Review of Round Seven of the 2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, on the outskirts of Misano in east of Italy, for DTM's only night race of the season.
On Saturday's race, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Remus driver Paul di Resta took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Robin Frijns in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was two seconds behind di Resta in the end. While, third place was Silberpfeil Energy Mercedes-AMG Motorsport driver Edoardo Mortara in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was over two seconds behind di Resta in the end.
On Sunday's race, BMW Team RBM driver Joel Eriksson took the race win in his BMW M4 DTM. Second was Silberpfeil Energy Mercedes-AMG Motorsport driver Edoardo Mortara in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was two seconds behind Eriksson in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver and Current DTM Champion René Rast in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was six seconds behind Eriksson in the end.
Special mention to former Williams F1 driver and Para-Olympic Gold medallist Alex Zanardi, who made a wild card appearance in this round in a special BMW M4 DTM to finish in fifth place, he was forty-seven seconds behind Eriksson in the end.
Next stop Nürburgring, Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany for Round Eight of the 2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in two weeks time.
Thursday, 30 August 2018
2018 BTCC Round 8 Recap
Review of Round Eight of the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season was at Knockhill Racing Circuit, in the Fife countryside north of Dunfermline for Scotland's only BTCC round.
In the first race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver and Current BTCC Champion Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was twelve tenths of a second behind Sutton 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 three seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis, he finished in sixth place and was four seconds behind Plato 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 Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis. However both Sutton and Ingram was latter disqualified due failed the post-race ride height checks.
Meaning BMW Pirtek Racing driver Andrew Jordan took the race win in his BMW 125i M Sport. Second was Power Maxed Racing driver Josh Cook in his Vauxhall Astra, he was twelve tenths of a second behind Jordan 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 win, he was two seconds behind Jordan in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Ciceley Motorsport with Mac Tools driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class, he finished in fifth place and was three seconds behind Jordan in the end.
Finally in the third race, Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher driver Tom Chilton took the race win in his Ford Focus RS and also took Independents class win. Second was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was a second behind Chilton in the end. While third place was BMW Pirtek Racing driver Andrew Jordan in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was six seconds behind Chilton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by AmD with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Racing driver Rory Butcher in his MG6 GT, he finished in seventh place and was twelve seconds behind Chilton in the end.
Next stop Silverstone for Round Nine of the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
In the first race, Adrian Flux Subaru Racing driver and Current BTCC Champion Ashley Sutton took the race win in his Subaru Levorg GT. Second was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was twelve tenths of a second behind Sutton 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 three seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis, he finished in sixth place and was four seconds behind Plato 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 Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis. However both Sutton and Ingram was latter disqualified due failed the post-race ride height checks.
Meaning BMW Pirtek Racing driver Andrew Jordan took the race win in his BMW 125i M Sport. Second was Power Maxed Racing driver Josh Cook in his Vauxhall Astra, he was twelve tenths of a second behind Jordan 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 win, he was two seconds behind Jordan in the end.
Meanwhile, Independents class was won by Ciceley Motorsport with Mac Tools driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class, he finished in fifth place and was three seconds behind Jordan in the end.
Finally in the third race, Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher driver Tom Chilton took the race win in his Ford Focus RS and also took Independents class win. Second was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was a second behind Chilton in the end. While third place was BMW Pirtek Racing driver Andrew Jordan in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was six seconds behind Chilton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by AmD with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Racing driver Rory Butcher in his MG6 GT, he finished in seventh place and was twelve seconds behind Chilton in the end.
Next stop Silverstone for Round Nine of the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
F1 2018 Italian Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, near Milan. For the home race for both Ferrari and Toro Rosso teams.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict Sebastian Vettel for the race win in the Ferrari. Kimi Räikkönen second in the other Ferrari, and third place for Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes. Don't forget Valtteri Bottas, the Red Bull drivers, the Force India 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. Kimi Räikkönen second in the other Ferrari, and third place for Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes. Don't forget Valtteri Bottas, the Red Bull drivers, the Force India drivers, the Renault drivers and the Haas drivers as well for a podium place.
Tuesday, 28 August 2018
2018 UK MotoGP Review
Review of the round twelve of the 2018 MotoGP season at Silverstone, on the outskirts of Northampton, UK.
Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to heavy rain. This also marks for the first time all three MotoGP classes were cancelled since 1980. In my opinion its a shame that the race didn't happen due to heavy rain. But, with no race for two weeks and on Monday its been dry all day, I'm surprise that races wasn't moved to a Monday due to its a Bank Holiday Monday in the UK.
Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to heavy rain. This also marks for the first time all three MotoGP classes were cancelled since 1980. In my opinion its a shame that the race didn't happen due to heavy rain. But, with no race for two weeks and on Monday its been dry all day, I'm surprise that races wasn't moved to a Monday due to its a Bank Holiday Monday in the UK.
Monday, 27 August 2018
2018 Belgian Grand Prix Review
Review of the twelfth round of the 2018 F1 season at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Spa, east of Belgium, for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Overall, an entertaining Grand Prix, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton on pole for Sundays race after a dry/wet/dry qualifying on Saturday. On a dry Sunday race, Hamilton took the lead at the start with Sebastian Vettel behind him. But, the drama started behind them when Nico Hülkenberg miss braked his Renault colliding into Fernando Alonso's McLaren at the first corner flying over Charles Leclerc's Sauber. Whatever is your opinion about the halo on the Formula 1 car, halo has done its job for Leclerc today.
By the Kemmel straight on the first lap Vettel overtake Hamilton for the lead before the safety car appeared. Despite attempted from Hamilton to overtake Vettel when the safety car went in on the fourth lap, it was Vettel race lead all the laps to conclude with a race win in this seasons Belgian Grand Prix for Sebastian Vettel's fifth race win of the season.
While, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finished second place in the Mercedes, Hamilton was eleven seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen finished in third place in the Red Bull to complete the podium, Verstappen was thirty-one seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Quick mention to the Force India team, who went in administration before the Hungarian Grand Prix, brought by a consortium led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who lost all of their points in the Constructors' Standings due to technically being a new team finished fifth and sixth place at the Belgian Grand Prix with Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon which included starting on the second row of the grid for both drivers. Perez was seventy-one seconds behind Vettel at the end in fifth place. While, Ocon finished in sixth, seventy-nine seconds behind Vettel at the end of the forty-four lap race.
Lewis Hamilton still leads the Drivers' Championship from Sebastian Vettel, but the gap is now reduce from twenty-four points to seventeen points in the standings with eight races to go.
While Mercedes still leads F1 Constructors' Standings, the gap is now gained from ten points to fifteen points for Ferrari who are second in the Constructors' Standings with eight races to go.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole, finished second)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished fourth, fastest lap)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 9 (race win)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (DNF, Rear wing)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (DNF, Collision damage from Leclerc accident)
Max Verstappen - 8 (finished third)
Force India - 9
Sergio Pérez- 9 (finished fifth)
Esteban Ocon- 9 (finished sixth)
Williams - 5
Lance Stroll - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Sergey Sirotkin - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Renault - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 4 (DNF, Collision with Alonso)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Pierre Gasly - 8 (finished ninth)
Brendon Hartley - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Haas - 7
Romain Grosjean - 8 (finished seventh)
Kevin Magnussen - 7 (finished eighth)
McLaren - 4
Fernando Alonso - 5 (DNF, Collision with Hülkenberg)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 3 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Sauber - 6
Marcus Ericsson - 7 (finished tenth, lap down)
Charles Leclerc - 6 (DNF, Collision with Alonso)
Next stop Monza for the Italian Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Overall, an entertaining Grand Prix, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton on pole for Sundays race after a dry/wet/dry qualifying on Saturday. On a dry Sunday race, Hamilton took the lead at the start with Sebastian Vettel behind him. But, the drama started behind them when Nico Hülkenberg miss braked his Renault colliding into Fernando Alonso's McLaren at the first corner flying over Charles Leclerc's Sauber. Whatever is your opinion about the halo on the Formula 1 car, halo has done its job for Leclerc today.
By the Kemmel straight on the first lap Vettel overtake Hamilton for the lead before the safety car appeared. Despite attempted from Hamilton to overtake Vettel when the safety car went in on the fourth lap, it was Vettel race lead all the laps to conclude with a race win in this seasons Belgian Grand Prix for Sebastian Vettel's fifth race win of the season.
While, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finished second place in the Mercedes, Hamilton was eleven seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen finished in third place in the Red Bull to complete the podium, Verstappen was thirty-one seconds behind Vettel at the end.
Quick mention to the Force India team, who went in administration before the Hungarian Grand Prix, brought by a consortium led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who lost all of their points in the Constructors' Standings due to technically being a new team finished fifth and sixth place at the Belgian Grand Prix with Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon which included starting on the second row of the grid for both drivers. Perez was seventy-one seconds behind Vettel at the end in fifth place. While, Ocon finished in sixth, seventy-nine seconds behind Vettel at the end of the forty-four lap race.
Lewis Hamilton still leads the Drivers' Championship from Sebastian Vettel, but the gap is now reduce from twenty-four points to seventeen points in the standings with eight races to go.
While Mercedes still leads F1 Constructors' Standings, the gap is now gained from ten points to fifteen points for Ferrari who are second in the Constructors' Standings with eight races to go.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole, finished second)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished fourth, fastest lap)
Ferrari - 8
Sebastian Vettel - 9 (race win)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (DNF, Rear wing)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 6 (DNF, Collision damage from Leclerc accident)
Max Verstappen - 8 (finished third)
Force India - 9
Sergio Pérez- 9 (finished fifth)
Esteban Ocon- 9 (finished sixth)
Williams - 5
Lance Stroll - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Sergey Sirotkin - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Renault - 5
Nico Hülkenberg - 4 (DNF, Collision with Alonso)
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Toro Rosso - 6
Pierre Gasly - 8 (finished ninth)
Brendon Hartley - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Haas - 7
Romain Grosjean - 8 (finished seventh)
Kevin Magnussen - 7 (finished eighth)
McLaren - 4
Fernando Alonso - 5 (DNF, Collision with Hülkenberg)
Stoffel Vandoorne - 3 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Sauber - 6
Marcus Ericsson - 7 (finished tenth, lap down)
Charles Leclerc - 6 (DNF, Collision with Alonso)
Next stop Monza for the Italian Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Friday, 24 August 2018
Celebrating Life Justin Wilson, three years on
Its been three years today that Justin Wilson has past away from us, Wilson suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident at the Pocono Raceway at the penultimate round of the Indy Car Series championship, which caused his death the following day. Wilson was struck in the head by large debris from the crash from another driver car.
Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forget Justin Wilson.
Today it should be celebrating life and never ever forget Justin Wilson.
Formula 1 newest Formula 1 Team: Racing Point Force India?
It was confirmed yesterday (23/8/18), on the eve of the Belgian Grand Prix. The former Force India team has been granted a new entry to Formula 1 following their rescue from administration earlier this month.
The team is to be known as Racing Point Force India F1 Team under its new management, after a takeover by a consortium led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll two weeks ago.
Approaching the Belgian Grand Prix, the team was unsure if they had the possibility to race, as the consortium that bought Force India had to get the approval of thirteen banks that had credits on the team. The full approval arrived after the deadline, so the consortium did not buy the full team, but only its assets.
The team then had to participate in the F1 Championship under a new name, thus the adding of "Racing Point" to the team's name.
The FIA excluded the former Force India entry from the championship "due to its inability to complete the season", and welcomed the new entity (Racing Point Force India F1 Team) that will be able to race, but will not be able to continue with any points of the old team. The drivers, however, will keep their points in the Drivers' Championship.
The team continue with drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon for the Belgian Grand Prix. Although Stroll's son Lance, drives for Williams, is expected to join them by the start of next season, if not replaces Ocon by the Italian Grand Prix some rumours going around.
Lawrence Stroll is the effective team boss, but it is being run on a day-to-day basis by chief operations officer Otmar Szafnauer who is the new Team Principal and CEO.
While Deputy team principal Bob Fernley, a close ally of former owner Vijay Mallya, has left the team.
In the end it doesn't matter if the team is new or not (in my opinion they are not due to its the same old team from top to bottom just new owners), new name or not (my guess the Force India name will disappear after the end of the season) 400 jobs are saved and most importantly the team can go racing.
The team is to be known as Racing Point Force India F1 Team under its new management, after a takeover by a consortium led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll two weeks ago.
Approaching the Belgian Grand Prix, the team was unsure if they had the possibility to race, as the consortium that bought Force India had to get the approval of thirteen banks that had credits on the team. The full approval arrived after the deadline, so the consortium did not buy the full team, but only its assets.
The team then had to participate in the F1 Championship under a new name, thus the adding of "Racing Point" to the team's name.
The FIA excluded the former Force India entry from the championship "due to its inability to complete the season", and welcomed the new entity (Racing Point Force India F1 Team) that will be able to race, but will not be able to continue with any points of the old team. The drivers, however, will keep their points in the Drivers' Championship.
The team continue with drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon for the Belgian Grand Prix. Although Stroll's son Lance, drives for Williams, is expected to join them by the start of next season, if not replaces Ocon by the Italian Grand Prix some rumours going around.
Lawrence Stroll is the effective team boss, but it is being run on a day-to-day basis by chief operations officer Otmar Szafnauer who is the new Team Principal and CEO.
While Deputy team principal Bob Fernley, a close ally of former owner Vijay Mallya, has left the team.
In the end it doesn't matter if the team is new or not (in my opinion they are not due to its the same old team from top to bottom just new owners), new name or not (my guess the Force India name will disappear after the end of the season) 400 jobs are saved and most importantly the team can go racing.
Wednesday, 22 August 2018
Round Ten Recap of the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Review of Round Ten of the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Virginia International Raceway on the outskirts of Danville, Virginia.
BMW Team RLL won the race overall and GT Le Mans Class too of Connor De Phillippi and Alexander Sims in their BMW M8 GTE. While, While, Corvette Racing team finished second place in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R., with the drivers of Antonio García and Jan Magnussen; they were thirteen tenths of a second behind the leaders. Meanwhile, BMW Team RLL finished in third place in their BMW M8 GTE, with the drivers of John Edwards and Jesse Krohn; they were two seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, 3GT Racing team won GT Daytona Class and finished in seventh place overall in their Lexus RC F GT3; with the drivers of Dominik Baumann
and Kyle Marcelli; they were two laps behind the leaders.
While, Prototype Class did not participate for this race.
Next Stop WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in three weeks time for Round Eleven of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
BMW Team RLL won the race overall and GT Le Mans Class too of Connor De Phillippi and Alexander Sims in their BMW M8 GTE. While, While, Corvette Racing team finished second place in their Chevrolet Corvette C7.R., with the drivers of Antonio García and Jan Magnussen; they were thirteen tenths of a second behind the leaders. Meanwhile, BMW Team RLL finished in third place in their BMW M8 GTE, with the drivers of John Edwards and Jesse Krohn; they were two seconds behind the leaders.
In GT Daytona Class, 3GT Racing team won GT Daytona Class and finished in seventh place overall in their Lexus RC F GT3; with the drivers of Dominik Baumann
and Kyle Marcelli; they were two laps behind the leaders.
While, Prototype Class did not participate for this race.
Next Stop WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in three weeks time for Round Eleven of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
F1 2018 Belgian Grand Prix Predictions
After four weeks off, its the return of Formula one for the Belgian Grand Prix. Which means, predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Spa.
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, 21 August 2018
Confirmed: Pierre Gasly joins Red Bull Racing for 2019 season
It was confirmed yesterday (20/8/18), that Toro Rosso driver Pierre Gasly will race at Red Bull Racing next season alongside Max Verstappen replacing Daniel Ricciardo, rumoured to be on a multi-year deal with the team.
Gasly, currently in his first full season at Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso, described his promotion as "a dream come true".
Gasly will fill the vacancy which opened when Ricciardo opted to moved to Renault next season.
So far this season Gasly sits thirteenth in the Drivers' Standings with twenty-six points, with his best race finish of fourth in Bahrain back in April.
In my opinion, this is not a big surprise this news happen. It has been strongly rumoured since the news that Daniel Ricciardo signed for Renault next season. Also, last weeks news that Carlos Sainz, Jr. was off to McLaren last week that was more than certain that Gasly has got the drive at Red Bull.
Its great news for the Red Bull team as they have got a talented Grand Prix driver in Pierre Gasly.
Gasly, currently in his first full season at Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso, described his promotion as "a dream come true".
Gasly will fill the vacancy which opened when Ricciardo opted to moved to Renault next season.
So far this season Gasly sits thirteenth in the Drivers' Standings with twenty-six points, with his best race finish of fourth in Bahrain back in April.
In my opinion, this is not a big surprise this news happen. It has been strongly rumoured since the news that Daniel Ricciardo signed for Renault next season. Also, last weeks news that Carlos Sainz, Jr. was off to McLaren last week that was more than certain that Gasly has got the drive at Red Bull.
Its great news for the Red Bull team as they have got a talented Grand Prix driver in Pierre Gasly.
2018 6 Hours of Silverstone Review Update
Review of Round Three of the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Fernando Alonso in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid; Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6.
While, second place was the other Toyota Gazoo Racing to complete a Toyota one-two finish, with the team of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6; they were nineteen seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.
However, since Sunday night both Toyota cars has been disqualified from the race, after both cars failed their skid block deflection tests. Meaning, Rebellion Racing team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Mathias Beche, Thomas Laurent and Gustavo Menezes in their Rebellion R13, Gibson 4.5 L V8.
While, second place was the other Rebellion Racing team to complete a Rebellion one-two finish, with the team of André Lotterer and Neel Jani in their Rebellion R13, Gibson 4.5 L V8; they were a lap behind the leaders at the end of the race. While third place was the SMP Racing team of Stéphane Sarrazin and Egor Orudzhev in their BR Engineering BR1, AER P60B 2.4 L Turbo V6; they were a lap behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class (all cars using the Gibson 4.2 L V8 engine), Jackie Chan DC Racing team of Ho-Pin Tung, Gabriel Aubry and Stéphane Richelmi in their Oreca 07 won LMP2 class. They finish in fourth place overall and they were eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado won in their Ferrari 488 GTE Evo. They finish in eleventh place overall and they were twenty-one laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Dempsey-Proton Racing team of Matt Campbell, Christian Ried and Julien Andlauer in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in seventeenth place overall and they were twenty-five laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Silverstone below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Fuji in eight weeks time for Round Four of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Fernando Alonso in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid; Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6.
While, second place was the other Toyota Gazoo Racing to complete a Toyota one-two finish, with the team of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6; they were nineteen seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.
However, since Sunday night both Toyota cars has been disqualified from the race, after both cars failed their skid block deflection tests. Meaning, Rebellion Racing team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Mathias Beche, Thomas Laurent and Gustavo Menezes in their Rebellion R13, Gibson 4.5 L V8.
While, second place was the other Rebellion Racing team to complete a Rebellion one-two finish, with the team of André Lotterer and Neel Jani in their Rebellion R13, Gibson 4.5 L V8; they were a lap behind the leaders at the end of the race. While third place was the SMP Racing team of Stéphane Sarrazin and Egor Orudzhev in their BR Engineering BR1, AER P60B 2.4 L Turbo V6; they were a lap behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class (all cars using the Gibson 4.2 L V8 engine), Jackie Chan DC Racing team of Ho-Pin Tung, Gabriel Aubry and Stéphane Richelmi in their Oreca 07 won LMP2 class. They finish in fourth place overall and they were eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado won in their Ferrari 488 GTE Evo. They finish in eleventh place overall and they were twenty-one laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Dempsey-Proton Racing team of Matt Campbell, Christian Ried and Julien Andlauer in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in seventeenth place overall and they were twenty-five laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Silverstone below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Fuji in eight weeks time for Round Four of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Monday, 20 August 2018
2018 WRC Round 9 recap - Rallye Deutschland
Recap of the last round of WRC from last weekends Round Nine of Rallye Deutschland.
Last weekend was the ninth round of the World Rally Championship at Rallye Deutschland (16th - 19th August) was won by Ott Tänak in the works Toyota Yaris WRC.
While, Thierry Neuville finished second in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, Neuville was thirty-nine seconds behind Tänak at the end. Meanwhile, Esapekka Lappi finished third in his works Toyota Yaris WRC, Lappi was sixty 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 Škoda Motorsport II driver Jan Kopecký in his Škoda Fabia R5. Jan Kopecký finished in ninth place overall, he was thirteen minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Taisko Lario in his own backed Peugeot 208 R2. Taisko Lario finished in thirtieth place overall, he was fourty-six minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Ten of the 2018 WRC season for Rally of Turkey in four weeks time.
Last weekend was the ninth round of the World Rally Championship at Rallye Deutschland (16th - 19th August) was won by Ott Tänak in the works Toyota Yaris WRC.
While, Thierry Neuville finished second in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, Neuville was thirty-nine seconds behind Tänak at the end. Meanwhile, Esapekka Lappi finished third in his works Toyota Yaris WRC, Lappi was sixty 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 Škoda Motorsport II driver Jan Kopecký in his Škoda Fabia R5. Jan Kopecký finished in ninth place overall, he was thirteen minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
While in WRC-3 class (Group R1, R2 and R3 cars) that was won by Taisko Lario in his own backed Peugeot 208 R2. Taisko Lario finished in thirtieth place overall, he was fourty-six minutes behind Tänak at the end of the rally.
Highlights of the rally below, enjoy.
Next stop, Round Ten of the 2018 WRC season for Rally of Turkey in four weeks time.
2018 6 Hours of Silverstone Review
Review of Round Three of the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Fernando Alonso in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid; Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6.
While, second place was the other Toyota Gazoo Racing to complete a Toyota one-two finish, with the team of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6; they were nineteen seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Rebellion Racing, with the team of Mathias Beche, Thomas Laurent and Gustavo Menezes in their Rebellion R13, Gibson 4.5 L V8; they were four laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class (all cars using the Gibson 4.2 L V8 engine), Jackie Chan DC Racing team of Ho-Pin Tung, Gabriel Aubry and Stéphane Richelmi in their Oreca 07 won LMP2 class. They finish in sixth place overall and they were twelve laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado won in their Ferrari 488 GTE Evo. They finish in thirteenth place overall and they were twenty-five laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Dempsey-Proton Racing team of Matt Campbell, Christian Ried and Julien Andlauer in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in nineteenth place overall and they were twenty-nine laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Silverstone below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Fuji in eight weeks time for Round Four of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Fernando Alonso in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid; Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6.
While, second place was the other Toyota Gazoo Racing to complete a Toyota one-two finish, with the team of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Toyota 2.4 L Turbo V6; they were nineteen seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Rebellion Racing, with the team of Mathias Beche, Thomas Laurent and Gustavo Menezes in their Rebellion R13, Gibson 4.5 L V8; they were four laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class (all cars using the Gibson 4.2 L V8 engine), Jackie Chan DC Racing team of Ho-Pin Tung, Gabriel Aubry and Stéphane Richelmi in their Oreca 07 won LMP2 class. They finish in sixth place overall and they were twelve laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado won in their Ferrari 488 GTE Evo. They finish in thirteenth place overall and they were twenty-five laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Dempsey-Proton Racing team of Matt Campbell, Christian Ried and Julien Andlauer in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in nineteenth place overall and they were twenty-nine laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Silverstone below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Fuji in eight weeks time for Round Four of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Friday, 17 August 2018
Half Term Review of F1 Season so far and My top Formula 1 drivers of 2018 so far
The half term review of Formula 1 season so far, with the next race is in two weeks time. Just like last year, I will say one sentence that will be positive with each team. And one sentence that will be negative for each team. Also, I will include with this post my Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2018 so far below. Starting with Mercedes:
Mercedes:
+ Leading both the Drivers' and Constructors Championships with current F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, includes five wins, that includes two one-two finishes at Barcalona and Hockenheim with Hamilton leading from Valtteri Bottas.
- Double DNF's at Red Bull Ring with mechanical issues for both drivers; also Bottas losing out on wins at Shanghai (safety car) and Baku (puncture).
Ferrari
+ Best car on the grid so far with the SF71H and best Power-Unit on the grid too, which includes four wins for Vettel.
- Vettel crashing out while leading his home race at Hockenheim which cost him the lead of the Drivers' Standings, also the un-timing death of Former CEO of Ferrari Sergio Marchionne.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen includes a race win for Ricciardo in Shanghai and Monaco, and a race win for Verstappen at Red Bull Ring.
- The Renault Power-Units are still around 50-60bhp less than the Ferrari Power-Units; RB14 is not strong as thought and also reliability has cost Ricciardo podiums this season, enough for Daniel Ricciardo move to Renault despite works Honda deal for Red Bull next season.
Force India:
+Some impressive performances from Sergio Pérez this season which include third place finish at Baku.
- Despite the team is sixth in the Constructors' Standings, the team is put into administration before the Hungarian Grand Prix, despite its backed by a consortium of investors led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll got the team out of administration last week; what short term effects would the team have going into the second half of the season, the team could retain fourth in the Constructors’ if they have a strong second half of the season.
Williams:
+ Lance Stroll finishing eighth place at Baku is the teams only highlight this season.
- The FW41 been too slow and underdeveloped this season, tenth in the Constructors' with only four points, Sergey Sirotkin has not scored points, losing main sponsor Martini at the end of the season; overall a disastrous season from Williams, nothing positive to say from the team this season.
Renault:
+ Two fifth place finishes for Nico Hülkenberg at Hockenheim and for Carlos Sainz, Jr. at Baku, only 26 points at this stage last season, 82 points this season at this stage a much better improvement from Renault.
- Despite Renault are currently fourth in the Constructor's standings and currently best of the rest, there are still long way behind the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull; signing Daniel Ricciardo for next season will help to catch the top three next season.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Some impressive performances from Pierre Gasly this season which include a forth place finish at Bahrain and a sixth place finish at the Hungaroring.
- Brendon Hartley only scoring 2 points compare to Gasly's tally of 26 points so far this season, Honda power-unit are still round 75-80bhp behind of the likes of Ferrari Power-Units; eighth in the Constructor's standings will be the highest place the team will get this season as they're not competitive wuth the likes of Haas, Force India and McLaren.
Haas:
+ Some impressive performances from Romain Grosjean this season which include a fourth place finish at the Red Bull Ring, and Kevin Magnussen fifth place finishes at Bahrain and the Red Bull Ring; currently fifth the Constructor's standings, fourth possible.
- Double DNF at Melbourne with Wheel error problems, might cost them in the Constructor's standings; apart from that another good season from Haas.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from Fernando Alonso, which include a fifth place finish for Alonso at Melbourne.
- The McL33 has been too slow in qualifying which effected them in the races, also reliable problems (gearbox and exhaust) doesn't help the team; also sacking former Team Boss Éric Boullier in mid-season don't help either; currently Seventh in the Constructor's standings, fourth in the Constructor's has to be the target for McLaren going into the second half of the season; and finally the retirement of Fernando Alonso at the end of the season.
Sauber:
+ Some impressive performances from Charles Leclerc this season which include a sixth place finish at Baku, currently Ninth in the Constructor's standings, eighth in the Constructor's has to be the target for Sauber going into the second half of the season.
- Double DNF at Silverstone, apart from that a better season for Sauber.
And just like last season, my Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2018 so far this season, this is the part who was in my top 10 so far this season, not in championship order. So here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2018 so far this season:
10. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which include a fifth place finish at Melbourne.
9. Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) - Some impressive performances so far in his first full season, which include a fourth place at Bahrain and sixth place finish at the Hungaroring.
8. Nico Hülkenberg (Renault) - Consistently fast and some impressive drives at Bahrain and Silverstone; includes an impressive fifth place finish at Hockenheim at his home Grand Prix.
7. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - Multiple second place finishes, should have won Shanghai and Baku only for bad luck to intervene.
6. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which include two fifth place finishes at Bahrain and the Red Bull Ring.
5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives this season, which include a Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.
4. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which includes two second place finishes at Baku and the Red Bull Ring.
3. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered and unreliable car includes a Grand Prix wins at Shanghai and Monaco.
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - Four Grand Prix wins, a strong possibility of winning the title, only problem Lewis Hamilton who is leading Drivers' Championship.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season so far, five Grand Prix wins, leading the Drivers' Championship and a strong possibility of winning the Drivers' Championship once again, only problem for Hamilton is Sebastian Vettel.
Nine races to go to see who will be the champions for 2018, starting at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Mercedes:
+ Leading both the Drivers' and Constructors Championships with current F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, includes five wins, that includes two one-two finishes at Barcalona and Hockenheim with Hamilton leading from Valtteri Bottas.
- Double DNF's at Red Bull Ring with mechanical issues for both drivers; also Bottas losing out on wins at Shanghai (safety car) and Baku (puncture).
Ferrari
+ Best car on the grid so far with the SF71H and best Power-Unit on the grid too, which includes four wins for Vettel.
- Vettel crashing out while leading his home race at Hockenheim which cost him the lead of the Drivers' Standings, also the un-timing death of Former CEO of Ferrari Sergio Marchionne.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen includes a race win for Ricciardo in Shanghai and Monaco, and a race win for Verstappen at Red Bull Ring.
- The Renault Power-Units are still around 50-60bhp less than the Ferrari Power-Units; RB14 is not strong as thought and also reliability has cost Ricciardo podiums this season, enough for Daniel Ricciardo move to Renault despite works Honda deal for Red Bull next season.
Force India:
+Some impressive performances from Sergio Pérez this season which include third place finish at Baku.
- Despite the team is sixth in the Constructors' Standings, the team is put into administration before the Hungarian Grand Prix, despite its backed by a consortium of investors led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll got the team out of administration last week; what short term effects would the team have going into the second half of the season, the team could retain fourth in the Constructors’ if they have a strong second half of the season.
Williams:
+ Lance Stroll finishing eighth place at Baku is the teams only highlight this season.
- The FW41 been too slow and underdeveloped this season, tenth in the Constructors' with only four points, Sergey Sirotkin has not scored points, losing main sponsor Martini at the end of the season; overall a disastrous season from Williams, nothing positive to say from the team this season.
Renault:
+ Two fifth place finishes for Nico Hülkenberg at Hockenheim and for Carlos Sainz, Jr. at Baku, only 26 points at this stage last season, 82 points this season at this stage a much better improvement from Renault.
- Despite Renault are currently fourth in the Constructor's standings and currently best of the rest, there are still long way behind the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull; signing Daniel Ricciardo for next season will help to catch the top three next season.
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
+ Some impressive performances from Pierre Gasly this season which include a forth place finish at Bahrain and a sixth place finish at the Hungaroring.
- Brendon Hartley only scoring 2 points compare to Gasly's tally of 26 points so far this season, Honda power-unit are still round 75-80bhp behind of the likes of Ferrari Power-Units; eighth in the Constructor's standings will be the highest place the team will get this season as they're not competitive wuth the likes of Haas, Force India and McLaren.
Haas:
+ Some impressive performances from Romain Grosjean this season which include a fourth place finish at the Red Bull Ring, and Kevin Magnussen fifth place finishes at Bahrain and the Red Bull Ring; currently fifth the Constructor's standings, fourth possible.
- Double DNF at Melbourne with Wheel error problems, might cost them in the Constructor's standings; apart from that another good season from Haas.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from Fernando Alonso, which include a fifth place finish for Alonso at Melbourne.
- The McL33 has been too slow in qualifying which effected them in the races, also reliable problems (gearbox and exhaust) doesn't help the team; also sacking former Team Boss Éric Boullier in mid-season don't help either; currently Seventh in the Constructor's standings, fourth in the Constructor's has to be the target for McLaren going into the second half of the season; and finally the retirement of Fernando Alonso at the end of the season.
Sauber:
+ Some impressive performances from Charles Leclerc this season which include a sixth place finish at Baku, currently Ninth in the Constructor's standings, eighth in the Constructor's has to be the target for Sauber going into the second half of the season.
- Double DNF at Silverstone, apart from that a better season for Sauber.
And just like last season, my Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2018 so far this season, this is the part who was in my top 10 so far this season, not in championship order. So here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2018 so far this season:
10. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which include a fifth place finish at Melbourne.
9. Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) - Some impressive performances so far in his first full season, which include a fourth place at Bahrain and sixth place finish at the Hungaroring.
8. Nico Hülkenberg (Renault) - Consistently fast and some impressive drives at Bahrain and Silverstone; includes an impressive fifth place finish at Hockenheim at his home Grand Prix.
7. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - Multiple second place finishes, should have won Shanghai and Baku only for bad luck to intervene.
6. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which include two fifth place finishes at Bahrain and the Red Bull Ring.
5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives this season, which include a Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.
4. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) - Consistently fast and reliable this season, which includes two second place finishes at Baku and the Red Bull Ring.
3. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives despite an underpowered and unreliable car includes a Grand Prix wins at Shanghai and Monaco.
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) - Four Grand Prix wins, a strong possibility of winning the title, only problem Lewis Hamilton who is leading Drivers' Championship.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season so far, five Grand Prix wins, leading the Drivers' Championship and a strong possibility of winning the Drivers' Championship once again, only problem for Hamilton is Sebastian Vettel.
Nine races to go to see who will be the champions for 2018, starting at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Thursday, 16 August 2018
Confirmed: Carlos Sainz Jr. joins McLaren for 2019 season on a multi-year deal
It was confirmed this afternoon (16/8/18), that Renault driver Carlos Sainz, Jr. has signed a multi-year deal to replace Fernando Alonso at McLaren from the 2019 season.
Alonso announced on Tuesday that he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the year.
Sainz, Jr. is currently on loan at Renault from Red Bull and said it was a "childhood dream" to join McLaren.
So far this season Sainz, Jr. sits elventh in the Drivers' Standings with thirty points, with his best race finish of fifth in Baku back in April.
In my opinion, this is not a big surprise this news happen. It has been strongly rumoured since the German Grand Prix that Sainz, Jr. could be off to Mclaren. No word who will be Sainz's team-mate at McLaren next season, it could be either current McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne or Mclaren reserve driver and F2 driver Lando Norris. With the Sainz, Jr. off to McLaren next season, it will be a strong possibility that Pierre Gasly will replace Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull next season.
Its great news for the McLaren team as they have got a talented Grand Prix driver in Carlos Sainz, Jr..
Alonso announced on Tuesday that he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the year.
Sainz, Jr. is currently on loan at Renault from Red Bull and said it was a "childhood dream" to join McLaren.
So far this season Sainz, Jr. sits elventh in the Drivers' Standings with thirty points, with his best race finish of fifth in Baku back in April.
In my opinion, this is not a big surprise this news happen. It has been strongly rumoured since the German Grand Prix that Sainz, Jr. could be off to Mclaren. No word who will be Sainz's team-mate at McLaren next season, it could be either current McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne or Mclaren reserve driver and F2 driver Lando Norris. With the Sainz, Jr. off to McLaren next season, it will be a strong possibility that Pierre Gasly will replace Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull next season.
Its great news for the McLaren team as they have got a talented Grand Prix driver in Carlos Sainz, Jr..
Wednesday, 15 August 2018
It's Official - Fernando Alonso retire from F1 at the end of the season
It was confirmed yesterday (14/8/18) that Fernando Alonso will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season, which means the Spaniard will thus be leaving Formula 1 after seventeen seasons thus far, which includes thirty-two Grand Prix victories and two F1 drivers' titles.
Alonso made the announcement during via a social media post, confirming his retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season.
Alosno career in Formula 1 started when he stepped up with Minardi back in 2001 becoming the third-youngest driver ever to start a Formula 1 race at that time, contesting a season with the team with a best result was a tenth place finish during the German Grand Prix and epic drive at the final round of the season at Suzuka where he finished in eleventh place, ahead of likes of Heinz-Harald Frentzen in the Prost, the BAR of Olivier Panis, the two Arrows and his team-mate Alex Yoong, even Minardi team manager Paul Stoddart, described his race as "53 laps of qualifying".
Alonso move to Renault in 2002 became a test-driver, then promoted as a driver in 2003. In 2003, Alonso became the youngest driver at that time to achieve a Formula One pole position at the Malaysian Grand Prix, while finishing third for his first podium of his career. By the Hungarian Grand Prix that season, Alonso won the race, became the youngest driver to win a Formula One race at that time.
Then in 2005, Alonso won seven Grand Prixs' that season to become F1 World Champion ahead of Kimi Räikkönen, to became the youngest Drivers' Champion at that time at the age of 24 years and 59 days old, breaking Emerson Fittipaldi's record. He also ended the five-year dominance of Michael Schumacher.
Then in 2006, Alonso repeated it again winning seven Grand Prixs' and winning 2006 F1 World Title ahead of Michael Schumacher.
By the end of 2005, Alonso announced that he would be moving to McLaren for 2007. However, 2007 was a season Alonso should have won the Drivers' title, Alonso losing out to World Champion Kimi Räikkönen by just one point after a dramatic season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.
Despite winning four Grand Prixs' that season with McLaren, Alonso left the team at the end of the 2007 season despite having two seasons left, after the spy-gate scandal which excluded McLaren from the Constructors' Standings. Alonso opted to return to Renault for 2008, winning two more Grand Prixs' in 2008 includes infamous Singapore Grand Prix where the team won via crash-gate.
With a win-less 2009, Alonso opted to move to Ferrari for 2010. Ending Alonso's six seasons at Renault winning seventeen Grand Prixs' and two Drivers' Titles.
Alonso won his first race at Ferrari at the first Grand Prix of the season in 2010. Despite Alonso winning five Grand Prixs' that season, Alonso lost the Drivers' title, losing out to Red Bull rival Sebatian Vettel by four points after a dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
2012 season, despite winning three Grand Prixs' that season, Alonso lost the Drivers' title once again, losing out to Red Bull rival Sebatian Vettel by three points after a dramatic season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.
By the end of 2014, Alonso opted return to McLaren, end his five season stay at Ferrari, which included eleven Grand Prix wins' in the first four seasons.
So far at Alonso's second stint at McLaren, has not been glorious due to poor engines from Honda which meant McLaren couldn't challenge the front of the grid, with his best results four fifth place finishes between those four seasons, resulting Alonso retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the season.
Should have been F1 World Champion back in 2007, 2010 and 2012 to add his 2005 and 2006 titles in my opinion becoming a five-time world champion instead of a two-times champion.
I personally thought he might do another season with McLaren going into 2019. But, with yesterday's news happening, it maybe the right time to retire from Formula 1. Good luck whatever Fernando Alonso does next (my guess another go at Indy 500 and Le Mans 24), as his been a great ambassador for the sport and a great driver for Formula 1.
Alonso made the announcement during via a social media post, confirming his retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season.
Dear F1 ..... pic.twitter.com/G9ZzdMwgMn— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) August 14, 2018
Alosno career in Formula 1 started when he stepped up with Minardi back in 2001 becoming the third-youngest driver ever to start a Formula 1 race at that time, contesting a season with the team with a best result was a tenth place finish during the German Grand Prix and epic drive at the final round of the season at Suzuka where he finished in eleventh place, ahead of likes of Heinz-Harald Frentzen in the Prost, the BAR of Olivier Panis, the two Arrows and his team-mate Alex Yoong, even Minardi team manager Paul Stoddart, described his race as "53 laps of qualifying".
Alonso move to Renault in 2002 became a test-driver, then promoted as a driver in 2003. In 2003, Alonso became the youngest driver at that time to achieve a Formula One pole position at the Malaysian Grand Prix, while finishing third for his first podium of his career. By the Hungarian Grand Prix that season, Alonso won the race, became the youngest driver to win a Formula One race at that time.
Then in 2005, Alonso won seven Grand Prixs' that season to become F1 World Champion ahead of Kimi Räikkönen, to became the youngest Drivers' Champion at that time at the age of 24 years and 59 days old, breaking Emerson Fittipaldi's record. He also ended the five-year dominance of Michael Schumacher.
Then in 2006, Alonso repeated it again winning seven Grand Prixs' and winning 2006 F1 World Title ahead of Michael Schumacher.
By the end of 2005, Alonso announced that he would be moving to McLaren for 2007. However, 2007 was a season Alonso should have won the Drivers' title, Alonso losing out to World Champion Kimi Räikkönen by just one point after a dramatic season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.
Despite winning four Grand Prixs' that season with McLaren, Alonso left the team at the end of the 2007 season despite having two seasons left, after the spy-gate scandal which excluded McLaren from the Constructors' Standings. Alonso opted to return to Renault for 2008, winning two more Grand Prixs' in 2008 includes infamous Singapore Grand Prix where the team won via crash-gate.
With a win-less 2009, Alonso opted to move to Ferrari for 2010. Ending Alonso's six seasons at Renault winning seventeen Grand Prixs' and two Drivers' Titles.
Alonso won his first race at Ferrari at the first Grand Prix of the season in 2010. Despite Alonso winning five Grand Prixs' that season, Alonso lost the Drivers' title, losing out to Red Bull rival Sebatian Vettel by four points after a dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
2012 season, despite winning three Grand Prixs' that season, Alonso lost the Drivers' title once again, losing out to Red Bull rival Sebatian Vettel by three points after a dramatic season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.
By the end of 2014, Alonso opted return to McLaren, end his five season stay at Ferrari, which included eleven Grand Prix wins' in the first four seasons.
So far at Alonso's second stint at McLaren, has not been glorious due to poor engines from Honda which meant McLaren couldn't challenge the front of the grid, with his best results four fifth place finishes between those four seasons, resulting Alonso retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the season.
Should have been F1 World Champion back in 2007, 2010 and 2012 to add his 2005 and 2006 titles in my opinion becoming a five-time world champion instead of a two-times champion.
I personally thought he might do another season with McLaren going into 2019. But, with yesterday's news happening, it maybe the right time to retire from Formula 1. Good luck whatever Fernando Alonso does next (my guess another go at Indy 500 and Le Mans 24), as his been a great ambassador for the sport and a great driver for Formula 1.
Tuesday, 14 August 2018
2018 DTM Round 6 Recap
Review of Round Six of the 2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was held at Brands Hatch, on the outskirts of London, South East England.
On Saturday's race, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Remus driver Daniel Juncadella took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was BMW Team RMG driver Augusto Farfus in his BMW M4 DTM, he was eight seconds behind Juncadella in the end. While, third place was Silberpfeil Energy Mercedes-AMG Motorsport driver Lucas Auer in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was ten seconds behind Juncadella in the end.
On Sunday's race, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Remus driver Paul di Resta took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Petronas driver Gary Paffett in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was a second behind di Resta in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver and Current DTM Champion René Rast in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was fourteen tenths of a second behind di Resta in the end.
Next stop Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Misano in Italy for Round Seven of the 2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in two weeks time.
On Saturday's race, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Remus driver Daniel Juncadella took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was BMW Team RMG driver Augusto Farfus in his BMW M4 DTM, he was eight seconds behind Juncadella in the end. While, third place was Silberpfeil Energy Mercedes-AMG Motorsport driver Lucas Auer in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was ten seconds behind Juncadella in the end.
On Sunday's race, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Remus driver Paul di Resta took the race win in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM. Second was Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Petronas driver Gary Paffett in his Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM, he was a second behind di Resta in the end. While, third place was Audi Sport Team Rosberg driver and Current DTM Champion René Rast in his Audi RS5 DTM, he was fourteen tenths of a second behind di Resta in the end.
Next stop Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Misano in Italy for Round Seven of the 2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in two weeks time.
2018 BTCC Round 7 Recap
Review of Round Seven of the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season was on the International Super Sports Car Circuit at Rockingham Motor Speedway, in Northamptonshire.
In the first race, Ciceley Motorsport with Mac Tools driver Adam Morgan took the race win in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class 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 three seconds behind Morgan in the end. While third place was Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher driver Tom Chilton in his Ford Focus RS, he was seven seconds behind Morgan in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for drivers yet to record an overall podium finish or won outright the Jack Sears Trophy championship) was won by BTC Norlin Racing driver Chris Smiley in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2), he finished in fourth place and was seven and half seconds behind Morgan 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 Ciceley Motorsport with Mac Tools driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class and also took Independents class win, he was four seconds behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis, he was five seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by BTC Norlin Racing driver Chris Smiley in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2), he finished in sixth place and was twelve seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Finally in the third race, BTC Norlin Racing driver Chris Smiley took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2) and also took Independents class win and the Jack Sears Trophy as-well . Second was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was three and half seconds behind Smiley in the end. While third place was Simpson Racing driver Matt Simpson in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2), he was five seconds behind Smiley in the end.
Next stop Knockhill Racing Circuit for Round Eight of the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
In the first race, Ciceley Motorsport with Mac Tools driver Adam Morgan took the race win in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class 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 three seconds behind Morgan in the end. While third place was Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher driver Tom Chilton in his Ford Focus RS, he was seven seconds behind Morgan in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy (for drivers yet to record an overall podium finish or won outright the Jack Sears Trophy championship) was won by BTC Norlin Racing driver Chris Smiley in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2), he finished in fourth place and was seven and half seconds behind Morgan 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 Ciceley Motorsport with Mac Tools driver Adam Morgan in his Mercedes-Benz A-Class and also took Independents class win, he was four seconds behind Sutton in the end. While third place was Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram in his Toyota Avensis, he was five seconds behind Sutton in the end.
While, Jack Sears Trophy was won by BTC Norlin Racing driver Chris Smiley in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2), he finished in sixth place and was twelve seconds behind Sutton in the end.
Finally in the third race, BTC Norlin Racing driver Chris Smiley took the race win in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2) and also took Independents class win and the Jack Sears Trophy as-well . Second was Team BMW driver Colin Turkington in his BMW 125i M Sport, he was three and half seconds behind Smiley in the end. While third place was Simpson Racing driver Matt Simpson in his Honda Civic Type R (FK2), he was five seconds behind Smiley in the end.
Next stop Knockhill Racing Circuit for Round Eight of the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
2018 Austria MotoGP Review, Rider News
Review of round eleven of the 2018 MotoGP season at the Red Bull Ring, on the outskirts of Spielberg, Styria, Austira.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Ducati Team rider Jorge Lorenzo on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP18.
Second was Repsol Honda Team rider and current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on his works Honda RC213V, he was a tenth of a second Jorge Lorenzo at the end.
While, third was Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP18, he was seventeen tenths of a second behind Lorenzo 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 Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Miguel Oliveira on the KTM, he was a three tenths of a second behind Bagnaia at the end of the race. While, third was Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Luca Marini on the Kalex, he was six 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 Redox PrüstelGP rider Marco Bezzecchi on the KTM. Second was Leopard Racing rider Enea Bastianini on the Honda, he was four tenths of a second behind Bezzecchi at the end of the race. While, third was Del Conca Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda, he was five tenths of a second seconds behind Bezzecchi at the end of the race.
Finally, it was confirmed on Sunday (12/8/18), EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Thomas Lüthi will return to Moto2 next season with the Dynavolt Intact GP team.
Lüthi currently sits twenty-fourth in the championship, with a best finish of three sixteenth place finishes at Doha, Le Mans and Brno.
Finally, it was confirmed on Monday (13/8/18) EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli and Speed Up Moto 2 rider Fabio Quartararo have signed for the SIC Racing team for the 2019 MotoGP next season.
Morbidelli currently sits seventeenth in the MotoGP Standings, with a best finish of ninth place at Jerez in May. While Quartararo currently sits ninth in the Moto2 Standings, with a best finish of a race win at Barcelona in June.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Ducati Team rider Jorge Lorenzo on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP18.
Second was Repsol Honda Team rider and current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on his works Honda RC213V, he was a tenth of a second Jorge Lorenzo at the end.
While, third was Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso on his works Ducati Desmosedici GP18, he was seventeen tenths of a second behind Lorenzo 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 Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Miguel Oliveira on the KTM, he was a three tenths of a second behind Bagnaia at the end of the race. While, third was Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Luca Marini on the Kalex, he was six 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 Redox PrüstelGP rider Marco Bezzecchi on the KTM. Second was Leopard Racing rider Enea Bastianini on the Honda, he was four tenths of a second behind Bezzecchi at the end of the race. While, third was Del Conca Gresini Racing Moto3 rider Jorge Martín on the Honda, he was five tenths of a second seconds behind Bezzecchi at the end of the race.
Finally, it was confirmed on Sunday (12/8/18), EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Thomas Lüthi will return to Moto2 next season with the Dynavolt Intact GP team.
Lüthi currently sits twenty-fourth in the championship, with a best finish of three sixteenth place finishes at Doha, Le Mans and Brno.
Finally, it was confirmed on Monday (13/8/18) EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli and Speed Up Moto 2 rider Fabio Quartararo have signed for the SIC Racing team for the 2019 MotoGP next season.
Morbidelli currently sits seventeenth in the MotoGP Standings, with a best finish of ninth place at Jerez in May. While Quartararo currently sits ninth in the Moto2 Standings, with a best finish of a race win at Barcelona in June.
Wednesday, 8 August 2018
Force India team out of administration
It was confirmed yesterday (7/8/18), Force India have agreed a deal to come out of administration, saving all 400 jobs.
The team's management, backed by a consortium of investors led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll who is the father of Williams F1 driver Lance Stroll, with the assistance of Force India’s chief operations officer Otmar Szafnauer and the team's senior management; have secured the future of the team.
Force India was placed in administration on the eve of last weekends Hungarian Grand Prix. With debts around £33 million mark, which includes owning money to both Mercedes and Force India driver Sergio Perez.
The new set-up, which signed an exclusivity agreement on Tuesday, takes over ownership of the team from Vijay Mallya and Subrata Roy.
Overall good news for the team, and mainly for the staff at this moment of time. With their futures secured the team is currently sixth in the Constructors’ standings, seven points behind Haas and twenty-three points behind fourth-placed Renault, so there is still a change the team could retain fourth in the Constructors’ if they have a strong second half of the season.
With the news consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll bought the team, don't be surprise that his son Lance Stroll will be joining the team next season as one of their drivers.
At the end of the day, Force India are out of administration and back racing.
The team's management, backed by a consortium of investors led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll who is the father of Williams F1 driver Lance Stroll, with the assistance of Force India’s chief operations officer Otmar Szafnauer and the team's senior management; have secured the future of the team.
Force India was placed in administration on the eve of last weekends Hungarian Grand Prix. With debts around £33 million mark, which includes owning money to both Mercedes and Force India driver Sergio Perez.
The new set-up, which signed an exclusivity agreement on Tuesday, takes over ownership of the team from Vijay Mallya and Subrata Roy.
Overall good news for the team, and mainly for the staff at this moment of time. With their futures secured the team is currently sixth in the Constructors’ standings, seven points behind Haas and twenty-three points behind fourth-placed Renault, so there is still a change the team could retain fourth in the Constructors’ if they have a strong second half of the season.
With the news consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll bought the team, don't be surprise that his son Lance Stroll will be joining the team next season as one of their drivers.
At the end of the day, Force India are out of administration and back racing.
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