Williams Confirm Long-Term Mercedes Engine Deal

Williams has confirmed a long-term engine deal with German marque Mercedes from 2014 onwards, which will see the Grove-based outfit switch to its fifth engine supplier in fourteen years since its endeavor with BMW-power back in 2000. Since then, Williams has been powered by the likes of Toyota, Cosworth and Renault.

Rumors linking Williams to Mercedes for the 2014 season emerged during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, and comes only several weeks since McLaren announced their return to Honda engines from 2015 onwards. The subject of engine suppliers has become increasingly popular in recent weeks, with Toro Rosso confirming a switch from Ferrari to Renault and Caterham likely to confirm their allegiance to the French engine supplier in the coming days.

Although Mercedes will supply Williams with the Mercedes-Benz Power Unit and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, the Grove-based outfit will still manufacture their own transmission next season. This move from Williams comes only several months after former Executive Director Toto Wolff switched to Mercedes to become the marque’s Executive Director. The 41-year-old believes the partnership is a win-win situation for both Williams and Mercedes.

Toto Wolff believes the switch will be a win-win situation for both Mercedes and Williams.

“The proud heritage of Williams and the company’s commitment to technological excellence make it a perfect long-term partner for Mercedes-Benz under the new powertrain regulations.” Explained Toto Wolff, “It is a win-win situation for both HPP and Williams, which will ensure HPP is able to supply at least three teams on a long-term basis under the new regulations and could open interesting new perspectives for technology transfer. We look forward to enjoying much success together over the coming years.”

From 2014 onwards, the technical aspects of a Formula 1 engine will change drastically, with the sport switching from the current normally aspirated 2.4 litre V8 engine to a new 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged hybrid power unit. Mercedes has already unveiled their engine for the 2014 season, which will witness one of the largest technical revamps in the history of the sport. Williams founder and team principal, Sir Frank Williams, has expressed great delight in announcing his team’s technical partnership with Mercedes.

“I’m delighted to announce our new association with Mercedes-Benz for the 2014 Formula One season and beyond.” Enthused Sir Frank Williams, “Mercedes-Benz has been one of the sport’s most successful engine suppliers and we believe that they will have an extremely competitive engine package. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Renault for their continued hard work since we renewed our engine partnership at the beginning of the 2012 season. We have enjoyed a strong relationship that has resulted in much success over the years, including powering us to winning ways once again last year at the Spanish Grand Prix.”

Since recording their first victory since the 2004 season last year at the Spanish Grand Prix, Williams has endured a frustrating start to the new season. The Grove-based outfit has so far been unable score any points this season, with former race winner Pastor Maldonado and former GP3 Series Champion Valtteri Bottas both suffering a tough start to the 2013 season. However, the switch to Mercedes next season could well provide the team with the technical backing required for a return to their competitive ways.

Picture(s) Copyright © Williams F1 Team & Mercedes AMG Petronas

Jaime Alguersuari Focusing On Pirelli Test Drive Role In 2013

Former Formula 1 driver Jaime Alguersuari has explained how he will continue to strive for a full-time Formula 1 drive, despite his recent confirmation that he will not race for Force India in 2013. After a season away from a full-time drive testing for Pirelli and commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, Alguersuari was confident of returning in 2013.

However, as the rumors continue to circulate as to who will eventually team-mate Paul di Resta at Force India, Jaime Alguersuari has confirmed that he will not line-up on the grid in Melbourne next month with the Silverstone-based outfit. Instead, the Spanish driver will continue to focus on his Pirelli test driver role, as well as keeping up to scratch with driving a Formula 1 car.

With many other drivers including Jules Bianchi, Adrian Sutil and Narain Karthikeyan also eying up the sole remaining vacancy at Force India, it was also rumored that Alguersuari would instead move to DTM for the forthcoming season should a return to Formula 1 fail to materialize. However, this particular endeavor by Alguersuari has been thwarted by former F1 driver Timo Glock at BMW. This therefore means Alguersuari will once again spend a motor sport season only testing for Pirelli, although the 22-year-old is confident he can one day complete a return to Formula 1.

“When a driver in his best racing form leaves F1, he needs to keep his currency up,” explained Jaime Alguersuari to AutoSport. “That’s why I’m very happy to have this Pirelli deal, because I can still be active, can still run in the car and can understand the tyres. I’m still ready to jump in and race this year and do the job I should do. Possibly I did close other opportunities in other series but now I’m concentrating on this [the Pirelli test drive]. Maybe in the future I will look at other things.”

With Jaime Alguersuari seemingly out of the equation at Force India for 2013, it is widely predicated that the second and final drive on the grid with Silverstone-based outfit will be a “shoot-out” between reserve driver Jules Bianchi and former driver Adrian Sutil. Jaime Alguersuari however will continue his work with Pirelli, in the hope that one of the teams decides to replace one of their drivers throughout 2013.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

Timo Glock Officially Leaves Marussia By ‘Mutual Consent’

Timo Glock has officially left Marussia by ‘mutual consent’, confirming rumors which began to surface Sunday evening regarding the German’s future in Formula 1. This departure by Glock ends his three-year partnership with the Banbury-based outfit, despite being contracted for Marussia for the forthcoming season.

Since the team’s inception in Formula 1 back in 2010, when they were then known as Virgin Racing, Timo Glock has spearheaded the outfit’s campaigns alongside the likes of Lucas di Grassi and Jerome D’Ambrosio. The German has unquestionably assisted Marussia into becoming the team they are today, with his many years of experience in Formula 1 proving a valuable asset to a team battling towards the back of the grid with the likes of Caterham and HRT in recent years.

“Timo has made a very significant contribution to our team over the past three seasons, helping us to develop our package to the point where, for a large proportion of the 2012 season, we were holding 10th place in the Constructors’ Championship.” Explained John Booth, Marussia’s team principal. “We would like to thank Timo for working with us to reach this decision, especially as he had a valid contract, and also for the contribution he has made to our team. We wish him all the best for his future and I would like to congratulate the next team acquiring the services of such a competitive, professional and experienced racer. We will provide an update regarding the completion of our driver line-up in due course.”

German newspaper Bild have speculated that the German star could move to the DTM Series, with rumors that he could join BMW, a marque which he tested with in Formula 1 back in 2007. Timo Glock is departing from Marussia with nothing but praise for the Anglo-Russian team, who he joined in 2010 after several competitive seasons with Toyota.

“I have had three excellent years with the Marussia F1 Team, during which I had the chance to actively participate in building and developing the team in its endeavors to succeed within the Formula 1 World Championship.” Said Timo Glock, “I would like to wish the team good luck in navigating this next period and thank everyone for the great times we shared and the support I have received. Although it is not the path I expected to be taking, I am in fact very excited about what the future holds in terms of my own career and I hope to comment on that very soon.”

This sudden departure of Timo Glock leaves Marussia with only one driver for the rapidly approaching season, with Briton Max Chilton preparing to make his debut with Marussia. The Banbury-based outfit will understandably be eager to find a replacement for Glock, before pre-season testing gets underway.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Sauber Set To Introduce Several New Upgrades For Silverstone

Sauber are one of many teams set to introduce new upgrades to their car for this weekends British Grand Prix, as the team aims for another competitive race weekend at Silverstone. The Swiss-based team have had a season of sporadic results so far, with Sergio Perez finishing on the podium at both the Malaysian and Canadian Grands Prix.

However, the British Grand Prix is going to be a tough race weekend for Sauber, as Kamui Kobayashi will endure a 5-place grid penalty for his wrongdoings at the European Grand Prix last time out. With Sergio Perez struggling in qualifying recently, Sauber are unsurprisingly aiming for an improvement in qualifying on Saturday.

“I really like the Silverstone circuit.” Explained Sergio Perez, “I have won there in Formula 3 and in GP2 and also last year my first Formula One race was good. I came seventh and this was actually my best race result in 2011. In my view in Silverstone it is even more difficult to overtake than it was in Valencia, therefore qualifying is high priority on the job list. I need a better grid position than recently. I like the fast and fluid corners a lot, so this is a very enjoyable part of the track.”

Like with many of the teams up and down the grid, new upgrades are high on agenda this weekend. Sauber will be introducing a new aerodynamic package, which will include modifications to the rear of the car.

“An important factor in Silverstone is always the weather, an aspect we need to take into consideration when preparing for the race weekend, and something which we might to need to adapt to during the race.” Said Sauber’s Head of Track Engineering, Giampaolo Dall’Ara. “Our Sauber C31 will get an aerodynamic development package, which includes some modifications of the engine cover and the rear of the car. Looking at the layout of this track and the characteristics of our car, I think we can approach this race weekend with a lot of optimism.”

Sauber’s best finish around Silverstone came in 2008, when Nick Heidfeld brought his BMW-powered machine home in 2nd position behind Lewis Hamilton in the wet. With the weather conditions set to possibly match those of 2008 this weekend, there is even more of a possibility for Sauber to possibly equal or even better Heidfeld’s result.

Picture Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG

 

Sauber Confident Ahead Of The Canadian Grand Prix

After Sauber unfortunately failed to score any points at the Monaco Grand Prix last time out, both their drivers are now eager to score high amounts of points at the Canadian Grand Prix. This will be Sergio Perez’s first race at Montreal, after the Mexican driver failed to take part in last years race due to repercussions from his heavy incident at last years Monaco Grand Prix.

It was at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve that Sauber (then known as BMW) took their first and as of yet only F1 victory in their long and colorful 20 year history in the sport. Poland’s Robert Kubica lead home a BMW 1-2 ahead of Germany’s Nick Heidfeld and the Red Bull of David Coulthard, only a year after Kubica survived a horrific incident at the same circuit. Since then, Sauber have failed to score a single World Championship point in Canada, a fact both Kobayashi and Perez will hope to end come race day.

Kubica takes victory in 2008 – Picture Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG

“At the circuit in Montreal there are long straights but also slow corners.” Said Kamui Kobayashi, “I think our car seems to be okay for this. I hope there we can have the performance we want to see. We shall have to see what we can do, but I think Montreal is one of the places where we can be strong. I really like the city and the track, although, unfortunately, I have never had a great result there. This year I want to make up for this. Our car is getting better and I’m looking forward to the Canadian Grand Prix.”

Due to the medium downforce requirement of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Sauber are also bringing a new rear wing to the Canadian Grand Prix along with some minor modifications. With Sauber undeniably being struck by misfortune at times throughout the season, the Swiss outfit will be eager to find some luck as they aim for a competitive Canadian Grand Prix.

Picture Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG

Technical Director James Key To Leave Sauber

Only days before Sauber launch their new 2012 car, it is understood that their Technical Director, James Key, is set to leave the Swiss outfit and join another Formula 1 team, leaving Sauber’s heads of department for its aerodynamic, design performance and operations devision in charge of the the design and development of their new car.

James Key joined Sauber at the start of the 2010 season after previously working with Force India, replacing Willy Rampf as Technical Director. At that time, Sauber were in the process of ending its connections with BMW who had run the team since June 2005.

In light of this recent development, team owner Peter Sauber said: “A qualified team shares the overall technical responsibility. This structure has proved to work well at other racing outfits. Over a period of almost two years, James has accomplished a lot for our team. Especially in the difficult transition period from a manufacturer team into a private enterprise, he contributed significantly to ensure the team regained stability. We would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best for his future.”

“I’ve enjoyed the past two years working at the Sauber F1 Team.” Said James Key on his time with Sauber, “It has been a very intense and interesting time, in which we had to manage the transition from a much larger team to a smaller one, and everybody handled that very well. I think the team is now well set for the future and I wish it the very best. I have been offered a new role back in the UK, which I decided to accept.”

The team which James Key will eventually be joining has not yet been disclosed. Sauber will launch their 2012 challenger on 6th February, the day before pre-season testing gets underway at Jerez. 

Williams Part Company With Title Sponsor AT&T

It was officially announced today that Williams have parted company with their title sponsor AT&T, with their logos disappearing from the teams website earlier today. This comes after the teams most unsuccessful season in their long and colorful history in the sport as they finished the season with only five points from 19 races.

The American multi-national telecommunications company have been the teams title sponsor for five years after Williams split from their BMW partnership that had lasted since the 2000 season. With Williams promising better results in the up-and-coming 2012 season, they now not only have to find themselves a second driver, but also a title sponsor. It has become apparent through Reuters that the team are now currently undergoing negotiations with another telecommunications company, with other sources hinting that this particular company could turn out to be Qtel, the Qatar national telecommunications company.

Either way, there is no denying that Williams have an uphill struggle to find success in 2012, even though they will have the backing of Renault engines. Williams found huge amounts of success with Renault in the 1990s with Nigel Mansell (1992), Alain Prost (1993), Damon Hill (1996) and Jacques Villeneuve (1997) all being crowned Champions driving a Williams-Renault.

McLaren Seeking 2014 Honda Engine Deal

It was reported today by a German magazine that the McLaren Formula One team are possibly seeking an engine deal with Honda in time for the 2014 season, this comes a few years after Honda pulled out of Formula One along with fellow teams Toyota and BMW.

This announcement would take place after 2012 when their engine partnership with Mercedes comes to an end, a partnership that has lasted for 16 years and has accomplished numerous success with drivers such as Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton winning races and championships with them.

McLaren were partners with the Japanese manufacturer from 1988 to 1992, and in those years they became World Constructors’ Champions a stunning four times, three with Ayrton Senna and one with Alain Prost. It was this period of the teams history when the bitter rivalry between Senna and Prost ignited, resulting in some of the most controversial events of Formula One’s history. 

When their ties with Honda ended in 1993, Ford came onboard and was replaced a year later by Peugeot before McLaren finally partnered themselves with Mercedes. As long as McLaren have had engines supplied by the German manufacturer, they have only ever been World Constructors’ Champions once, that being in 1998 when Mika Hakkinen won the first of his two championships.

However, in 2009 Mercedes sold their stake in the McLaren team when they bought 2009 World Champions Brawn GP, becoming what is now the silver arrows of Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. As well as this Mercedes also power the Force India team, a partnership that has been ongoing since 2009 after Force India stopped using Ferrari engines. 

Honda left the sport in 2008 after taking over the British American Racing (BAR) team in 2006, and for three years raced with the same two drivers of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, winning only one race in the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix with Button. However in the winter of 2008 it was announced that due to financial difficulties Honda had left the sport, leaving Button and Barrichello without a drive for 2009. However ex-Honda team principal, Ross Brawn, took over and created the Brawn GP team which went on and became surprise 2009 World Drivers’ and Constructors‘ Champions (ironically supplied by Mercedes engines)!.

McLaren were unable to comment on these speculations today.