tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76301885247719918562024-02-19T08:52:25.263-08:00PG-F1The Formula One Site for News And Opinion #PGF1Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-76600109499112231502017-01-19T01:31:00.000-08:002017-01-19T01:31:30.205-08:00FIA Approves The Sale Of F1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
The World Motor Sport Council has unanimously approved the change of control of Delta Topco Limited (the holding company of the Formula One Group and thus the owner of the Commercial Rights of the FIA Formula One World Championship) from CVC Capital Partners in favour of Liberty Media Corporation at an extraordinary meeting today in Geneva.<br />
<br />
The transaction will see the transfer of 100% of the shares in Delta Topco to Liberty Media Group, one of the tracking stocks of Liberty Media Corporation.<br />
<br />
During the meeting, the representatives of the prospective new owner made a detailed presentation of their strategy. The members of the World Motor Sport Council then had the opportunity to ask questions about the specifics of the agreement, the ongoing working relationship with the FIA and Liberty’s plans for the sport.<br />
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Liberty, Formula One Group and the FIA intend to collaborate to create a constructive relationship that will ensure the continued success and the development of the FIA Formula One World Championship in the long term.<br />
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The World Motor Sport Council’s decision confirms the FIA’s belief that Liberty, as a renowned media organisation with expertise in both sport and entertainment, is clearly well positioned to ensure the continued development of its pinnacle Championship.<br />
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The FIA holds a one per cent shareholding in Delta Topco. As part of the sale by CVC to Liberty Media Corporation, and in line with the agreements between the FIA and the Formula One Group, the FIA will be dragged along in the sale process under the same conditions as CVC and all the other shareholders.<br />
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The FIA looks forward to working with the new owners of the Formula One Group on further developing the unrivalled global spectacle that is the FIA Formula One World Championship for all stakeholders.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-32786400325201391212017-01-16T07:28:00.003-08:002017-01-16T07:31:30.149-08:00OFFICIAL - Valtteri Bottas joins Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport for 2017 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will race for the Silver Arrows in 2017</li>
<li>Valtteri Bottas becomes the 11th driver to compete in Formula One with the Silver Arrows</li>
<li>Nico Rosberg accepts ambassadorial role with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport</li>
<li>Toto Wolff: "It's time to see how Valtteri can step up to challenge for wins and Championships"</li>
<li>Valtteri Bottas: "I'm grateful to Mercedes for trusting my skills and giving me this opportunity"</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
It's been 45 days since Nico Rosberg dropped the bombshell of his immediate retirement from Formula One. And it left the team with a conundrum: how to best fill the vacant seat alongside three-time champion Lewis Hamilton in order to defend the Constructors' Championship?<br />
<br />
Following six weeks of detailed evaluation, deliberation and negotiation, the answer can now be confirmed officially: we signed Valtteri Bottas this morning. The 27-year-old native of Nastola, Finland has completed four seasons in Formula One with Williams, making 77 starts and scoring 9 career podiums so far.<br />
<br />
"Sometimes in life, unexpected circumstances provide interesting opportunities. Nico's decision in December was a big surprise - certainly a challenging situation for the team to handle. But weathering the storm makes you more resilient and we see this as another opportunity for the team to grow," explained Toto Wolff as he introduced the fourth driver to race for the Silver Arrows in the modern era.<br />
<br />
"Valtteri is a no-nonsense guy: down to earth, straightforward and very focused. Pretty Finnish, to be honest, and a great fit for us. He has an impressive track record in the junior categories and nine podiums in F1. But now it's time for the next level, to see how he can step up to challenge for race wins and for Championships. We know that we are already behind the curve in terms of preparations for the new season, so we've got a busy programme to get him integrated into the team. One thing is for sure: as I know Valtteri, he will give it everything."<br />
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Valtteri was cautiously optimistic when he met his new team-mates in the factory today. "It's very exciting times for me," he grinned. "I think it's going to take a while to understand that this is really happening. It's definitely another dream come true, to race in another team with such great history - especially in the recent years, which have been so impressive. I'm really proud to become a part of that and grateful to everyone at Mercedes for trusting my skills and giving me this opportunity.<br />
<br />
"I've had a really warm welcome so far. Of course, I have a lot more people to meet and new faces to remember. But initially everything has felt very good. I'm really impressed with the facilities and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better. My first experience with Mercedes power was in F3 back in 2009 and, of course, I know the Power Unit well from the last three years with Williams. But there are a lot of new things to learn with the car and also with how the team operates at the factory, in testing and at the races."<br />
<br />
The scale of the challenge ahead cannot be underestimated. New aerodynamic regulations mean a reset for the entire field and there is genuine uncertainty about which team will emerge on top; Valtteri is paired with probably the most ferociously fast team-mate in the sport, Lewis Hamilton; and there are just 70 days until the red lights go out at the start of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.<br />
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"We have confidence in Valtteri's ability and it's one of the reasons that he is the driver we set our sights on this winter," continued Toto. "The next weeks will be busy as we work to build relationships so Valtteri understands the team and the car. But that's an exciting challenge that will bring us fresh energy and a new dynamic between the drivers. And, of course, we're working hard to give Lewis and Valtteri the car they need to do the job."<br />
<br />
Valtteri is under no illusions about the task ahead: "I'm ready to work hard, to prove myself to the team and to prove my skills. It's going to be a challenging season and joining a new team makes it more work than normal. But I'm 100% ready for that. I'm training hard to be at my physical best because it will be much tougher with these new cars. I always set the bar really high, so my target is to perform from the first race. I'm full of energy and ready to get to work for this year and hopefully many more to come with Mercedes."<br />
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The agreement for Valtteri to join Mercedes has not happened in isolation. With today's announcements that Pascal Wehrlein will join Sauber for 2017, and that Felipe Massa will return to Williams, the final pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place for this year. And that has only been possible thanks to positive working relationships between all the teams involved in a complex chain of negotiations.<br />
<br />
"On behalf of Mercedes, I must thank Williams for their cooperation in allowing Valtteri to make this move - and also Monisha and Sauber for their patience during the past weeks," concluded Toto. "It's been a busy day in the driver market and I am pleased to know that Pascal will be racing at Sauber to continue his development in F1. He had a good first season with Manor and we feel this is the right path for him in the sport. It's satisfying to have both of our Young Drivers taking on new challenges in F1 this year, with Esteban also racing at Force India. We'll be following their progress closely; I'm sure we've got an exciting season ahead of us."<br />
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From Valtteri, too, there were warm words for his friends and colleagues at Williams: "I had a great seven years there, starting as a test driver in 2010. I'm very proud of what we achieved together and I leave with some very good memories. My debut in F1, my first points and nine podiums all came with the guys and girls at Grove, so I must say a big thanks to everyone and I wish them all the very best for the future."<br />
<br />
As Valtteri now begins a busy week of technical and physical preparations for the new season, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport is pleased to confirm that Nico has accepted an ambassadorial role with the team for 2017.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-59948816833712563642017-01-16T06:45:00.002-08:002017-01-16T06:45:24.825-08:00Q&A with Felipe Massa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Q: You said at the end of last season that you felt it was the right time to retire from Formula One, what has changed?</b><br />
A: My intention was always to race somewhere, as I still have the passion for racing and competing. I also have a strong love for Williams as I have enjoyed the last three years with the team, and therefore coming back to help give stability and experience to drive things forward in 2017 was something that felt right to do.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Could you have looked at other opportunities to stay in Formula One, if you were still open to the idea?</b><br />
A: I have a passion for racing, for competing and for fighting on the track. My return is not about seeing Formula One as the best option, but is about seeing the role at Williams as the best option. I would not have returned for any other team. <br />
<br />
<b>Q: You left the sport on such a high at the end of last season, is there a danger that you won’t get the same reception now you have returned?</b><br />
A: The scenes I saw in Brazil and Abu Dhabi last year are ones that I will never forget. I am so grateful for everything that happened last year and all the kind messages. Whatever happens this season, I will always leave the sport with my head held high.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Do you still have the desire to race in Formula One? </b><br />
A: When I joined Williams back in 2014 I found a team – and a family – that I have loved being a part of. I certainly haven’t lost the desire to race and fight on track. Whatever I would have turned my hand to this year, I would have been putting 100% effort into doing the best job that I can, and if I didn’t have that passion, I would not have agreed to return.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: You have been linked to a number of different race series over the winter, how far had conversations gone? </b><br />
A: Since announcing my retirement last year, I had been assessing my options and there were a number of opportunities presented to me that I could have pursued. However, I have made my decision and therefore this is now my focus.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: How does it feel to be replacing your old teammate Valtteri?</b><br />
A: Going to the current World Champions is a great opportunity for Valtteri. He is a talented racer and it was great working alongside him for three years. I wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Can we assume that money was a factor in your decision to return to Formula One?</b><br />
A: I won’t be discussing figures or any details regarding the negotiations. All I will say is that this was the right decision and I am happy to continue as part of the team.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: What helped make the decision and what factors did you take into consideration?</b><br />
A: I think what happened at the end of last season with Nico’s unexpected retirement sparked a unique turn of events. Valtteri has been offered a fantastic opportunity and, as a result, an opportunity arose for me. When the media began reporting that I might return, I was touched by the response from so many fans who wanted to see me back in the sport. That was certainly a factor in the decision, so I’d like to thank the fans for their support. But, at the end of the day, when I received the call it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. It was Williams!<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Can you confirm this is a one-year deal?</b><br />
A: At present this is a deal for 2017 only and I have not thought beyond.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: What are your thoughts on your new teammate Lance Stroll?</b><br />
Q: I’m looking forward to working with Lance, having known him for a long time. He has proved in the championships he has competed in so far that he deserves this opportunity, and it’s great to welcome new talent into Formula One. Lance may be young, but Williams has a history of bringing young drivers into the sport. He knows there is a steep learning curve ahead, but motorsport is a team sport and I look forward supporting him in any way I can.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: What are your thoughts and hopes for 2017?</b><br />
A: It’s going to be an exciting year with all the regulation changes and I’m going to be spending lots of time with the team now preparing for the season. It’s too soon to make predictions, as we haven’t even turned a wheel. But I can say that I’m very much looking forward to driving the FW40 when testing begins next month.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Williams is celebrating 40 years in Formula One this year, are you looking forward to being part of that?</b><br />
A: Yes, very much. Williams has such a great history in the sport and reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement. I know the team has more plans to celebrate this year and I’m looking forward to being part of them.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-35841136021848140932017-01-16T06:36:00.000-08:002017-01-16T07:32:16.785-08:00OFFICIAL - Felipe Massa to replace Valtteri Bottas for 2017 Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
16/01/2017<br />
Felipe Massa to replace Valtteri Bottas for 2017 Season<br />
<br />
WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING is pleased to confirm that Felipe Massa has agreed to re-join Williams on a one-year deal, coming out of retirement to replace Valtteri Bottas who the team has released to join Mercedes for the 2017 season.<br />
<br />
Felipe will race for a fourth consecutive season with Williams, alongside Lance Stroll who will make his Formula One debut in the 2017 FIA Formula One World Championship.<br />
<br />
Having joined Williams in 2014, Felipe has been instrumental in the team’s improved performance supporting a resurgence to third place in the Constructors’ Championship in his first and second years.<br />
<br />
Speaking about the announcement Felipe Massa said; “Firstly, I am very happy to have an opportunity to return to Williams. I always intended to race somewhere in 2017, but Williams is a team close to my heart and I have respect for everything it is trying to achieve. Valtteri has a great opportunity, given the turn of events over the winter, and I wish him all the best at Mercedes.<br />
<br />
“In turn, when I was offered the chance to help Williams with their 2017 Formula One campaign, it felt like the right thing to do. I certainly have not lost any of my enthusiasm for racing and I’m extremely motivated to be coming back to drive the FW40. The support from my fans over the last few weeks has been a huge boost and I'm grateful for that. I also look forward to working with Lance; I’ve known him for many years and seen his talent develop during that time, so I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”<br />
<br />
Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, said; “I’m delighted that Felipe has agreed to come out of retirement to be a part of our 2017 campaign. With Valtteri having a unique opportunity to join the current Constructors’ Champions, we have been working hard to ensure that an agreement could be made with Mercedes to give Valtteri this fantastic opportunity.<br />
<br />
“Valtteri has been part of the Williams family since 2010 and in that time has proved a huge talent, securing nine podium finishes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of the whole team, and wish him a successful season as he joins Mercedes.<br />
<br />
“Felipe has always been a much-loved member of the Williams family, and having the opportunity to work with him again is something we all look forward to. He was always going to race somewhere in 2017, as he has not lost that competitive spirit, and it was important that we had a strong replacement in order for us to let Valtteri go. Felipe re-joining us provides stability, experience and talent to help lead us forward. He is a great asset for us.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-76415949166930047032016-03-24T06:41:00.002-07:002016-03-24T06:41:59.707-07:00The GPDA vs Bernie - The Letter And Reply!<b><u>The Letter from the GPDA</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Dear Formula One stakeholders, followers and fans,<br />
<br />
The Grand Prix drivers would like to state our following position: We drivers love our sport! Since childhood, we dreamed of racing the fastest race cars from the top teams on the coolest tracks against the best drivers in the world. We seek competition and love F1 almost unconditionally, which makes us most probably the people with the purest interest for Formula One, beside our fans.<br />
<br />
Formula One is currently challenged by a difficult global economic environment, a swift change in fan and consumer behaviour, and a decisive shift in the TV and media landscape. This makes it fundamental that the sport's leaders make smart and well considered adjustments.<br />
<br />
We feel that some recent rule changes - on both the sporting and technical side, and including some business directions - are disruptive, do not address the bigger issues our sport is facing and in some cases could jeopardise its future success. We know that among the leaders of the sport - be it the owners, their representatives, the governing body, the teams or other stakeholders - every individual acts with the very best intentions.<br />
<br />
Therefore, the drivers have come to the conclusion that the decision-making process in the sport is obsolete and ill-structured and prevents progress being made. Indeed, it can sometimes lead to just the opposite, a gridlock. This reflects negatively on our sport, prevents it being fit for the next generation of fans and compromises further global growth.<br />
<br />
We would like to request and urge the owners and all stakeholders of Formula One to consider restructuring its own governance. The future directions and decisions of F1, be they short or long term, sporting, technical or business orientated should be based on a clear master plan. Such plan should reflect the principles and core values of Formula One.<br />
<br />
We need to ensure that F1 remains a sport, a closely-fought competition between the best drivers in extraordinary machines on the coolest race tracks. F1 should be home only to the best teams, drivers and circuits, with partners and suppliers fit for such an elite championship.<br />
<br />
Formula One has undoubtedly established itself as the pinnacle of motorsport and as such one of the most viewed and popular sports around the world. We drivers stand united, offer our help and support for F1 to keep it as such, and further to make it fit and exciting for many years and generations to come.<br />
<br />
It is important to state that this open letter is intended in the best interests of all and should not be seen as blind and disrespectful attack. Thank you for your attention and granting us the liberty to put our thoughts into words.<br />
<br />
Best regards, Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel, Alex Wurz, on behalf of the Grand Prix Drivers<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Reply From Bernie:</u></b><br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Gentlemen,<br />
<br />
I am not sure if this is the right description. It is not always easy to agree with you but you are correct in stating that the decision making process in the sport is obsolete and ill structured.<br />
<br />
We must as you have stated urge the owners and all stakeholders of Formula One to consider restructuring its own governance.<br />
<br />
It is easy to analyse what is wrong so why not think and come back on this. At least it is better to think before you wish.<br />
<br />
I have been in Formula One for nearly fifty years in an active role and another eighteen involved in some way. You state that every individual acts with the very best intentions. I am not sure if this is a misprint. If not, it should read "with their very best intentions".<br />
<br />
Best wishes,<br />
<br />
Bernie<br />
<br />
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p.s. - The picture was't on the letter, it just seemed like the right one to choose to illustrate this :)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-57726265021173543892016-03-22T01:12:00.003-07:002016-03-22T01:12:58.753-07:00UK F1 TV Coverage. #C4F1 vs #SkyF1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
The TV coverage in the UK market has had a bit of a switcheroo this year with the free-to-air coverage switching to commercial broadcaster Channel 4 after 7 years with the BBC.<br />
<br />
Channel 4 will be covering 10 races live with highlights of qualifying and the race on the other 11 weekends whilst Sky have all weekends fully live.<br />
<br />
Channel 4 turned up in Melbourne and innovated, their graphics were cool, the presentation team were laid back and full of facts and opinion. They made full use of a very extensive highlights package so much so it didn't feel like anything from the race had been missed!<br />
<br />
The package felt very slick, the return of the iconic fleetwood mac, 'the chain' was also a big plus point, it's an F1 anthem. If you hear it you instantly think of F1 even if you're not a fan.<br />
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Of course we'll need to see a live broadcast in two weeks time in Bahrain to see if they have truly hit the nail on the head.<br />
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Sky did everything how they always have.. nothing seems to have changed.. apart from the increasing price and decreasing content. Sky have their own F1 channel to fill with F1 programming, however more and more dead air seems to be appearing with endless reruns of 3 year old programmes. The weekly staple F1 show has been cut to only half an hour every race weekend rather than an hour a week.This was for the last few years a chance for fans to get involved with a live studio audience on non-F1 weekends. There is seemingly no new content? You would think that they would want to innovate here and stay ahead of the free-to-air competition, but on the evidence of this weekend, you're not missing anything by waiting for the highlights.<br />
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This comparison will run and run throughout the year, but race weekend one, the points go to C4.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-43661043450919453452016-03-21T01:31:00.001-07:002016-03-21T01:31:53.866-07:00The Failure of Qualifying Knock-out - A Protest By The Teams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been clear for a little while that Bernie wants to spice up the show, he wants better 'entertainment' to get people watching and buying subscriptions to view the racing live. To do this he knows that the current format will not give him crazy races week-in-week-out and has been working to devise ways to change things.<br />
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Firstly you and I both know that lining the cars up in order of the fastest at the front, and the slowest at the back, you're unlikely to see too many position changes as the natural order has already been found. Overtaking in races is usually due to strategy mis-match, errors, or drivers out of position.<br />
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Bernie's original plan was to keep qualifying as it is, but add a success time penalty, so the driver who finishes on pole gets 1 sec added to his time, 2nd place 8 tenths... etc etc etc which would therefore shake up the grid. The pole-sitter would probably start 8th or 9th and it would work a bit like a GP2 reverse grid (without calling it a reverse grid, or just simply reversing the grid because that upset the purists).<br />
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This would create a jumbled up top ten and mean that everyone has to race hard & overtake if they want to win, and occasionally someone who wouldn't usually win might manage to use track position and claim a win. A Williams or a Force India, Or a Toro Rosso maybe? Who wouldn't want to see that?<br />
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Well the teams.. to be precise. They like Qualifying. It's fairly simple, its predictable and works like clockwork. They can prepare their qualifying and race strategy in advance and pretty much have a good idea how everything is going to pay off. One thing they don;t like is Chaos, or of course anything that will make them anti-competitive.<br />
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Desperate for a change Bernie pushed for his qualifying success penalty, but instead the committee voted for a lesser of two evils, the knock-out system. A system they didn't want (as it would throw up variables) but gave enough of a change to make it look like they were trying.<br />
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Trying is exactly what they didn't do come Saturday in Melbourne however. With cars and drivers sat in the garage being eliminated one-by-one looking terrible on TV, 'settling for their position' rather than being racers and constantly trying to better themselves. The teams didn't make a go of it, because they didn't want it. They knew that if they made enough of a bad show, they'd be able to vote back their old comfy blanket of standard qualifying as an emergency. Thus a real power-play behind the scenes, one un-noticed by many is a sign of the teams flexing their collective muscle against Bernie and his plans to create a better 'show'.<br />
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The knock-out qualifying format didn't work as well as expected. Although it certainly could have. Q1 and Q2 were pretty exciting, A few tweaks were needed maybe, and maybe a shorter shoot-out Q3 would have been a simple way to fix but keep this new excitement. Of course all of this is irrelevant as the teams have got their blankets back.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-38233189964959000172016-03-17T01:59:00.005-07:002016-03-17T01:59:45.221-07:00FIA Thursday press conference - AustraliaDRIVERS - Rio Haryanto (Manor), Jolyon Palmer (Renault), Esteban Gutierrez (Haas), Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)<br />
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<b>Daniel Ricciardo, let’s start with you. Here we are, 20 years on from the grand prix moving across from Adelaide to Melbourne, tell us about what a buzz it is for you to showcase your sport once a year here and what it means for the fans in Australia?</b><br />
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<b>Daniel Ricciardo:</b> It’s exciting, definitely. It’s exciting to be racing again in general. But to come here… (coughs)… pardon me, it’s emotional, jeez! It’s cool, you know. Every year that I’ve been here now there’s still an awesome buzz. It’s something that will definitely never get old as long as we keep coming here, as long as I’m racing. So yeah, Melbourne is great, especially when the sun shines. Everyone is super enthusiastic by the race here and there are always cars on track - woken up this morning by the two-seater. They really fill up the schedule and the fans definitely get their money’s worth.<br />
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<b>Your long run performance in particular looked strong during the tests in Barcelona. Do you feel you will be able to compete more perhaps in the race than in qualifying, certainly in the early part of the season at least?</b><br />
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<b>DR:</b> yeah, I think the long pace will be better for us. The short runs are going to be a little more… I think in qualifying we’re probably not going to be as strong but long runs we should be good. Let’s see what happens. I don’t know, time will tell. I’ve been answering these questions all week and you can’t really answer them at the end of the day. On Sunday everyone will see where the real pace is, including us.<br />
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<b>OK. Let’s turn to Esteban - welcome back. Thirty-eight grands prix contested in your two previous seasons in Formula One. You were in the points for Sauber in 2013. How has your period as a Ferrari reserve driver made you a stronger competitor?</b><br />
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<b>Esteban Gutierrez:</b> Well, it was very interesting with this guy in front of me [Sebastian Vettel]. I think in general as an experience it helped a lot in my career being able to observe many things from a different perspective and obviously getting very hungry to get back racing and finally reaching this moment, starting what I love most, to be racing, to be in a race seat.<br />
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<b>How has the build up to the first race gone for Haas? What are the biggest challenges for a star-up team in the sport?</b><br />
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<b>EG:</b> I think the biggest challenge is to really integrate ourselves as a team, because the flow of communication in general… everything is new, there are a lot procedures that need to be defined. I think Barcelona, as a test, was a great experience for the team, a lot of character building. We had some difficult moments, some other good ones and all in all it’s where we need to focus - to be efficient and very dynamic for the development of the following races.<br />
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<b>Rio, coming to you, 23 years old, from Indonesia, one of three rookies in the field. First Formula One driver, more importantly, from Indonesia. Let’s start with that. What’s the response been like and how does it feel to be a pioneer?</b><br />
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<b>Rio Haryanto: </b>Yeah, there’s been tremendous support back home. Obviously to be able to compete in Formula One is a great thing. I’m very proud and I’m sure the whole nation are proud too to have me in Formula One.<br />
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<b>You won races in GP2 and GP3 during your apprenticeship for this opportunity. What are your expectations for this season with Manor?</b><br />
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<b>RH: </b>I’m new to Formula One so there are a lot of things to learn. My expectation is to try to learn as quick as possible and to try to build a good relationship with the team and we’ll see how it goes in the races?<br />
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<b>Ok, coming to another rookie, Jolyon Palmer - welcome. Twenty-five years old, GP2 champion in 2014, you’ve also waited a few years for this opportunity. What’s the best thing about now becoming a Formula One driver?</b><br />
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<b>Jolyon Palmer:</b> Well, racing! It was a bit frustrating last year having a year on the sidelines after GP2, but I learned a lot and it makes it even sweeter to be here racing again. I was out here last year seeing what Melbourne’s all about, did the track walk, was ready to go, but of course as a reserve driver you rarely get the chance. So looking forward to getting behind the wheel for at least an FP2 and an FP3 as well this time.<br />
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<b>Well, it was Lotus last season, the team has now become Renault, so what should we expect from you and this team this season?</b><br />
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<b>JP:</b> Well, it’s difficult to say at this moment. Taking over from Lotus there were a lot of difficulties over the winter, everything was a little bit late. The expectations are pretty low and this year is just about building a foundation. So I think we need to build a solid base and the team has a lot of potential to move forward in the next few years.<br />
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<b>Let’s turn to the world champion - Lewis Hamilton, two-time Australian Grand Prix winner, four time polesitter here in Albert Park, Melbourne. Lewis, you said recently there’s still more to come from you this season. What are you looking for?</b><br />
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<b>Lewis Hamilton:</b> I don’t remember saying that, but OK…<br />
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<b>Let’s presume you did!</b><br />
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<b>LH: </b>Cool. That’s good. I hope there is! I don’t know, I think you are always searching for perfection, always learning, always growing, both inside and outside the sport. I’m just looking forward to that journey. I don’t know what’s to come. I don’t when I’m going to be growing or more, but I guess that’s the same for every single one of us, so that’s what I’m excited about.<br />
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<b>When you say perfection, what do you mean exactly?</b><br />
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<b>LH: </b>You’re always looking for that perfect lap; you’re always looking for the perfect race, you’re always looking to raise the bar every time you go out, because it can always be raised.<br />
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<b>There are quite a few more variables this year due to the regulation changes. Looking at the team radio restrictions in particular, do you think that’s something that could actually play to your strengths - given that you guys are all going to be much more on your own now? Is that something that could work for you?</b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> We’re all in the same boat. Some of us will handle it better than others. I don’t particularly see there being much of be a problem. But is it good? I don’t really know but we’ll manage it the best way we can.<br />
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<b>OK. We’ve heard from the champion, let’s hear from one of his main challengers, Sebastian Vettel, 2011 Australian Grand Prix winner, three-time polesitter here. Sebastian, you know what it takes to win in Formula One, do you and Ferrari have enough to trouble Lewis and Mercedes this year?</b><br />
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<b>Sebastian Vettel:</b> I think we have. Obviously, the question is whether we are ready in time, but we are on a good track, we are making progress, we did so last year, I think we did a step over the winter, but as I said, whether it’s big enough or not I think we need to wait for the first couple of races and see. But for sure our target is to turn things around, but going into this season I don’t think it’s a surprise when I say that Mercedes is still the favourite but, as I said, we try to become the favourites in the future.<br />
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<b>It’s not hard to see where the problem has been, qualifying has been Ferrari’s weakness in recent times, when fighting you and Red Bull in those days and more recently Mercedes - only five poles in the last six seasons, seems astonishing really. So has the team put any particular focus on qualifying pace and unlocking that qualifying pace with this car to give you the tools you need to fight on Sunday?</b><br />
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<b>SV: </b>Well, usually qualifying pace is all about raw pace so I think by trying to make our package quicker, make our car quicker, our engine stronger, we enhance our chances also in qualifying to do well. I don't think there is a big secrete behind it - usually in qualifying, as I said, it’s all about the raw performance of the car and we know that we are still a little bit behind. We have been last year and obviously we try to be a lot closer this year, how close, I don’t know, I don’t have an answer… yet. But we have a plan; we know what we want to do; we know where we want to go, so bit by bit I hope we improve and we’ll be in a better position very soon, with more pole positions under our belt.<br />
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<b>QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR</b><br />
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<b>Q: (Abhishek Takle - Mid-Day) Question to Lewis. Mercedes has ran a lot of miles in testing. From a drivers’ point of view would you have preferred to do some more performance running to feel the ultimate limit of the car?</b><br />
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<b>LH: </b>Definitely. Of course, the performance runs are always the most fun, the long runs are, kind of, long. And less exciting. But we did what we had to do and I guess we went into the testing with a goal of achieving 800km a day. We didn’t actually think we were going to do it so perhaps in hindsight we would have shifted our running. But at the end of the day it suited us perfectly.<br />
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<b>Q: (Flavio Vanetti - Corriere della Sera) To Sebastian, could you describe what could be the point of strength of the new car in the season, and would it be a surprise if you are not as close as you expect to the Mercedes?</b><br />
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<b>SV:</b> Well, we’ve worked very hard. Obviously the project of this year’s car started very early so I think it is definitely a big improvement, big step forward overall. Obviously from the outside it’s easy to see the main differences but I think especially on the inside we’ve done a very, very nice job and it allows us to be, first of all, quicker from the start and also have more chance of improving throughout the year. So that’s good news. Whether it’s good news right from the start, I don’t know. As I said earlier, I don’t know yet. I hope so. We know that our challenge is very, very big, we know that Mercedes in the last two years have built a very, very strong and solid platform for the whole package. Not just the engine but also the car has been very, very strong, in particular last year, and I think it is quite difficult to start the next season with a worse car than you had before. So we know the bar is high, but we’re pushing, pushing very hard.<br />
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<b>Q: (Jon McEvoy - Daily Mail) Lewis, I was wondering, after we saw the video of you riding a bike and filming as you were going along, whether you feel you have any responsibility to, as an example to others, not to do that? Or maybe not…</b><br />
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<b>LH: </b>Not particularly, no. I don’t really have much of an answer for you unfortunately.<br />
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<b>I was just wondering if you think you… you’ve always said you were an example to young dudes. I was wondering if you thought in light of that, this is where you should show an example?</b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> Again, I don’t really have much of an answer for you, so…<br />
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<b>Q: (Lennart Bernke - Bild) Seb, why and when did you decide to name your car after a pizza?</b><br />
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<b>SV:</b> It’s not named after a pizza. It’s a name, first of all. So, I think…<br />
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<b>DR:</b> What’s it called?<br />
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<b>SV: </b>Margherita.<br />
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<b>DR:</b> It’s a cocktail!<br />
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<b>SV: </b>I think if you look up, the first thing that comes it is that it’s a name, not a pizza.<br />
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<b>Why Margherita then?</b><br />
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<b>DR:</b> Because it’s a pizza!<br />
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<b>SV: </b>No, because it’s a drink! No, various reasons. We like the name. Every year we give the car a name. Last year Eva, this year Margherita. We’re happy with that.<br />
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<b>Q: (Daniel Johnson - Daily Telegraph) A question for Seb. A lot’s been made, and people are getting quite excited about the prospect of you versus Lewis for the title and having quite different styles and characters. Lewis, obviously, has his style and uses Snapchat and things like that. I was wondering if you could describe how your… what your style is and whether looking at any of that ever tempts you to get on Snapchat or Twitter or Instagram or any of that?</b><br />
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<b>SV: </b>Up to now I haven’t understood all of the modern technologies fully so I’m sure he can give me some classes but I’m not that interested. I think everyone picks his style, and the things they like. I think we’re all different. Some people like pizza plain - like Margherita - some people like a lot of stuff on top of it. I think that’s a good summary.<br />
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<b>Q: (Alex Popov - NTV/Match TV) For Lewis - but a little bit more of a racing question: it’s about tyre allocation. Because you never used the supersoft of Barcelona, and most of Barcelona testing you and Nico was on medium and here, your personal allocation is just one set of medium and again it’s Pirelli who chose it for the race. Then for supersoft you never train, tomorrow it’s rain forecast so for the race it will be OK?</b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> I think it will be OK. You’re right, we didn’t use the supersoft and, once again, I think once we realised how much mileage we’d done, perhaps in hindsight we may have changed it, who knows? But we’ll face it as we always do. I don’t believe they’ve changed a huge amount with the tyre so I don’t think it’s going to be a big issue for us.<br />
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<b>Q: (Jon McEvoy - Daily Mail) Lewis, are you using a Blackberry or an iPhone?</b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> Both<br />
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<b>Q: (Shane McGuinness - Radio 3AW) Dan, Australian motor racing legend Alan Jones has come out and said that he’d like to see you at Ferrari next year, obviously out of contract this year. Does that become a distraction at all for you and how do you ensure that it doesn’t affect your driving, and bat away these questions during the season? And would you like to be teammates (with Sebastian) again?</b><br />
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<b>DR: </b>I don’t know if Seb wants that, to be honest, so we’ll see. I heard AJ say... or I heard some comments yesterday and got asked the question. Yeah, last year I was asked as well. I honestly can’t... I don’t have much more to say on that. It’s still very early in the season and to give you a boring but honest answer is that I’m just completely focused on this year now and with Red Bull. That’s where it stands. Not exactly out of contract either. Don’t get too excited. I don’t know (if I’d like to be teammates with Sebastian again). Maybe if he joined social media...<br />
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<b>SV:</b> I will not dance with you in the pit lane so if you’re looking for that...<br />
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<b>DR: </b>I’m looking for something more from my team mate. We’ll think of something, eh?<br />
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<b>SV:</b> I can offer you marguerita. I don’t mind Danny, we’ve never had issues. Obviously the year we had together was very good for him, not so good for me. I think that’s one thing that happens on the track but outside the track, which I think is more important when you talk about your team mate, whether you get along or not, we never had - at least I don’t remember... It’s a bit weird when he gets changed but other than that...<br />
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<b>DR:</b> I walk around in my underwear a lot! Get comfortable with that. This question’s gone pear-shaped, hasn’t it? Next question.<br />
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<b>Q: (Abhishek Tackle - Midday) To the front row: everyone says in testing, we’re just testing, we don’t know where we stand, we don’t know anything, but given the simulation and data analysis tools you have these days at your disposal, how good an idea do you have of where you stand relative to each other in the pecking order?</b><br />
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<b>DR:</b> I don’t know. You get an idea, you definitely get an idea. I guess I’ve driven a few years now in F1 and I know what a good car feels like so at least with us I know... at least from testing I can take out that our chassis is pretty good. What’s still an unknown is what Seb and Lewis are saying. Are they hopping out of their car saying this chassis is a lot better than last year’s as well? I still expect them to be the front runners, Ferrari and Mercedes, at the start of the season but me knowing what I know from previous years, yeah, I think we’ve started off with a good chassis and as we’ve done in the past, we can keep improving that. If we can improve that, along with the power unit this year, then by probably the second half of the year we should be able to maybe challenge them but again, it’s still really guesswork, it’s not like numbers, it’s not like they all add up to victory at the end of the day. It’s still a bit inconclusive until we get going, probably the first four or five races.<br />
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<b>SV:</b> The answer’s probably a bit more accurate than that. I think Mercedes are the favourites going in, they seem to be very reliable but also very quick in Barcelona. I think we are closer than last year, especially in the race. Then I think Toro Rosso has made a massive step. They had a very strong car last year but probably with the Ferrari engine this year they will be quite a bit stronger. Daniel touched on it himself and some of you touched on his long run pace, they looked very strong for the race. I think Esteban and Team Haas could surprise and the others are a bit unknown I would say.<br />
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<b>LH: </b>I agree with what they’ve said. I think this year that the whole pack looks like it’s a little bit closer but personally I think that they’ve got something up their sleeve this weekend. I think Ferrari are going to be a lot closer than they talk about, than just arriving on a low but going to deliver high.<br />
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<b>Q: Do you welcome that?</b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> Absolutely.<br />
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<b>Q: (Chris Lines - AP) Question for the back row: are points achievable for you this year and how soon do you think you might be in a position to challenge for points?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>EG:</b> Well, it’s very ambitious as a new team to arrive and set a target to score points but we will work very hard to achieve that. It’s definitely the way we want to go. I think initially it’s very important to keep our feet on the ground, make sure that we run smoothly during the weekend and if we accomplish that this weekend we can get out in a very happy mood. Obviously we have everything to gain so achieving points would be something extraordinary.<br />
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<b>JP: </b>I think for us it’s definitely a goal for us to be in the points at some point in the season. I think that if we can start off with a solid base this weekend then I think we’ve got good potential to improve over the course of the season and so definitely, we hope to be in the points.<br />
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<b>Q: Rio, it looks like Manor have made quite a big step forward in performance from last year to this year. Is that giving the team confidence that they will be in the points regularly?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>RH:</b> Yeah, definitely. It’s a much better package that we have in comparison to last year and that’s the goal, to score points. We don’t know when but we’ll try our best every race as the races will be long and let’s see what we can do.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-90825191698998222842016-03-17T01:17:00.001-07:002016-03-17T01:17:09.290-07:00Red Bull confirm Aston Martin Technical Partnership<div style="text-align: start;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Advanced Technologies announce new Innovation Partnership with Aston Martin to create next generation hypercar</strong></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Red Bull Racing and British luxury sports car brand Aston Martin are today announcing a partnership which sees Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey and Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman collaborate to produce a ground-breaking Aston Martin hypercar.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Codenamed Project ‘<strong>AM-RB 001</strong>’, the new hypercar will represent the ultimate blend of cutting edge F1 technology with Aston Martin’s signature sports car design. The combined talents of Newey, widely noted as the most successful Formula One designer of all time, and Reichman, Aston Martin’s design chief since 2005, are set to produce the ultimate hypercar.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Combining the strongest elements of Red Bull Racing, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and Aston Martin, this new Innovation Partnership unites the world’s best aerodynamicists, composite experts and manufacturing masters. All the parties offer different elite capabilities ensuring that Project ‘AM-RB 001’ promises to be an exciting prospect for customers and enthusiasts around the world. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner said of the new partnership: “This is a very exciting project for everyone at Red Bull Racing. Through this Innovation Partnership the iconic Aston Martin logo will return to grand prix racing for the first time since 1960, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, led by Adrian, will be using Formula One DNA to produce the ultimate of all road cars. It’s an incredible project and also realises a dream and vision long held by Adrian to design a road car. We are very much looking forward to what I’m certain will be a successful partnership.”</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Formula One offers the ultimate global stage to build wider awareness of the Aston Martin brand. However, this partnership will deliver even more than that when the hypercar that Aston Martin and Adrian Newey are in the process of developing hits the road. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Between Q by Aston Martin Advanced, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and project partner AF Racing AG, we are going to create a car that will excite and stir the imaginations of the car designers of the future and a global audience of sports car enthusiasts. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“These are exciting times for Aston Martin and arriving hot on the heels of our DB11 launch earlier this month, this new partnership underlines that our brand really is racing again.” </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Having an illustrious Formula One career spanning nearly 30 years, and as the designer of ten World Championship winning Formula One cars, the partnership represents a new challenge for Red Bull Racing’s Adrian Newey. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“From the age of six I have had two goals in life – to be involved in the design of racing cars, and to be involved in the design of a super car.” Newey commented. “Whilst the former ambition went on to form my career to date, the latter has always bubbled away, resulting in countless sketches and doodles over the years.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“The opportunity to now develop and realise those ideas whilst working with Marek and his colleagues from Aston Martin is tremendously exciting. It allows us to translate the technology we have developed in F1 into a new arena.”</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As the designer of cars such as the Aston Martin DB11 - which was revealed earlier this month at the Geneva International Motor Show - the Aston Martin Vulcan and the One-77, Marek Reichman holds the key to the unmistakable design language of the modern era of Aston Martins. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“We are in the process of developing a hypercar that combines the latest in aerodynamics from F1 and the stunning design language of an Aston Martin sports car,” said Reichman. “The opportunity to collaborate with Adrian (Newey) and Red Bull Advanced Technologies will be a fascinating experience for everyone involved. Unconstrained by F1TM regulations, we have a unique chance to create a car in its most efficient form that will represent the ultimate fusion of art and technology.”</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To celebrate the partnership between Aston Martin, Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the RB12s will carry the iconic Aston Martin wings logo throughout the 2016 season, making their debut at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAaeDRkcjFbosy-PW7ecqj7PCLkJfqHxzmhUWhXUUih3O5ggnXuD0Q2JTy1HdcT1kCbGlT3Yyuhm90AwFB5q8n77j2u8SnBOY8L4bZDsKY8AF3C85ngQB8HcF6acqWni8E4p6HRFjog0/s640/blogger-image--665251561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAaeDRkcjFbosy-PW7ecqj7PCLkJfqHxzmhUWhXUUih3O5ggnXuD0Q2JTy1HdcT1kCbGlT3Yyuhm90AwFB5q8n77j2u8SnBOY8L4bZDsKY8AF3C85ngQB8HcF6acqWni8E4p6HRFjog0/s640/blogger-image--665251561.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-12082316386370112722016-03-16T05:09:00.000-07:002016-03-16T05:09:06.286-07:00The new Renault RS.16 With its 2016 Livery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-80669572199457045642016-03-14T09:06:00.001-07:002016-03-14T09:06:53.417-07:00Williams Appoints Paul di Resta as Reserve Driver for 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING is pleased to announce Paul di Resta as its official Reserve Driver for the 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship season.<br />
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Paul made his Formula One debut in 2009 as a test driver with Force India Formula One Team, after winning the European Formula 3 Championship in 2006. Paul subsequently secured the DTM title in 2010 and in 2011 made his Formula One race debut with Force India where he spent three seasons with the team, scoring a total of 121 points.<br />
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Paul will spend extensive time with the team at races to ensure he is fully accustomed to the controls and procedures of the Williams Mercedes FW38, should he be required to step into the cockpit during the season. He will also spend time integrating himself into the team with some simulator sessions to ensure he is fully prepared for his role this season.<br />
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Speaking about his new role Paul said: “I am delighted to be joining Williams as reserve driver and look forward to the 2016 season. It will be a busy year combining both driving in DTM with Mercedes AMG, and attending the Formula One Grands Prix in my new reserve driver role. I will be giving my full support to both and look forward to the exciting possibilities the year has ahead. I would like to thank Claire and Williams for the opportunity to be part of the team.”<br />
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Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal of WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING added: “We are delighted to welcome someone with Paul’s experience to the team. Having competed in 58 Formula One races throughout his career Paul’s racing knowledge will be invaluable. We are also confident that given his recent Formula One and current DTM experience Paul will be able to confidently step into the FW38 and assist with our 2016 campaign.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-31942843740237210502016-03-14T09:02:00.001-07:002016-03-14T09:07:09.956-07:00Mark Smith Leaves Sauber!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Only a few days to go until the opening race of the season in Melbourne, Australia. The Sauber F1 Team have announced the departure of one of their key staff Mark Smith.<br />
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Team Statement:<br />
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Hinwil, 14th March 2016 – The Technical Director of the Sauber F1 Team, Mark Smith, has decided to go back to the UK for family reasons. He has already left the company.<br />
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We would like to thank Mark for his efforts and we wish him all the best for his future.<br />
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One wonders if this has anything to do with the current financial situation at the swiss team?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-3959950141318804842016-03-08T06:45:00.003-08:002016-03-08T06:45:46.110-08:00Australian Grand Prix 2016 - Pirelli Tyre Choices by Driver <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-87290551900736919472016-03-08T02:44:00.001-08:002016-03-08T02:44:46.748-08:00Interview With C4F1's David Coulthard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>You’re part of Channel 4’s new F1® presenting team. What will your role be?</b></div>
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My role will be to co-commentate on races and provide expert analysis at each Grand Prix. </div>
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<b>What do you enjoy about commentating and punditry?</b></div>
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I’ve always enjoyed the sport and been watching it as long as I can remember, back in the days when I was a wee lad in Scotland. I looked to the television to be my commentary and insight. When I’m doing commentary on F1® I don’t think I’m talking to the engineering expert or the analyst student, I think I’m talking to the young version of me, male and female, who want to know more about it. I want to try and explain it in a way that is understandable and acceptable to all. </div>
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<b>You are also one of the owners of the production company that is making the programme. Does that mean you’re more involved in all the other aspects of production as well?</b></div>
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Yes. I’m consulted, advised and asked my opinion on a number of things we do in the business, in the same way that when I was a race driver you trust in your team. We’ve built an exciting team around it, with some that have more experience than others but all with the desire, energy and focus to make good television. Like any good business, you know you’re in a good place when you don’t have to micro-manage and you trust your team.</div>
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<b>What can you tell us about the coverage? What will you do differently?</b></div>
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The essence of the race - the raw footage that everyone gets, the live image - we can only add commentary to and two or three replays, but we know Channel 4 are committed to having this live, uninterrupted and with no adverts. It’s fantastic for the fans. We are a talent team with some having more experience that others, some have had more success than others and some have more broadcast experience than others. We can really tap into each of their unique points of view and try to give as broad and diverse a coverage as possible.</div>
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<b>What are you looking forward to about the experience?</b></div>
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Naturally, having an involvement in the company that have been given the opportunity by Channel 4 to produce, this is exciting. It’s what we have been working towards over the last several years. It doesn’t fundamentally change my role on the track. I worked with Mark Wilkin at the BBC and he is a very experienced guy. It’s his responsibility to make sure the show goes on air and that everyone is performing their role. In the moments when we are delivering content live, the captain will remain in control. </div>
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<b>How heavily involved were you in recruiting the rest of the presenting team?</b></div>
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Yeah I was involved. We certainly discussed which people we thought would be good and available. It was part of my role to go out and make contact and negotiate the opportunity for them to be available.</div>
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<b>Do you think it’s important for F1® to have a presence on terrestrial TV?</b></div>
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Totally, I said this before I even left the BBC, for me it would have been shocking if Formula 1® had left free-to-air television. I think its fantastic Channel 4 have taken this opportunity, it’s a clear statement of intent. It’s one of the biggest global sports in the world, there’s a hard-core fan base in the UK, not only because most of the teams are based in the UK, but also because Britain has a highly talented workforce and creative population that responds to seeing technologies – whether it be mechanics or engineering or aerodynamics. To not be able to celebrate through free-to-air television and to give the next generation the opportunity to be inspired, when you consider that the business turns over billions in the UK and employs tens of thousands of people, would just be inconceivable.</div>
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<b>Who’s your tip for the title this season?</b></div>
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The safe bet is on Hamilton and Mercedes. The slightly longer odds would be Rosberg and Mercedes, and then just to spice it up a bit, the outsider, I guess, would be Vettel. I don’t think Ferrari have the chance to win the constructors’ title, I could be wrong of course, but I just don’t see Raikkonen performing as consistently as Vettel, who was in the championship battle for quite a long time or certainly had a chance to get second until quite late on into the season last year, so he’s got the potential to be a thorn in the side of Mercedes. The other teams are still playing catch-up because of power unit issues.</div>
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<b>Which will be the strongest team?</b></div>
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Mercedes. They’ve had an incredible winter of testing, clocking thousands of kilometres and have good reliability and of course good speed, again.</div>
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<b>Who should we keep an eye out for as a surprise package?</b></div>
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Before we saw them even test, I thought Haas could be the surprise, not in terms of having the chance to win but in terms of being one of the best-prepared new teams to Formula 1®. They’ve really taken their time, they’ve bought everything they possibly can from Ferrari, and they’ve limited the areas that they can get wrong by being an independent manufacturer. They do seem to have had some teething problems in testing, in terms of running the car reliably, so it may take them a while to get up to speed. Outside of that, it’s just a question of who is battling for third. Is it Williams? Is it Red Bull? Are McLaren working their way back with two great drivers – Button and Alonso – can they really start to recover from the rock-bottom of last year?</div>
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<b>Which track has the happiest memories for you?</b></div>
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I’m proud to have won what I consider the classic races – Monaco, Silverstone, Spa, Monza – it was nice to have the chance to stand at the top of the podium. Silverstone is a special place, it’s the home of the British Grand Prix. To have won there a couple of times is something I’m very proud of. When I go there to commentate I still stay in the BRDC (British Racing Drivers’ Club) in my motorhome like I used to do when I was a driver.</div>
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<b>Do you miss racing in F1®?</b></div>
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No, I had my time and my journey, and I gave everything that I could to make the best of my opportunity. I live for today, I enjoyed that phase, I have other things in my life right now, which still gives me the chance to enjoy Formula 1® and be part of it. I don’t win the races anymore but I don’t lose them either.</div>
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<b>Who was the best driver you ever raced against?</b></div>
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Statistically that would be Michael Schumacher, because he won more races and championships than anyone else in Formula 1®. I was teammates with Mika Hakkinen for seven years, and he was an incredibly fast and talented driver. He was very fair, and that’s something that stands out. I was teammates with Kimi Raikkonen for two years, but he was younger and quieter at the time, he had great speed, but maybe not quite the same work ethic as Mika. It would probably have to be Michael Schumacher, he is the most successful in history. If you enter a sport, you’d rather reflect on competing against people who are considered the best in history, rather than having what could be considered a weak season and winning the championship. That’s how I view it, others would take the view of “a championship is a championship”, and I respect that, but I would rather have finished second to the best, than win against an average driver. </div>
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<b>It’s important for sports to attract new fans. What would you say to someone who had never watched a F1® race?</b></div>
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It’s the pinnacle of automotive technology. It’s the fastest form of closed-circuit racing and it deploys the latest technology that is currently available and a lot of the technology you take for granted on your road car was developed for Formula 1® in the past. So if you are someone that likes to be up to date with the latest gadget, and embrace technology and what it brings to your everyday life, well that is what Formula 1® is in sporting terms and in car terms.</div>
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From the Channel 4 Press office</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-16638568851700019872016-03-08T02:42:00.001-08:002016-03-08T02:42:33.676-08:00Interview With C4F1's Mark Webber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bmAj7CLwzuitt2864XM1WxrFH4VA1HdKI9Yr9H7mo1Fg9KkzrN1VV7TsgG5ChUtBQcp0MTKiaU7KpeN1gBLKPHI4KP8UtXLUHeQGg3dIZlbU6BanVyupnwOWJqjIX7CDGket9Wo0B3w/s1600/C4F1+Mark+Webber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bmAj7CLwzuitt2864XM1WxrFH4VA1HdKI9Yr9H7mo1Fg9KkzrN1VV7TsgG5ChUtBQcp0MTKiaU7KpeN1gBLKPHI4KP8UtXLUHeQGg3dIZlbU6BanVyupnwOWJqjIX7CDGket9Wo0B3w/s320/C4F1+Mark+Webber.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>You’re part of Channel 4’s new Formula 1® presenting team. What’s your role on the show?</b><br />
Punditry alongside David. I really enjoy relaying the expert opinion from the cockpit – what the drivers are going through, what the teams are going through putting the weekends together, the stress and the pressure of Formula 1®, from an expert view. I suppose I’m in a position to do that.<br />
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<b>Have you got much in the way of punditry experience so far?</b><br />
Yeah, I’ve done a bit of work for the BBC, I’ve done quite a lot of work with Channel 10 in Australia over the years, mainly in motorsport. I’ve done a little bit of motorbikes endure-cross with Red Bull TV, which was awesome.<br />
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<b>So do you have ambitions to do other sports?</b><br />
I think it really comes across well if you know what you’re talking about. It’s obviously natural for us to be talking about motorsport, we’re confident, we have a position, and that flows out reasonably naturally. I’d be wary of going in cold on other sports. I’m fascinated by other sports – I love listening to expert opinion, whether it’s John McEnroe or the football punditry, those guys breaking it down and explaining it in a really good way, the same with the cricket, explaining what the guys are going through. I love listening and learning from that, but whether you can cross over now that there are so many good guys filling those roles – you really need to be on top of your subject.<br />
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<b>What’s it going to be like working alongside David Coulthard?</b><br />
David and I have known each other for over 15 years, and we’ve always got on well. I think both coming from the countryside – a Scottish lad and a guy from the Outback – we’ve always got on really well. We were teammates together as well, we know each other very intimately on a professional level as well. I learned a lot off David in the middle part of my career – how to use the resources and use the people around you. He’s an absolute professional. And he’s like that now, with his other ventures and other businesses. I’ve enjoyed working with him in the past, and I’ll look forward to working with him on this new challenge.<br />
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<b>Do you think it’s important for Formula 1® to be available on terrestrial TV, to be free-to-air?</b><br />
Yeah, absolutely. Not everyone can afford to pay for sports channels, and Formula 1®, like all sports, has such tradition of being available for free, people just didn’t expect to have to pay for it. I think that’s still the template that people like to work off. The newer generation maybe feel a bit differently, but we’ve got a very broad demographic following our sport, and in many cases they don’t want to pay for it.<br />
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<b>Who are the men to watch for the title this season?</b><br />
I think it’s between three guys – Lewis, Nico and Sebastian. I think that Lewis slightly has the edge, from form and previous championships, but Nico is more than capable of doing it. He’s got to put the 12 months together, which is not easy against Lewis. And I just think that Ferrari are not quite there, in terms of the whole set of demands that are required to pull a championship together against Mercedes. But the thing that may help Seb is that internal team rivalry between Lewis and Nico – that might pull them around a little bit on points. But he has a tough gig against Mercedes, they are a very tough gig, and their testing looks good as well, so far.<br />
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<b>So you wouldn’t look beyond Mercedes as the strongest team?</b><br />
Definitely not. I think operationally, and in terms of resources, we can look at the stopwatch, that’s one thing, but when you get into the guts of the season, when you have to be out in the first practise session, when you have to be out in qualifying, when you have to have strong procedures in the race, they’re just so strong, they’ve got such a solid backbone at the moment. I think they’re demonstrating that with gusto in testing, they’re showing how well they’re prepared, with their systems and everything. It’s absolutely boring as hell talking about that type of thing, but that’s what executes results. On top of that, they have a fast car.<br />
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<b>Every season throws up a surprise package – who should we keep an eye out for this season?</b><br />
It’s not fair to say that Red Bull would be a surprise, but I think that if they can find some more power, they can come back in to win. We all crave Williams returning to some sort of form. But you’ve still got to look at someone like Max Verstappen for me. He’s in his second year, which can be harder than your first year, because everyone is giving you praise and credit and giving you pats on the back in your first season – second season, they’re expecting you to perform. We’ll see how Max deals with that. But think that Torro Rosso with Max is something to watch. And Force India as well – watch them. I think they could start pretty well. It’s a bit like a smaller football club. Eventually the ones with the bigger squads will overhaul them, but early in the season, with a lean, resourceful team, Force India could do something with that Mercedes power.<br />
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<b>You’ll obviously be revisiting the tracks this season. Which one holds the happiest memories for you?</b><br />
If you’re a golfer, you can’t say “I only like par threes, I really don’t like par fives.” As drivers, It’s our job to like as many of the venues as possible. From the tracks specifically, there’s loads out there I liked. When you then look at the accommodation and the whole event, if you want to bring that into it, there are different challenges within that. I loved my home race in Australia. I never got a great result there, which was a shame, but I really loved the Melbourne Grand Prix – it’s very well put together, a cracking location next to the sea, and it’s the first round of the season, so everyone’s excited to see what’s going to unfold. Monet Carlo was always sensational. In terms of the tracks, Monte Carlo and Suzuka were two of the hardest tracks on the circuit. And then if you want to look for the passion and the sheer intensity of the fans, Sao Paolo was always a very intimate and close event. The British Prix, too – it’s like a second home race for me, you always get 100,000 fans there – the English buy their tickets six months in advance and turn up rain, hail or shine.<br />
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<b>What’s the adjustment like when you stop racing F1®? Did you find it difficult?</b><br />
In the end, for me, it was reasonably straightforward. It’ a phenomenal sport, I really, really loved it. The hardest thing for me to walk away from was the intensity of working every day with really great people, who would drive you on every day, and improve you as a person and a driver. The whole adrenaline, the speed, the risk-taking, I don’t miss a huge amount. I felt I’d got the timing of my decision right. But I miss the glue of the team culture. I have something similar with Porsche now – I’m racing for them in the Sports Car Championship. You can’t just turn the tap straight off. If you stopped completely – which some guys do – it’s really difficult.<br />
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<b>Who was the best driver you raced against?</b><br />
Probably Michael. He was unbelievably fast, had incredible feel for the car. I raced against loads of guys like that, but the extra vital layer that Michael had was discipline and work ethic. I had the second part, but I didn’t have the first part the way he did. You talk about the three different surfaces in tennis – we have to deal with that tenfold in terms of rain, the start of the track, tyres, there are so many different scenarios, and Michael was just excellent with every single one. He had so many strings to his bow.<br />
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<b>How would you rate him in the all-time list?</b><br />
That’s a conversation for a bar, with plenty of wine! You’ve got your Fangios, Stewarts, Sennas and Schumachers. What someone like Ayrton Senna did for the sport – he was such a fascinating character, and that bought a whole new number of people into our sport. He was so unpredictable and fascinating. Jackie Stewart was a different brand himself, as was Fangio. But those are the top four for me – then you’ve got guys like Lauda and Prost.<br />
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<b>Any sport needs to attract new fans. What would you say to someone who’s never watched F1®?</b><br />
It’s man and machine against each other and against the clock. It’s full of fantastic characters, and we go to unbelievable venues and tracks. It’s really, really exciting stuff.<br />
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From Channel 4's Press Office</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-66292759039803178802016-03-08T02:40:00.003-08:002016-03-08T02:40:30.899-08:00Interview With C4F1's Susie Wolff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>You were a F1® test driver until a few months ago. For the uninitiated, what does that job involve?</b><br />
Working with team to develop the car and extract the optimum performance out of it. This included lots of simulator work at the factory, test sessions out on track and giving detailed feedback.<br />
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<b>In 2014, you became the first woman to take part in a F1® race weekend in 22 years, taking to the track in both the British and German Grand Prix. How did that feel?</b><br />
At the time it was the natural progression in my career and I felt proud as a racing driver because it was always my goal to make it to F1®. My first lap out on track at Silverstone was special, as a British driver, racing for the most successful British F1® team at the British GP - it was a special moment.<br />
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<b>Was F1® the highlight of your career?</b><br />
F1® is the pinnacle of motorsport so yes, it was the highlight of my career although I also enjoyed seven years as a Mercedes Benz driver in the German Touring Car Championship.<br />
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<b>Why did you decide to retire in November?</b><br />
It came from a gut feeling - it was time to move on. I had got as far as I could in F1® and, as a sports person, you always have to know when your time is up. For me, I was ready for new challenges and I wanted to start the next chapter of my life.<br />
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<b>How are you adjusting to post-racing life?</b><br />
I am certainly missing the adrenaline and competition but not the strenuous fitness regime that was required. I have been working on a number of projects, one of which is a new initiative called Dare To Be Different launched together with The Motor Sports Association. Our main aim with the initiative is to drive female talent. It’s an ambitious and long-term project, but we hope to change perceptions and inspire the next generation of girls to know that motorsport is an option for them, on and off the track.<br />
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<b>You’ve raced with David Coulthard before. What will it be like presenting alongside him?</b><br />
David was my team mate in the German Touring Car Championship, I admire him as a driver and I’m looking forward to working with him as part of the Channel 4 team.<br />
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<b>What do you think you can bring to the team this season?</b><br />
Knowledge. I tested the F1® car on numerous occasions last year. I know the tracks, the teams and key personnel within the paddock.<br />
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<b>What is the track you are most looking forward to presenting from and why?</b><br />
The British GP as the fans always make this a special weekend.<br />
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<b>You had a successful racing career yourself, do you think it is about time there were some female F1® drivers?</b><br />
I personally would love to see it happen. I couldn’t manage it but have always said I would help the next generation. There are a couple of very promising female drivers who I am mentoring, it would make me very proud to see one of them make the jump up into F1® if the opportunity arose. Don’t also forget that off track we have many successful women within the paddock. It’s changing in an organic way - no-one put any quotas out there, no-one said they needed more females, they are simply there because they are the best for the job. We are progressing in a positive way and the women who are at the visible end of F1® can then inspire the next generation.<br />
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<b>Who’s your tip for the title this season?</b><br />
Based on pre-season testing, I think Mercedes but it could be a tougher fight with Ferrari which will be fascinating for us all to watch.<br />
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From the Channel 4 Press Office</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-83087524071182994262016-03-08T02:36:00.001-08:002016-03-08T02:36:14.124-08:00Interview With C4F1's Steve Jones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>You’re fronting Channel 4’s F1® coverage. What exactly will your role be on the show?</b><br />
My role as host, is one of constant curiosity. I'll be asking the questions our viewers at home are thinking to the teams and drivers alike. As well as teasing the very best analysis from the C4 panel of experts.<br />
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<b>How long have you been following F1® for?</b><br />
I've been dipping in and out for years. My rule of thumb is, if I'm in the house and there are a group of men driving at 200mph, around a track, seemingly with no regard for their own personal safety - I'm going to watch that! Admittedly I never expected to end up fronting F1® coverage so I've been watching with a greater sense of urgency lately. I might be the layman on the show but I want to know my Toto's from my Monisha's.<br />
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<b>What are your earliest memories of F1®?</b><br />
My Grandad was a big F1® fan so watching Mansell take the World Title in 92 is the most vivid.<br />
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<b>Who have been your favourite drivers over the years?</b><br />
I like the bad boys like Hunt, Senna and Raikkonen but in truthfulness Mansell's moustachioed stoicism is where my heart lies....probably my Granddad's influence playing a part there.<br />
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<b>What about your favourite F1® presenters?</b><br />
Much like everybody else, for me, Murray Walker will always be the face and voice of F1®...but I must say Ben Edwards has the voice and the passion to be a worthy successor. He's the perfect balance to Coulthard's constant insouciance.<br />
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<b>You’ve worked on some big shows in the past – why did you want to make the jump into sports presenting?</b><br />
Quite simply - I was asked. I've hosted every kind of show you can think of in the entertainment world, so the prospect of a new challenge 14 years into my career was too good to pass up.<br />
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<b>What are the key differences between the genres?</b><br />
Entertainment generally has a solid structure and format. Answer these questions and get a prize, or sing this song and get a recording contract. In F1® anything can happen, it's constantly changing from one moment to the next. What you see on the screen is only part of the story, so much happens behind the scenes and it'll be myself and the team's job to ferret out that information and present it to the viewers. Also the added jeopardy of there being no script and no autocue, means you have to react in the moment. That's an extremely exciting and terrifying recipe.<br />
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<b>Obviously you’ll be surrounded by a huge amount of knowledge in the presenting team. Are you doing some serious swatting up to keep up with them?</b><br />
I dream in F1®...no joke. My wife told me I woke up recently screaming Bernie Ecclestone's name....joke!<br />
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<b>Who are you most looking forward to working with and why?</b><br />
I've been spending a lot of time with David Coulthard. Romantic dinners, walks in the park, washing each other’s hair, things like that. So I'm very much looking forward to exploring our on camera relationship. Plus of course Eddie Jordan is an enigma I can’t wait to explore.<br />
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<b>What is your favourite race of the season and why?</b><br />
There are a few - Singapore at night is awesome. I love the fact there are motorways above the track and you can see people driving home from work or heading out to the shops as Lewis and the gang tear up the ground beneath them. I can’t wait to soak up the incredible enthusiasm and excitement of the Japanese in Japan. But the jewel in the crown for me (and my wife as she has already called dibs on attending) is of course Monaco. It's pointless explaining why, because everybody already knows.<br />
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<b>F1® fans are absolutely passionate about their sport. What can they expect from Channel 4’s coverage?</b><br />
Everything they've become accustomed to and more. We will be in more places, talking to more people than ever before and we are still planning some big, spectacular films, exploring F1®, and the people involved and the stories that are always in the news. Channel 4's support in terms of airtime is fantastic, so the programmes will be slightly longer than previously, so we won't miss a thing throughout the season.<br />
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<b>How important is it for the sport to have a terrestrial presence?</b><br />
Hugely important. Obviously "free" is better than "not free" and when it's available to all, everyone can enjoy it! The more people watch F1® the greater the long term chance of survival for the sport.<br />
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<b>Who is your tip for the title this season?</b><br />
We are half way through testing in Barcelona and already Mercedes are looking formidable. Hopefully Ferrari can sprinkle a little fairy dust on their cars to close the gap between Merc and the best of the rest, and if there's any leftover maybe they could give some to McLaren. It would be great to see two McLaren World Champions in with a chance of the podium again. The public deserve to have them racing at the front.<br />
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<b>Will you be pushing for a Welsh Grand Prix in the future? If so, where would it take place?</b><br />
Well we have the passion and the means. The Circuit of Wales in Blaenau Gwent is a fantastic facility which could easily be upgraded to host F1®. So a Valleys boy can dream. <br />
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From the Channel 4 Press Office</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-16345018054388695832016-03-08T02:33:00.002-08:002016-03-08T02:33:29.305-08:00Channel 4 Reveals Coverage Details and Presentation Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Coulthard, Webber, Wolff, Chandhok, Senna and Prost part of C4 line-up</em></div>
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<em>Free-to-air broadcaster’s team celebrates diversity and F1® experience</em></div>
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<em>Guy Martin and David Coulthard head-to-head race to kick off C4 coverage</em></div>
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Channel 4 today unveiled its presenting team for the 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship™ which celebrates the diversity of motor racing and includes some of the biggest legends in Formula 1®. The line-up includes experienced drivers David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Alain Prost, Alex Zanardi, Susie Wolff, Karun Chandhok, Eddie Jordan and Bruno Senna; alongside seasoned live presenters and journalists Steve Jones, Ben Edwards and Lee McKenzie.</div>
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13-times Grands Prix winner and experienced broadcaster, David Coulthard will be the lead expert analyst and commentator and will front Channel 4’s coverage at every Grand Prix of the season alongside consummate live presenter and lifetime F1® fan, Steve Jones.</div>
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Coulthard will be joined for Channel 4’s live races by expert analysts Mark Webber, whose career spans 12 seasons and nine Grands Prix wins, and Scottish racing driver Susie Wolff, who was until recently a Williams F1 test driver and in 2014 became the first woman in over 20 years to take part in a Grand Prix weekend.</div>
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Formula Asia Championship winner and former GP2 Series driver Karun Chandhok takes the role of Technical Analyst and will grill team bosses and engineers and commentate from the pit lane; with former BBC F1® team member Lee McKenzie as a reporter. Race commentary alongside Coulthard will be led by former-BBC and Eurosport team member, Ben Edwards.</div>
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A range of motorsport legends will be part of the wider presenting team across the 2016 World Championship season including: four-times F1® World Champion, Alain Prost; former racing driver, team boss and BBC analyst, Eddie Jordan; former F1®, World Touring Car driver and gold-medal winning Paralympian Alex Zanardi; British Touring Car driver Nic Hamilton; and FIA Endurance Championship race driver and nephew of three-time F1® World Champion Ayrton Senna, Bruno Senna.</div>
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Additionally, one of the icons of motor sport on television, Murray Walker will give his unique insight into the world of F1® as he interviews some of the stars of the sport. And current Renault driver Jolyon Palmer who is embarking on his first year in F1®, will provide his unique perspective from the race track with a regular column at <a href="http://www.channel4.com/f1" style="color: red !important; text-decoration: none;">www.channel4.com/f1</a>.</div>
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Unveiling the new team, Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt said: “This is the dream team – we've brought together the very best in screen and off screen talent to make Channel 4's coverage unmissable.”</div>
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David Coulthard said: “I’m very proud to be a part of this exciting line up which will give F1 fans who choose to watch the most creative and innovative free-to-air coverage of the season a totally fresh perspective. This season promises to be the most competitive for years and viewers can look forward to extensive coverage of all the races, expert punditry, unrivalled paddock and pit access as well as exhilarating stunts and features throughout to bring the audience right into the heart of the race action."</div>
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To launch its F1® coverage, Channel 4 will broadcast a special programme with motorbike racer and lorry mechanic, Guy Martin and David Coulthard as they go head-to-head, pitting Guy’s Tyco BMW Superbike against David’s V8 Red Bull racing car in a test of speed never seen at Silverstone before. The adrenalin fuelled challenges include a drag race, a brake test, a slalom, a full circuit race – and physical and mental tests in the pit garages. This one-off programme produced by North One Television will be broadcast on Thursday 17th March at 9pm ahead of the first race weekend.</div>
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Amongst the features included in the first weekend’s race coverage will be McLaren and Jenson Button dropping into the heart of the action at Melbourne with a little help from the RAF – while Channel 4’s presenters put celebrities through their paces on the tracks, including Susie Wolff’s heart-pumping rides around Brands Hatch with British boxer and former world champion David Haye and actor and comedian Johnny Vegas, amongst others.</div>
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As part of a three-year deal from 2016-2018 with Formula One World Championship Limited, Channel 4 will broadcast live coverage of ten Grands Prix – without advertising breaks during the main races – including practice and qualifying sessions each season. Channel 4 will broadcast extensive highlights of all 21 races, including those broadcast by Sky Sports. Coverage will begin across the weekend of 18th-20th March with build-up and comprehensive highlights coverage of the 2016 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend. The channel’s first live race will be the 2016 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix broadcast over the weekend of 1st-3rd April.</div>
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Channel 4’s F1® coverage will be produced by experienced independent sports production company, Whisper Films – set up by former BBC Sport F1® producer, Sunil Patel, David Coulthard, and presenter Jake Humphrey.</div>
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Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain will be the title track of Channel 4’s F1® coverage ensuring this iconic tune remains the theme tune of Formula One on TV. Bespoke titles for each race weekend will be created by Oscar and BAFTA award-winning British VFX company, Framestore, who won an Academy Award for their critically acclaimed visual effects work on sci-fi space thriller, Gravity.</div>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Channel 4 Regular', Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px;"></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Channel 4 Regular', Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px;"></span><em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Channel 4 Regular', Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px;"></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Channel 4 Regular', Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px;"></span><em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Channel 4 Regular', Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px;"></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Channel 4 Regular', Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px;"></span><em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Channel 4 Regular', Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px;"></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Channel 4 Regular', Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px;"></span><br />
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Kayak, the travel search engine tool, is Channel 4’s official F1® sponsor.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-15471621690177111252016-02-29T03:32:00.000-08:002016-02-29T03:32:44.971-08:00The Sauber F1 Team presents the Sauber C35-Ferrari<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the Sauber F1 Team 2016 marks the 24th season in Formula One. The squad based in Hinwil in the Zürcher Oberland, after Ferrari, Williams and McLaren, is the fourth-oldest team among the currently existing brand names. In the 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship the Sauber F1 Team will again be competing with drivers Marcus Ericsson (SE, 25) and Felipe Nasr (BR, 23).<br />
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Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn's aims can initially be put in a nutshell: "We want to clearly improve." The team principal goes on to explain: "Obviously, there's a certain position we'd like to achieve. But, to start with, it's important to become established in mid-field. Only then are we going to focus on individual positions."<br />
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With respect to the drivers, Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr, Monisha Kaltenborn says: "Both delivered a good, first season for us. Speaking for Marcus and Felipe is the fact that they made only few mistakes. And that they learnt from these mistakes. Now they'll have to show how they're going to keep working on their skills following the experience they've gained."<br />
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Marcus' expectations, Felipe's prediction<br />
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Marcus Ericsson – and his expectations for his third Formula One year, his second with the Sauber F1 Team: "The battle for positions is getting fiercer. But I'm convinced that, with the new car, we're going to take a step forward so that we can finish in the points with greater consistency and under our own steam. Last year we managed a good start. In the second half of the season it was a harder struggle for us to score points. This season I'd like to see us being in contention for points and fighting on a level where speed is decisive. I know that everyone at the factory in Hinwil is working very hard in this direction."<br />
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Felipe Nasr – and his prediction for his second year in Formula One: "It's difficult for me to predict how the positions behind the top teams are going to pan out this season – and where we'll be able to line up in that part of the field. We're going to put innovations on the grid, but so are our competitors, and their efficiency remains to be seen. It's hardly possible to make any predictions under these circumstances. The whole team has been working very hard to explore areas in the car that we can improve. That's why I'm confident that we've made progress. The season will show what positions we'll be able to achieve with it."<br />
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Sauber C35-Ferrari<br />
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A new approach<br />
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Mark Smith, Technical Director of the Sauber F1 Team, joined the Swiss team in July 2015 with the mission of coming up with a different approach. With only a few changes in the regulations for the 2016 season, the Sauber C35-Ferrari is based on three key facts: a slightly different aerodynamic philosophy, adapting to changes within the power unit architecture as well as weight reduction.<br />
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"For the development of the Sauber C35-Ferrari, we slightly changed the philosophy of how we developed the car aerodynamically. It sounds little, but the impact on the development of the car is significant," says Mark Smith. "When looking at the Sauber C35, it is very much an evolution," he adds.<br />
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Packaging as a key<br />
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Chassis: The packaging of the 2016 power unit changed. This had an impact on the design of the monocoque of the Sauber C35. Moreover, this year's gearbox from Ferrari also allowed the designers/engineers to take advantage of a tighter packaging, a more aerodynamic packaging in terms of bodywork. The side pods are smaller and packed tighter than they were on the Sauber C34. This also affected the cooling system, which has been pushed tight.<br />
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Weight: There are few areas in the car where weight has been increased. It was a challenge for the designers to take weight out of other areas, so that was a focus right away through the design procedure, and quite a demanding one as well.<br />
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More Sound: In terms of regulations the exhaust system is slightly different. In the 2016 season teams must have either one or two wastegate tailpipes. For 2016 we have a single rear wing pylon which passes through the tailpipe.<br />
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Cockpit: Due to the regulations the cockpit rim has been increased in height for driver protection. There will also be a small high-speed on-board camera to capture the movements of the driver's head for accident analysis.<br />
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Tyres: Besides the supersoft, soft, medium and hard tyres, Pirelli will introduce the new ultrasoft tyre for the 2016 season.<br />
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Engine: For engine suppliers the number of tokens has increased from 25 last year to 32 in 2016, which gives them more freedom in changing the structure of the power unit. The Sauber C35 engine, energy recovery system and gearbox are again supplied by Ferrari.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-14100801336547614172016-02-24T04:29:00.002-08:002016-02-24T04:34:49.447-08:00OFFICIAL - FIA Statement Regarding New F1 Rules!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>FIA STATEMENT - F1 COMMISSION CONFIRMS NEW BODYWORK REGULATIONS FOR MORE DYNAMIC FORMULA ONE CARS</b><br />
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Meetings of the F1 Strategy Group and the F1 Commission were held yesterday in Geneva, with a number of constructive proposals being agreed. Upon the recommendation of the Strategy Group, the F1 Commission passed a series of new measures designed to deliver a faster, more spectacular FIA Formula One World Championship.<br />
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<b>Qualifying format</b><br />
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A new qualification format was unanimously accepted by the F1 Commission. The new system is being evaluated for introduction, potentially as soon as the beginning of the 2016 season.<br />
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The basis of the new elimination format is as follows:<br />
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- Q1<br />
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16 minutes<br />
After 7 minutes, slowest driver eliminated<br />
Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag<br />
7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2<br />
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- Q2<br />
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15 minutes<br />
After 6 minutes, slowest driver eliminated<br />
Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag<br />
7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3<br />
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- Q3<br />
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14 minutes<br />
After 5 minutes, slowest driver eliminated<br />
Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag<br />
2 drivers left in final 1 minute 30 seconds<br />
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The final elimination in each session occurs at the chequered flag – not when time is up.<br />
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<b>Driver of the Day</b><br />
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The F1 Commission agreed to the introduction of a Driver of the Day award, to be implemented by the Commercial Rights Holder in conjunction with Formula One broadcasters, with the intention of driving greater fan engagement.<br />
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Viewers will be encouraged to vote online for their “Driver of the Day” throughout a Grand Prix, with the winner to be announced as part of the race broadcast immediately following the conclusion of the race, when the driver will be presented with their prize.<br />
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<b>2017 Sporting and Technical Regulations</b><br />
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Following the recommendation of the Strategy Group, the F1 Commission agreed to postpone the deadline for the finalisation of 2017 Sporting and Technical Regulations until 30 April, 2016 – to allow all stakeholders the best opportunity to complete all relevant work.<br />
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<b>2017 bodywork</b><br />
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New bodywork regulations have been adopted to create more exciting cars, delivering additional downforce to increase speeds and lower lap times.<br />
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The FIA, teams and official tyre supplier will continue discussions on the best solution for testing of the new tyres required as part of the regulations.<br />
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* A summary of the proposed changes – which will be included in the final 2017 Technical Regulations to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council – is here:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQy2d_lo6LBhrNS4FQdE823bIBRfjFmaoRlupahIvboksyZfrxPgnBTdhPOUNOTE8dlEcTmI6wf78z_9DkwJWFvv1TfNa6OSNnkDkiSY962dwNMuQBQoo2MB0TjOtXY9cKLBI_IohWPI/s1600/2017+rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQy2d_lo6LBhrNS4FQdE823bIBRfjFmaoRlupahIvboksyZfrxPgnBTdhPOUNOTE8dlEcTmI6wf78z_9DkwJWFvv1TfNa6OSNnkDkiSY962dwNMuQBQoo2MB0TjOtXY9cKLBI_IohWPI/s320/2017+rules.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Power unit supply</b><br />
<br />
Significant further progress was made on the four major topics regarding Power Unit supply:<br />
<br />
- Supply cost<br />
<br />
- Obligation to supply<br />
<br />
- Performance convergence<br />
<br />
- Further improvement of noise<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A working group consisting representatives of the FIA, Commercial Rights Holder, Power Unit suppliers and customer teams will undertake further work with the aim of reaching agreement on a plan to meet the above requirements by 30 April, 2016.<br />
<br />
<b>Cockpit protection</b><br />
<br />
The F1 Commission confirmed the intention of introducing some form of cockpit protection from the 2017 season. All stakeholders are working together to make this a reality, with the “Halo” concept currently the preferred option. Other options, such as transparent cockpit protection, will continue to be evaluated.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-22740636453050859692016-02-23T12:12:00.001-08:002016-02-23T12:12:04.082-08:00New Rules. The Compromise From The Incompetent2017 Rules. The Compromise From The Incompetent<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZBAxUW8kgzQvbstijruXMvNUw2qgb_JU2hYiZkBBnNwlJEBexvdEvVe-jAFkN1D7cDzVBvl38soBNpl85BJdkZvlQlfb_3iT5cstEgEKrMtophIpta_DZ9eDssIa0UWh5BBFay1o2Fs/s1600/bernie-ecclestone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZBAxUW8kgzQvbstijruXMvNUw2qgb_JU2hYiZkBBnNwlJEBexvdEvVe-jAFkN1D7cDzVBvl38soBNpl85BJdkZvlQlfb_3iT5cstEgEKrMtophIpta_DZ9eDssIa0UWh5BBFay1o2Fs/s320/bernie-ecclestone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So the 2017 rules have been discussed and have been sent to be rubber stamped for approval by the World Motorsport Council. The cars will now only be 3 seconds faster than the current crop.<br />
<br />
This is the 'McLaren' proposal which received a majority vote and was decided to be better than the more revolutionary vision because it gives Pirelli more of a chance to get the tyres right. Of course that as long as they can come to a significant agreement regarding some tyre testing! (Queue the next round of arguments.)<br />
<br />
The cars will however 'look nicer' and be ' a bit faster' but only time will tell what that really means. Faster F1 doesn't necessarily mean a more competitive F1.<br />
<br />
So then we move onto some new Qualifying rules, set to be ratified for use immediately in 2016. This is an elimination format in which all cars will set times and the slowest get eliminated. This could be quite good fun and set us up for some shock eliminations BUT it is a damn site more complicated than the current system, and alienating the casual viewer is never a good thing!<br />
<br />
How this works in more detail:<br />
<br />
Q1<br />
<br />
-16 minutes duration;<br />
<br />
- After 7 minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated;<br />
<br />
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;<br />
<br />
- 7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2.<br />
<br />
Q2<br />
<br />
- 15 minutes duration;<br />
<br />
- After 6 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;<br />
<br />
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;<br />
<br />
- 7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3.<br />
<br />
Q3<br />
<br />
- 14 minutes;<br />
<br />
- After 5 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;<br />
<br />
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;<br />
<br />
- 2 drivers left in final 1 minute 30 seconds.<br />
<br />
Talk of success time penalty added to qualifying times to mix up the grid was discussed but not thought to have been passed, as was an increase in the 100kg race fuel limit.<br />
<br />
We must wait until the formal notifications come through. But at the moment it seems like the blind leading the blind and a massive opportunity missed to make F1 unmissable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-16451920311577175362016-02-23T12:00:00.000-08:002016-02-23T13:51:34.510-08:00Testing Times - Day Two<table class="tableauV5" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 580px;"><thead style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pos</th><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Driver</th><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Team</th><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Time</th><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Laps</th></tr>
</thead><tbody style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/de.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> S. Vettel</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/ferrari.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> <span data-bubbles="team" data-value="ferrari" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://motorsport.com/team/ferrari" style="border: 0px; color: #0066ff; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Ferrari</a></span></td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:22.810</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">125</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/au.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> D. Ricciardo</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/redbull.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> <span data-bubbles="team" data-value="red-bull-racing" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://motorsport.com/team/red-bull-racing" style="border: 0px; color: #0066ff; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Red Bull</a></span></td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:23.525</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">112</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">3</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/mx.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> S. Pérez</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/forceindia.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> Force India</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:23.650</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">101</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">4</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/de.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> N. Rosberg</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/mercedes.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> Mercedes</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:24.867</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">172</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">5</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/se.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> M. Ericsson</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/sauber.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> Sauber</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:25.237</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">106</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">6</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/mx.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> E. Gutiérrez</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/haas.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> Haas</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:25.524</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">79</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">7</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/fi.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> V. Bottas</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/williams.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> Williams</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:25.648</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">134</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">8</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/de.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> P. Wehrlein</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/manor.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> Manor</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:25.925</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">71</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/es.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> F. Alonso</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/mclaren.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> <span data-bubbles="team" data-value="mclaren" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://motorsport.com/team/mclaren" style="border: 0px; color: #0066ff; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">McLaren</a></span></td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:26.082</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">119</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/gb.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> J. Palmer</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/renault.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> Renault</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:26.189</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">42</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/nl.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> M. Verstappen</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/2016/miniatures/tororosso.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> Toro Rosso</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:26.539</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">121</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-88726667406476315632016-02-22T18:00:00.000-08:002016-02-23T13:49:53.757-08:00Testing Times - Day One<table class="tableauV5" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 580px;"><thead style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Pos</th><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Driver</th><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Team</th><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Time</th><th style="background: rgb(128, 128, 128); border: 0px; color: white; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Laps</th></tr>
</thead><tbody style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/de.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> S. Vettel</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-bubbles="team" data-value="ferrari" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://motorsport.com/team/ferrari" style="border: 0px; color: #0066ff; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Ferrari</a></span></td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:24.939</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">69</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/gb.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> L. Hamilton</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mercedes</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:25.409</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">156</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">3</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/au.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> D. Ricciardo</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-bubbles="team" data-value="red-bull-racing" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://motorsport.com/team/red-bull-racing" style="border: 0px; color: #0066ff; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Red Bull</a></span></td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:26.044</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">87</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">4</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/fi.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> V. Bottas</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Williams</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:26.091</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">80</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/mx.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> A. Celis Jr</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Force India</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:26.298</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">58</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">6</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/gb.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> J. Button</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-bubbles="team" data-value="mclaren" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://motorsport.com/team/mclaren" style="border: 0px; color: #0066ff; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">McLaren</a></span></td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:26.735</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">84</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/es.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> C. Sainz</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Toro Rosso</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:27.180</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">55</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/se.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> M. Ericsson</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sauber</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:27.555</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">88</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/de.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> P. Wehrlein</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Manor</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:28.292</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">54</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/fr.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> R. Grosjean</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Haas</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:28.399</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">31</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(245, 245, 245); border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.toilef1.com/site/image/drapeaux/gb.png" style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> J. Palmer</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Renault</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:29.356</td><td style="border: 0px; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">37</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-36427219946482337962016-02-22T12:53:00.000-08:002016-02-23T12:53:32.923-08:00The New Red Bull RB12Beyond the striking matte livery unveiled in London last week, the all-new RB12 incorporates a host of improvements based on the lessons learned from the 2015 season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sw-Y-CIITbYs96_NjLFHsrYTTmaEKbrcO9soOJVnxLbyFpHsphdHCX3n4Tw0LJ_n48AyAJtKRBLuREwoM3MaNFLmdZnKrqaqckkhhja33QoiIg95nNqOArura7jMntyLhVyaxvadjIc/s1600/P-20160222-00042_HiRes+JPEG+24bit+RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sw-Y-CIITbYs96_NjLFHsrYTTmaEKbrcO9soOJVnxLbyFpHsphdHCX3n4Tw0LJ_n48AyAJtKRBLuREwoM3MaNFLmdZnKrqaqckkhhja33QoiIg95nNqOArura7jMntyLhVyaxvadjIc/s320/P-20160222-00042_HiRes+JPEG+24bit+RGB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Commenting on the new car and the season ahead, Team Principal, Christian Horner said: “Obviously the late engine decision last year was a challenge but we found a solution in time and the whole team has worked incredibly hard to recover over the winter. Therefore, we’re looking to build on the significant progress we made in the second half of 2015 and to carry that momentum into the early races of this season.<br />
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<br />
“My hopes for this season are that we genuinely make progress from where we were last year; that we get our heads down and we really develop the car well and hopefully with some performance coming on the power unit side as well that will allow us to get closer to some of our immediate rivals.”<br />
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<br />
Speaking about the design of the RB12, Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey added: “I’m often asked what area of the car I’m most pleased with but with the stable regulations we have at the moment it’s difficult to find any major new areas to exploit. Therefore, what we’ve really tried to concentrate on with this car is getting a cohesive package for all the parts – the suspension, the chassis dynamics, aerodynamics – that they all work together in harmony. I think we’ve managed to build on the lessons of last year and all the indications from our simulations suggest that this year’s chassis should be strong.”<br />
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<br />
Chief Engineering Officer, Rob Marshall added: “With the RB12, we are optimistic that we have made some good gains, but the difficulty is the wind tunnel and CFD numbers we’re seeing are our numbers and unless you can see everyone else’s numbers you don’t know where you are. We are happy that we are going in the right direction from our own point of view, but we won’t know until Melbourne. As far as this car is concerned, I hope we can win some races. That might sound farfetched after last year, where we struggled at the beginning of the year, but I hope this year we can make a bit of a step power-wise and that will level the playing field a bit.”<br />
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Commenting further on simulation work with the RB12, Dan Fallows, Head of Aerodynamics, said: “So far, the numbers coming out of the wind tunnel and CFD are encouraging. It’s a function of everyone understanding the car that we had last year but also identifying the challenges we had and really focusing on those and I think we have made some fairly big steps forward.<br />
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<br />
“My hopes for the RB12 are that it continues the form that we had with the RB11. Obviously we didn’t get the results we hoped for but we all knew we had a good foundation in the car, in the chassis, and I’d like to see that continue. Also, the thing I’d really like to see is that the car give us a good foundation for any upgrades we get on the power unit side, from aero and everything else.”<br />
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<br />
Pierre Waché, Chief Engineer, Performance Engineering added: “To be satisfied with the numbers from aero is a big word, we are never satisfied. It is a continuous development process and we are not looking for absolute numbers, we are looking for relative numbers compared to others. The progress is significant and we will see if it’s enough.”<br />
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<br />
Looking ahead to the new season, Paul Monaghan, Chief Engineer, Car Engineering concluded: “My hopes for the RB12? I think we have to focus on just making sure we go to Australia in the best state we can be, well prepared and then get the most out of the car we can at each race and put ourselves in a position where we can challenge for a podium or benefit from anything that happens around us.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2Dc_I2suXTwYb1Pv3sb9LpNcnMPQ0jwbwJy6b0dr7EZ229ruWe53X2pFOFXqLjXBZresfFYqolrEzsedU_DzEtTmPvh3QFg7BJFfPRy_Z7Zc8voPxHFDXxgY0H6EcfXZMNgE0gIa5XE/s1600/P-20160222-00039_HiRes+JPEG+24bit+RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2Dc_I2suXTwYb1Pv3sb9LpNcnMPQ0jwbwJy6b0dr7EZ229ruWe53X2pFOFXqLjXBZresfFYqolrEzsedU_DzEtTmPvh3QFg7BJFfPRy_Z7Zc8voPxHFDXxgY0H6EcfXZMNgE0gIa5XE/s320/P-20160222-00039_HiRes+JPEG+24bit+RGB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnUVtnVax-RuB0tijVtgZCO3FODgfYsYuN72lH2ltlokKvsqQeaDLnS319tQMD-xo-E3AWaiUNu9JAFRTTPYqqX_omWjfk2eMInHhsT7qj7yDc6FtaIY6pwksrWkUfbigMoXYsKPL6E0/s1600/P-20160222-00040_HiRes+JPEG+24bit+RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnUVtnVax-RuB0tijVtgZCO3FODgfYsYuN72lH2ltlokKvsqQeaDLnS319tQMD-xo-E3AWaiUNu9JAFRTTPYqqX_omWjfk2eMInHhsT7qj7yDc6FtaIY6pwksrWkUfbigMoXYsKPL6E0/s320/P-20160222-00040_HiRes+JPEG+24bit+RGB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151435042086691773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7630188524771991856.post-10812115185454745692016-02-22T12:43:00.000-08:002016-02-23T12:44:02.237-08:00The New Manor MRT05The all-new Manor Racing MRT05 breaks cover this morning at the Circuit de Barcelona in southern Spain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84zQr_dApDpOnw7npOtj32PIfhFyJhfUXwnjIO2pGcbOzbWlJZNCUkG2Vzz-fr5RorMwECFfOMCqOwwYzcHPcs3iqiFlkC3YsGXP2loKcmqUgf-UKnYGr_3MjwjbbMidjmdoSui00H-s/s1600/Manor+Racing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84zQr_dApDpOnw7npOtj32PIfhFyJhfUXwnjIO2pGcbOzbWlJZNCUkG2Vzz-fr5RorMwECFfOMCqOwwYzcHPcs3iqiFlkC3YsGXP2loKcmqUgf-UKnYGr_3MjwjbbMidjmdoSui00H-s/s320/Manor+Racing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
John McQuilliam (Technical Director) and Dave Ryan (Racing Director) give us the heads-up before Pascal Wehrlein takes the car for its first road test.<br />
<br />
<b>John. Dream Racer?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
“Absolutely. Even at this early stage of the game, we can easily say this is the best car we’ve ever launched. Certainly the most developed, the most ambitious and the most aggressive. The overall package is a very significant step forward, not just from last year, but from any of the cars from our stable. So yes, we have a long way to go from here in terms of developing the MRT05, but it’s already a dream package for the 154 Manor Racing people who’ve worked so hard to design and build it. In a small team like ours, every single individual has played their part.”<br />
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<b>What’s so special?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
“Well, for starters, it’s all new. As it should be of course, but we had to ‘make do’ last year and that’s not what we’re here for. We build fast race cars for a living and it’s great to get back to doing what we love. We’re also pretty good at it, when we have the right tools for the job. So that in itself is quite special. Better still, the MRT05 is a contender. We really believe that. The design team have focused almost exclusively on it since the middle of last season and it’s just a whole different ball game to any of its predecessors. We haven’t left any performance on the table and right now I can say there’s not a single part of the car we’d have designed differently.”<br />
<br />
<b>So what has it got on it?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
“We’ve carried over the 2015 fire extinguisher (winks), the rest is brand new. Some 3393 different parts in fact and that’s just our in-house components. We delayed the monocoque programme to wait for the new Power Unit, which was well worth waiting for of course. The Mercedes-Benz PU106C Hybrid Power Unit is a magnificent feat of engineering and we’re proud and excited to be powered by championship-winning technology developed by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. We also have a very competitive transmission package thanks to our technical partner Williams Advanced Engineering, who supply our gearbox and other rear-end components. Together with the efforts of our accomplished aero and mechanical design teams, that’s a pretty impressive package.”<br />
<br />
<b>You love it, don’t you?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
“Absolutely. It was already a great-looking car but the new livery is stunning.”<br />
<br />
<b>First road test coming up. What are you thinking?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
“I’ll get back to you later today.”<br />
<br />
<b>Dave, more or less 90 days in your new role. How has that gone for you?</b><br />
<br />
“It’s been a very busy time, but it has really served to underline everything I thought when I first agreed to join the team - a great little operation, with huge potential and the vision and ambition to make a big step forward. There was a lot to do to prepare for this season. The team did a laudable job last year given its circumstances over the previous winter. This year, with the package we have, we need to be every inch the professional racing outfit. That’s where I’ve been focusing my attentions.”<br />
Two new technical partnerships to get to grips with.<br />
<br />
<b>How are those relationships developing within the team?</b><br />
<br />
“Fantastically well. Our Mercedes HPP and Williams Advanced Engineering personnel have been installed in the factory for quite some time now and both of their headquarters are less than an hour away from our factory in Banbury. So we have all the resource and support we need pretty much on tap. It’s a really nice, easy relationship, with everyone working together very closely on our factory floor. The transition has been pretty seamless.”<br />
<br />
<b>What about the peddlers? </b><br />
<br />
“Pascal and Rio are a great addition to our team. They are young and hungry but, crucially, experienced racers with a lot of talent and a great deal of potential. We’re very proud that they’re making their F1 debut with Manor Racing.”<br />
<br />
<b>What can we expect from Manor Racing this season? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
“Respectability and competitiveness. We are done with just turning up just to make everyone else look good and every single person in this Team is looking forward to the first race in Melbourne in a few weeks’ time. We know we have to improve in every area and in no way do we underestimate the opposition, but we have assembled a great group of people, we have a fantastic technical partnership with Mercedes-Benz and Williams Advanced Engineering and now it’s up to us to deliver.”<br />
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