2013 GP2 Series Calendar Revealed

Organizers for the GP2 Series have unveiled the 2013 calendar, which will once again see the support series visit every European Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season, as well as four overseas races including Singapore and a return to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The season will once again begin in March as support for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Prior to the start of the season, the teams and drivers will partake in two pre-season tests at Jerez and Barcelona in Spain, which will take place between February and March. After the season opener in Malaysia, the GP2 fraternity will once again travel to Bahrain, however unlike last year the nation will only feature once on the calendar. After the opening two “flyaway” races of the season, GP2 will move back to Europe for a seven race stint which will incorporate all of Formula 1’s legendary events such as the Monaco, British and Belgian Grands Prix.

Once the European season comes to a conclusion with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, GP2 will continue to support Formula 1 for two more events at the Singapore Grand Prix and the prestigious day-night race at Abu Dhabi, which will bring an to end what will surely be another enthralling and action-packed GP2 season.

“2013 will be another strong season for GP2.” Explained GP2 Series CEO, Bruno Michel. “We have decided to keep the prestigious tracks outside of Europe, starting with Sepang and Sakhir, two venues which provided some heart-stopping action last season. We are also returning to Singapore in September for the second time of the Series’ history. I am very pleased to be closing the season in Abu Dhabi: we have been to that track several times with GP2 Asia and raced there last time in November 2011 with our latest generation car.

“Added to these four overseas events, we will be racing alongside F1 in all seven European rounds which brings a total of eleven F1 tracks on our calendar again next season. Our sole goal has always been and will continue to remain to prepare the next generation of F1 drivers. I believe that’s exactly what we will see again in 2013 and I am really looking forward to next season.”

With the majority of the Formula 1 grid now consisting of drivers who have graduated from GP2 and even GP3, it’s unquestionable that the drivers competing next season will be striving to impress throughout the 22-race season. With drivers’ such as Marcus Ericsson, James Calado and Felipe Nasr all confirmed for next season, expect another unforgettable year of racing!

Date	Venue
26-27-28 February	Jerez de la Frontera, Spain	Test
5-6-7 March	Barcelona, Spain	Test
22-24 March	Sepang, Malaysia	Race
19-21 April	Sakhir, Bahrain	Race
10-12 May	Barcelona, Spain	Race
23-25 May	Monte-Carlo, Monaco	Race
28-30 June	Silverstone, Great-Britain	Race
05-07 July	Nurburg, Germany	Race
26-28 July	Budapest, Hungary	Race
23-25 August	Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium	Race
06-08 September	Monza, Italy	Race
20-22 September	Singapore, Singapore	Race
01-03 November	Abu Dhabi, UAE	Race

Picture Copyright © Andrew Ferraro/GP2 Series Media Service

FIA Considering Penalty Points System For 2013

The FIA have confirmed they are considering a penalty points system for 2013, which would be similar to the points system on road licenses whereby accumulating too many points would see the driver in question incur a race ban. This comes after questionable driving from many drivers this season, most notably Romain Grosjean.

At the start of the Belgian Grand Prix in September, Romain Grosjean was the catalyst in a huge multi-car incident as the field negotiated the tight La Source hairpin at Turn 1. This resulted in Championship contenders Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton both retiring, with the former very lucky not to be struck on the head by Grosjean’s out-of-control Lotus. With this incident not being the first, nor the last, of Grosjean’s infamous opening lap incidences, the FIA decided to impose a one race ban upon the Frenchman.

Despite being involved in another opening lap incident at the Japanese Grand Prix with Mark Webber, Romain Grosjean has unquestionably become more cautious at the start of races. However, with many other drivers causing various incidences over the due course of the season, the FIA have confirmed they are considering a points system which would see drivers penalized for continuous bad behavior.

“We would like to see a system, and indeed we could discuss it with the teams next Wednesday in Brazil, similar to the sort of thing you have with your road license where you will accumulate points on your Super License,” explained race director Charlie Whiting to AutoSport. “If you get to 12 points, or whatever it is, you will have a race [ban]. That’s the sort of thing we will discuss.”

There is currently no penalty system for repeat offenses on track in Formula 1, apart from a driver potentially incurring a 10-place grid penalty for being issued three reprimands in one season. This potential change in the penalty system could well change that fact, and reform what is unarguably an inconsistent penalty system currently in operation in F1.

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Hamilton Likens Indian Grand Prix Circuit To Spa-Francorchamps

Lewis Hamilton has likened India’s Buddh International Circuit to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, a track which is regarded by many drivers as the most exhilarating track on the current calendar. However, the Indian circuit near New Delhi has characteristics vastly different the other Hermann Tilke designed tracks.

New tracks such as the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi and the Korea International Circuit in South Korea have characteristics incredibly similar to each other, thus presenting the drivers with hardly any challenge when it comes to the race weekend. However, the still relatively new Buddh International Circuit differs greatly from these similarities, and has therefore quickly become a firm favorite amongst the Formula 1 fraternity.

After several disastrous results for Lewis Hamilton at the last three races, the 2008 World Champion is understandably eager to alter his uncompetitive streak at this weekend’s Indian Grand Prix. Since taking victory at the Hungarian and Italian Grands Prix, the 27-year-old has struggled to finish competitively, in stark contrast to the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Felipe Massa who have enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence in recent races.

“The circuit is something of a revelation.” Enthused Lewis Hamilton, with regards to the Buddh International Circuit. “Most modern tracks have a very similar feel; you find that the same driving style and rhythm suits them all. But the Buddh International Circuit is different: it has more in common with a great track like Spa than it does with any number of the more modern places we visit.

“And that’s because it’s got an incredible flow – basically, from turn four, a wide-apex right-hander that sweeps downhill, the track is just a series of fast, rolling curves which really allow you to put the car absolutely on the limit. I think we’ll have a car that’s a match for the circuit and I can’t wait to get out there and start practicing on Friday.”

Although Lewis Hamilton endured a frustrating inaugural Indian Grand Prix last season, the Briton is confident he can improve vastly this weekend. Hamilton eventually finished last season’s race a distant 7th, whereas Jenson Button managed a decent 2nd on his way to clinching 2nd in the Drivers’ Championship. Both Button and Hamilton look unlikely to repeat such successes in the Championship this season, but they are unwilling to give up as the final four races quickly approach.

Picture Copyright © McLaren F1 Team

Lotus To Retain Raikkonen And Grosjean For 2013

Although Romain Grosjean has endured a frustrating and incident-filled 2012 season, Lotus team principal Eric Boullier confirmed after the Korean Grand Prix last Sunday that the Frenchman would remain at Lotus next season. The Frenchman will once again race alongside Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen, after his superb comeback season.

Whereas Kimi Raikkonen has so far completed every racing lap of the current season, a feat achieved by no other driver on the grid, Romain Grosjean has struggled greatly throughout certain race weekends. From colliding with the likes of Michael Schumacher at Malaysia and Lewis Hamilton at Belgium, to finishing 2nd at the Canadian Grand Prix, Grosjean’s 2012 season has been one of incredibly mixed emotions.

However, with Lotus confirming that the likable Frenchman will remain a Lotus driver next season, it seems the hangdog expression on his face seen throughout the Korean Grand Prix weekend can finally lift. With Grosjean avoiding all types of contact during the race, especially during the melee that was the opening three corners, the former GP2 Champion stormed to a competitive 7th position which included a lengthy battle with the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg.

After the race last Sunday, Lotus team principal Eric Boullier confirmed that Romain Grosjean would remain a Lotus driver alongside Kimi Raikkonen for the 2013 season, dispelling rumors that the Frenchman could be dropped by the Enstone-based outfit after his numerous on-track skirmishes. Boullier has explained that the contract is ready and waiting for him, and has been approved by the relevant board within the team.

“He has been reassured about his future and that he is going to stay with us, but I cannot commit today.” Explained Eric Boullier to the BBC, after the Korean Grand Prix. “There is a situation with the FIA and the race-ban suspension so I have to do it at the right time. We have [had] internal discussions. Everything is ready, the contract is ready and has been approved by the board. It is just a question of finding the possibility to do it.”

At the start of the Belgian Grand Prix last month, Romain Grosjean was the catalyst in the multi-car incident which took out Championship contenders Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, including the Sauber of Sergio Perez. This extremely violent incident, which so nearly saw Alonso’s head make contact with Grosjean’s out-of-control Lotus, saw the Frenchman issued with a one-race ban. Eric Boullier firmly believes that this ban has had a positive effect on him, and that he has learned from it despite his collision with Mark Webber at the start of the Japanese Grand Prix.

“In the end it had a positive effect on him,” continued Eric Boullier. “He understood it, he came to Monza on his own and he clearly wanted to rebuild himself. He deserves to be in Formula 1, we brought him back because we believe he has a future in Formula 1. I would be a bit foolish to bring him back and then get rid of him. There are many different reasons why he has had problems in the first corner. The first thing is to step back a bit and keep your line and just get through the first corner. Then you can race.”

Amid one of the most intriguing “silly seasons’ which Formula 1 has witnessed in its long and vibrant history, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton on the move, it seems the Lotus driver line-up will remain the same for next season. However, many other midfield teams such as Sauber, Force India and Williams have yet to confirm their line-up and continue to play host to ongoing rumors and speculations as this highly unique season draws to a thrilling conclusion.

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Nico Hulkenberg: “Singapore Is The Toughest Race Of The Year”

Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg has explained how the Singapore Grand Prix is, to him, the toughest race of year mainly due to the length of the race and the unusually high amount of corners around the 5.073km street circuit. The Marina Bay street circuit consists of 23 corners, albeit taken mainly at a low to medium speed for the majority of the lap.

The 25-year-old German has only raced around the daunting street circuit once throughout his career, during his debut season in 2010 with Williams. In a race that was won by Fernando Alonso, Nico Hulkenberg was able to finish 10th for Williams, around a track the German finds both mentally and physically demanding.

“It’s a very long lap with some tricky bumps and kerbs, and you need to get close to the walls if you want to be quick.” Explained Nico Hulkenberg, “So getting the perfect lap is not easy. It’s anti-clockwise, too, although it’s not as demanding on the neck as somewhere like Interlagos because most of the corners are low to medium speed. For me Singapore is the toughest race of the year – physically and mentally. I think it’s because there are 23 corners on the track and it’s one of the longest races of the year – always close to the two hour limit. So you certainly feel it after the race because of the high temperatures and humidity.”

Nico Hulkenberg endured a frustrating Italian Grand Prix, starting from the back of the grid after a mechanical issue on the car during qualifying. This came only a week after the German driver recorded his best finish of his career, with 4th at the Belgian Grand Prix. Hulkenberg, who is currently 14th in the Drivers’ Championship with 31 points, will be understandably striving for yet another competitive result at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

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Jerome D’Ambrosio Positive After Being Plagued By KERs Failure

Jerome D’Ambrosio has ended his return to Formula 1 on a positive note, after suffering a majority of the Italian Grand Prix with a KERs failure on his Renault-powered Lotus E20. The Belgian driver, standing in for the banned Romain Grosjean, was able to finish 13th after a tough race long battle in the midfield.

The 26-year-old Belgian driver, who had not raced in the sport since the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix, started the race around the historic Autodromo Nazionale di Monza from 15th on the grid. After several laps into the race, D’Ambrosio was informed that his car had suffered a KERs failure, thus leaving him at a large disadvantage over the majority of the opposition. However, D’Ambrosio was able to battle his way through the 53-lap race to eventually finish only three places away from a point scoring position.

“It was a pretty long and difficult race for me today.” Explained Jerome D’Ambrosio, “After losing my KERs on lap 6 it was always going to be tough as that’s worth about half a second per lap around here. Once I lost that extra boost it was impossible to keep up and I dropped back. My main aim was to finish the race and I’ve achieved that so it’s not so bad overall. It was great to be back in the car and especially with such a fantastic team; I’ve learnt a lot this weekend.”

Jerome D’Ambrosio will now return to his reserve driver duties for the Lotus outfit, as Romain Grosjean prepares to return next time out for the Singapore Grand Prix after serving his one-race ban. The Frenchman will be eager to prove he has learned his lesson, after causing the first lap incident at the Belgian Grand Prix, amongst others. With the FIA proving a point by banning Grosjean at Spa-Francorchamps, it’s unquestionable that dangerous driving will not be tolerated in Formula 1.

Picture Copyright © Lotus F1 Team

Nico Rosberg Hints At Balance Issues With His Mercedes W03

Nico Rosberg has hinted at balance issues with his Mercedes W03 as of the main fundamental issues with the car, after enduring several torrid race weekend’s. Nico Rosberg suffered a particularly tough race weekend last time out in Belgium, incurring a 5-place grid penalty for a gearbox change, and starting the race from 23rd on the grid.

The German driver, who won the Chinese Grand Prix back in April, has since suffered highly uncompetitive results, only being able to bring home two points combined since the British Grand Prix in July. Nico Rosberg has hinted that the balance of the car is particularly difficult, largely due to the very long corners at Spa-Francorchamps. Rosberg will be hoping Mercedes have corrected any balance issues on the car, especially with the highly demanding and very long final corner at Monza.

“We’ve had some more difficult times now, lately and a little bit of a drop in performance relative to others – we know that.” Explained Nico Rosberg on the subject, “And we’ve been looking into it, we understand a lot of the reasons, and we’ve been pushing very, very hard to turn things around again and I’m sure the next few races are going to be a little bit better for us – how good is difficult to say.”

When asked whether or not the car is difficult to drive, Nico Rosberg stated the balance with his car is currently rather difficult. After being front runners towards the start of the season, Mercedes been one of the few teams to take several steps back as the season has progressed. With rivals such as Lotus and Sauber constantly improving, Mercedes have begun to loose touch with the front teams such as Red Bull, McLaren and Lotus.

“Amongst other things the balance is difficult, yes.” Confirmed Nico Rosberg, “Especially the last two races, due to the fact that both tracks had very long corners and especially in those long corners it has been difficult.”

Nico Rosberg’s Italian Grand Prix lasted only several hundred meters last season, before he was unceremoniously taken out as Vitantonio Liuzzi’s HRT speared into the pack at turn 1. The German driver will be hoping his race this year lasts a bit longer, but he’ll also understandably be hoping his car handles better on one of the fastest tracks on the calendar.

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Mika Salo Believes Closed Cockpits “Ridiculous” For F1

Former F1 driver Mika Salo believes the introduction of closed cockpits in Formula 1 to improve driver safety would be “ridiculous”, and would ultimately lead to the sport no longer being the top tier of open-wheel racing and would instead see the sport become a sportscar prototypes series.

After Romain Grosjean caused the huge opening lap incident during last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, in which Grosjean’s Lotus narrowly missed Alonso’s head, rumors up and down the paddock have been sparked at the possible introduction of closed cockpits by 2014. This theory has been greatly tested for many years, and would prevent incidences such as Felipe Massa and Henry Surtees in 2009, where both drivers were struck on the head by debris.

Mika Salo scored 33 points during his career in Formula 1.

However, former Arrows, Ferrari and Sauber driver Mika Salo has dismissed these theories as ridiculous. The Finn thinks that panicking after incidences such as was seen at Spa-Francorchamps is not a good idea, especially when no driver was seriously injured. Mika Salo contested 111 Grands Prix throughout his career, with a personal best finish of 2nd at the 1999 German Grand Prix when the Finn stood in for the injured Michael Schumacher at Ferrari.

“I think the idea of a closed cockpit is ridiculous for Formula One,” Explained Mika Salo, who competed in F1 between 1994 and 2002. “Actually, it would no longer be Formula One, it would be (sports car) prototypes. In my view it’s not a good idea to panic after an accident, especially when nothing happened [in terms of serious injuries].”

Since the end of Mika Salo’s F1 career, the Finn has raced in numerous other categories including ChampCar and Sportscars. He also became an FIA Drivers’ steward earlier in the year for the European Grand Prix at Valencia, and has since become a commentator for Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

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James Allison Confirms Double-DRS Won’t Reappear Until Suzuka

Lotus technical director James Allison has confirmed that the teams rendition of the Double-DRS device will not reappear on their cars until the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, after initially planning to run the device at the Belgian Grand Prix last time out. This comes after Lotus confirmed they would not introduce the device at Monza.

After Kimi Raikkonen tested the device during practice for both the German and Hungarian Grands Prix, Lotus initially planned to run the device for the first time on both cars during the Belgian Grand Prix. However, the heavy rain forced Lotus to abandon plans to run the device for the weekend, after running on Friday was hampered due to the treacherous on track conditions.

Due to the vast change in aero configuration for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix around the high-speed Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Lotus also confirmed they would not be introducing the device this weekend, stating that the Singapore Grand Prix later this month could be the earliest the device would be reintroduced.

However, those plans have been delayed by yet a further race, with the team’s technical director James Allison now confirming that the device won’t reappear until the Japanese Grand Prix in October. Lotus team principal Eric Boullier is still confident Kimi Raikkonen can win the Drivers’ Championship, despite his inability to win in Belgium.

“Although we would like to have it at Monza – because it is the type of circuit that rewards such a thing – we don’t have the DRS device configured to cope with the Monza level of downforce,” explained James Allison, as the team gears up for the Italian Grand Prix. “So it is not even on the table. In Singapore you won’t see it either, because it’s too high a downforce circuit with insufficient straights for it to be worthwhile. The earliest you might see it now is Suzuka.”

With reserve driver Jerome D’Ambrosio standing in for the banned Romain Grosjean as this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, any realistic hope Lotus have of victory lies heavily on the shoulders of Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn has never been victorious around Monza, and will be undoubtedly striving to change that stat once the track action gets underway this weekend.

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Bruno Senna Aiming For Points Finish At Monza

Bruno Senna is aiming for a decent points finish at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, after narrowly missing out on scoring any points at last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix as the Williams driver finished the race in 12th position. Pastor Maldonado once again failed to finish the race, and will incur a 10-place grid drop this weekend at Monza.

Since the team’s illustrious victory at the Spanish Grand Prix back in May, Williams have struggled to string together consistent points finishes, with Bruno Senna the only driver to have scored any points for the team since Maldonado’s victory. The Venezuelan driver has since made many on track errors, and has visited the stewards on numerous occasions so far this season. However, Williams are hopeful this trait will come to an end this weekend, as the Grove-based outfit strive for more important points at the Italian Grand Prix.

“While we didn’t finish in the points the car showed good pace at Spa, particularly on the long straights, so the signs are looking good heading into Monza.” Explained Bruno Senna, “It’s a very fast circuit and is a real old fashioned test for the driver’s so I’m looking forward to the race. The team is working very hard to get the maximum out of the car and if we can get qualifying right we should be looking for a points finish.”

Williams have only recorded one double points finish so far this season, at the Chinese Grand Prix back in April. Since then Maldonado has only finished in the points once, when he won at Barcelona. Bruno Senna has finished in the points a further four times since the Chinese Grand Prix, however it’s undeniable that both Maldonado and Senna need to finish in the points together if they have any desire on beating the likes of Force India and Sauber this season.

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