Romeo 184T took Riccardo Patrese to a third place finish at the Italian Grand Prix in 1984. The Alfa Romeo 184T took Alfa Romeo to eighth place in the Constructors' standings in 1984 with 11 points overall.
Number 4: 1983 Alfa Romeo 183T
Story: Alfa Romeo 183T was designed by Gérard Ducarouge and Mario Tollentino. The 183T was powered by the 1.5 litre V8 turbocharged Alfa Romeo engine. The Alfa Romeo 183T took Andrea de Cesaris to two second place finishes in 1983. The Alfa Romeo 183T took Alfa Romeo to sixth place in the Constructors' standings in 1983 with 18 points overall.
Number 3: 1976-78 Brabham BT45
Story: The Brabham BT45 was designed by Gordon Murray, the Brabham BT45 was powered by the 3 litre Alfa Romeo Flat-12 engine that that produces 500 bhp. Brabham BT45 took six podiums which includes three second place finishes between 1976 and 1978, one second each for Carlos Pace, John Watson and Niki Lauda. It did took Brabham to fifth place in the Constructors' Standings in the 1977 F1 Season.
Number 2: 1978 Brabham BT46/BT46B
Story: Brabham BT46 was designed by Gordon Murray, the Brabham BT46 was powered by the 3 litre Alfa Romeo Flat-12 engine that that produces 500 bhp. It was Brabham BT46B is the most remembered dubbed the "fan car". The story goes that once Lotus had introduced the concept of ground effect to the Formula One with the Lotus 79 in 1978. Gordon Murray who designed the Brabham BT46 could not put ground effect technique onto the car due to Alfa Romeo flat-12 engine used by Brabham that season was too wide to permit the venturi tunnels needed for really significant ground effect. So, the Brabham BT46B was inspired by the Chaparral 2J sticking a fan at the rear of the Brabham BT46B to dubbed the car to many as the "fan car". It only managed to do one Grand Prix and winning its only Grand Prix, the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix with Niki Lauda. Afterwards the Brabham BT46B 'fan car' never raced again. It is popularly thought that it was banned, but it was actually voluntarily withdrawn by Brabham themselves.
Meant that the BT46 raced for the rest of the 1978 F1 season with Niki Lauda taking another win at the 1978 Italian Grand Prix. Overall, Brabham BT46/46B took two victories in 1978, all of them for Niki Lauda. It did took Brabham to third place in the Constructors championship in the 1978 season with 53 points, just behind Team Lotus and Ferrari in the standings.
Number 1: 1938-51 Alfa Romeo 158/159
Story: The Alfa Romeo 158/159 was designed by Gioacchino Colombo, the Alfa Romeo 158/159 was powered by the Alfa Romeo 1.5 litre straight-eight supercharged engine. The Alfa Romeo 158/159 started its life in 1938, and continued after the Second World War which includes 37 wins between 1938 till 1953. But in Formula 1, the Alfa Romeo 158/159 took ten Grand Prix wins in-between 1950 and 51, five for Juan Manuel Fangio, four for Giuseppe Farina, and one shared win between Juan Manuel Fangio and Luigi Fagioli. Which took, Giuseppe Farina to the 1950 F1 Drivers' Title the first ever Drivers' Champion in Formula 1, and Juan Manuel Fangio to his first F1 Drivers' Title in 1951.
To give the 1938-51 Alfa Romeo 158/159 the best Alfa Romeo F1 car ever!
Tuesday, 12 December 2017
Part 2 of Formula 1 2017 Season Review (Top Formula 1 drivers of 2017 and final thoughts of Formula 1 2017)
Second part of my Formula 1 2017 Season Review, this post will includes my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2017. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2017.
Starting of with My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2017, this is the part who was in my top 10 this season, not in championship order, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes the likes of Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa or Lance Stroll to name a few, its just only opinion folks.
Anyway, here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2017:
10. Carlos Sainz, Jr. (Toro Rosso/Renault) - Some impressive performances, which include a fourth place finish at Singapore.
9. Nico Hülkenberg (Renault) - Consistently fast and some impressive drives at Barcelona, Silverstone, Spa and Abu Dhabi; includes a sixth place finish at Silverstone finishing on the lead lap.
8. Sergio Pérez (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which include a fourth place finish at Barcelona.
7. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Vettel, which includes two second place finishes at Monaco and Hungaroring, if team-orders wasn't in place he would have won them both.
6. Esteban Ocon (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable in his second season, which include two fifth place finishes at Barcelona and Mexico.
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered car includes a Grand Prix win at Baku.
4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives in his third season and despite his still only 19!, which includes two Grand Prix wins at Sepang and Mexico.
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Hamilton, which includes three Grand Prix wins in Sochi, Red Bull Ring and Abu Dhabi in his debut Mercedes season.
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - Five Grand Prix wins, lead the Drivers' Championship for most of the season until Monza, needs a much faster and more reliable Ferrari going into 2018 to challenge both titles'.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season, nine Grand Prix wins, no DNF's, to concluded with his fourth Drivers' World Championship.
Overall, possibly one of the most entertaining seasons in modern era Formula 1, a season for Mercedes had to fight to win both champions as Ferrari were contenders to both titles. In the end Mercedes once again took all the glory taking twelve out of twenty wins and four one-two finishes to conclude winning their fourth F1 Constructors' Championship in a row.
For the Drivers' Championship, a Drivers' Championship that Sebastian Vettel should have won until Singapore where his championship fell apart with two DNFs in three races did cost him. As for Lewis Hamilton who won his this seasons Drivers' Championship with nine wins and no DNFs this season becoming the third Formula 1 world champion to that achievement to give Lewis Hamilton his fourth F1 Drivers' title and becoming the first British F1 driver to win Four Drivers' Titles to conclude Formula 1 in 2017.
Bring on Formula 1 2018.
Starting of with My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2017, this is the part who was in my top 10 this season, not in championship order, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes the likes of Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa or Lance Stroll to name a few, its just only opinion folks.
Anyway, here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2017:
10. Carlos Sainz, Jr. (Toro Rosso/Renault) - Some impressive performances, which include a fourth place finish at Singapore.
9. Nico Hülkenberg (Renault) - Consistently fast and some impressive drives at Barcelona, Silverstone, Spa and Abu Dhabi; includes a sixth place finish at Silverstone finishing on the lead lap.
8. Sergio Pérez (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which include a fourth place finish at Barcelona.
7. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Vettel, which includes two second place finishes at Monaco and Hungaroring, if team-orders wasn't in place he would have won them both.
6. Esteban Ocon (Force India) - Consistently fast and reliable in his second season, which include two fifth place finishes at Barcelona and Mexico.
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered car includes a Grand Prix win at Baku.
4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives in his third season and despite his still only 19!, which includes two Grand Prix wins at Sepang and Mexico.
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Hamilton, which includes three Grand Prix wins in Sochi, Red Bull Ring and Abu Dhabi in his debut Mercedes season.
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - Five Grand Prix wins, lead the Drivers' Championship for most of the season until Monza, needs a much faster and more reliable Ferrari going into 2018 to challenge both titles'.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season, nine Grand Prix wins, no DNF's, to concluded with his fourth Drivers' World Championship.
Overall, possibly one of the most entertaining seasons in modern era Formula 1, a season for Mercedes had to fight to win both champions as Ferrari were contenders to both titles. In the end Mercedes once again took all the glory taking twelve out of twenty wins and four one-two finishes to conclude winning their fourth F1 Constructors' Championship in a row.
For the Drivers' Championship, a Drivers' Championship that Sebastian Vettel should have won until Singapore where his championship fell apart with two DNFs in three races did cost him. As for Lewis Hamilton who won his this seasons Drivers' Championship with nine wins and no DNFs this season becoming the third Formula 1 world champion to that achievement to give Lewis Hamilton his fourth F1 Drivers' title and becoming the first British F1 driver to win Four Drivers' Titles to conclude Formula 1 in 2017.
Bring on Formula 1 2018.
Monday, 11 December 2017
Part 1 of Formula 1 2017 Season Review (the teams)
Two parter Formula One season review of the 2017 season. In this post I will review each team of 2017. Which, I will say one sentence that will be positive with each team. And one sentence that will be negative for each team. So starting with Mercedes below.
Mercedes:
+ As you were from 2014, 2015 and 2016; Best car and drivers on the grid with the W08 EQ Power+, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with 15 poles, 12 race wins, a Constructors' Title and a Drivers' Title with Lewis Hamilton.
- Poor performance at Monaco; apart from that a great season for Mercedes.
Ferrari
+ Impressive performance from Sebastian Vettel; which includes five wins, that includes two one-two finishes in Monaco and Hungaroring with Vettel leading from Kimi Räikkönen.
- SF70H was fast throughout the first half of the season, second half different story, double DNF at Singapore, a DNF each for Räikkönen at Sepang and Vettel at Suzuka cost the team to win the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships' this season.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen includes a race win for Ricciardo in Baku, and two race wins for Verstappen.
- The Renault Power-Units are still around 50-60bhp less than the Mercedes power-units; RB13 is not strong as thought and also reliability has cost Verstappen podiums this season; also down to third in the constructors' standings from second last season.
Force India:
+ Some impressive performances from Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon this season which include fourth and fifth finish at Barcelona, once again finishing fourth in the constructors' is still a massive achievement for Force India despite having the littlest budget on the grid.
- The Force India drivers' colliding with each other has cost the team big points this season, includes podiums in Montreal and Baku and points at Spa.
Williams:
+ Some great performances from Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll this season, which includes podium for Stroll in Baku.
- The FW40 been too slow and underdeveloped this season means fifth in the Constructors' was the highest achievement for Williams this season; once again Felipe Massa leaves the team at the end of the season, no second driver has been announced yet, could it be the return of Robert Kubica?
Renault:
+ Multiple sixth place finishes for Nico Hülkenberg this season, ninth in the Constructors' last season, sixth in the Constructors' this season a much better improvement from Renault.
- Sacked Jolyon Palmer after Suzuka, replaced him with Carlos Sainz, Jr. for 2018; could've finish fifth in the Constructor's standings only for Renaults' Power-Unit's failing them going into latter half of the season.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Some impressive performances from Carlos Sainz, Jr. this season which include a sixth place finish at Monaco and a fourth place finish at Singapore.
- Sacked Daniil Kvyat after Austin, Sainz, Jr. moved to Renault after Suzuka and Renaults' Power-Unit's failures at the latter half of the season cost Toro Rosso sixth in the Constructor's standings; oh well Honda Power-Units for Toro Rosso next season.
Haas:
+ Some impressive performances from Romain Grosjean this season which include a sixth place finish at the Red Bull Ring and much improve points tally 47 points compare to 29 points in 2016 in their second season from Haas.
- Double DNF at Melbourne with mechanical problems cost Haas sixth in the Constructor's standings, however its still an over-achievement for Haas team to finish in eighth place in Constructor's standings.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from both Fernando Alonso, which include a sixth place finishes for Alonso at the Hungaroring.
- Still, Honda power-unit are still round 90-100bhp behind of the likes of Mercedes power unit; and the thirsty (and still unreliable) Honda power-units has not helped the team getting points this season, managing only ninth in the Constructor's standings with 30 points; meant McLaren are splitting from Honda in 2018 replacing with Renault Power-Units for the next three years.
Sauber:
+ Some impressive performances from Pascal Wehrlein this season which include a eighth place finish at Barcalona; Alfa Romeo technical/sponsorship coming in next season.
- Still last in the Constructor's standings despite scoring five points this season, also sacking former Team Boss Monisha Kaltenborn in mid-season hasn't helped the team nor what Power-Unit deal going into 2018 with the cancellation of the Honda deal to remain with Ferrari power till 2020.
In part 2 of Formula 1 2017 Season Review my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2017. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2017.
Mercedes:
+ As you were from 2014, 2015 and 2016; Best car and drivers on the grid with the W08 EQ Power+, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with 15 poles, 12 race wins, a Constructors' Title and a Drivers' Title with Lewis Hamilton.
- Poor performance at Monaco; apart from that a great season for Mercedes.
Ferrari
+ Impressive performance from Sebastian Vettel; which includes five wins, that includes two one-two finishes in Monaco and Hungaroring with Vettel leading from Kimi Räikkönen.
- SF70H was fast throughout the first half of the season, second half different story, double DNF at Singapore, a DNF each for Räikkönen at Sepang and Vettel at Suzuka cost the team to win the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships' this season.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen includes a race win for Ricciardo in Baku, and two race wins for Verstappen.
- The Renault Power-Units are still around 50-60bhp less than the Mercedes power-units; RB13 is not strong as thought and also reliability has cost Verstappen podiums this season; also down to third in the constructors' standings from second last season.
Force India:
+ Some impressive performances from Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon this season which include fourth and fifth finish at Barcelona, once again finishing fourth in the constructors' is still a massive achievement for Force India despite having the littlest budget on the grid.
- The Force India drivers' colliding with each other has cost the team big points this season, includes podiums in Montreal and Baku and points at Spa.
Williams:
+ Some great performances from Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll this season, which includes podium for Stroll in Baku.
- The FW40 been too slow and underdeveloped this season means fifth in the Constructors' was the highest achievement for Williams this season; once again Felipe Massa leaves the team at the end of the season, no second driver has been announced yet, could it be the return of Robert Kubica?
Renault:
+ Multiple sixth place finishes for Nico Hülkenberg this season, ninth in the Constructors' last season, sixth in the Constructors' this season a much better improvement from Renault.
- Sacked Jolyon Palmer after Suzuka, replaced him with Carlos Sainz, Jr. for 2018; could've finish fifth in the Constructor's standings only for Renaults' Power-Unit's failing them going into latter half of the season.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Some impressive performances from Carlos Sainz, Jr. this season which include a sixth place finish at Monaco and a fourth place finish at Singapore.
- Sacked Daniil Kvyat after Austin, Sainz, Jr. moved to Renault after Suzuka and Renaults' Power-Unit's failures at the latter half of the season cost Toro Rosso sixth in the Constructor's standings; oh well Honda Power-Units for Toro Rosso next season.
Haas:
+ Some impressive performances from Romain Grosjean this season which include a sixth place finish at the Red Bull Ring and much improve points tally 47 points compare to 29 points in 2016 in their second season from Haas.
- Double DNF at Melbourne with mechanical problems cost Haas sixth in the Constructor's standings, however its still an over-achievement for Haas team to finish in eighth place in Constructor's standings.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from both Fernando Alonso, which include a sixth place finishes for Alonso at the Hungaroring.
- Still, Honda power-unit are still round 90-100bhp behind of the likes of Mercedes power unit; and the thirsty (and still unreliable) Honda power-units has not helped the team getting points this season, managing only ninth in the Constructor's standings with 30 points; meant McLaren are splitting from Honda in 2018 replacing with Renault Power-Units for the next three years.
Sauber:
+ Some impressive performances from Pascal Wehrlein this season which include a eighth place finish at Barcalona; Alfa Romeo technical/sponsorship coming in next season.
- Still last in the Constructor's standings despite scoring five points this season, also sacking former Team Boss Monisha Kaltenborn in mid-season hasn't helped the team nor what Power-Unit deal going into 2018 with the cancellation of the Honda deal to remain with Ferrari power till 2020.
In part 2 of Formula 1 2017 Season Review my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2017. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2017.
Monday, 4 December 2017
A MotoGP Legend (Rossi) vs a WRC drivers' (Mikkelsen and Neuville); that means a 2017 Monza Rally Show Review
So last weekend (1-3/12/17) was the annual Monza Rally Show and two main drivers who was at the Rally was current Yamaha MotoGP rider and nine times Motorcycling champion (seven MotoGP/500cc champ, one time 250cc champ, 125cc champ) Valentino Rossi, and current Hyundai WRC drivers Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville who are sharing one car.
So the Rally itself, the final results saw Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi won this years Monza Rally Show in his M-Sport spec Ford Fiesta RS WRC.
Second was Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville in their Hyundai i20 WRC, they were six seconds behind Rossi at the end. Meanwhile, Marco Bonanomi finished in third place in his Citroën DS3 WRC, he was eight seconds behind Rossi at the end.
Here's a YouTube video of some of the Show's highlights from last week.
So the Rally itself, the final results saw Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi won this years Monza Rally Show in his M-Sport spec Ford Fiesta RS WRC.
Second was Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville in their Hyundai i20 WRC, they were six seconds behind Rossi at the end. Meanwhile, Marco Bonanomi finished in third place in his Citroën DS3 WRC, he was eight seconds behind Rossi at the end.
Here's a YouTube video of some of the Show's highlights from last week.
2017/18 Formula E - Hong Kong ePrix - Round 1 Recap
Review of Round One of the 2017-18 Formula E season held the Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit in Hong Kong, 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 eleven seconds behind Bird in the end. Meanwhile, third was third was Mahindra Racing driver Nick Heidfeld in his Spark-Mahindra, he was twelve seconds behind Bird in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
While in Sunday's race, that was won by Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Audi. However Daniel Abt was later disqualified of his victory over technical breaches.
So therefore, Mahindra Racing driver Felix Rosenqvist took the race win in his Spark-Mahindra. Second was Venturi Formula E Team driver Edoardo Mortara in his Spark-Venturi, he was seven seconds behind Rosenqvist in the end. Meanwhile, third was Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver Mitch Evans in his Spark-Jaguar, he was eleven seconds behind Rosenqvist in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Two of the 2017-18 Formula E season in Marrakesh, Morocco for the Marrakesh ePrix in six weeks time.
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 eleven seconds behind Bird in the end. Meanwhile, third was third was Mahindra Racing driver Nick Heidfeld in his Spark-Mahindra, he was twelve seconds behind Bird in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
While in Sunday's race, that was won by Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Audi. However Daniel Abt was later disqualified of his victory over technical breaches.
So therefore, Mahindra Racing driver Felix Rosenqvist took the race win in his Spark-Mahindra. Second was Venturi Formula E Team driver Edoardo Mortara in his Spark-Venturi, he was seven seconds behind Rosenqvist in the end. Meanwhile, third was Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver Mitch Evans in his Spark-Jaguar, he was eleven seconds behind Rosenqvist in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Two of the 2017-18 Formula E season in Marrakesh, Morocco for the Marrakesh ePrix in six weeks time.
Sunday, 3 December 2017
Confirmed: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team retains Marcus Ericsson for 2018, Charles Leclerc steps up to race with Sauber in 2018!
It was confirmed on Saturday morning (2/12/17) that Sauber F1 team will retain Marcus Ericsson for the 2018 Formula 1 season. While, Formula 2 Champion and Ferari Adacamy driver Charles Leclerc will make his Formula 1 debut with the team next season, confirming the teams 2018 line-up.
With the main news on Wednesday (29/11/17) that Sauber announced that they have signed a multi-year technical and commercial partnership contract with Alfa Romeo, therefore the team will be renamed to Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team for the 2018 season onwards.
Ferrari-backed Leclerc had been widely tipped to graduate to Formula 1 in 2018 with Sauber, having winning this seasons Formula 2 title in his rookie season with the Prema team; received multiple practice and test outings through the second half of 2017 with Sauber
Leclerc who is 20, will be replacing Pascal Wehrlein (who more than likely return to the DTM series next season), will partner Ericsson, who will be driving his fourth season for the team. While, Antonio Giovinazzi who replace an injured Wehrlein for the first two Grands Prixs' at the start of the F1 season, will take up a reserve role with Sauber next season, and is set to partake in selected FP1 sessions throughout the season.
Leclerc becomes Monaco's first driver on the Formula 1 grid since Olivier Beretta, who raced for Larrousse during the 1994 F1 season.
Sauber will return to using current-spec Ferrari power units next season and on Wednesday confirmed that it had reached a multi-year technical and commercial deal with Alfa Romeo.
Alfa Romeo, part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, of which Ferrari chief Sergio Marchionne is the CEO, will act as title sponsor, marking the brand's return to Formula 1 for the first time since the 1985 F1 season.
Overall, its the not the right decision for Ericsson to stay at Sauber for another season, I would have retain Pascal Wehrlein who scored more points then Ericsson this season or even promoted Antonio Giovinazzi instead.
As for Charles Leclerc, this is not a big surprise this news happen. It has been strongly rumoured since the Hungarian Grand Prix in August that Leclerc will step up to Formula 1 with Sauber, which is truly deserve in my opinion.
Anyway, good luck for both Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc next season at Sauber.
With the main news on Wednesday (29/11/17) that Sauber announced that they have signed a multi-year technical and commercial partnership contract with Alfa Romeo, therefore the team will be renamed to Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team for the 2018 season onwards.
Ferrari-backed Leclerc had been widely tipped to graduate to Formula 1 in 2018 with Sauber, having winning this seasons Formula 2 title in his rookie season with the Prema team; received multiple practice and test outings through the second half of 2017 with Sauber
Leclerc who is 20, will be replacing Pascal Wehrlein (who more than likely return to the DTM series next season), will partner Ericsson, who will be driving his fourth season for the team. While, Antonio Giovinazzi who replace an injured Wehrlein for the first two Grands Prixs' at the start of the F1 season, will take up a reserve role with Sauber next season, and is set to partake in selected FP1 sessions throughout the season.
Leclerc becomes Monaco's first driver on the Formula 1 grid since Olivier Beretta, who raced for Larrousse during the 1994 F1 season.
Sauber will return to using current-spec Ferrari power units next season and on Wednesday confirmed that it had reached a multi-year technical and commercial deal with Alfa Romeo.
Alfa Romeo, part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, of which Ferrari chief Sergio Marchionne is the CEO, will act as title sponsor, marking the brand's return to Formula 1 for the first time since the 1985 F1 season.
Overall, its the not the right decision for Ericsson to stay at Sauber for another season, I would have retain Pascal Wehrlein who scored more points then Ericsson this season or even promoted Antonio Giovinazzi instead.
As for Charles Leclerc, this is not a big surprise this news happen. It has been strongly rumoured since the Hungarian Grand Prix in August that Leclerc will step up to Formula 1 with Sauber, which is truly deserve in my opinion.
Anyway, good luck for both Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc next season at Sauber.
Friday, 1 December 2017
Confirmed: Lance Stroll to contest 24 Hours of Daytona
It was confirmed of Thursday (30/11/17) Lance Stroll will contest next seasons 24 Hours of Daytona in January, with the Jackie Chan DCR JOTA team.
The Williams driver will be the second current Formula 1 driver to race in the Daytona 24 hour race in a months time after Fernando Alonso announcement in October.
It will be Stroll's debut in prototype sports car racing. Stroll will race in Prototype class with a Oreca 07 alongside Robin Frijns, Daniel Juncadella and Felix Rosenqvist.
For Lance Stroll is the big advantage there is no Formula 1 racing or testing in January.
The Williams driver will be the second current Formula 1 driver to race in the Daytona 24 hour race in a months time after Fernando Alonso announcement in October.
It will be Stroll's debut in prototype sports car racing. Stroll will race in Prototype class with a Oreca 07 alongside Robin Frijns, Daniel Juncadella and Felix Rosenqvist.
For Lance Stroll is the big advantage there is no Formula 1 racing or testing in January.
2017 WTCC Round 11 Recap - Race of Qatar, Thed Björk 2017 WTCC Champion!
Review of the final round of the 2017 World Touring Car Championship season was the Race of Qatar, at Losail International Circuit, north of Doha, Qatar for WTCC's only night race of the season.
In the opening race, Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Tom Chilton took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC and also took the WTCC Trophy win. Second was Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée, he was two seconds behind Chilton in the end. While third was RC Motorsport driver Kevin Gleason in his Lada Vesta WTCC, he was six seconds behind Chilton in the end.
While in the main race, Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Esteban Guerrieri took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport driver Rob Huff in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC and also took the WTCC Trophy win, he was Guerrieri seconds behind Huff in the end. While third was Polestar Cyan Racing driver Nicky Catsburg in his Volvo S60 Polestar TC1, he was seven seconds behind Guerrieri in the end.
Finally, Polestar Cyan Racing driver Thed Björk finished in fourth place in his Volvo S60 Polestar TC1, he was seven and half seconds behind Guerrieri in the end; fourth place was enough for Thed Björk to win this seasons WTCC drivers’ title. Contractions to Thed Björk for winning this years title.
And so this years champions in WTCC, WTCC Drivers' Champion: Thed Björk. WTCC Manufacturers' Championship: Volvo Polestar. WTCC Drivers' Trophy Champion: Tom Chilton. And WTCC Teams' Trophy Champions: Sébastien Loeb Racing.
Contractions to the Champions this season.
In the opening race, Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Tom Chilton took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC and also took the WTCC Trophy win. Second was Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée, he was two seconds behind Chilton in the end. While third was RC Motorsport driver Kevin Gleason in his Lada Vesta WTCC, he was six seconds behind Chilton in the end.
While in the main race, Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Esteban Guerrieri took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport driver Rob Huff in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC and also took the WTCC Trophy win, he was Guerrieri seconds behind Huff in the end. While third was Polestar Cyan Racing driver Nicky Catsburg in his Volvo S60 Polestar TC1, he was seven seconds behind Guerrieri in the end.
Finally, Polestar Cyan Racing driver Thed Björk finished in fourth place in his Volvo S60 Polestar TC1, he was seven and half seconds behind Guerrieri in the end; fourth place was enough for Thed Björk to win this seasons WTCC drivers’ title. Contractions to Thed Björk for winning this years title.
And so this years champions in WTCC, WTCC Drivers' Champion: Thed Björk. WTCC Manufacturers' Championship: Volvo Polestar. WTCC Drivers' Trophy Champion: Tom Chilton. And WTCC Teams' Trophy Champions: Sébastien Loeb Racing.
Contractions to the Champions this season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)