Sunday 30 June 2013

British Grand Prix: Race Analysis

The British fans were today treated to an enthralling British Grand Prix, packed with controversy, strategy and on track action. Safe to say, it was an explosive race. Lewis Hamilton led Sebastian Vettel early on before he became one of four drivers to experience frightening tyre blowouts which shook the paddock. Teams frantically looked for explanations to prevent the issues and Pirelli frantically examined the suspect rubber. Meanwhile, it was Nico Rosberg who took his third career win despite being moments away from a similar blowout himself as a hole formed on the tread of his left rear tyre, right before his scheduled pit stop. A day of fine margins, but Rosberg came away with a fine result.

Saturday 29 June 2013

British Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

It was a super Saturday at the uncharacteristically sunny Silverstone, as Qualifying saw Lewis Hamilton claim his second Pole Position at the circuit, while Nico Rosberg made it another Mercedes front row lockout. Hamilton rightly stole the headlines with a spectacular lap of 1:29.607; He was the only man to set a time below the 1:30's so far this weekend. Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel will be pleased to see his championship rivals faltering, as Fernando Alonso could only manage P10, while Kimi Raikkonen is placed just two positions ahead. However, it was a SILVER day at SILVERstone!

Friday 28 June 2013

British Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

Friday at Silverstone perfectly encapsulated the British Summer. "Flaming June" seems to be reserved for Sunday, as overcast conditions ruled the day. FP1 was a total washout and while conditions improved for FP2, drivers still had to be weary of rouge puddles which were an ever-present danger. Despite this, Nico Rosberg set the fastest time of the day, with a lap on par with last year's benchmark set in the dry FP3 session. Mercedes once again look very strong over the single lap, yet Red Bull also impressed in typical fashion. 

British Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

Formula One returns to the UK this weekend, in an event which always captivates fans across the world. Being my home race, it is always a special event and one which British fans value very highly. Silverstone first hosted a Grand Prix in 1948 and the 3.6 mile circuit is known for its high speed nature. In 2012, Mark Webber snatched victory away from Fernando Alonso with just four laps to go, pulling off a spectacular overtake at Brooklands. The Aussie will be hoping to reinvigorate his championship fight this weekend.

Thursday 27 June 2013

Webber Confirms F1 Retirement

Following months of rumour and speculation, Mark Webber has today confirmed that he will be turning his back on Formula One at the end of the season to team up with Porsche's new sports-car programme. While much of the speculation was triggered by the controversial Malaysian Grand Prix, Webber has maintained that this was not a motive for his final decision.

Tuesday 25 June 2013

Mercedes Claim YDT Penalty Pain

With Ferrari and Red Bull downplaying the importance of the Young Drivers Test, Ross Brawn has emphasized that Mercedes' exclusion from the test is more of a disadvantage than was first perceived. The supposedly lenient sanction was dealt to Mercedes by the FIA following their role within the 'Test-Gate' saga, while several teams deemed the penalty to be merely cosmetic; They claimed that Mercedes still possessed an unfair advantage.
In many regards, both Ferrari and Red Bull have a right to feel frustrated. While the YDT is an important date on the calender, the event is more poignant to the drivers as oppose to the teams. Over the three days, teams will experiment with alternative packages, yet they will not be able to evaluate changes with great detail as the young drivers do not have the experience required to supply succinct feedback.

Red Bull Test Threat

A disgruntled Red Bull Racing have supposedly threatened to rebel against the FIA, following Mercedes' lenient sanction from the 'Test Gate' saga. Reports released yesterday suggested that the team were threatening to run their own private test, while withdrawing from the Young Driver's Test, in a direct challenge to the authority of the FIA.
According to newspapers released yesterday morning, both Ferrari and Red Bull were considering a boycott of the upcoming Young Drivers Test at Silverstone, after they were both displeased at the minor penalty which Mercedes were given for their part in Pirelli's tyre test. Apparently, the two teams spoke with Bernie Ecclestone, highlighting their grievances and suggesting that 'they would take the risk of a reprimand - the punishment meted out to Mercedes - for the benefit of three days of testing.'

Saturday 22 June 2013

Tyre Test Gate: The Verdict

Following a tense day in front of the International Tribunal, both Mercedes and Pirelli anxiously prepared to discover their fate. Day 1 went as well as could be expected for Mercedes, while Pirelli had suffered a reputation damaging affair. The verdict brought results which had been somewhat anticipated - Mercedes have been excluded from the forthcoming Young Drivers Test at Silverstone and Pirelli have been reprimanded for instigating a test which contravened the regulations. However, many will feel that the penalty does not reflect the severity of the crime.

Tuesday 18 June 2013

Hulkenberg Waiting For Opportunity

Nico Hulkenberg has been a driver under the spotlight this season following his departure from an in-form Force India team at the end 2012, to join close rivals Sauber. After a turbulent start to the season at his new team, critics have been out in force, questioning the German's seemingly ill-fated decision. These views have been amplified by Force India's explosive start to 2013. However, Nico predicts a bright future ahead, if he can earn a seat at a top team.
Sauber were unable to consolidate their impressive form in 2012 so far this season, after the team decided to be radical in terms of aerodynamic performance on the C32. Decreased profile on the sidepods seems to be restricting downforce and the team have struggled to come to terms with the apparent issues regarding this major flaw.

Saturday 15 June 2013

Horner Honoured With OBE

After leading Red Bull to three consecutive constructors titles, Christian Horner has been recognised for his contribution to motorsport in the Queen's birthday honours list, and is set to receive an OBE. The 39 year-old follows in the footsteps of Red Bull colleague Adrian Newey, who was recognised in the 2012 New Year's honours.
The fact that two of the key members behind the Red Bull operation have received this type of reward is symbolic of the legacy which the dominant team are building. "I'm naturally shocked," Horner said. "It's all a bit unexpected, incredible really."

Friday 14 June 2013

New Jersey's Long Term Plans

Formula One in the United States has often been a daunting prospect. The horrendous mistakes made at Indianapolis in 2005 compounded the already present issues surrounding the sport as it tried to establish a foothold in the country. However, COTA offered new hope and following a spectacular weekend last season, America appears to be ready for more Formula One action, as New Jersey have announced their long term commitments to the sport.
Yesterday evening the Grand Prix of America promoter, Leo Hindery Jnr, made the highly anticipated announcement that New Jersey will host Formula One in 2014 and beyond following a long term agreement being struck with Bernie Ecclestone.

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Vettel Signs Contract Extension

Sebastian Vettel has enjoyed unprecedented success with Red Bull over the past three years and the partnership is now set to continue at least until 2015, as the German has signed a contract extension. The confirmation puts an end to speculation that Sebastian had unofficially agreed to move to Ferrari within the next two seasons.
Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel have been somewhat of a "dream team" in the past four years. The German has become the youngest triple world champion in the history of the sport and at the tender age of 25, his success tops even the likes of Micheal Schumacher when he was at the same stage of his career. Vettel has achieved 28 victories, 38 poles and 50 podiums with Red Bull since his arrival in 2009.

New Construction Suffers More Delays

Pirelli's 2013 season seems to be one miscalculation followed by another. The Italian tyre manufacturer announced that the new construction tyres would be available and used throughout the Canadian Grand Prix weekend onwards. After they realized that their ambitious estimate was not set to be matched, Pirelli stated that the tyre would be available in free practice sessions only. Now, Pirelli have said that they will not race their revised tyres at British Grand Prix after completing insufficient mileage in last weekend's Canadian Grand Prix practice sessions.

Saturday 8 June 2013

Canadian Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

Following a heavily disrupted FP3, Qualifying was a relentless tale of intermediate runs, as teams failed to predict the unpredictable Montreal weather patterns. The circuit was damp throughout, which favored Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel, who put an end to Mercedes' dominant string of Pole Positions. However, Lewis Hamilton proved just how strong he is around Canada, lining up P2 and overcoming his persistent brake issues. Performance of the day goes to Valtteri Bottas, who not only made it into Q3, but qualified an awe inspiring P3.

Friday 7 June 2013

Canadian Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

Friday was a day which encapsulated Montreal's weather patterns. As teams focused on the skies more than the track itself, scheduling the FP1 and FP2 running was especially difficult. A rain effected FP1, was followed by a reprieve, with a dry FP2 session, (despite fears of another downpour late on). Fernando Alonso claims the accolade as fastest man of the day, posting a 1:14.818 on the super-soft compound. However, Mercedes still appear to be the dominant force over a single lap.

Thursday 6 June 2013

Canadian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

The Circuit De Gilles Villeneuve is a favorite among many sectors of the Formula One paddock. It has played host to many classic races down the years; Most notably, Jenson Button's unlikely triumph in 2011, after the Brit traveled through the pits six times during the race. Coincidentally, it was the longest race in the history of the sport, following a lengthy red flag period during a characteristically wet day in Montreal. Rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday, so a few surprises may be on the cards.

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Progress Possible For McLaren

Following a turbulent start to the season, McLaren have steadily been developing the MP4-28. Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix the team are looking to make further progress, yet Jenson Button has downplayed his teams chances of a podium this weekend, despite the circuit being a happy hunting ground for McLaren in past seasons.