Review of Round Six of the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season was at Snetterton Circuit on the 300 Course, in Norfolk.
In the first race, WIX Racing with Eurotech driver Jack Goff took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2) and also took Independents class win. Second was Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver and Current BTCC Champion Ashley Sutton in his Subaru Levorg GT, he was two tenths of a second behind Goff in the end. While third place was Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Dan Cammish in his Honda Civic Type R (FK8) and also took Jack Sears Trophy (for drivers yet to record an overall podium finish or won outright the Jack Sears Trophy championship) win, he was ten seconds behind Goff in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver and Current BTCC Champion Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Power Maxed Racing driver Josh Cook in his Vauxhall Astra, he was two tenths of a second behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis and also took Independents class win, he was two and half seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Dan Cammish in his Honda Civic Type R (FK8), he finished in fourth place and was three seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Finally in the third race, to celebrate BTCC 60th anniversary celebrations of the series this race was twice as long and awarded double points. So therefore, Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Matt Neal took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R (FK8). Second was WIX Racing with Eurotech driver Jack Goff in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2) and also took Independents class win, he was two tenths of a second behind Neal in the end. While third place was Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis, he was six tenths of a second behind Neal in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by Simpson Racing driver Matt Simpson in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2), he finished in eighth place and was twenty-eight seconds behind Neal in the end.
Next stop Rockingham Motor Speedway for Round Seven of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season in two weeks time.
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
Monday, 30 July 2018
2018 24 hours of Spa race review
Last weekend was the annual 24 hours of Spa race (28-29th July). The Walkenhorst Motorsport in their BMW M6 GT3; with Tom Blomqvist, Philipp Eng and Christian Krognes came out on top to win this years 24 hours of Spa race in 511 laps in total.
While the Rowe Racing team came in second place in their BMW M6 GT3; with team of Alexander Sims, Jens Klingmann and Nicky Catsburg as drivers. They were ten seconds behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hour race.
While the Montaplast by Land-Motorsport team came in third place in their Audi R8 LMS; with Kelvin van der Linde, Sheldon van der Linde and Jeffrey Schmidt as drivers, they were thirty-eight seconds behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hours race.
While the Rowe Racing team came in second place in their BMW M6 GT3; with team of Alexander Sims, Jens Klingmann and Nicky Catsburg as drivers. They were ten seconds behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hour race.
While the Montaplast by Land-Motorsport team came in third place in their Audi R8 LMS; with Kelvin van der Linde, Sheldon van der Linde and Jeffrey Schmidt as drivers, they were thirty-eight seconds behind the leaders at the end of the 24 hours race.
2018 WRC Round 8 recap - Rally Finland
Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round Eight of Rally Finland.
Last weekends was the eighth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Finland (26th-29th July) that was won by Ott Tänak in the works Toyota Yaris WRC.
While, Mads Østberg finished second in his works Citroën C3 WRC, Østberg was thirty-two seconds behind Tänak at the end. Meanwhile, Jari-Matti Latvala finished third in his works Toyota Yaris WRC, Latvala was thirty-five seconds behind Tänak 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 TGS Worldwide driver Eerik Pietarinen in his Škoda Fabia R5. Eerik Pietarinen finished in eleventh place overall, he was ten minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by OT Racing driver Ken Torn in his Ford Fiesta R2T. Ken Torn finished in twentieth place overall, he was twenty-eight minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Nine of the 2018 WRC season for Rallye Deutschland in three weeks time.
Last weekends was the eighth round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Finland (26th-29th July) that was won by Ott Tänak in the works Toyota Yaris WRC.
While, Mads Østberg finished second in his works Citroën C3 WRC, Østberg was thirty-two seconds behind Tänak at the end. Meanwhile, Jari-Matti Latvala finished third in his works Toyota Yaris WRC, Latvala was thirty-five seconds behind Tänak 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 TGS Worldwide driver Eerik Pietarinen in his Škoda Fabia R5. Eerik Pietarinen finished in eleventh place overall, he was ten minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by OT Racing driver Ken Torn in his Ford Fiesta R2T. Ken Torn finished in twentieth place overall, he was twenty-eight minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Nine of the 2018 WRC season for Rallye Deutschland in three weeks time.
2018 Hungarian Grand Prix Review
Review of the eleventh round of the 2018 F1 season at the Hungaroring outside of Budapest, for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The race itself was a good race to watch and the race where Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton controlled it. Hamilton on pole for Sundays race after a wet qualifying on Saturday, On a hot and dry Sunday race, Hamilton took the lead at the start with Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel behind him and didn't look back leading most of the laps to conclude with a race win in this seasons Hungarian Grand Prix for Lewis Hamilton's fifth race win of the season.
While, Sebastian Vettel finished in second place in the Ferrari, Vettel was seventeen seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the other Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was twenty seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the seventy lap race.
Now with nine races to go, with Lewis Hamilton's win in Hungary and Sebastian Vettel only managing a second place finish at the Hungaroring, Lewis Hamilton has now improve his lead of the F1 Drivers' Standings from seventeen points to twenty-four points ahead of Sebastian Vettel.
While Mercedes still leads F1 Constructors' Standings, the gap is now improved from eight points to ten 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 - 9 (pole, race win)
Valtteri Bottas - 6 (finished fifth)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished second)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 10 (finished fourth, fastest lap)
Max Verstappen - 7 (DNF, Power loss)
Force India - 5
Sergio Pérez- 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Esteban Ocon- 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Williams - 3
Lance Stroll - 3 (finished seventeenth, two laps down)
Sergey Sirotkin - 3 (finished sixteenth, two laps down)
Renault - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Pierre Gasly - 10 (finished sixth)
Brendon Hartley - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Haas - 7
Romain Grosjean - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Kevin Magnussen - 8 (finished seventh, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 7 (DNF, Gearbox)
Sauber - 4
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (finished fifteenth, two laps down)
Charles Leclerc - 5 (DNF, Suspension)
Next stop Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix in four weeks time.
The race itself was a good race to watch and the race where Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton controlled it. Hamilton on pole for Sundays race after a wet qualifying on Saturday, On a hot and dry Sunday race, Hamilton took the lead at the start with Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel behind him and didn't look back leading most of the laps to conclude with a race win in this seasons Hungarian Grand Prix for Lewis Hamilton's fifth race win of the season.
While, Sebastian Vettel finished in second place in the Ferrari, Vettel was seventeen seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the other Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was twenty seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the seventy lap race.
Now with nine races to go, with Lewis Hamilton's win in Hungary and Sebastian Vettel only managing a second place finish at the Hungaroring, Lewis Hamilton has now improve his lead of the F1 Drivers' Standings from seventeen points to twenty-four points ahead of Sebastian Vettel.
While Mercedes still leads F1 Constructors' Standings, the gap is now improved from eight points to ten 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 - 9 (pole, race win)
Valtteri Bottas - 6 (finished fifth)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished second)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 10 (finished fourth, fastest lap)
Max Verstappen - 7 (DNF, Power loss)
Force India - 5
Sergio Pérez- 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Esteban Ocon- 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Williams - 3
Lance Stroll - 3 (finished seventeenth, two laps down)
Sergey Sirotkin - 3 (finished sixteenth, two laps down)
Renault - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished ninth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 8
Pierre Gasly - 10 (finished sixth)
Brendon Hartley - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Haas - 7
Romain Grosjean - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Kevin Magnussen - 8 (finished seventh, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 8 (finished eighth, lap down)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 7 (DNF, Gearbox)
Sauber - 4
Marcus Ericsson - 4 (finished fifteenth, two laps down)
Charles Leclerc - 5 (DNF, Suspension)
Next stop Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix in four weeks time.
Saturday, 28 July 2018
Force India team goes into administration
It was confirmed yesterday (27/7/18), Force India have gone into administration ahead of a possible takeover, on the eve of this weekends Hungarian Grand Prix.
No further information about the future of the team has been released at this stage. While the team will not miss this weekends Hungarian Grand Prix.
Earlier on Friday, Force India admitted they faced a "critical period" as financial problems threatened the team.
At least three potential buyers are said to be in the wings considering a purchase of the Silverstone-based outfit.
Force India's problems arise from the legal issues of co-owner Vijay Mallya, who is fighting extradition to India on fraud charges, which he denies.
First of all, personally I very feel sorry for the drivers and the staff at the team at this moment of time, with a strong possibility that they may lose their jobs.
Secondly, the reason the team is in this state is both team owners Vijay Mallya and Subrata Roy (who is currently in prison in India) not selling early enough or investing enough. In-which Sergio Perez (owning Perez 4 million euros), Mercedes (owning Mercedes 10 million euros)and BWT (says sponsorship was loan which is a bizarre one to me) are owned money from the team themselves recently.
Meanwhile, team drivers Esteban Ocon is on the verge of securing a deal to move to Renault for next season as a replacement for Carlos Sainz, Jr. alongside Nico Hulkenberg. While Sergio Perez could move to Haas next season with sponsorship from Mexico.
Final thoughts is this, a team that finish fourth in Constructors Standings two years running with a budget that is less than three times what a top team can do have shows what this team can do if the budget and investment is there, pity that Mallya's and Sahara's troubles have put a lot of hard-working people in a quandary.
Let's hope Force India find new owners, who do have the money to compete in Formula 1.
No further information about the future of the team has been released at this stage. While the team will not miss this weekends Hungarian Grand Prix.
Earlier on Friday, Force India admitted they faced a "critical period" as financial problems threatened the team.
At least three potential buyers are said to be in the wings considering a purchase of the Silverstone-based outfit.
Force India's problems arise from the legal issues of co-owner Vijay Mallya, who is fighting extradition to India on fraud charges, which he denies.
First of all, personally I very feel sorry for the drivers and the staff at the team at this moment of time, with a strong possibility that they may lose their jobs.
Secondly, the reason the team is in this state is both team owners Vijay Mallya and Subrata Roy (who is currently in prison in India) not selling early enough or investing enough. In-which Sergio Perez (owning Perez 4 million euros), Mercedes (owning Mercedes 10 million euros)and BWT (says sponsorship was loan which is a bizarre one to me) are owned money from the team themselves recently.
Meanwhile, team drivers Esteban Ocon is on the verge of securing a deal to move to Renault for next season as a replacement for Carlos Sainz, Jr. alongside Nico Hulkenberg. While Sergio Perez could move to Haas next season with sponsorship from Mexico.
Final thoughts is this, a team that finish fourth in Constructors Standings two years running with a budget that is less than three times what a top team can do have shows what this team can do if the budget and investment is there, pity that Mallya's and Sahara's troubles have put a lot of hard-working people in a quandary.
Let's hope Force India find new owners, who do have the money to compete in Formula 1.
Thursday, 26 July 2018
Sergio Marchionne 1952 – 2018
Former Ferrari chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne has passed away at the age of 66 on Wednesday morning (26/7/18).
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Marchionne had entered hospital for shoulder surgery, but after the operation his condition deteriorated rapidly, with reports suggesting that an embolism had led to a coma.
On the eve of the German Grand Prix, Ferrari reported that it had "learned with deep sadness during its meeting today that chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne will be unable to return to work."
It was announced that John Elkann would become chairman, and Louis C Camilleri be named as CEO.
Marchionne became chairman of Ferrari in September 2014, replacing the outgoing Luca di Montezemolo.
Despite his other commitments, he had a close involvement with the F1 Team. He took a keen interest in the driver choices, and was a supporter of Charles Leclerc who is set to become a Ferrari driver next season. He also steered the return of Alfa Romeo back into Formula 1 with the Alfa Romeo-Sauber deal back last season.
In the wider world, Marchionne was known for brokering the alliance between Fiat and Chrysler and turning both companies around merging both into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
A great sporter of the sport of Formula 1. Rest in Peace Sergio Marchionne, you will be much missed.
Marchionne had entered hospital for shoulder surgery, but after the operation his condition deteriorated rapidly, with reports suggesting that an embolism had led to a coma.
On the eve of the German Grand Prix, Ferrari reported that it had "learned with deep sadness during its meeting today that chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne will be unable to return to work."
It was announced that John Elkann would become chairman, and Louis C Camilleri be named as CEO.
Marchionne became chairman of Ferrari in September 2014, replacing the outgoing Luca di Montezemolo.
Despite his other commitments, he had a close involvement with the F1 Team. He took a keen interest in the driver choices, and was a supporter of Charles Leclerc who is set to become a Ferrari driver next season. He also steered the return of Alfa Romeo back into Formula 1 with the Alfa Romeo-Sauber deal back last season.
In the wider world, Marchionne was known for brokering the alliance between Fiat and Chrysler and turning both companies around merging both into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
A great sporter of the sport of Formula 1. Rest in Peace Sergio Marchionne, you will be much missed.
Wednesday, 25 July 2018
F1 2018 Hungarian Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix at Hungaroring outside of Budapest.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Sebastian Vettel for the race win in the Ferrari. Daniel Ricciardo second in the Red Bull and third place for Max Verstappen in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, the Mercedes drivers, the Renault drivers and the Haas drivers as well for a podium place.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Sebastian Vettel for the race win in the Ferrari. Daniel Ricciardo second in the Red Bull and third place for Max Verstappen in the other Mercedes. Don't forget Kimi Räikkönen, the Mercedes drivers, the Renault drivers and the Haas drivers as well for a podium place.
Monday, 23 July 2018
Round Eight Recap of the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Review of Round Eight of the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Lime Rock Park, on the outskirts of Salisbury, Connecticut.
Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won the race overall and GT Le Mans Class too in their Ford GT, with the team of Joey Hand and Dirk Müller. While Corvette Racing team finished second place in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R, with the team of Antonio García and Jan Magnussen; they were eleven seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Porsche GT Team finished third place in their Porsche 911 RSR, with the team of Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor; they were fourteen seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Paul Miller Racing team won GT Daytona Class and finished in eighth place overall in their Lamborghini Huracán GT3; with the drivers of Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow; 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.
Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won the race overall and GT Le Mans Class too in their Ford GT, with the team of Joey Hand and Dirk Müller. While Corvette Racing team finished second place in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R, with the team of Antonio García and Jan Magnussen; they were eleven seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Porsche GT Team finished third place in their Porsche 911 RSR, with the team of Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor; they were fourteen seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Paul Miller Racing team won GT Daytona Class and finished in eighth place overall in their Lamborghini Huracán GT3; with the drivers of Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow; 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.
2018 German Grand Prix Review
Review of the eleventh round of the 2018 F1 season held at the Hockenheimring, Hockenheim, in South-West Germany, for the German Grand Prix.
Overall, I thought it was the best race of the season so far and one of the best Grand Prix I have seen for a while. Sebastian Vettel on pole for Sunday's race while Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton started in fourteenth place after a hydraulic failure in qualifying. Come race day, Vettel was unstoppable, leading the first half of his home Grand Prix. By lap 26, Vettel pitted for tyres while Valtteri Bottas lead. By lap 30, Bottas pitted for tyres while Kimi Räikkönen lead. By lap 40, Vettel overtake Räikkönen for the lead of the race with a little help from team-orders, with that you thought it would be a home win for Vettel.
The race awake itself on lap 52, Vettel had led comfortably throughout when the race was thrown wide open by rain showers, with drivers trying to stay out on slick tires as the rain hit only certain parts of the track. Vettel went straight on at the Sachskurve and hit the wall, throwing away what had looked to be victory in his home race and his first DNF of the season, which leads the Safety Car was deployed.
With Bottas, Räikkönen and Max Verstappen opted for new tyres, Hamilton who was fifth place before Vettel crash, stayed on used tyres when the safety car appeared and took the lead.
The race restarted with ten laps remaining, Bottas immediately made use of his fresh tyres to attack Hamilton into Turn 6. The pair went wheel-to-wheel all the way to Turn 8 but Hamilton emerged ahead before Mercedes team opted for team-orders to make sure Hamilton leads the race and take the lead of the Drivers' Championship when Vettel didn't score points.
Which meant Lewis Hamilton from fourteenth place at the start, sixty-seven laps later wins this seasons German 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 four and half seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was seven seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the sixty-seven lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (race win, fastest lap)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished second)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (pole, DNF, Accident)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 6
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (DNF, Engine)
Max Verstappen - 7 (finished fourth)
Force India - 7
Sergio Pérez- 7 (finished seventh)
Esteban Ocon- 7 (finished eighth)
Williams - 5
Lance Stroll - 5 (DNF, Engine)
Sergey Sirotkin - 5 (DNF, Engine)
Renault - 8
Nico Hülkenberg - 10 (finished fifth)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished twelfth)
Toro Rosso - 5
Pierre Gasly - 4 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Brendon Hartley - 7 (finished tenth)
Haas - 7
Romain Grosjean - 9 (finished sixth)
Kevin Magnussen - 6 (finished eleventh)
McLaren - 5
Fernando Alonso - 6 (DNF, Gearbox)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 4 (finished thirteenth)
Sauber - 6
Marcus Ericsson - 7 (finished ninth)
Charles Leclerc - 6 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Next stop Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Overall, I thought it was the best race of the season so far and one of the best Grand Prix I have seen for a while. Sebastian Vettel on pole for Sunday's race while Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton started in fourteenth place after a hydraulic failure in qualifying. Come race day, Vettel was unstoppable, leading the first half of his home Grand Prix. By lap 26, Vettel pitted for tyres while Valtteri Bottas lead. By lap 30, Bottas pitted for tyres while Kimi Räikkönen lead. By lap 40, Vettel overtake Räikkönen for the lead of the race with a little help from team-orders, with that you thought it would be a home win for Vettel.
The race awake itself on lap 52, Vettel had led comfortably throughout when the race was thrown wide open by rain showers, with drivers trying to stay out on slick tires as the rain hit only certain parts of the track. Vettel went straight on at the Sachskurve and hit the wall, throwing away what had looked to be victory in his home race and his first DNF of the season, which leads the Safety Car was deployed.
With Bottas, Räikkönen and Max Verstappen opted for new tyres, Hamilton who was fifth place before Vettel crash, stayed on used tyres when the safety car appeared and took the lead.
The race restarted with ten laps remaining, Bottas immediately made use of his fresh tyres to attack Hamilton into Turn 6. The pair went wheel-to-wheel all the way to Turn 8 but Hamilton emerged ahead before Mercedes team opted for team-orders to make sure Hamilton leads the race and take the lead of the Drivers' Championship when Vettel didn't score points.
Which meant Lewis Hamilton from fourteenth place at the start, sixty-seven laps later wins this seasons German 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 four and half seconds behind Hamilton at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was seven seconds behind Hamilton at the end of the sixty-seven lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (race win, fastest lap)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished second)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (pole, DNF, Accident)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 6
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (DNF, Engine)
Max Verstappen - 7 (finished fourth)
Force India - 7
Sergio Pérez- 7 (finished seventh)
Esteban Ocon- 7 (finished eighth)
Williams - 5
Lance Stroll - 5 (DNF, Engine)
Sergey Sirotkin - 5 (DNF, Engine)
Renault - 8
Nico Hülkenberg - 10 (finished fifth)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished twelfth)
Toro Rosso - 5
Pierre Gasly - 4 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Brendon Hartley - 7 (finished tenth)
Haas - 7
Romain Grosjean - 9 (finished sixth)
Kevin Magnussen - 6 (finished eleventh)
McLaren - 5
Fernando Alonso - 6 (DNF, Gearbox)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 4 (finished thirteenth)
Sauber - 6
Marcus Ericsson - 7 (finished ninth)
Charles Leclerc - 6 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Next stop Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Saturday, 21 July 2018
Confirmed: Mercedes retains both Lewis Hamilton till 2020 and Valtteri Bottas till 2019
It was confirmed the last few days that Mercedes will retain both Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton through to the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season it was announced of Thursday (19/7/18) on the eve of the German Grand Prix alongside Valtteri Bottas for the 2019 F1 season, who was confirmed before pratice at the German Grand Prix on Friday (20/7/18), on a one year deal with an option for the 2020 F1 season as-well.
Hamilton's current Mercedes deal was set to expire at the end of the season and he had hinted that he was in no hurry to sort his future. But, Mercedes confirmed on Thursday that Hamilton has signed a new contract covering the next two seasons, that he will earn at least £30 million a year, rising to a maximum of £40 million, depending on bonuses.
Hamilton currently holds second place in the Drivers' standings, eight points behind Sebastian Vettel with eleven races to go. While, Bottas currently holds fifth place in the Drivers' standings, sixty-six points behind Sebastian Vettel with eleven races to go.
Overall, a very good decision from Mercedes to keep both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for next seasons. Although, I was surprise that Valtteri Bottas only got a one-year deal to Lewis Hamilton's two-year deal, which could give either Esteban Ocon or George Russell the opportunity for the seat for 2020.
Overall, the right choice for Mercedes going into 2019.
Hamilton's current Mercedes deal was set to expire at the end of the season and he had hinted that he was in no hurry to sort his future. But, Mercedes confirmed on Thursday that Hamilton has signed a new contract covering the next two seasons, that he will earn at least £30 million a year, rising to a maximum of £40 million, depending on bonuses.
Hamilton currently holds second place in the Drivers' standings, eight points behind Sebastian Vettel with eleven races to go. While, Bottas currently holds fifth place in the Drivers' standings, sixty-six points behind Sebastian Vettel with eleven races to go.
Overall, a very good decision from Mercedes to keep both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for next seasons. Although, I was surprise that Valtteri Bottas only got a one-year deal to Lewis Hamilton's two-year deal, which could give either Esteban Ocon or George Russell the opportunity for the seat for 2020.
Overall, the right choice for Mercedes going into 2019.
Thursday, 19 July 2018
F1 2018 German Grand Prix Predictions
For the first time in two years, Formula 1 returns to Germany at Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix; the home Grand Prix for Mercedes Benz and home Grand Prix for two Formula one drivers on the grid (Sebastian Vettel and Nico Hülkenberg).
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, the Red Bull drivers, the Renault drivers and the Haas drivers as well for a podium place.
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, the Red Bull drivers, the Renault drivers and the Haas drivers as well for a podium place.
Tuesday, 17 July 2018
2018 WTCR Round 6 Recap - Race of Slovakia
Review of Round Six of the 2018 World Touring Car Cup season was the Race of Slovakia, at Automotodróm Slovakia Ring, on the outskirts of Bratislava, Slovakia.
In the first race, Team Oscaro by Campos Racing driver Pepe Oriola took the race win in his CUPRA León TCR. Second was Audi Sport Leopard Lukoil Team driver Jean-Karl Vernay in his Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, he was seventeen tenths of a second behind Oriola in the end. While third place was BRC Racing Team driver Gabriele Tarquini in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was two and half seconds behind Oriola in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, BRC Racing Team driver Gabriele Tarquini took the race win in his Hyundai i30 N TCR. Second was Zengő Motorsport driver Norbert Nagy in his CUPRA León TCR, he was two seconds behind Tarquini in the end. While third place was M Racing YMR driver Yvan Muller in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was three seconds behind Tarquini in the end.
Finally in the third race, BRC Racing Team driver Norbert Michelisz took the race win in his Hyundai i30 N TCR. Second was DG Sport Compétition driver Aurélien Comte in his Peugeot 308 TCR, he was two seconds behind Michelisz in the end. While third place was Audi Sport Team Comtoyou driver Frédéric Vervisch in his Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, he was eight seconds behind Michelisz in the end
Next stop Race of China – Ningbo at the Ningbo International Circuit for Round Seven of the 2018 World Touring Car Cup season in eleven weeks time.
In the first race, Team Oscaro by Campos Racing driver Pepe Oriola took the race win in his CUPRA León TCR. Second was Audi Sport Leopard Lukoil Team driver Jean-Karl Vernay in his Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, he was seventeen tenths of a second behind Oriola in the end. While third place was BRC Racing Team driver Gabriele Tarquini in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was two and half seconds behind Oriola in the end.
Meanwhile in the second race, BRC Racing Team driver Gabriele Tarquini took the race win in his Hyundai i30 N TCR. Second was Zengő Motorsport driver Norbert Nagy in his CUPRA León TCR, he was two seconds behind Tarquini in the end. While third place was M Racing YMR driver Yvan Muller in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, he was three seconds behind Tarquini in the end.
Finally in the third race, BRC Racing Team driver Norbert Michelisz took the race win in his Hyundai i30 N TCR. Second was DG Sport Compétition driver Aurélien Comte in his Peugeot 308 TCR, he was two seconds behind Michelisz in the end. While third place was Audi Sport Team Comtoyou driver Frédéric Vervisch in his Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, he was eight seconds behind Michelisz in the end
Next stop Race of China – Ningbo at the Ningbo International Circuit for Round Seven of the 2018 World Touring Car Cup season in eleven weeks time.
2018 DTM Round 5 Recap
Review of Round Five of the 2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at Zandvoort, in north Holland.
On Saturday's race, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Petronas driver Gary Paffett took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Remus driver Paul di Resta in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was fourteen tenths of a second behind Paffett in the end. While, third place was Silberpfeil Energy Mercedes-AMG Motorsport driver Lucas Auer in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM to complete a Mercedes-Benz podium whitewash, he was nineteen tenths of a second behind Paffett in the end.
On Sunday's race, Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver and Current DTM Champion René Rast took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Petronas driver Gary Paffett in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was eight tenths of a second behind Rast in the end. While, third place was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Remus driver Paul di Resta in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was fourteen tenths of a second behind Rast in the end.
Next stop Brands Hatch, Kent in United Kingdom for Round Six of the 2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in four weeks time.
On Saturday's race, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Petronas driver Gary Paffett took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Remus driver Paul di Resta in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was fourteen tenths of a second behind Paffett in the end. While, third place was Silberpfeil Energy Mercedes-AMG Motorsport driver Lucas Auer in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM to complete a Mercedes-Benz podium whitewash, he was nineteen tenths of a second behind Paffett in the end.
On Sunday's race, Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver and Current DTM Champion René Rast took the race win in his Audi RS5 DTM. Second was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Petronas driver Gary Paffett in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was eight tenths of a second behind Rast in the end. While, third place was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Remus driver Paul di Resta in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was fourteen tenths of a second behind Rast in the end.
Next stop Brands Hatch, Kent in United Kingdom for Round Six of the 2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in four weeks time.
Celebrating Life Jules Bianchi, three years on
Its been three 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 three years ago today.
Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forgetting Jules Bianchi.
Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forgetting Jules Bianchi.
Monday, 16 July 2018
2017/18 Formula E - New York ePrix - Round 10 Recap - Jean-Éric Vergne 2017/18 Formula E Champion
Review of Round Ten of the 2017-18 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 Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver and outgoing Formula E Champion Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Audi. Second was Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Audi, he was a second behind di Grassi in the end. Meanwhile, third was Renault e.dams driver Sébastien Buemi in his Spark-Renault, he was two seconds behind di Grassi in the end.
Finally, Techeetah driver Jean-Éric Vergne finished in fifth place in his Spark-Renault, was enough for Vergne to win the Drivers' Championship this season by only thirty-one points ahead of title rivals Sam Bird with a race to spare; Vergne was four and half seconds behind di Grassi in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
While in Sunday's race, that was won by Techeetah driver and New Formula E Champion Jean-Éric Vergne in his Spark-Renault. Second was Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver and outgoing Formula E Champion Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Audi, he was half a second behind Vergne in the end. Meanwhile, third was Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Audi, he was twelve tenths of a second behind Vergne in the end; it was enough for Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team to win this seasons Teams' Championship to give the team their first Team's Championship by two points ahead of Techeetah.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Constructions to both Jean-Éric Vergne and Audi Sport for winning each championships in Formula E this season.
On Saturday's race, that was won by Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver and outgoing Formula E Champion Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Audi. Second was Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Audi, he was a second behind di Grassi in the end. Meanwhile, third was Renault e.dams driver Sébastien Buemi in his Spark-Renault, he was two seconds behind di Grassi in the end.
Finally, Techeetah driver Jean-Éric Vergne finished in fifth place in his Spark-Renault, was enough for Vergne to win the Drivers' Championship this season by only thirty-one points ahead of title rivals Sam Bird with a race to spare; Vergne was four and half seconds behind di Grassi in the end.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
While in Sunday's race, that was won by Techeetah driver and New Formula E Champion Jean-Éric Vergne in his Spark-Renault. Second was Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver and outgoing Formula E Champion Lucas di Grassi in his Spark-Audi, he was half a second behind Vergne in the end. Meanwhile, third was Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver Daniel Abt in his Spark-Audi, he was twelve tenths of a second behind Vergne in the end; it was enough for Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team to win this seasons Teams' Championship to give the team their first Team's Championship by two points ahead of Techeetah.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Constructions to both Jean-Éric Vergne and Audi Sport for winning each championships in Formula E this season.
2018 Germany MotoGP Review, Dani Pedrosa retiring at the end of the season, Team news
Review of the round nine of the 2018 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 Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was twoseconds behind Márquez at the end.
While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was three seconds behind Márquez at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider and Current Moto3 Champion Joan Mir on the Kalex, he was eight tenths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Luca Marini on the Kalex, he was nine tenths of a second behind Binder at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Del Conca Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda. Second was Redox PrüstelGP rider Marco Bezzecchi on the KTM, he was twenty-five tenths of a second behind Martín at the end of the race. While, third was CIP - Green Power rider John McPhee on the KTM, he was twenty-six tenths of a second behind Martín at the end of the race.
It was confirmed on Thursday (12/8/18) Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa has announced he will retire from motorcycle racing at the end of 2018 MotoGP season.
Pedrosa, who will turn 33 in September, had been part of the Repsol Honda works set-up since 2006 after winning the 125cc (Moto3) title in 2003 and back-to-back 250cc (Moto2) titles in 2004 and 2005, was left without a ride for next year when the team signed Jorge Lorenzo as his replacement for 2019.
With no options going into 2019, Pedrosa opted to end his stint in MotoGP having competed only on Honda machinery throughout his career.
Pedrosa has won 31 wins and 112 podiums in the premier class, but has missed out on a MotoGP title, finishing runner-up on three occasions, to Ducati's Casey Stoner in 2007, and to then-Yamaha rider Lorenzo in 2010 and 2012.
Pedrosa currently sits twelfth in the MotoGp standings with best finish of two fifth place finishes.
Finally, it was confirmed from last week (5/7/18), Ángel Nieto Team (formerly Aspar) announced that they will join forces with Moto2 team SIC Racing to field two Yamaha YZR-M1 satellites, replacing Tech 3 as the Yamaha satellite team starting from 2019 on a three-year deal.
No word who will be riding for satellite M1 bikes for next season.
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 Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was twoseconds behind Márquez at the end.
While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was three seconds behind Márquez at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider and Current Moto3 Champion Joan Mir on the Kalex, he was eight tenths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Luca Marini on the Kalex, he was nine tenths of a second behind Binder at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Del Conca Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda. Second was Redox PrüstelGP rider Marco Bezzecchi on the KTM, he was twenty-five tenths of a second behind Martín at the end of the race. While, third was CIP - Green Power rider John McPhee on the KTM, he was twenty-six tenths of a second behind Martín at the end of the race.
It was confirmed on Thursday (12/8/18) Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa has announced he will retire from motorcycle racing at the end of 2018 MotoGP season.
Pedrosa, who will turn 33 in September, had been part of the Repsol Honda works set-up since 2006 after winning the 125cc (Moto3) title in 2003 and back-to-back 250cc (Moto2) titles in 2004 and 2005, was left without a ride for next year when the team signed Jorge Lorenzo as his replacement for 2019.
With no options going into 2019, Pedrosa opted to end his stint in MotoGP having competed only on Honda machinery throughout his career.
Pedrosa has won 31 wins and 112 podiums in the premier class, but has missed out on a MotoGP title, finishing runner-up on three occasions, to Ducati's Casey Stoner in 2007, and to then-Yamaha rider Lorenzo in 2010 and 2012.
Pedrosa currently sits twelfth in the MotoGp standings with best finish of two fifth place finishes.
Finally, it was confirmed from last week (5/7/18), Ángel Nieto Team (formerly Aspar) announced that they will join forces with Moto2 team SIC Racing to field two Yamaha YZR-M1 satellites, replacing Tech 3 as the Yamaha satellite team starting from 2019 on a three-year deal.
No word who will be riding for satellite M1 bikes for next season.
Monday, 9 July 2018
Round Seven Recap of the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Review of Round Seven of the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, north of Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.
CORE Autosport team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Jon Bennett and Colin Braun in their Oreca 07, Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8. While, Wayne Taylor Racing finished in second place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 5.5 L V8; the team of Jordan Taylor and Renger van der Zande; they were three seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Whelen Engineering Racing finished in third place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 5.5 L V8; the team of Eric Curran and Felipe Nasr; they were five seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in tenth place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were four laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Mercedes-AMG Team Riley Motorsports won GT Daytona Class and finished in eighteenth place overall in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with the drivers of Jeroen Bleekemolen and Ben Keating; they were nine laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Lime Rock Park in two weeks time for Round Eight of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
CORE Autosport team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Jon Bennett and Colin Braun in their Oreca 07, Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8. While, Wayne Taylor Racing finished in second place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 5.5 L V8; the team of Jordan Taylor and Renger van der Zande; they were three seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Whelen Engineering Racing finished in third place in their Cadillac DPi-V.R, Cadillac 5.5 L V8; the team of Eric Curran and Felipe Nasr; they were five seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in tenth place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook; they were four laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Mercedes-AMG Team Riley Motorsports won GT Daytona Class and finished in eighteenth place overall in their Mercedes-AMG GT3; with the drivers of Jeroen Bleekemolen and Ben Keating; they were nine laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Lime Rock Park in two weeks time for Round Eight of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
2018 British Grand Prix Review
Review of the tenth round of the 2018 F1 season at Silverstone, Northamptonshire, for the British Grand Prix.
Overall the race itself was enjoyable and entertaining race to watch. Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton was on pole for Sunday's race, while his
Sebastian Vettel was on the front row of the grid for Sunday's hot and sunny race. Vettel took the lead at the start a head of Hamilton, Hamilton race was in taters by turn three when Kimi Räikkönen collided into him putting Hamilton dead last at the end of the first lap, while Räikkönen had to make a ten-second added time penalty.
Vettel was set to win the race, until lap 31 when Marcus Ericsson had a massive crash bringing out the safety car, letting Vettel to pit for soft tyres while Valtteri Bottas who was second opted to stay out on his medium tyres. When the racing return by lap 40 after a second safety car from the Carlos Sainz Jr. and
Romain Grosjean Collision. Vettel went on the attack, by lap 47 Vettel pass Bottas for the lead and stay there with the fastest lap of the race to conclude with this seasons British Grand Prix for Sebastian Vettel's fourth race win of the season.
While, Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in second place in the Mercedes despite Hamilton was last on the first lap of the race, Hamilton was two seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was four seconds behind Vettel at the end of the fifty-two lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (pole, finished second)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (finished fourth)
Ferrari - 9
Sebastian Vettel - 10 (race win, fastest lap)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 7 (finished fifth)
Max Verstappen - 8 (DNF, Brakes)
Force India - 7
Sergio Pérez- 8 (finished tenth)
Esteban Ocon- 7 (finished seventh)
Williams - 5
Lance Stroll - 5 (finished twelfth)
Sergey Sirotkin - 5 (finished fourteenth)
Renault - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 8 (finished sixth)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 5 (DNF, Collision with Grosjean)
Toro Rosso - 5
Pierre Gasly - 6 (finished thirteenth)
Brendon Hartley - 5 (DNF, PU connector)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (DNF, Collision with Grosjean)
Kevin Magnussen - 6 (finished ninth)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 8 (finished eighth)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 5 (finished eleventh)
Sauber - 7
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (DNF, Accident)
Charles Leclerc - 8 (DNF, Wheel)
Next stop Hockenheimring for the German Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Overall the race itself was enjoyable and entertaining race to watch. Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton was on pole for Sunday's race, while his
Sebastian Vettel was on the front row of the grid for Sunday's hot and sunny race. Vettel took the lead at the start a head of Hamilton, Hamilton race was in taters by turn three when Kimi Räikkönen collided into him putting Hamilton dead last at the end of the first lap, while Räikkönen had to make a ten-second added time penalty.
Vettel was set to win the race, until lap 31 when Marcus Ericsson had a massive crash bringing out the safety car, letting Vettel to pit for soft tyres while Valtteri Bottas who was second opted to stay out on his medium tyres. When the racing return by lap 40 after a second safety car from the Carlos Sainz Jr. and
Romain Grosjean Collision. Vettel went on the attack, by lap 47 Vettel pass Bottas for the lead and stay there with the fastest lap of the race to conclude with this seasons British Grand Prix for Sebastian Vettel's fourth race win of the season.
While, Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in second place in the Mercedes despite Hamilton was last on the first lap of the race, Hamilton was two seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Räikkönen was four seconds behind Vettel at the end of the fifty-two lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 9 (pole, finished second)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (finished fourth)
Ferrari - 9
Sebastian Vettel - 10 (race win, fastest lap)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished third)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 7 (finished fifth)
Max Verstappen - 8 (DNF, Brakes)
Force India - 7
Sergio Pérez- 8 (finished tenth)
Esteban Ocon- 7 (finished seventh)
Williams - 5
Lance Stroll - 5 (finished twelfth)
Sergey Sirotkin - 5 (finished fourteenth)
Renault - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 8 (finished sixth)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 5 (DNF, Collision with Grosjean)
Toro Rosso - 5
Pierre Gasly - 6 (finished thirteenth)
Brendon Hartley - 5 (DNF, PU connector)
Haas - 5
Romain Grosjean - 5 (DNF, Collision with Grosjean)
Kevin Magnussen - 6 (finished ninth)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 8 (finished eighth)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 5 (finished eleventh)
Sauber - 7
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (DNF, Accident)
Charles Leclerc - 8 (DNF, Wheel)
Next stop Hockenheimring for the German Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Friday, 6 July 2018
F1 2018 British Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone the home of the British Grand Prix, where seven Formula one teams (Mercedes AMG, Red Bull, Williams, McLaren, Force India, Renault, and Haas) and for Lewis Hamilton is their home Grand Prix.
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 Red Bull drivers, the Renault drivers and the Haas drivers as well for a podium place.
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 Red Bull drivers, the Renault drivers and the Haas drivers as well for a podium place.
Thursday, 5 July 2018
Eric Boullier resigned as McLaren's racing director, Gil De Ferran replaces Boullier
It was confirmed on Wednesday (4/7/18), Eric Boullier has resigned his position as Racing Director at McLaren, ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix.
It emerged on Wednesday morning that Boullier had parted company with McLaren, having occupied the role of Racing Director since 2014 after joining from Lotus, the former Racing Director of McLaren have agreed to part company by mutual consent.
Boullier has been replace by former Champ Car Champion Gil De Ferran has been appointed as their new Sporting Director.
In my opinion, this was not surprising this news happen. Despite, the team are using Renault Power-Unit's this season, McLaren are still slow. Sixth in the Constructors' standings at this moment of time, is better from last seasons ninth place but not good enough for a team like McLaren, McLaren should be challenging for winning races not fighting for fifteen place with talent like Fernando Alonso driving for them, unfortunately for Eric Boullier it did cost him his job at McLaren.
What's next for McLaren? and what's next for Eric Boullier?
It emerged on Wednesday morning that Boullier had parted company with McLaren, having occupied the role of Racing Director since 2014 after joining from Lotus, the former Racing Director of McLaren have agreed to part company by mutual consent.
Boullier has been replace by former Champ Car Champion Gil De Ferran has been appointed as their new Sporting Director.
In my opinion, this was not surprising this news happen. Despite, the team are using Renault Power-Unit's this season, McLaren are still slow. Sixth in the Constructors' standings at this moment of time, is better from last seasons ninth place but not good enough for a team like McLaren, McLaren should be challenging for winning races not fighting for fifteen place with talent like Fernando Alonso driving for them, unfortunately for Eric Boullier it did cost him his job at McLaren.
What's next for McLaren? and what's next for Eric Boullier?
Monday, 2 July 2018
2018 World RX Round 6 Recap - World RX of Sweden
Review of Round Six of the 2018 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 Petter Solberg and Current World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson (winning three times).
In the first semi-final that was won by PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver and current World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo R. Second was Team Peugeot Total driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was two seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was EKS Audi Sport driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi S1, he was three seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by EKS Audi Sport driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Audi S1. Second was Team Peugeot Total driver Kevin Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was three seconds behind Bakkerud in the end. While, third was GC Kompetition driver Jérôme Grosset-Janin in his Renault Mégane R.S., he was seven seconds behind Bakkerud in the end.
In the final race, PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver and current World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson took the race win in his Volkswagen Polo R. Second was EKS Audi Sport driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Audi S1, he was three seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was GC Kompetition driver Jérôme Grosset-Janin in his Renault Mégane R.S., he was six seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
Next stop World RX of Canada at Circuit Trois-Rivières for Round Seven of the 2018 World Rallycross Championship season in five weeks time.
In the four Heats, those were won by Petter Solberg and Current World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson (winning three times).
In the first semi-final that was won by PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver and current World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo R. Second was Team Peugeot Total driver Timmy Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was two seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was EKS Audi Sport driver Mattias Ekström in his Audi S1, he was three seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by EKS Audi Sport driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Audi S1. Second was Team Peugeot Total driver Kevin Hansen in his Peugeot 208, he was three seconds behind Bakkerud in the end. While, third was GC Kompetition driver Jérôme Grosset-Janin in his Renault Mégane R.S., he was seven seconds behind Bakkerud in the end.
In the final race, PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver and current World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson took the race win in his Volkswagen Polo R. Second was EKS Audi Sport driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Audi S1, he was three seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was GC Kompetition driver Jérôme Grosset-Janin in his Renault Mégane R.S., he was six seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
Next stop World RX of Canada at Circuit Trois-Rivières for Round Seven of the 2018 World Rallycross Championship season in five weeks time.
Round Six Recap of the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Review of Round Six of the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the third round of the North American Endurance Championship at Watkins Glen International Raceway on the outskirts of New York.
JDC-Miller Motorsports team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Mikhail Goikhberg, Stephen Simpson and Chris Miller in their Oreca 07, Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8. While, CORE Autosport finished in second place in their Oreca 07, Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8; the team of Jon Bennett, Colin Braun and Romain Dumas; they were two seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Acura Team Penske finished in third place in their Acura ARX-05, Acura AR35TT 3.5 L Turbo V6; the team of Dane Cameron and Juan Pablo Montoya; they were over two seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in thirteenth place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Joey Hand
and Dirk Muller; they were eight laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Turner Motorsport won GT Daytona Class and finished in twentieth place overall in their BMW M6 GT3; with the drivers of Markus Palttala, Don Yount and Dillon Machavern; they were sixteen laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in a weeks time for Round Seven of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
JDC-Miller Motorsports team won the race overall and Prototype class too of Mikhail Goikhberg, Stephen Simpson and Chris Miller in their Oreca 07, Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8. While, CORE Autosport finished in second place in their Oreca 07, Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8; the team of Jon Bennett, Colin Braun and Romain Dumas; they were two seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Acura Team Penske finished in third place in their Acura ARX-05, Acura AR35TT 3.5 L Turbo V6; the team of Dane Cameron and Juan Pablo Montoya; they were over two seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Le Mans Class, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won GT Le Mans Class and finished in thirteenth place overall in their Ford GT; with the drivers of Joey Hand
and Dirk Muller; they were eight laps behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, Turner Motorsport won GT Daytona Class and finished in twentieth place overall in their BMW M6 GT3; with the drivers of Markus Palttala, Don Yount and Dillon Machavern; they were sixteen laps behind the leaders.
Next Stop Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in a weeks time for Round Seven of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
2018 Dutch MotoGP Review
Review of the round eight of the 2018 MotoGP season at TT Circuit Assen, Assen in North East of Holland.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that race was won by Repsol Honda Team rider and Current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on his works Honda RC213V.
Second was Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Álex Rins on his works Suzuki GSX-RR, he was two seconds behind Marquez at the end.
While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was two and half seconds behind Marquez at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Francesco Bagnaia on the Kalex.
Second was Beta Tools - Speed Up Racing rider Fabio Quartararo on the Speed Up, he was seventeen tenths of a second behind Bagnaia at the end of the race. While, third was Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider Álex Márquez on the Kalex, he was two seconds behind Bagnaia at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Del Conca Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda. Second was Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Arón Canet on the Honda, he was six tenths of a second behind Martín at the end of the race. While, third was Del Conca Gresini Moto3 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio on the Honda to complete a Honda podium whitewash, he was seven tenths of a second behind Martín at the end of the race.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that race was won by Repsol Honda Team rider and Current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on his works Honda RC213V.
Second was Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Álex Rins on his works Suzuki GSX-RR, he was two seconds behind Marquez at the end.
While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Viñales on his works Yamaha YZR-M1, he was two and half seconds behind Marquez at the end of the race.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Francesco Bagnaia on the Kalex.
Second was Beta Tools - Speed Up Racing rider Fabio Quartararo on the Speed Up, he was seventeen tenths of a second behind Bagnaia at the end of the race. While, third was Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider Álex Márquez on the Kalex, he was two seconds behind Bagnaia at the end of the race.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Del Conca Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda. Second was Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Arón Canet on the Honda, he was six tenths of a second behind Martín at the end of the race. While, third was Del Conca Gresini Moto3 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio on the Honda to complete a Honda podium whitewash, he was seven tenths of a second behind Martín at the end of the race.
2018 Austrian Grand Prix Review, Max Verstappen Wins!
Review of the ninth round of the 2018 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 Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton was on the front row of the grid for Sunday's race. Hamilton took the lead at the start a head of Bottas thinking his could be another one-two Mercedes finish. Until lap 13, Valtteri Bottas retire with a Hydraulics problem, giving way for Virtual Safety Car, both Red Bull and Ferrari drivers opted for a tyre changes; while Hamilton stayed out when VSC ended. Hamilton pitted for tyres on lap 27, giving Max Verstappen the lead while Hamilton got back onto the track in fifth place behind both Red Bull's and Ferrari's.
Meanwhile, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton did not finish the race, on lap 62 with a Fuel pressure problem, Hamilton his first DNF since Malaysia Grand in 2016, ending his thirty-three Grand Prixs points steak.
Despite a late charge from Kimi Räikkönen closing on Verstappen at the end, it was not enough at the end to overtake him, to give Max Verstappen with his first race win of the season to conclude this seasons Austrian Grand Prix at Red Bull's home Grand Prix.
While, Kimi Räikkönen finished in second place in the Ferrari, Räikkönen was fifteen tenths of a second behind Verstappen at the end.
Meanwhile, Räikkönen's team-mate Sebastian Vettel finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Vettel was three seconds behind Verstappen at the end of the seventy-one lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 7 (DNF, Fuel pressure)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (pole, DNF, Hydraulics)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished third)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished second, fastest lap)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 7 (DNF, Exhaust)
Max Verstappen - 10 (race win)
Force India - 7
Sergio Pérez- 7 (finished seventh, lap down)
Esteban Ocon- 7 (finished sixth, lap down)
Williams - 4
Lance Stroll - 4 (finished fourteenth, two laps down)
Sergey Sirotkin - 5 (finished thirteenth, two laps down)
Renault - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (DNF, Engine)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 5
Pierre Gasly - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Brendon Hartley - 5 (DNF, Hydraulics)
Haas - 9
Romain Grosjean - 10 (finished fourth, lap down)
Kevin Magnussen - 9 (finished fifth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 9 (finished eighth, lap down)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 5 (DNF, Collision damage with Gasly)
Sauber - 7
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Charles Leclerc - 8 (finished ninth, lap down)
Next stop Silverstone for the British Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Overall the race itself was enjoyable and entertaining race to watch. Valtteri Bottas was on pole for Sunday's race, while his team-mate Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton was on the front row of the grid for Sunday's race. Hamilton took the lead at the start a head of Bottas thinking his could be another one-two Mercedes finish. Until lap 13, Valtteri Bottas retire with a Hydraulics problem, giving way for Virtual Safety Car, both Red Bull and Ferrari drivers opted for a tyre changes; while Hamilton stayed out when VSC ended. Hamilton pitted for tyres on lap 27, giving Max Verstappen the lead while Hamilton got back onto the track in fifth place behind both Red Bull's and Ferrari's.
Meanwhile, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton did not finish the race, on lap 62 with a Fuel pressure problem, Hamilton his first DNF since Malaysia Grand in 2016, ending his thirty-three Grand Prixs points steak.
Despite a late charge from Kimi Räikkönen closing on Verstappen at the end, it was not enough at the end to overtake him, to give Max Verstappen with his first race win of the season to conclude this seasons Austrian Grand Prix at Red Bull's home Grand Prix.
While, Kimi Räikkönen finished in second place in the Ferrari, Räikkönen was fifteen tenths of a second behind Verstappen at the end.
Meanwhile, Räikkönen's team-mate Sebastian Vettel finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Vettel was three seconds behind Verstappen at the end of the seventy-one lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 7 (DNF, Fuel pressure)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (pole, DNF, Hydraulics)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished third)
Kimi Räikkönen - 8 (finished second, fastest lap)
Red Bull Racing - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 7 (DNF, Exhaust)
Max Verstappen - 10 (race win)
Force India - 7
Sergio Pérez- 7 (finished seventh, lap down)
Esteban Ocon- 7 (finished sixth, lap down)
Williams - 4
Lance Stroll - 4 (finished fourteenth, two laps down)
Sergey Sirotkin - 5 (finished thirteenth, two laps down)
Renault - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (DNF, Engine)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 5 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 5
Pierre Gasly - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Brendon Hartley - 5 (DNF, Hydraulics)
Haas - 9
Romain Grosjean - 10 (finished fourth, lap down)
Kevin Magnussen - 9 (finished fifth, lap down)
McLaren - 7
Fernando Alonso - 9 (finished eighth, lap down)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 5 (DNF, Collision damage with Gasly)
Sauber - 7
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (finished tenth, lap down)
Charles Leclerc - 8 (finished ninth, lap down)
Next stop Silverstone for the British Grand Prix in a weeks time.
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