Michael Schumacher in “critical” condition after skiing accident
It has been reported that seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher is currently in a critical condition, after the German suffered serious head injuries during a skiing accident Sunday morning. The former Benetton and Ferrari driver was admitted to Moutiers hospital shortly after the incident, before then being transferred to Grenoble hospital which specialises in brain injuries.
The former World Champion was skiing on unmarked slopes in the French Alps when the incident occurred on Sunday morning, with Schumacher’s head striking a rock in the process. Although he was apparently wearing a helmet at the time, he was airlifted to Moutiers hospital after a quick response from the authorities. Initially the injuries were deemed to be not very serious, with the 44-year-old allegedly conscious after the incident. However, after being transferred to Grenoble hospital it was confirmed by his management that he had suffered a “severe head injury with coma on arrival”.
“Mr. Schumacher was admitted to the University Hospital of Grenoble at 12:40pm, following a skiing accident occurred in Méribel in the late morning.” Read the official statement issued by Michael Schumacher’s management. “He suffered a severe head injury with coma on arrival, which required neurosurgical intervention immediately. He remains in a critical situation.”
Although Michael Schumacher will turn 45 next week on January 3rd, the German only retired from Formula 1 for the second time last season following a return to the sport with Mercedes in 2010. Before his time with the German marque, Schumacher became a legend of the sport by winning 91 races with both Benetton and Ferrari, as well as romping to seven sensational Drivers’ Championships between 1994 and 2004. Back in 2009 the German suffered a minor neck injury after a motorcycle incident, which prevented him from returning to Formula 1 earlier as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari.
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Nico Hulkenberg returns to Force India on multi-year deal for 2014
Nico Hulkenberg has been officially confirmed at Force India for the 2014 season, after the Silverstone-based outfit announced that the German would return on a ‘multi-year’ deal after only one season at Sauber. Despite the 26-year-old’s confirmation, his team-mate at Force India has yet to be announced.
After leaving Force India at the end of the 2012 season for Sauber, many were expecting the German sensation to partner Romain Grosjean at Lotus following Kimi Raikkonen’s return to Ferrari. However, after the Enstone-based outfit elected for Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado, Nico Hulkenberg’s options for the new season consisted of either another season at Sauber or a return to Force India. Throughout the 2013 campaign Sauber struggled in comparison to the previous season, with the Swiss outfit unable to return to the podium as Nico Hulkenberg managed to bring home the lion share of the team’s points alongside rookie Esteban Gutierrez.
For the 2014 season Formula 1 will enter a new era of technical regulations, with a new 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 engine formula being introduced. Although testing with the new engines has not yet begun, Mercedes are hopeful of offering a competitive engine when the new era of Formula 1 dawns in March. Nico Hulkenberg has expressed great delight in making his return to Force India for the new season, with hopes that the new Mercedes engine package will enable the Silverstone-based outfit to enjoy a competitive season.
“I am happy to come back to Sahara Force India,” explained Nico Hulkenberg, who scored 63 points with the outfit in 2012. “The team is aiming high for next year and I believe that the experience I have gained over the years will help us achieve those goals. I genuinely believe we can have a competitive package in 2014. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the Mercedes engine as well, so I think there is a lot to be excited about for next year. I know this team and I can see their determination; it’s a great bunch of people and we all share the same hunger for success.”
Whilst the rumour-mill surrounding Nico Hulkenberg’s future endeavours for 2014 will now evaporate, speculations will surely continue with regards to the German’s eventual team-mate for the new season. Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta will unquestionably remain candidates, with the former team-mates enduring a topsy-turvy 2013 season which ultimately ran out of steam after Pirelli made amendments to their tyres. Other likely candidates such as former McLaren driver Sergio Perez could also remain a possibility for the Silverstone-based outfit, as the pieces of the 2014 driver market slowly begin falling into place.
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Ferrari confirms Kimi Raikkonen return alongside Fernando Alonso in 2014
Rumours regarding Kimi Raikkonen’s future in Formula 1 have been officially brought to a conclusion, with Ferrari confirming the Finn’s return to the outfit on a two-year deal. This will see Raikkonen replace Felipe Massa next season, as well as partner Fernando Alonso in what will unquestionably be a strong line-up for the Scuderia.
Once Kimi Raikkonen was thwarted by Daniel Ricciardo in the quest for the Red Bull vacancy alongside reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel, rumours stepped up a gear linking the 2007 World Champion with a shock move back to Ferrari. The Finn drove for the Italian outfit between 2007 and 2009, winning nine races and one World Championship. However, towards the end of the 2009 season his relationship within the Scuderia was brought to a premature conclusion when they opted to replace him with two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.
Although Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo stated back in December that two number one drivers would not be ideal for a team like Ferrari, it seems next season is shaping up to be one of incredible intrigue at the Scuderia as two of the sports most competitive drivers work together at one of the most iconic marques in motorsport. Both drivers made their debuts’ in Formula 1 back in 2001, with Fernando Alonso at Minardi and Kimi Raikkonen at Sauber. Both drivers have enjoyed tremendous success in the sport, and are highly regarded by many within the paddock.
“Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached an agreement with Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn will join Fernando Alonso in the driver line-up for the next two racing seasons,” read an official statement from Ferrari on Raikkonen’s return.
The announcement comes amid a huge reshuffle within the driver market, with Mark Webber set to bid the sport farewell at the end of the season and be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. Unless Felipe Massa manages to find a drive elsewhere on the grid for 2014, he too could be set to leave Formula 1 with new faces including Sergey Sirotkin and Antonio Felix da Costa likely to make an appearance at Sauber and Toro Rosso respectively. Nico Hulkenberg is widely tipped to replace Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus, with Romain Grosjean likely to remain at the Enstone-based outfit alongside the German.
This announcement sees Kimi Raikkonen become the first driver to return to Ferrari since Gerhard Berger back in 1993, after the Austrian ace departed from the Scuderia in 1989 to join Ayrton Senna at McLaren. With Kimi Raikkonen regarded as a master of consistency within the paddock, after his record-breaking streak of 25 races within the points for Lotus between 2012 and 2013, the Finn will be looking to excel to the heights of his 2007 competitiveness when he is reunited with the Prancing Horse.
Picture(s) Copyright © Lotus F1 Team & Ferrari
Felipe Massa confirms Ferrari departure for 2014
Felipe Massa has officially confirmed that he will depart from Ferrari at the end of the 2014 season, amid ongoing speculation surrounding the Brazilian driver’s continuation with the Scuderia. It is strongly believed he will be replaced by former World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, a move which would see the Finn return to the Italian outfit.
During the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, rumours began to emerge linking the former Ferrari World Champion with a shock move back to Maranello. With Raikkonen clearly unhappy at Lotus and eager to leave, he was also rumored with a switch to both Red Bull and McLaren. However, when Daniel Ricciardo beat the Finn to Mark Webber’s vacancy at the Milton Keynes-based outfit, the rumours intensified linking him to Felipe Massa’s seat alongside Fernando Alonso.
Although there has yet to be an official confirmation from the Scuderia announcing Kimi Raikkonen with a return to the team, 32-year-old Brazilian Felipe Massa has officially confirmed his departure from the team at the end of the current season. This will end a long career at Maranello for Massa, who joined the outfit way back in 2006 alongside Michael Schumacher. During his time with the team he has secured 11 race victories, however he has yet to return to the top step of the rostrum since 2008, the longest time without a victory for any Ferrari driver in the sport.
“From 2014 I will no longer be driving for Ferrari,” explained Felipe Massa on Instagram, along with a picture of him winning his home race in Brazil. “I would like to thank the team for all the victories and incredible moments experienced together. Thank you also to my wife and all of my family, to my fans and all my sponsors. From each one of you I have always received a great support! Right now I want to push as hard as possible with Ferrari for the remaining 7 races.”
Although this announcement officially ends a chapter in Felipe Massa and Ferrari’s history, the Brazilian driver is eager to remain within the sport. With a whole host of driver changes set to reverberate around the paddock due to his departure from Ferrari, Felipe Massa has confirmed he will be seeking a new drive for 2014 with a team which will offer him the chance to add to his tally of race victories.
“For next year, I want to find a team that can give me a competitive car to win many more races and challenge for the Championship which remains my greatest objective! Thank you all.”
Although many believe Kimi Raikkonen will imminently be announced as Fernando Alonso’s team-mate for the 2014 season, others still believe German ace Nico Hulkenberg has an outside chance of securing the role. The former Williams and Force India driver enjoyed a tremendously competitive race weekend last time out at Monza, qualifying 3rd and finishing 5th. However, some believe Kimi Raikkonen has already signed a two-year deal with the Scuderia, which would see him become the first driver to return to Ferrari since Gerhard Berger back in 1993.
More to follow…
Picture Copyright © Pirelli
All change in GP2 ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix
Several driver changes have occurred within the GP2 paddock ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, with former race winner Robin Frijns being replaced by British sensation Adrian Quaife-Hobbs at Hilmer Motorsport after the Dutchman allegedly ran out of money to continue competing in the category.
The GP2 Series will also welcome two returnees for this weekend’s proceedings, with 30-year-old Angolan Ricardo Teixeira replacing Kevin Ceccon at Trident Racing and former HRT reserve driver Dani Clos replacing Adrian Quaife-Hobbs at MP Motorsport. Ricardo Teixeira last competed in the category last season with Rapax, and failed to score a single point. He initially made his debut in the Series with Trident Racing in 2008, before a season competing in Formula 2. In 2011 Teixeira tested for Team Lotus (now known as Caterham) at both Valencia and Barcelona.
With Adrian Quaife-Hobbs moving to Hilmer Motorsport to replace Robin Frijns, Dutch newcomers MP Motorsport have called upon the services of former Formula 1 reserve driver and GP2 driver Dani Clos. The 24-year-old Spaniard created history last season during practice one at the Spanish Grand Prix, creating the first all-Spanish line-up in a Spanish Formula 1 team at Barcelona alongside Pedro de la Rosa. Clos continued to enjoy six outings with HRT last season, before the team failed to find a new owner for 2013. Dani Clos last competed in the GP2 Series last season with Barwa Addax for four races, and was a race winner with Racing Engineering at Istanbul in 2010.
“We’re delighted to welcome Dani to the team,” enthused MP Motorsport team principal, Sander Dorsman. “The experience he brings to the team will be priceless. He’s won in GP2 and has tested in Formula 1. We’re all really looking forward to working with him for the first time in Hungary this weekend.”
Although Adrian Quaife-Hobs will understandably be eager to continue progressing during his debut season in the GP2 Series with Hilmer Motorsport, many are surprised to see a talent such as Robin Frijns run out of budget to continue competing in the category. The reigning Formula Renault 3.5 Series Champion made his debut in the Series in Bahrain with the German outfit, before winning the Spanish Grand Prix feature race and finishing 2nd in the sprint race.
“So that was it then. No money no drive,” explained Robin Frijns, on the social networking site Twitter. “Winning Championship [sic] is not enough these days! Good luck for all the GP2 boys!”
The 21-year-old Dutchman is currently Sauber’s reserve driver, and drove for the Swiss outfit during their Young Driver Test at Silverstone last week. He will unquestionably be striving to return to the Series, after a highly competitive start to the season. For the likes of Dani Clos, Ricardo Teixeira and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, it is their time to shine behind the wheel of the Renault-powered Dallara GP2/11.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service & HRT F1 Team
FIA lowers pit-lane speed limit ahead of Hungarian GP
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has confirmed a change in the pit-lane speed limit for the race ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. This decision will see the speed limit remain at 80Km/h for the whole race weekend, after an FOM cameraman was struck on the head by a loose wheel during the German Grand Prix last time out.
The alteration of the sport’s rules comes after the World Motor Sport Council voted in favour of the changes, which were originally planned to be introduced next season. Usually the pit-lane speed limit for the race is 100Km/h, with the rest of the weekend at 80Km/h. These new rules will see the speed limit remain at the lower 80Km/h, therefore preventing such an incident which occurred at the German Grand Prix after Mark Webber was released from his pit-box with his right-rear tyre loose, which subsequently worked its way completely loose and bowled over an FOM cameraman.
These new rulings by the FIA will mean that the overall length of a pit-stop will increase, with cars running through the pits at a considerably slower pace than beforehand. This in turn could create strategic headaches for the many of the teams, forcing a rethink in the amount of pit-stops carried out during a race. The FIA has also confirmed that it will become mandatory for all team personnel working on a car in the pits to wear helmets, adding yet another precaution to avoid head injuries within the freneticism in the pit-lane.
Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team
Daniel Ricciardo Fastest As Rain Strikes Again At Silverstone
Daniel Ricciardo has ended the opening practice session of the British Grand Prix weekend fastest overall, as heavy rain once again struck the legendary Silverstone circuit. For the majority of the session the drivers remained in the pits, before Daniel Ricciardo led them out in the closing minutes in the still treacherous conditions.
The Formula 1 paddock reconvened in typical British weather for the opening practice session of the weekend, as the teams and drivers were greeted with heavy and persistent rain over the legendary Silverstone circuit. Despite several installation laps up and down the field at the start of the session, the awaiting masses were treated to very little track action during the opening practice session of the British Grand Prix. Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Gutierrez were the first to brave the elements at the start, before many others including local favorites Paul di Resta, Max Chilton and Jenson Button also took to the track.
During the opening hour of the session, the majority of the drivers elected to remain in the safe and dry confines of the pit-lane with only a handful of drivers including Daniel Ricciardo, Jean-Eric Vergne and Esteban Gutierrez tip-toeing around the Silverstone circuit on Pirelli’s Cinturato full wet tyres. The Sauber driver completed several laps, however he failed to produce a timed lap during his stint after passing through the pits to carry out practice starts at the pit exit.
As the damp proceedings drew to a miserable conclusion, Daniel Ricciardo injected some track action as the Australian sensation finally shattered the monotonous silence and took to the track once again to produce the first timed lap of the day with a 02:00.029. The Toro Rosso driver managed to improve by several seconds during his next lap with a 01:57.992, as many other drivers followed his trend and finally took to the Silverstone circuit with only ten minutes remaining in the session.
Local hero Lewis Hamilton wasted no time in giving his adoring home fans something to cheer about, as the 2008 World Champion quickly rose to the top for Mercedes with a 01:55.458. Whilst Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap of the session for the German marque, Charles Pic was caught out in the still treacherous weather conditions as the Frenchman spun into the retaining tyre barrier at Turn 18 and lightly damaged his car. The ever-efficient marshals swiftly cleared the stricken machine, before Daniel Ricciardo pounded around the track to produce a 01:54.249 to return to the top and end of the session fastest for Toro Rosso. The Australian driver was followed at the top by Nico Hulkenberg and Pastor Maldonado, with rain still falling overhead.
Naturally the teams, drivers and fans will be hoping for better weather conditions for the second practice session of the weekend later in the afternoon, when further track action should allow the drivers to continue their vigorous preparations for the weekend ahead.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m54.249s 10 2. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1m55.033s + 0.784s 7 3. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m55.354s + 1.105s 7 4. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m55.458s + 1.209s 5 5. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m55.825s + 1.576s 9 6. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m56.361s + 2.112s 7 7. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m57.891s + 3.642s 4 8. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 1m58.859s + 4.610s 6 9. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 1m59.719s + 5.470s 7 10. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth 1m59.876s + 5.627s 8 11. Felipe Massa Ferrari 2m06.534s + 12.285 6 12. Nico Rosberg Mercedes no time 3 13. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes no time 4 14. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault no time 1 15. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes no time 1 16. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes no time 4 17. Fernando Alonso Ferrari no time 4 18. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault no time 1 19. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes no time 1 20. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault no time 3 21. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault no time 4 22. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault no time 0
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Mark Webber Confirms F1 Departure At Season’s End
Australian Formula 1 driver Mark Webber has officially confirmed his departure from the sport at the end of the current season, with the 36-year-old set to join Porsche’s new LMP1 sportscar programme next year. This will bring an end to Webber’s 12 year’s in Formula 1, which began with Minardi back in 2002.
After a colorful career in the world of Formula 1 with the likes of Williams and Red Bull, Australian sensation Mark Webber has finally decided to leave the sport at the end of the 2013 season to pursue a career in sportscar racing. Following on from the controversial proceedings in Malaysia at the start of the season, rumors have continued to circulate the Formula 1 paddock linking Mark Webber to Porsche. During the race around Kuala Lumpur’s Sepang circuit, the Australian driver was robbed of certain victory when team-mate Sebastian Vettel elected to ignore team orders and overtake him during the latter stages of the race.
Naturally this infuriated Mark Webber, and could well be seen as the straw that has broken the camels back with regards to his continuation in Formula 1. Mark Webber made an unforgettable debut in Formula 1 with Minardi back in 2002, eventually finishing 5th at Melbourne. After moving to Jaguar and then Williams, the Queanbeyan-born Australian found himself at Red Bull in 2007 alongside David Coulthard. His first victory in the sport didn’t arrive until 2009 at the German Grand Prix, however a certain Sebastian Vettel had already begun to steal the limelight within the Red Bull camp.
Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner has explained how the Milton Keynes-based outfit has supported Mark Webber’s decision to leave the sport at the end of the season, and have also thanked him for his stellar contribution to the outfit which has knocked up three Constructors’ Championships with him alongside Sebastian Vettel.
“I am sure Mark thought long and hard before making what has no doubt been a very difficult decision.” Explained Christian Horner, “His achievements in Formula One are extensive and I am sure he will continue to push hard and build on that record until the end of the season. We support Mark’s decision, he has been an excellent addition to the team since joining us in 2007 and we wish him all the best in the next stages of his career.”
Although Red Bull will not decide upon a replacement until nearer the end of the season, Formula 1’s rumor mill will undoubtedly roar into overdrive in the coming weeks as the likes of Kimi Raikkonen, Jean-Eric Vergne, Daniel Ricciardo and even Antonio Felix da Costa are linked to the second Red Bull seat alongside reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel.
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