Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Belgium Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, which will be Michael Schumacher's 300th Grand Prix this weekend. So predictions for the race itself, a race win for 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen in his Lotus Renault, Lewis Hamilton second in his McLaren and Fernando Alonso third in the Ferrari. Don't forget the two Red Bull drivers, Jenson Button, Pastor Maldonado, Sergio Perez, Romain Grosjean and the two Mercedes AMG drivers as-well for a podium place too.
Nice to have Formula 1 back on this weekend since the five weeks off. End of post for now. New post soon. That is all. Bye.
Friday, 31 August 2012
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Michael Schumacher 300th Grand Prix
Michael Schumacher will be the second Formula 1 driver ever to pass 300 Grand Prix start this weekend at the Belgium Grand Prix. To celebrate this I found this on Youtube, Michael Schumacher first win in Formula 1 at the Belguim Grand Prix 20 years ago today (30/8/1992) in his Benetton B192 in a wet/dry race that day.
But, his best race in his 299th Grand Prix starts so far, possibly mine would be the 1998 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring (highlights video below), who started the race 16 points behind Mika Häkkinen the drivers standing, and was behind both McLarens on the grid and the first half of the race if it continues is would have effectively ended his championship challenge for Schumacher. But, Ferrari technical director and now Mercedes team manager Ross Brawn changed Schumacher strategy from a 2-stop strategy to a 3-stop strategy, which was seen as a masterstroke by doing 17 qualifying style laps in the middle of the race to win the race overall. And, strink the gap back then to 7 points behind Häkkinen. Meanwhile, Häkkinen fell to 6th after gearbox problems in the closing stages of the race. But, Häkkinen did won the drivers championship that year. But, some of Michael Schumacher best Grand Prixs was in that period.
So, many more Grand Prixs for Michael Schumacher, 300 Grnad Prixs not out. Anyway, end of post/blog for now, that is all, bye.
But, his best race in his 299th Grand Prix starts so far, possibly mine would be the 1998 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring (highlights video below), who started the race 16 points behind Mika Häkkinen the drivers standing, and was behind both McLarens on the grid and the first half of the race if it continues is would have effectively ended his championship challenge for Schumacher. But, Ferrari technical director and now Mercedes team manager Ross Brawn changed Schumacher strategy from a 2-stop strategy to a 3-stop strategy, which was seen as a masterstroke by doing 17 qualifying style laps in the middle of the race to win the race overall. And, strink the gap back then to 7 points behind Häkkinen. Meanwhile, Häkkinen fell to 6th after gearbox problems in the closing stages of the race. But, Häkkinen did won the drivers championship that year. But, some of Michael Schumacher best Grand Prixs was in that period.
So, many more Grand Prixs for Michael Schumacher, 300 Grnad Prixs not out. Anyway, end of post/blog for now, that is all, bye.
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
MotoGP Czech Republic Grand Prix thoughts and Cal Crutchlow staying at Tech 3 for next season
Quick thoughts on the race from last Sundays race (26/8/12) at the Czech Republic Motorcycle Grand Prix at Brno Circuit and thoughts on Cal Crutchlow staying at Tech 3 for next season.
Dani Pedrosa wins the race from a last exciting lap between himself and Jorge Lorenzo, which was brilliant to watch, were Lorenzo finished in second place just under two tenths behind Pedrosa. Which, shrink the gap for the MotoGP riders championship between Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa to 13 points with six rounds to go. Cal Crutchlow finished in third place, first time a British rider is on a MotoGP podium since 2000 at Donington Park when Jeremy McWilliams finished third on a Aprilia RSW500, Crutchlow finished 12 seconds behind Pedrosa. And personally one of the best MotoGP races I have seen for long while.
Speaking of Cal Crutchlow, it was announced on early Saturday (25/8/12) that Tech 3 Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow will be staying at Tech 3 for another season, until the end of the 2013 season. Which, means he will be teaming up with Moto2 British rider Bradley Smith as his team-mate. Which means an all British line-up at Tech 3 next season. Despite for three months there was strong rumours that Crutchlow was riding on the works Ducati for 2013. But, did not happen due to current team-mate Andrea Dovizioso got that ride for 2013. There was rumours this weekend that Cal Crutchlow could be going to World Superbikes next season until the deal was announced with Tech 3 this weekend.
My opinion about Cal Crutchlow staying at Tech 3 for next season, top MotoGP rookie in 2011 finishing 12th in the rider standings. Top 5 in the standings so far this season from the former 2009 Supersport World Champion. Should have been considered a top ride with Ducati or Yamaha for 2013. But, the Tech 3 is next best ride in MotoGP that isn't a works Yamaha or a works Honda. Like I said from last week if he didn't got the Ducati ride I thought it would have been the best thing happen to him, what if the Ducati doesn't improve next season and is still an animal to ride next season, despite the investment from Audi like I said for last week. Anyway good decision for Cal Crutchlow for staying at Tech 3 for next season.
Cal Crutchlow could have gone to Gresini Racing next season riding a Honda RC213V. But, his staying at Tech 3 next season. Speaking of Gresini, there is a possibly that Álvaro Bautisa will not get this contract renewed for the 2013 season and his replacement would be non ever than Ben Spies. For the last few weeks there have been strong rumours Ben Spies has got a two year deal with BMW in World Superbikes in 2013, maybe in 2014 with BMW in MotoGP if costs are cheap. Even another rumour he could be ridding for Suzuki for the next two seasons. Riding the new Suzuki GSV-R machine at the later end of 2013 season.
If he have offered a ride for Gresini next season he could be offered a factory RC213V machine identical to Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez for 2013. Despite, Ben Spies had endured a nightmare 2012 season so far and he has yet to score a podium in the new 1000cc era.
While World Superbikes Ten-Kate rider Jonathan Rea could in for the frame for the ride at Gresini next season also, with the news that he will replacing current champion Casey Stoner at Repsol Honda for next two rounds at Misano and Aragón. Due to Stoner had a horrible crash in qualifying at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from two rounds ago, tearing ligaments in his ankle, which Stoner didn't feature in Brno due to the ankle injures. Which has cost Casey Stoner championship hopes are over.
Next stop Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for round 13 of the MotoGP championship. End of post/blog for now, That is all. Bye.
Dani Pedrosa wins the race from a last exciting lap between himself and Jorge Lorenzo, which was brilliant to watch, were Lorenzo finished in second place just under two tenths behind Pedrosa. Which, shrink the gap for the MotoGP riders championship between Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa to 13 points with six rounds to go. Cal Crutchlow finished in third place, first time a British rider is on a MotoGP podium since 2000 at Donington Park when Jeremy McWilliams finished third on a Aprilia RSW500, Crutchlow finished 12 seconds behind Pedrosa. And personally one of the best MotoGP races I have seen for long while.
Speaking of Cal Crutchlow, it was announced on early Saturday (25/8/12) that Tech 3 Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow will be staying at Tech 3 for another season, until the end of the 2013 season. Which, means he will be teaming up with Moto2 British rider Bradley Smith as his team-mate. Which means an all British line-up at Tech 3 next season. Despite for three months there was strong rumours that Crutchlow was riding on the works Ducati for 2013. But, did not happen due to current team-mate Andrea Dovizioso got that ride for 2013. There was rumours this weekend that Cal Crutchlow could be going to World Superbikes next season until the deal was announced with Tech 3 this weekend.
My opinion about Cal Crutchlow staying at Tech 3 for next season, top MotoGP rookie in 2011 finishing 12th in the rider standings. Top 5 in the standings so far this season from the former 2009 Supersport World Champion. Should have been considered a top ride with Ducati or Yamaha for 2013. But, the Tech 3 is next best ride in MotoGP that isn't a works Yamaha or a works Honda. Like I said from last week if he didn't got the Ducati ride I thought it would have been the best thing happen to him, what if the Ducati doesn't improve next season and is still an animal to ride next season, despite the investment from Audi like I said for last week. Anyway good decision for Cal Crutchlow for staying at Tech 3 for next season.
Cal Crutchlow could have gone to Gresini Racing next season riding a Honda RC213V. But, his staying at Tech 3 next season. Speaking of Gresini, there is a possibly that Álvaro Bautisa will not get this contract renewed for the 2013 season and his replacement would be non ever than Ben Spies. For the last few weeks there have been strong rumours Ben Spies has got a two year deal with BMW in World Superbikes in 2013, maybe in 2014 with BMW in MotoGP if costs are cheap. Even another rumour he could be ridding for Suzuki for the next two seasons. Riding the new Suzuki GSV-R machine at the later end of 2013 season.
If he have offered a ride for Gresini next season he could be offered a factory RC213V machine identical to Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez for 2013. Despite, Ben Spies had endured a nightmare 2012 season so far and he has yet to score a podium in the new 1000cc era.
While World Superbikes Ten-Kate rider Jonathan Rea could in for the frame for the ride at Gresini next season also, with the news that he will replacing current champion Casey Stoner at Repsol Honda for next two rounds at Misano and Aragón. Due to Stoner had a horrible crash in qualifying at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from two rounds ago, tearing ligaments in his ankle, which Stoner didn't feature in Brno due to the ankle injures. Which has cost Casey Stoner championship hopes are over.
Next stop Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for round 13 of the MotoGP championship. End of post/blog for now, That is all. Bye.
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge GB Round 5 recap
Round 5 recap of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge GB at Donington Park on the National Circuit (18-19/08/2012). The first race was won by Justin Sherwood in his Porsche 911 GT3. While in second race at Donington, that was won once again by Justin Sherwood his Porsche 911 GT3. James Birch managed two second places in those two races at Donington. But, he is still leading the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge by 22 points ahead of Steven Liquorish and with a round to go at Silverstone in October. YouTube video below of second race highlights at Donington Park from Porsche.
End of blog for how, new blog soon, that is all. Bye.
End of blog for how, new blog soon, that is all. Bye.
Monday, 27 August 2012
2012 6 Hours of Silverstone Review
Review of Round 4 of the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone. Audi Sport Team Joest team won the race overall and WEC LMP1 class too of André Lotterer, Marcel Fässler and Benoît Tréluyerto in their Audi R18 e-tron quattro. Second was the Toyota Racing team of Alexander Wurz, Kazuki Nakajima and Nicolas Lapierre in their Toyota TS030 Hybrid, best result for the car so far. While, the second Audi of Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen took third place in their Audi R18 Ultra.
In LMP2 class, the ADR-Delta team of Tor Graves, John Martin and Jan Charouz in their Oreca 03 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class and 8th overall. While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Giancarlo Fisichella and Gianmaria Bruni won in their Ferrari 458 GTC, finished 21st overall as-well. While in GTE Am class, was won by AF Corse-Waltrip team of Piergiuseppe Perrazini, Matt Griffin and Marco Cioci in their Ferrari 458 GTC and finished 24th overall.
Four minutes highlights package of the race below from Michelin's own Youtube channel. So enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of São Paulo in three weeks time for round 5 of the FIA World Endurance Championship. End of post/blog for now, That is all. Bye.
In LMP2 class, the ADR-Delta team of Tor Graves, John Martin and Jan Charouz in their Oreca 03 with a Nissan VK45DE 4.5 L V8 engine won in LMP2 class and 8th overall. While in GTE Pro class, was won by AF Corse team of Giancarlo Fisichella and Gianmaria Bruni won in their Ferrari 458 GTC, finished 21st overall as-well. While in GTE Am class, was won by AF Corse-Waltrip team of Piergiuseppe Perrazini, Matt Griffin and Marco Cioci in their Ferrari 458 GTC and finished 24th overall.
Four minutes highlights package of the race below from Michelin's own Youtube channel. So enjoy.
Next Stop 6 Hours of São Paulo in three weeks time for round 5 of the FIA World Endurance Championship. End of post/blog for now, That is all. Bye.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am edition
Basically the 'McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am edition' is a one-off concept race car from McLaren them-selves had its debut at last weekends Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach in California, USA.
This is the most extreme version yet of the McLaren MP4-12C. The car is based on the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race car but, free from any race regulations so therefore you will not see this car in any series around the world, the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 develops 630 bhp, 30 more than the road car. The car weight is only 1200 kg, 270 less than the road car. McLaren claims the car also produces 30% more downforce than the GT3 racer.
The 12C Can-Am Edition wears the McLaren Orange colours from the Cam-Am Series (Canadian American Challenge Cup) an Canadian and American Le Mans styles series that compete throughout the 1960s and 1970s were McLaren founder Bruce McLaren, 1967 F1 World Champion Denny Hulme and Peter Revson won the Cam-Am driver championship between them in five concessive years (1967-1971) when the cars had monsterish horsepower in that period compared to Formula 1 cars in that day (McLaren M19A had a Cosworth 3.5 litre V8 engine producing over 400 bhp while the McLaren M20 had an 8.3 litre Chevrolet V8 producing 750 bhp in1972!). Videos and Images below of the McLaren's M6, M8 and M20 below.
Very bonkers cars from that period of those videos above and a bonkers McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am edition race car too. Anyway, end of post/blog for now, that is all, bye.
This is the most extreme version yet of the McLaren MP4-12C. The car is based on the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race car but, free from any race regulations so therefore you will not see this car in any series around the world, the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 develops 630 bhp, 30 more than the road car. The car weight is only 1200 kg, 270 less than the road car. McLaren claims the car also produces 30% more downforce than the GT3 racer.
The 12C Can-Am Edition wears the McLaren Orange colours from the Cam-Am Series (Canadian American Challenge Cup) an Canadian and American Le Mans styles series that compete throughout the 1960s and 1970s were McLaren founder Bruce McLaren, 1967 F1 World Champion Denny Hulme and Peter Revson won the Cam-Am driver championship between them in five concessive years (1967-1971) when the cars had monsterish horsepower in that period compared to Formula 1 cars in that day (McLaren M19A had a Cosworth 3.5 litre V8 engine producing over 400 bhp while the McLaren M20 had an 8.3 litre Chevrolet V8 producing 750 bhp in1972!). Videos and Images below of the McLaren's M6, M8 and M20 below.
Very bonkers cars from that period of those videos above and a bonkers McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am edition race car too. Anyway, end of post/blog for now, that is all, bye.
Friday, 24 August 2012
MotoGP Indianapolis Grand Prix thoughts and Andrea Dovizioso going to Ducati next season
Quick thoughts on the race from last Sundays race (19/8/12) at the Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and thoughts on Andrea Dovizioso getting the works Ducati ride for the next two seasons.
The race itself was a good race overall (despite I didn't saw it live itself and watched it later on in the day) and a great win for Dani Pedrosa on his Repsol Honda at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, second race win of the season, a dominating race from start of the race to the checkered flag for the Spaniard. Which gives Pedrosa only 18 points behind Jorge Lorenzo in the standings with seven races to go. While championship leader and former champion Jorge Lorenzo on his Yamaha finished second overall, nearly 11 seconds behind Pedrosa. While, Andrea Dovizioso on his Tech 3 Yamaha was only 17 seconds behind and finished in third place.
While, the current champion Casey Stoner finished in forth place, nearly 20 seconds behind his team-mate, despite crashing in qualifying, tearing ligaments in his ankle, but chose to start. But he will not feature in Brno in Czech Republic due to the ankle injures after his doctors advised him to have surgery on his damaged ankle. Which, made his championship hopes over for the 2007 and 2011 MotoGP world champion.
Speaking of Andrea Dovizioso, it was announced on Wednesday (22/8/12) that Tech 3 Yamaha rider Andrea Dovizioso will be riding for the works Ducati Team on a two year contract, until the end of the 2014 season. My opinion possibly the only option for Ducati team. Got the experience of developing RC212V with the Repsol Honda team back in 2009 to 2011 seasons and development of this seasons Honda RC213V too. That's possibly the reason why that Nicky Hayden has staying put at Ducati for another season for his race craft and experience of developing the Ducati Desmosedici bikes in recent seasons.
But, early in the season there was very strong possibility of Cal Crutchlow of getting the Ducati. But, somehow that deal was never confirmed and Cal felt Ducati lied to him about the ride. To me this could be the best thing happen to him, what if the Ducati doesn't improve next season and is still an animal to ride next season, despite the investment from Audi. Were would Cal Crutchlow go next season? possibly staying at Tech 3 (if the bridges haven't been burnt that is) next season teaming up with Moto2 rider Bradley Smith (which he is already contracted to Tech 3 for the next two seasons) as his team-mate perhaps. Or even riding on a Gresini Racing RC213V Honda Prototype bike perhaps, perhaps. Time will tell were Cal Crutchlow will be going to ride for 2013.
Anyway, end of post/blog for now, that is all, bye.
The race itself was a good race overall (despite I didn't saw it live itself and watched it later on in the day) and a great win for Dani Pedrosa on his Repsol Honda at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, second race win of the season, a dominating race from start of the race to the checkered flag for the Spaniard. Which gives Pedrosa only 18 points behind Jorge Lorenzo in the standings with seven races to go. While championship leader and former champion Jorge Lorenzo on his Yamaha finished second overall, nearly 11 seconds behind Pedrosa. While, Andrea Dovizioso on his Tech 3 Yamaha was only 17 seconds behind and finished in third place.
While, the current champion Casey Stoner finished in forth place, nearly 20 seconds behind his team-mate, despite crashing in qualifying, tearing ligaments in his ankle, but chose to start. But he will not feature in Brno in Czech Republic due to the ankle injures after his doctors advised him to have surgery on his damaged ankle. Which, made his championship hopes over for the 2007 and 2011 MotoGP world champion.
Speaking of Andrea Dovizioso, it was announced on Wednesday (22/8/12) that Tech 3 Yamaha rider Andrea Dovizioso will be riding for the works Ducati Team on a two year contract, until the end of the 2014 season. My opinion possibly the only option for Ducati team. Got the experience of developing RC212V with the Repsol Honda team back in 2009 to 2011 seasons and development of this seasons Honda RC213V too. That's possibly the reason why that Nicky Hayden has staying put at Ducati for another season for his race craft and experience of developing the Ducati Desmosedici bikes in recent seasons.
But, early in the season there was very strong possibility of Cal Crutchlow of getting the Ducati. But, somehow that deal was never confirmed and Cal felt Ducati lied to him about the ride. To me this could be the best thing happen to him, what if the Ducati doesn't improve next season and is still an animal to ride next season, despite the investment from Audi. Were would Cal Crutchlow go next season? possibly staying at Tech 3 (if the bridges haven't been burnt that is) next season teaming up with Moto2 rider Bradley Smith (which he is already contracted to Tech 3 for the next two seasons) as his team-mate perhaps. Or even riding on a Gresini Racing RC213V Honda Prototype bike perhaps, perhaps. Time will tell were Cal Crutchlow will be going to ride for 2013.
Anyway, end of post/blog for now, that is all, bye.
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