Review of Round Eight of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season was the World RX of France, at Circuit de Lohéac located in Lohéac, in North-West France.
In the four Heats, those were won by Mattias Ekström (winning twice) and Johan Kristoffersson (winning twice).
In the first semi-final that was won by Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Ford Focus RS. Second was Petter Solberg World RX Team driver and current World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg in his Citroën DS3. he was under four seconds behind Bakkerud in the end. While, third was Münnich Motorsport driver Reinis Nitišs in his SEAT Ibiza Cupra, he was over four seconds behind Bakkerud in the end.
In the second semi-final that was won by Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson in his Volkswagen Polo. Second was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was three seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Ken Block in his Ford Focus RS, he was four seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
In the final race, Volkswagen RX Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson took the race win in his Volkswagen Polo. Second was Hoonigan Racing Division driver Andreas Bakkerud in his Ford Focus RS, he was three seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end. While, third was Team Peugeot-Hansen driver Sébastien Loeb in his Peugeot 208, he was five seconds behind Kristoffersson in the end.
Next stop World RX of Barcelona at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for Round Nine of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship season in two weeks time.
Tuesday, 6 September 2016
2016 WTCC Round 9 Recap - Race of Japan, José María López 2016 WTCC Champion!
Review of Round Nine of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season was the was the Race of Japan, on the Honda owned Twin Ring Motegi circuit, Motegi, Japan.
In the first race, Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Rob Huff in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was over a second behind Michelisz in the end. While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC to complete a Honda podium whitewash, he was over two seconds behind Michelisz in the end.
Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Tom Chilton in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. He finished in eighth place overall and nine seconds behind Michelisz in the end.
While in the second race, Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López, he was a second behind Muller in the end; the second place was enough to give José María López his third WTCC drivers’ title to win the 2016 title. Contractions to José María López for winning this years title.
While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was over two and half seconds behind Muller in the end.
Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. He finished in fourth place overall and three seconds behind Muller in the end.
Next stop Race of China at Shanghai International Circuit for Round Ten of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
In the first race, Honda Racing Team JAS driver Norbert Michelisz took the race win in his Honda Civic WTCC. Second was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Rob Huff in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was over a second behind Michelisz in the end. While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC to complete a Honda podium whitewash, he was over two seconds behind Michelisz in the end.
Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Tom Chilton in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. He finished in eighth place overall and nine seconds behind Michelisz in the end.
While in the second race, Citroën Total WTCC driver Yvan Muller took the race win in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. Second was Citroën Total WTCC driver and current WTCC Champion José María López, he was a second behind Muller in the end; the second place was enough to give José María López his third WTCC drivers’ title to win the 2016 title. Contractions to José María López for winning this years title.
While third place was Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team driver Tiago Monteiro in his Honda Civic WTCC, he was over two and half seconds behind Muller in the end.
Meanwhile in the Independent Class, was won by Sébastien Loeb Racing driver Mehdi Bennani in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC. He finished in fourth place overall and three seconds behind Muller in the end.
Next stop Race of China at Shanghai International Circuit for Round Ten of the 2016 World Touring Car Championship season in three weeks time.
Monday, 5 September 2016
2016 UK MotoGP Review
Review of the round twelve of the 2016 MotoGP season at Silverstone, on the outskirts of Northampton, UK.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Viñales on his works Suzuki GSX-RR. Giving Suzuki their first premier series win since Chris Vermeulen at Le Mans in 2007.
Second was LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow on his Honda RC213V, he was three seconds behind Viñales at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1V, he was four seconds behind Viñales at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Garage Plus Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex. Second was Estrella Galicia Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli on the Kalex, he was eight tenths of a second behind Lüthi at the end. While, third was Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider Takaaki Nakagami on the Kalex, he was eleven tenths of a second behind Lüthi at the end.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Aspar Mahindra Team Moto3 rider Francesco Bagnaia on the Mahindra, he was two tenths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Bo Bendsneyder on the KTM, he was three tenths of a second behind Binder at the end.
In the MotoGP race (V-twin, V4, or Inline-four 1000cc four stroke class), that was won by Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Viñales on his works Suzuki GSX-RR. Giving Suzuki their first premier series win since Chris Vermeulen at Le Mans in 2007.
Second was LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow on his Honda RC213V, he was three seconds behind Viñales at the end. While, third was Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi on his works Yamaha YZR-M1V, he was four seconds behind Viñales at the end.
In the Moto2 race (Inline-four 600 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Garage Plus Interwetten rider Thomas Lüthi on the Kalex. Second was Estrella Galicia Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli on the Kalex, he was eight tenths of a second behind Lüthi at the end. While, third was Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider Takaaki Nakagami on the Kalex, he was eleven tenths of a second behind Lüthi at the end.
While in the Moto3 race (single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke class), that race was won by Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Brad Binder on the KTM. Second was Aspar Mahindra Team Moto3 rider Francesco Bagnaia on the Mahindra, he was two tenths of a second behind Binder at the end. While, third was Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Bo Bendsneyder on the KTM, he was three tenths of a second behind Binder at the end.
2016 6 Hours of Mexico City Review
Review of Round five of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City, Mexico.
The Porsche Team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley in their Porsche 919 Hybrid. Second was the Audi Sport Team Joest team of André Lotterer, Marcel Fässler and Benoît Tréluyer in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro, they were sixty-one seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Toyota Gazoo Racing of Mike Conway, Stéphane Sarrazin and Kamui Kobayashi in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, they were sixty-nine seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class, the RGR Sport by Morand team of Filipe Albuquerque, Bruno Senna and Ricardo González in their Ligier JS P2 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class. They finish in sixth place overall and they were twenty laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Darren Turner and Richie Stanaway won in their Aston Martin Vantage GTE. They finish in fifteenth place overall and they were twenty-eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Abu Dhabi-Proton Racing team of Khalid Al Qubaisi, Patrick Long and David Heinemeier Hansson in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in twenty-second place overall and they were thirty-three laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Mexico City below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas in two weeks time for round six of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Porsche Team won the race overall and the LMP1 class too of Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley in their Porsche 919 Hybrid. Second was the Audi Sport Team Joest team of André Lotterer, Marcel Fässler and Benoît Tréluyer in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro, they were sixty-one seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race. Meanwhile, third place was the Toyota Gazoo Racing of Mike Conway, Stéphane Sarrazin and Kamui Kobayashi in their Toyota TS050 Hybrid, they were sixty-nine seconds behind the leaders at the end of the race.
In LMP2 class, the RGR Sport by Morand team of Filipe Albuquerque, Bruno Senna and Ricardo González in their Ligier JS P2 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class. They finish in sixth place overall and they were twenty laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Pro class, was won by Aston Martin Racing team of Darren Turner and Richie Stanaway won in their Aston Martin Vantage GTE. They finish in fifteenth place overall and they were twenty-eight laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
While in GTE Am class, was won by Abu Dhabi-Proton Racing team of Khalid Al Qubaisi, Patrick Long and David Heinemeier Hansson in their Porsche 911 RSR. They finish in twenty-second place overall and they were thirty-three laps behind the leaders at the end of the race.
Highlights of the 6 Hours of Mexico City below, enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas in two weeks time for round six of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
2016 Italian Grand Prix Review
Review of the fourteenth round of the 2016 F1 season at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, near Milan, for the Italian Grand Prix.
Not going to be the best race of the race. But, a race that current F1 champion Lewis Hamilton want to forget. Hamilton who started on pole, had a poor start and bogged down to sixth on the first lap. Which means Nico Rosberg took the advantage at the start and took the lead, stayed there with most of the laps leading, to conclude with a race win in this seasons Italian Grand Prix for Nico Rosberg's seventh race win of the season
While, Rosberg's team-mate and current F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in second place in the other Mercedes to give the team its fourth one-two finish of the season, Hamilton was fifteen seconds behind Rosberg at the end.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Vettel was twenty seconds behind Rosberg at the end of the fifty-three lap race.
With Nico Rosberg's win in Italy and Lewis Hamilton only managing a second place finish at Monza, Hamilton still leads the F1 driver championship and now his gap between himself and team-mate Nico Rosberg is gone from nine points to two points with seven races to go.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole and finished second)
Nico Rosberg - 9 (race win)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished third)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished fourth)
Williams - 6
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (finished sixth)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished ninth)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fifth)
Max Verstappen - 6 (finished seventh)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (finished tenth)
Sergio Pérez - 7 (finished eighth)
Renault - 5
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 5 (DNF, Collision damage from Felipe Nasr)
Toro Rosso - 5
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 5 (DNF, Battery)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 4 (DNF, Collision with Jolyon Palmer)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 7 (finished fourteenth and fastest lap, lap down)
Jenson Button - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Manor - 6
Esteban Ocon - 5 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 7 (DNF, Oil leak)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 6 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Next stop Marina Bay Street Circuit in two weeks time for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Not going to be the best race of the race. But, a race that current F1 champion Lewis Hamilton want to forget. Hamilton who started on pole, had a poor start and bogged down to sixth on the first lap. Which means Nico Rosberg took the advantage at the start and took the lead, stayed there with most of the laps leading, to conclude with a race win in this seasons Italian Grand Prix for Nico Rosberg's seventh race win of the season
While, Rosberg's team-mate and current F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in second place in the other Mercedes to give the team its fourth one-two finish of the season, Hamilton was fifteen seconds behind Rosberg at the end.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel finished in third place in the Ferrari to complete the podium, Vettel was twenty seconds behind Rosberg at the end of the fifty-three lap race.
With Nico Rosberg's win in Italy and Lewis Hamilton only managing a second place finish at Monza, Hamilton still leads the F1 driver championship and now his gap between himself and team-mate Nico Rosberg is gone from nine points to two points with seven races to go.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
Lewis Hamilton - 8 (pole and finished second)
Nico Rosberg - 9 (race win)
Ferrari - 7
Sebastian Vettel - 8 (finished third)
Kimi Räikkönen - 7 (finished fourth)
Williams - 6
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (finished sixth)
Felipe Massa - 6 (finished ninth)
Red Bull Racing - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished fifth)
Max Verstappen - 6 (finished seventh)
Force India - 6
Nico Hülkenberg - 6 (finished tenth)
Sergio Pérez - 7 (finished eighth)
Renault - 5
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Jolyon Palmer - 5 (DNF, Collision damage from Felipe Nasr)
Toro Rosso - 5
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 6 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Daniil Kvyat - 5 (DNF, Battery)
Sauber - 5
Marcus Ericsson - 6 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Felipe Nasr - 4 (DNF, Collision with Jolyon Palmer)
McLaren - 6
Fernando Alonso - 7 (finished fourteenth and fastest lap, lap down)
Jenson Button - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Manor - 6
Esteban Ocon - 5 (finished eighteenth, two laps down)
Pascal Wehrlein - 7 (DNF, Oil leak)
Haas - 6
Romain Grosjean - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Esteban Gutiérrez - 6 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Next stop Marina Bay Street Circuit in two weeks time for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Sunday, 4 September 2016
It's Official - Jenson Button to take a sabbatical from F1 at the end of the season, while Stoffel Vandoorne replaces him for 2017
It was confirmed yesterday (3/9/16) that Jenson Button will take a sabbatical from Formula 1 at the end of the 2016 season, which means the Englishmen will thus be leaving Formula 1 after seventeen seasons thus far, which includes fifteen Grand Prix victories and one F1 drivers' title. However, Button has signed a two year deal to be Ambassador with the the team holding an option for him to return as a race driver in 2018.
While, 2015 GP2 Series champion Stoffel Vandoorne will join McLaren as a full-time driver, replacing the 2009 World Champion.
Button's future has been the subject of speculation for the past few weeks, which he made the announcement after qualifying of the Italian Grand Prix.
Button career in Formula 1 started when he stepped up with Williams back in 2000, contesting a season includes becoming the youngest driver to score a point at that seasons' Brazilian Grand Prix finishing in sixth place, while his best result was a fourth place finish during the German Grand Prix.
Then swapping over to Benetton/Renault for two seasons. Then signed to B.A.R./Honda/Brawn in 2003 for seven seasons, which included seven Grand Prix wins and winning the F1 Drivers' Championship for Brawn.
Then in 2010, Button moved to McLaren winning eight Grand Prixs' which include finishing second place in the drivers' standings in 2011.
Just like Felipe Massa's post before, personally I thought Button might do another season with McLaren or return to Williams or another team for another season. But, with yesterday's news happening, it maybe the right time to take a sabbatical from Formula 1. Good luck whatever Jenson Button does next, as his been a great ambassador for the sport and a great driver for Formula 1.
While Jenson Button successor Stoffel Vandoorne, who won the 2015 GP2 Series championship. Spent 2016 as a reserve driver with the team, which include racing in the Super Formula Championship for Honda; and also replaces Fernando Alonso at this seasons Bahrain Grand Prix due to Alonso's heavy crash at the Grand Prix before, finishing an impressive tenth place finish in his debut race. Is stepping up to the main McLaren race seat alongside Fernando Alonso for next season.
Great news to see Stoffel Vandoorne stepping up to a full F1 drive at McLaren next season, well earned.
Everything changing at McLaren and for Formula 1 in 2017.
While, 2015 GP2 Series champion Stoffel Vandoorne will join McLaren as a full-time driver, replacing the 2009 World Champion.
Button's future has been the subject of speculation for the past few weeks, which he made the announcement after qualifying of the Italian Grand Prix.
Button career in Formula 1 started when he stepped up with Williams back in 2000, contesting a season includes becoming the youngest driver to score a point at that seasons' Brazilian Grand Prix finishing in sixth place, while his best result was a fourth place finish during the German Grand Prix.
Then swapping over to Benetton/Renault for two seasons. Then signed to B.A.R./Honda/Brawn in 2003 for seven seasons, which included seven Grand Prix wins and winning the F1 Drivers' Championship for Brawn.
Then in 2010, Button moved to McLaren winning eight Grand Prixs' which include finishing second place in the drivers' standings in 2011.
Just like Felipe Massa's post before, personally I thought Button might do another season with McLaren or return to Williams or another team for another season. But, with yesterday's news happening, it maybe the right time to take a sabbatical from Formula 1. Good luck whatever Jenson Button does next, as his been a great ambassador for the sport and a great driver for Formula 1.
While Jenson Button successor Stoffel Vandoorne, who won the 2015 GP2 Series championship. Spent 2016 as a reserve driver with the team, which include racing in the Super Formula Championship for Honda; and also replaces Fernando Alonso at this seasons Bahrain Grand Prix due to Alonso's heavy crash at the Grand Prix before, finishing an impressive tenth place finish in his debut race. Is stepping up to the main McLaren race seat alongside Fernando Alonso for next season.
Great news to see Stoffel Vandoorne stepping up to a full F1 drive at McLaren next season, well earned.
Everything changing at McLaren and for Formula 1 in 2017.
Friday, 2 September 2016
It's Official - Felipe Massa retire from F1 at the end of the season
It was confirmed yesterday (1/9/16) that Felipe Massa will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2016 season, which means the Brazilian will thus be leaving Formula 1 after fifteen seasons thus far, which includes eleven Grand Prix victories.
Massa's future has been the subject of speculation for the past weeks, which he made the announcement during a special press conference, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, alongside Williams Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams.
Massa career in Formula 1 started when he stepped up with Sauber back in 2002, contesting three full seasons over the next four years, include best result for the team two fourth place finishes at Spa in 2004 and Montreal in 2005.
Then Massa signed by Ferrari for the 2006 season, which included eleven Grand Prix in the first three seasons, and almost claimed the 2008 world title, losing out to McLaren rival Lewis Hamilton by just one point after a dramatic season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.
Midway through the 2009 season in Hungary, Massa suffered a serious head injury when he was hit on the helmet by a spring from Rubens Barrichello's car, which ruled him of the remaining races.
Massa returned to Ferrari in 2010, but did not win again with the team in four more seasons afterwards, which prompted a switch to Williams for 2014.
So far in Massa's Williams career, results include a pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2014, five podiums between 2014 and 2015 and a best result of second place during the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and three more chances of winning a Grand Prix.
Should have been F1 World Champion back in 2008 in my opinion. I personally thought he might do another season with Williams or another team at least maybe another season more going into 2018. But, with yesterday's news happening, it maybe the right time to retire from Formula 1. Good luck whatever Felipe Massa does next, as his been a great ambassador for the sport and a great driver for Formula 1.
Massa's future has been the subject of speculation for the past weeks, which he made the announcement during a special press conference, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, alongside Williams Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams.
Massa career in Formula 1 started when he stepped up with Sauber back in 2002, contesting three full seasons over the next four years, include best result for the team two fourth place finishes at Spa in 2004 and Montreal in 2005.
Then Massa signed by Ferrari for the 2006 season, which included eleven Grand Prix in the first three seasons, and almost claimed the 2008 world title, losing out to McLaren rival Lewis Hamilton by just one point after a dramatic season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.
Midway through the 2009 season in Hungary, Massa suffered a serious head injury when he was hit on the helmet by a spring from Rubens Barrichello's car, which ruled him of the remaining races.
Massa returned to Ferrari in 2010, but did not win again with the team in four more seasons afterwards, which prompted a switch to Williams for 2014.
So far in Massa's Williams career, results include a pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2014, five podiums between 2014 and 2015 and a best result of second place during the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and three more chances of winning a Grand Prix.
Should have been F1 World Champion back in 2008 in my opinion. I personally thought he might do another season with Williams or another team at least maybe another season more going into 2018. But, with yesterday's news happening, it maybe the right time to retire from Formula 1. Good luck whatever Felipe Massa does next, as his been a great ambassador for the sport and a great driver for Formula 1.
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