Jules Bianchi Replaces Luiz Razia At Marussia

Frenchman Jules Bianchi has officially replaced Brazilian driver Luiz Razia at Marussia, only several weeks prior to the start of the new season. This comes amid sudden speculation surrounding Luiz Razia’s association with the Anglo-Russian outfit, with the former GP2 driver’s financial support towards the team failing to materialize.

After only two days of track action during pre-season testing for Marussia, Luiz Razia failed to make an appearance for the outfit during the second pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. The Brazilian’s unexplained involvement during the second test instantly re-ignited the Formula 1 rumor mill, and it was soon confirmed that “complications” with Razia’s contract was the cause for his absence. For all four days of the second test, Max Chilton was behind the wheel of the MR-02 machine.

When Max Chilton continued to rack up the miles for Marussia once the third and final pre-season test began, strong rumors linking numerous familiar faces to Luiz Razia’s drive at the outfit began to surface which included Vitaly Petrov, Heikki Kovalainen and Narain Karthikeyan. However, with only two days of pre-season testing remaining prior to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Marussia have finally confirmed what is hoped to be the final driver alteration of the season with Ferrari-backed Frenchman Jules Bianchi replacing former GP2 runner-up Luiz Razia at the team.

“We are very pleased to welcome Jules Bianchi to the Marussia F1 Team.” Confirmed Marussia’s team principal, John Booth at the Barcelona circuit after the second day of testing. “Jules is a proven talent who is highly regarded within the Paddock. He has been on a clear trajectory towards Formula 1 and has achieved some impressive performances through the various feeder formulae, notably his 2012 season in Formula Renault 3.5 when he was also Reserve Driver for Force India. He is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and his obvious pedigree put him on the radar for a number of teams over the winter as a driver ready to step up to Formula 1.

“We have found ourselves in a situation where we have had to terminate our contract with Luiz Razia. Having made clear the basis on which we must operate in 2013, and given the steps we had taken to put that new structure in place, we had no alternative but to remain true to the principles which we had identified as being key to securing our long-term future. Jules can now look forward to a very swift initiation into the Team over the course of the next two days here in Barcelona, when he is expected to run for one and a half days to afford both our drivers some dry running with the latest aero specification.”

Jules Bianchi was initially linked to the vacancy at Force India for the majority of the winter period, but the 23-year-old was eventually thwarted by returning German driver Adrian Sutil. After several impressive years in the lower Formulae, it looked as though Bianchi would once again have to endure a year on the sidelines as either a test or reserve driver. However, in the dog-eat-dog world of the sport, Razia’s loss is certainly Bianchi’s gain, with the Frenchman understandably overjoyed with his new appointment.

“I am thrilled to have secured a race seat with the Marussia F1 Team.” Enthralled the Frenchman, “Racing in Formula 1 this season has been my goal over the winter and after evaluating a number of options I am very excited to have this opportunity to demonstrate that I am ready for this next step in my racing career. I am also very grateful to the Ferrari Driver Academy that has always supported me and has given me the possibility to mature as a racing driver enabling me to be fully prepared for this new exciting challenge. The next two weeks of preparation for the season will be incredibly busy but I am ready to get started tomorrow with my first day in the MR02.”

Due to Jules Bianchi’s involvement with Ferrari, it has been widely rumored throughout the paddock that Marussia will switch to Ferrari power for the 2014 season once the new engine regulations come into force. This comes after Graeme Lowdon, Marussia’s team president, confirmed that it was unlikely that the team’s current engine supplier, Cosworth, would design an engine for 2014. Such a move for Marussia could be highly beneficial, and could propel the team to new heights in the coming months.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Ferrari Reveal ‘Evolutionary’ F138

Ferrari took the covers off of their new and ‘evolutionary’ F138 machine earlier today at Maranello in Italy, as the Italian giants begin their preparations for the 2013 season ahead. After coming so very close to Championship glory last season with Fernando Alonso, the Scuderia is hopeful 2013 will be a successful year for the team.

Amid a flurry of car launches throughout the next few days, Ferrari’s new F138 challenger was unveiled to the world of Formula 1 earlier this morning revealing what the team are dubbing an ‘evolutionary’ version of their F12012 machine from last season. This is the 59th Formula 1 car produced by Ferrari, and the Italian squad is optimistic that success can be secured with this new machine.

Naturally the car has remained the traditional color of red for the new season, despite some minor additions of white and black on several parts of the car. The F138 has also undergone several modifications in the design department, with the team opting to utilize the modesty panel to hide the unsightly step-nose design as well as a revised exhaust and sidepod layout. Unlike last season the Maranello-based squad hope to start the year in winning fashion, instead of a repeat of 2012’s disastrously uncompetitive opening race weekend in Australia.

“There are areas of development on the car which will be very important, from now until the end of the year.” Explained Ferrari’s team principal, Stefano Domenicali, “We have a clear goal, which is to give Fernando and Felipe a competitive car, at the highest level. Then, it will be our drivers and the team that can make the difference. Our approach from the first race on must be the right one and we must be mentally ready to deal with very tense moments. We definitely don’t want to find ourselves having to fight like last year to close down a 1.6 second gap to the fastest.”

Felipe Massa will become the first person to drive the new Ferrari F138 once pre-season testing gets underway next week at Jerez, before handing over driving duties to the team’s new development driver Pedro de la Rosa. Two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso has elected to skip the first, therefore allowing Felipe Massa the opportunity to begin what Ferrari hope will be a prosperous new season.

“The first test is very useful to understand the direction in which we should go and where we need to do the most work,” said Felipe Massa. “Last year, I had a very positive second half to the season and I really want to get back on track and continue with the work that has seen me improve a lot over the past years. My aim is always the same, to give my all, right from the start of the season.”

Ferrari last won a season opening Grand Prix back in 2010, when Fernando Alonso triumphed on his debut for the Scuderia in leading home a 1-2 finish ahead of eventual Champion Sebastian Vettel. The Maranello-based outfit will be hoping for a repeat of such success next month at Melbourne, when Ferrari resume what they hope will be a season-long Championship battle.

Picture Copyright © Ferrari

Jolyon Palmer Switches To Carlin For 2013

Jolyon Palmer has joined Carlin for the 2013 GP2 Series season, and will team-mate rising Brazilian ace Felipe Nasr at the British outfit. Jolyon Palmer picked up his first GP2 victory throughout the 2012 season with iSport International, and is targeting the Championship crown next season.

After finishing as runner-up in the 2010 Formula Two season, Jolyon Palmer made the switch to GP2 with Arden International. Despite a rather mediocre debut season in the series, which saw the Briton finish no higher than 9th, Palmer was able to progress to a drive in 2012 with former Champions iSport International. This led to the 21-year-old’s maiden GP2 victory at Monaco, and has instilled confidence within Palmer that Championship glory is possible next season.

“I’m very happy to be racing for Carlin in 2013.” Explained Jolyon Palmer, “The team showed good pace this year in their second season in GP2 and they are hungry to build on that next year. My aim is to be fighting for the Championship and I’m confident we are in a position to do that.”

Jolyon Palmer’s team-mate for the 2013 season will be Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr, who impressed greatly during his first season with DAMS alongside eventual Champion Davide Valsecchi. Both drivers are aiming for the Championship crown in 2013, and Carlin’s Racing Director Trevor Carlin is hopeful of a competitive season.

“Jolyon is a very promising young British driver and we’re delighted to be able to welcome him into our GP2 team.” Enthused Trevor Carlin, “He put in some fantastic performances last season and I believe he will be a regular race winner and title contender next year. With Jolyon and Felipe we have an exceptionally talented team, and preparations are already underway for a strong start to the 2013 season.”

Both Jolyon Palmer and Felipe Nasr will have strong competition for Championship supremacy next season, with the likes of James Calado and Marcus Ericsson, amongst others, with their sights firmly set on the Championship crown. Whoever comes out on top next year, the 2013 season already has all of the ingredients to be yet another sensational chapter in the sport’s history.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Felipe Nasr Joins Carlin For 2013 GP2 Season

Brazilian GP2 driver Felipe Nasr has joined Carlin for the 2013 season, a team which the 20-year-old won the British F3 Championship with in 2011. During his debut season in the series, Nasr stormed to four podium finishes with DAMS alongside eventual Championship winner Davide Valsecchi.

Once the season had come to a conclusion, Felipe Nasr switched to Carlin for the final post-season tests at both Barcelona and Jerez. The Brazilian driver was immediately on the pace throughout these tests, which saw him finish 2nd fastest on both days during the Jerez test. This competitiveness shown from Nasr, coupled with his exceedingly successful debut season with DAMS, could potentially see him challenge for Championship supremacy next season with he British outfit.

“I’m so happy to be coming back to Carlin.” Enthused Felipe Nasr, “Not only is it the team that I won the British F3 championship with, but it’s also a team that I feel very comfortable with. Testing so far has gone very well. The Barcelona test was about getting used to the team and the Carlin car, and we were able to build on that this week in Jerez and show some real speed. I can’t wait for the 2013 season to get underway, for sure we’re going to have a really strong package.”

Towards the end of the 2012 season, the Marussia-backed Carlin outfit picked up several victories at the hands of Max Chilton, who later went on to become the Marussia F1 team reserve driver. Team owner Trevor Carlin aims to start the 2013 season from where his team left off in 2012, and firmly believes that Felipe Nasr will be a title contender in 2013.

“We have had the pleasure of working with Felipe before and we know what he is capable of when he’s happy in the car.” Explained Trevor Carlin, “He is an incredibly talented driver and to finish on the podium in his first weekend in the series shows his outright speed and potential; in his second season I believe he will be a real contender for the title. We have had two very productive seasons in GP2, which thanks in particular to Max who has been with us from the start, have seen us develop and improve as a team.  We’re aiming to start 2013 where we left off in 2012.”

It is as of yet unknown who Felipe Nasr’s team-mate will be at Carlin next season, with the Brazilian driver currently only one of three drivers confirmed on the 2013 grid alongside Stefano Coletti and Daniël de Jong. The Brazilian driver greatly impressed many throughout the paddock during his debut season with DAMS, and will most certainly continue to do throughout 2013 as he aims to clinch his maiden victory in the series with Carlin.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Simona de Silvestro To Partner Tony Kanaan At KV Racing For 2013

It has been announced that Swiss driver Simona de Silvestro will join Brazilian driver Tony Kanaan at KV Racing Technology for the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series, a move which will see her move away from the Lotus-powered HVM outfit. This will be the first time in her IZOD IndyCar career that she has been partnered by a team-mate.

After enduring a frustrating 2012 season, becoming the only driver to partake in the whole season using the disastrously uncompetitive Lotus engines, Simona de Silvestro will move to KV Racing Technology, partnering former Series Champion Tony Kanaan and ending her three-year stint as a HVM driver. The 24-year-old Swiss driver will get her first taste in the KV Racing Technology outfit next week, during a test at Barber.

It was initially thought that the HVM outfit were going to work together next season with KV Racing Technology, however these speculations seem to have died out and it is now believed that Simona de Silvestro will have no further involvement with the team which brought her into the IZOD IndyCar Series back in 2010. During the 2012 season, de Silvestro could only manage 13th at best at Detroit, in a season which included eight retirements (four of them mechanical related).

However, this move to KV Racing Technology should see an improvement in her form, especially with the outfit sporting Chevrolet engines. Simona’s best career result was 4th back in 2011 at St. Petersburg, a stat she will unquestionably be hoping to match or possibly even beat next season with a team which finished consistently in the top ten throughout the majority of last season.

Check out my previous interview with Simona de Silvestro, as we look back on her 2012 season.

Picture Copyright © Lotus HVM Racing

Williams Lamenting Minor Mistakes During Qualifying

Both Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado have been left lamenting what could’ve been after a disappointing end to qualifying for tomorrow’s Indian Grand Prix, after both drivers made minor errors during their respective pivotal laps during the qualifying hour. Maldonado will start the race from 9th, with Senna a distant 13th.

Despite showing surprising competitiveness during Q1, both Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado failed to maximize their pace in the remaining qualifying segments with only the Venezuelan driver able to progress to the all-important top ten shootout. After trading fastest laps with fellow countryman Felipe Massa in Q1, Senna could only manage 13th after making a mistake on his final lap in Q2.

“I made a mistake on my lap which is disappointing because I would have been in the top 10 if that hadn’t happened.” Explained Bruno Senna, whose seat at Williams is still unconfirmed for next season. “We showed good pace in this morning’s practice and in Q1 as well as a clear improvement over the last couple of races so things are going in the right direction.”

Unlike his team-mate, Pastor Maldonado was able to progress to the top ten shootout, however he too made a mistake which prevented the Spanish Grand Prix winner from displaying the FW34’s true pace. However, the team are hopeful that their race pace can see them rise through the order, and pick up valuable points as they remain locked in the incredibly competitive midfield.

Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team

Felipe Massa: “I’m Extremely Happy With This Agreement”

Felipe Massa is delighted with the new one-year contract extension which has recently been announced by the Scuderia, an agreement which will see the Brazilian driver remain with the Scuderia for one more season until the end of 2013. This has therefore ended ongoing speculation over his immediate future within the sport.

After months of speculation over his future with Ferrari, which as seen Felipe Massa yield slightly uncompetitive results in comparison to team-mate Fernando Alonso, the Scuderia have seen fit to extend the Brazilian’s contract at Maranello for a further year despite strong rumors that both Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta were potential candidates to replace him.

“I’m extremely happy with this agreement,” enthused Felipe Massa, after confirmation of his contract extension with the Scuderia. “Ferrari is my sporting family and I’ve always raced in Formula 1 with engines built in Maranello: I can’t see myself at the wheel of a single-seater powered by other engines. I want to first of all thank president [Luca di] Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali, who have put their faith in me and have always supported me, even at the most difficult times. Both of them, the team and every fan can be certain that I will do everything within my possibilities to help the Scuderia in reaching the goals it sets for itself every year.”

At the Japanese Grand Prix several weeks ago, Felipe Massa finally returned to the podium after a competitive 2nd place behind eventual race winner Sebastian Vettel. With Fernando Alonso retiring on the opening lap, this saw Massa bring home valuable points for the Maranello-based outfit as they strive to catch reigning Constructors’ Champions Red Bull. Last weekend in Korea, Massa continued his competitiveness with 4th, albeit after being issued team orders in the latter stages of the race ordering him to back-off and not overtake team-mate Fernando Alonso for 3rd.

Despite an uncompetitive start to the season for Felipe Massa, which saw him start 16th at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Ferrari’s team principal Stefano Domenicali has expressed great satisfaction in signing Felipe Massa for another year alongside unarguably one of the most complete drivers in the sport, Fernando Alonso.

“We are happy to have lengthened the relationship with Felipe for one further year,” explained Stefano Domenicali, who hinted that Massa would stay with the team after the Korean Grand Prix. “He has been part of our family for more than 10 years and he has demonstrated, especially in this last part of the season, to be again competitive at the maximum levels, as is expected of every driver at the wheel of a Ferrari. We have always supported Felipe, even during the most difficult moments of his career, and we are certain of his worth and that he will be able to repay the faith that has again been put on him.”

This announcement has fueled further speculation that Ferrari could well be lining up Sebastian Vettel to replace Felipe Massa for the 2014 season, despite strong denial from both the Scuderia and Red Bull. This would once again see a race-winning German driving for Ferrari, but could the reigning World Champion remain a dominant factor in the sport alongside Fernando Alonso?

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

Bruno Senna: “This Is A Turning Point For Us”

Bruno Senna is convinced that the Hungarian Grand Prix was a turning point for himself and the team, after enjoying a hugely successful and competitive race weekend. The Brazilian progressed to his first top ten qualifying shootout of the season yesterday, and was able to fend off Mark Webber during the race to finish 7th.

Although Bruno Senna has consistently finished more races than his Venezuelan team-mate this season, the Brazilian driver has scored less points throughout the due course of the season. This is largely due to Maldonado’s illustrious victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in May, however since then the Venezuelan driver has yet to score a single World Championship point.

Valtteri Bottas has taken part in eight practice sessions so far this season

Since that tremendous race victory, all of Williams’ points have been scored by Bruno Senna, with Maldonado exhibiting questionable driving on more than one occasion. Regardless of Senna’s consistency, rumors have continued to gather momentum that he Brazilian driver could well be on his way out of Williams and replaced by the teams reserve driver Valtteri Bottas.

However, Bruno Senna silenced his critics during this weekend’s race with a highly competitive performance in both qualifying and the race. With Pastor Maldonado once again being involved in a racing incident, Senna was able to finish ahead of previous race winners Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg.

“Today was a nice race.” Explained Bruno Senna, “We pushed very hard on the strategy to make it work especially as the track conditions and the weather were very different from what we were expecting, so I’m happy with the team and I hope we can carry this momentum on. There were a lot of battles for me and it was hard it keep the tyres alive because the temperatures were so high, but it’s good to start in ninth place and finish in seventh. I think this is a turning point for us.”

It’s been clear all along that Bruno Senna is a quick driver, and it’s superb to finally see the 28-year-old Brazilian thriving in a car evidently capable of taking race victories.

Picture(s) Copyright © Williams F1 Team

Luiz Razia Q&A

With just over half of the 2012 GP2 Series season already gone, Luiz Razia is in a commanding position atop the Drivers’ Championship. The 23-year-old Brazilian driver currently has 165 points, 6 more than his nearest rival of Davide Valsecchi. With four wins already to his name this season, Razia is definitely edging his way closer to Formula 1.

The Brazilian driver has already tasted Formula 1 machinery in his career, after driving for the then Team Lotus (now Caterham) throughout Friday practice sessions on two occasions last season. Luiz Razia has also taken part in the last two years of Young Driver Test at Abu Dhabi, for both Virgin Racing (now Marussia) and Team Lotus (now Caterham).

Prior to the European Grand Prix several weeks back, Luiz Razia looked ahead to his Championship chances and aims of one day becoming Brazil’s latest Formula 1 sensation.

Q: First of all Luiz, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. It’s so far been a positive start to the season with two victories, how has it been for you? What’s been your highlight of the season so far?

Luiz Razia: The workflow so far, our team is doing a great job in keeping very focused every time in every single race and day at the factory. I’m working very hard also on my physical and mental condition to keep everything open for the remaining season.

Q: After Davide Valsecchi’s very competitive start to the season, do you feel you can catch him and take the Championship? You’re only 31 points behind him.

LR: Yes I think I can do [that].

Q: Apart from Davide Valsecchi, who else do you see as a potential threat to your Championship chances?

LR: All the top 6 are really fighting for the Championship.

Q: You tested for Virgin Racing and Team Lotus in Formula 1 throughout 2010 and 2011 respectively. Has driving an F1 car helped you in your GP2 career? If so how?

LR: Yes, and no, it is very different and most of the time we need to adapt to the car we are driving. I did learn a lot and I know F1 is much harder work than GP2 and I think that gave me a good perspective to do in GP2 as well.

Q: Having taken part in two Young Driver Tests throughout the last two years, will you be taking part in the Young Driver Test again this year? And if so, who with?

LR: I hope so, I’ll push to be in a good team this time so I can show some real pace.

Q: With several Brazilian drivers currently competing in America’s IndyCar Series, including Helio Castroneves and Rubens Barrichello, would you ever consider racing in America?

LR: Well, let me get in F1 first and achieve my dream than I’ll think about other stuff.

Many thanks to Arden International and Luiz Razia for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Bruno Senna Frustrated After Monaco Grand Prix Qualifying

Bruno Senna has voiced his frustration after qualifying, after the Brazilian driver could only manage 14th for Williams. Even though he’ll start tomorrows race 13th after his team-mates penalty, the Brazilian driver is disappointed with his qualifying effort, stating that he pushed too hard during the session.

“I am disappointed with qualifying.” Explained Bruno Senna, “The car definitely had a good lap in it but unfortunately I just pushed too hard and the lap time didn’t come to me. I’m frustrated with myself but we know we have a strong car so now we just have to see what we can do tomorrow.”

Bruno Senna, nephew of the most successful driver around the Monte-Carlo street circuit Ayrton Senna, won at Monaco in 2008 in GP2. However, his fortunes have differed slightly in Formula 1, as Senna has failed to finish an F1 race around the streets of the Principality.

With passing exceedingly difficult around Monte-Carlo, Bruno Senna looks set to have a tough race as he starts within the extremely competitive midfield. The pace of the Williams is supposedly much quicker, however whether Senna or Maldonado can extract that pace from the car so far remains to be seen.

Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team