Melville McKee Holds Off Alexander Sims For Maiden GP3 Victory In Germany
Melville McKee has secured his maiden victory in the GP3 Series around the iconic Nurburgring circuit, after managing to fend off the charging Alexander Sims during a thrilling conclusion to the second race of the weekend. The duo were joined on the podium by fellow countryman Nick Yelloly, in an all-British top three.
At the start Alexander Sims dropped from 1st to 3rd after securing the reverse grid pole, allowing Melville McKee to storm into a commanding lead as Jack Harvey and Carlos Sainz touched at Turn 1. Both drivers managed to continue circulating, as Nick Yelloly slipped into 2nd position behind his fellow countryman. Race one winner Facu Regalia was forced to start the race from the pit-lane after stalling on the grid during the formation lap, as Romanian driver Robert Visoiu jumped the start was therefore struck with a drive-thru penalty.
As the 27-car field began to spread out during the opening few laps, Melville McKee opened up a comfortable lead at the front as further down the order battles still raged. Ryan Cullen became locked in a grueling battle with the Status Grand Prix of Josh Webster, with the 22-year-old eventually rising up to 24th with an overtaking maneuver at Turns 13 and 14. After stalling on the grid at the start of the formation lap, Argentinean driver Facu Regalia was forced into retirement on Lap 8 after a sensational maiden victory during the opening race of the weekend yesterday.
Despite dropping from 1st to 3rd during the opening lap of the race, GP3 returnee Alexander Sims soon perfected a masterful overtaking maneuver on Nick Yelloly to secure 2nd position. The 24-year-old then proceeded to catch race leader Melville McKee, as Ryan Cullen and Josh Webster collided at Turn 4 resulting in the Marussia Manor Racing driver spinning in spectacular fashion. Luckily Cullen managed to continue circulating, whereas Webster was eventually forced into retirement after sustaining a front-left puncture.
As Alexander Sims began to swarm over the rear of Melville McKee’s Bamboo Engineering machine, Conor Daly dropped out of the points during the final lap of the race as Patric Niederhauser overtook the American driver. Despite catching race leader Melville McKee, Alexander Sims simply ran out of laps to perfect an overtaking maneuver as the 18-year-old became the eighth different winner in as many races by securing his maiden GP3 victory. The leading duo were followed by fellow countrymen Nick Yelloly and Lewis Williamson, in what was a sensational result for Britain.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Nico Rosberg Romps To Victory In Controversial British Grand Prix
Nico Rosberg has romped to his third career victory in Formula 1 after a highly controversial British Grand Prix, featuring spills, thrills and a dangerous amount of tyre failures throughout the 52 laps. The German was joined on the podium by the Red Bull of Mark Webber, with Fernando Alonso a close 3rd for Ferrari.
As the five red lights went out local hero Lewis Hamilton scampered into the lead, as team-mate Nico Rosberg was robbed of 2nd position by the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel. Mark Webber suffered a collision with the Lotus of Romain Grosjean at Turn 1, resulting in minor damage to both machines. Felipe Massa enjoyed an absolutely sensational start for the Scuderia, rising from 11th to 5th on the opening lap. As the majority of the field battled for position throughout the early stages of the race, Lewis Hamilton proceeded to produce the fastest lap of the race at the front.
Lewis Hamilton’s chances of victory are ruined after a tyre failure on Lap 7.
The former World Champion continued to open a slight lead over Sebastian Vettel, before he suffered an utterly catastrophic blow to his race when his left-rear tyre exploded. Although Lewis Hamilton managed to limp back to the pits with minor damage to the floor of his Mercedes, his lead was lost as reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel stormed into the lead. As Lewis Hamilton eventually crawled back to the pits for a new set of tyres, the Briton found himself towards the back of the pack after initially starting from pole.
Controversy and mayhem continued to ensue as the race progressed, when both Felipe Massa and Jean-Eric Vergne suffered almost identical tyre failures to Lewis Hamilton. The Ferrari driver’s blowout occurred at Turn 5, which saw him briefly spin before returning to the pits. Jean-Eric Vergne’s tyre exploded along the Hangar Straight just before Turn 15, with the Frenchman miraculously remaining in control of his Toro Rosso at high-speed and immediately plunging into the pits.
With many teams now fearing for their own drivers after three identical tyre failures, numerous pit-stops ensued for the likes of Kimi Raikkonen, Adrian Sutil, Nico Rosberg and race leader Sebastian Vettel. Eventually the safety car was deployed to allow the marshals to clear the Silverstone circuit, which had been littered with shredded pieces of the delaminated tyres. As the old tyres were removed from many of the cars during their pit-stops, small cuts were discovered on the surface which accounted for the failures. Teams began instructing their drivers to avoid the kerbs, in what was becoming a bizarre British Grand Prix.
On Lap 21 the race was resumed as Sebastian Vettel scampered back into a commanding lead behind the wheel of his Renault-powered Red Bull. The controversy surrounding Pirelli’s tyres continued under green flag conditions, with Nico Hulkenberg and then Esteban Gutierrez both pitting after issues with their tyres. By Lap 29 the second round of pit-stops began as Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso and then Romain Grosjean elected to pit. Throughout the next several laps, the entire field eventually completed a pit-stop, with Sebastian Vettel retaining his lead over Nico Rosberg at the front.
After plummeting through the order due to his tyre failure during the early stages of the race, Lewis Hamilton managed to scythe his way back through the order to 6th by Lap 36 when the Briton pitted for his second stop. Upon returning to the circuit, the 2008 World Champion became locked in a grueling battle for 11th with Paul di Resta, who had perviously collided with Nico Hulkenberg at Turn 4. Despite the many tyre-related issues throughout the field, Jean-Eric Vergne became the first retirement on Lap 36.
The moment of disbelief when Sebastian Vettel retires with a gearbox issue.
As Lewis Hamilton perfected an overtaking maneuver on Paul di Resta, the race was turned upside down as race leader Sebastian Vettel ground to a halt on the start/finish straight with a mechanical issue plaguing his Red Bull for the first time since the Italian Grand Prix last season. With the German’s car coming to a halt in a precarious position on the track, the safety car was called upon for the second time as the marshals cleared the stricken machine. Meanwhile Nico Rosberg had assumed the lead of the race, with only a handful of laps remaining in the race.
Under safety car conditions, the majority of the field elected to pit apart from the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen who rose up to 2nd position in his Lotus. The race was resumed on Lap 45, with Nico Rosberg storming into the lead ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and Adrian Sutil. After pitting for fresh tyres under the safety car period, Mark Webber began to scythe his way through the order like a hot knife through butter, as the Australian sensation searched for his third win at Silverstone.
As Mark Webber rose to 3rd and then to 2nd in the closing laps, yet another tyre failure struck the field. This time it was Sergio Perez was struggled to retain control of his McLaren down the Hangar Straight, as Fernando Alonso luckily avoided a face-full of Pirelli debris. The Spaniard then proceeded to overtake Kimi Raikkonen for 3rd, before Lewis Hamilton also overtook the Finn for 4th whose tyres had completely worn out.
Despite a masterful resurgence after his altercation with Romain Grosjean on the opening lap of the race, Mark Webber was unable to catch Nico Rosberg for the lead. The German stormed across the line to record his second win of the season and Mercedes’s first in Britain since 1955 at the hands of Sir Stirling Moss. With Sebastian Vettel scoring no points in the race, his lead at the top of the Championship has been diminished to only 21 points ahead of Fernando Alonso in 2nd.
The German ace will be hoping for renewed luck next weekend when Formula 1 reconvenes at the Nurburgring for the German Grand Prix, a race Nico Rosberg will unquestionably be striving to win. The German marque has enjoyed a resurgent 2013 season, and victory on home soil will be their sole aim next time out.
PROVISIONAL RACE RESULTS The British Grand Prix Silverstone, Britain; 52 laps; 306.198km; Weather: Sunny. Classified: Pos Driver Team Time 1. Rosberg Mercedes 1h32:59.456 2. Webber Red Bull-Renault + 0.765 3. Alonso Ferrari + 7.124 4. Raikkonen Lotus-Renault + 7.756 5. Hamilton Mercedes + 11.257 6. Massa Ferrari + 14.573 7. Sutil Force India-Mercedes + 16.335 8. Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari + 16.500 9. Di Resta Force India-Mercedes + 17.993 10. Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari + 19.700 11. Maldonado Williams-Renault + 21.100 12. Bottas Williams-Renault + 25.000 13. Button McLaren-Mercedes + 25.900 14. Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari + 26.200 15. Pic Caterham-Renault + 31.600 16. Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth + 36.000 17. Chilton Marussia-Cosworth + 1:07.600 18. van der Garde Caterham-Renault + 1:07.700 19. Grosjean Lotus-Renault + 1 lap Fastest lap: Webber, 1:33.401 Not classified/retirements: Driver Team On lap Perez McLaren-Mercedes 47 Vettel Red Bull-Renault 42 Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 36
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Jon Lancaster Secures Maiden GP2 Victory On Home Soil At Silverstone
Jon Lancaster has secured his maiden GP2 victory on home soil around the legendary Silverstone circuit, after a superb drive from 4th on the grid. The 24-year-old was joined on the podium by Indonesian ace Rio Haryanto, with fellow countryman James Calado 3rd. Pole-man Julian Leal eventually finished 4th for Racing Engineering.
At the start Jon Lancaster enjoyed a stupendous getaway off of the line, launching himself from 4th to 1st by the opening corner as Julian Leal plummeted down the order despite initially starting from pole. James Calado rose to 3rd for ART Grand Prix, as the local drivers continued to thrive around the Silverstone circuit. As the field negotiated the fast opening curve, the DAMS of Stephane Richelmi locked his brakes and ran into the side of Jolyon Palmer. Despite sustaining minor damage, the duo managed to continue circulating.
As Jon Lancaster proceeded to open up a considerable lead at the front, Johnny Cecotto jr. was forced to pit after the opening lap for a new front-wing. A momentary safety car period was caused on Lap 2 after Daniel Abt spun at Turn 2, coming to rest in the middle of the track. As the safety car bunched the field up, Nathaniel Berthon became the second retirement after returning to the pits.
Upon the restart Jon Lancaster simply stormed into a commanding lead behind the wheel of his Hilmer Motorsport machine, as Felipe Nasr continued his rise through the order to 8th after initially starting way down the order. Sergio Canamasas sustained damage to his front-wing after jostling for position at Turn 4, which forced the Spaniard to limp back to the pits for a replacement. The Caterham driver’s minor incident saw lots of debris strewn across the circuit, which the brave and ever-efficient British marshals proceeded to clear under double-waved yellow flags.
As the sprint race progressed with local ace Jon Lancaster continuing to extend his lead at the front, team-mate Robin Frijns was forced into an unfortunate retirement after an issue was discovered on his car. Further down the order Jake Rosenzweig suffered a disastrous tyre failure, which forced the American driver to limp back to the pits and subsequently plummet through the order. After damaging his front-wing at the start of the race, Johnny Cecotto jr. became the next retirement as the Venezuelan driver peeled off of the circuit down Hangar Straight.
Due to his earlier pit-stop for a new front-wing, Sergio Canamasas found himself a lap down and in the middle of the pack as the race entered it’s closing stages. Unfortunately the 27-year-old Spaniard failed to adhere to the regulations as he held up the Carlin of Jolyon Palmer, who was trying his best to lap the Caterham driver. Eventually the Briton lunged up the inside at Turn 6, which resulted in retirement as duo collided. Sergio Canamasas was subsequently struck with a ten second stop/go penalty, as Jolyon Palmer limped back to the support race pits into a frustrating retirement.
As the race drew to a frenetic conclusion, battles for position raged on throughout the order between the likes of Sam Bird, Tom Dillmann, Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson. However, Jon Lancaster remained untroubled as he cruised across the line in dominant style to secure his maiden GP2 victory on home soil. The Briton was joined on the podium by Indonesian sensation Rio Haryanto, with the ART Grand Prix of James Calado 3rd.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service
Giovanni Venturini Storms To Maiden GP3 Victory At Silverstone
Giovanni Venturini has stormed to his maiden victory in the GP3 Series, after a mature drive from the reverse grid pole fending off the charging local hero of Nick Yelloly throughout the entire race. The leading duo were joined on the rostrum by the Jenzer Motorsport of Alex Fontana, after a thrilling 15-lap race.
At the start Giovanni Venturini stormed into the lead with Nick Yelloly in hot pursuit, with the Briton momentarily rising into the lead at Turn 3 before running slightly wide and ceding the lead to the Italian at Turn 4. Further back carnage ensued as Robert Visoiu, Conor Daly, Emanuele Zonzini, Dino Zamparelli and Adderly Fong all collided at Turn 4 and were forced into retirement. Throughout the opening few laps Nick Yelloly swarmed over the rear of Giovanni Venturini’s Trident Racing machine, but to no avail as the 21-year-old defended his lead with superb maturity.
As Nick Yelloly settled into 2nd position and began to look after his tyres, David Fumanelli came under investigation from the stewards after allegedly overtaking Jimmy Eriksson under yellow flag conditions at Turn 4. Eventually the Italian driver was struck with a drive-thru penalty, as Kevin Korjus produced the fastest lap of the race on Lap 9 before being shown the black and white flag by the stewards for exceeding the track limits.
During the closing stages of the race, Nick Yelloly began to mount a charge for the lead of the race once again against Giovanni Venturini, however the Italian sensation continued to deny the local hero of the luxury of the lead. Try as the Carlin driver might, Venturini mastered an incredibly mature drive as Yelloly swarmed over the rear of his car in a bid to steal the lead during the closing stages of the race. The Briton managed to produce the fastest lap of the race in the process, which accounted for very little in the end as Giovanni Venturini stormed across the line to secure his maiden GP3 victory in superb fashion.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
Jack Harvey Takes Maiden GP3 Victory In Incident-Filled Race
Jack Harvey has cruised to his maiden GP3 victory after an incident-filled 15 lap race around the legendary Silverstone circuit, which included a horrific incident for Patrick Kujala who barrel-rolled over the rear of David Fumanelli.
At the start Conor Daley jumped the start and stormed into 2nd position, whereas the American’s team-mate Jack Harvey shot from 2nd position into the lead at Turn 1. Through the opening corners several drivers ran slightly wide, including the MW Arden of Carlos Sainz jr. As many battles ensued throughout the order, race leader Jack Harvey proceeded to produce the fastest lap of the race. Further down the order Ryan Cullen and Jimmy Eriksson made minor contact at Turn 1, resulting in both drivers coming under investigation by the race stewards.
After visibly jumping the start, Conor Daly was struck with a drive-thru penalty along with the Bamboo Engineering of Melville McKee and the Trident Racing of David Fumanelli. As the race progressed, the safety car was deployed after a huge incident between Series rookie Patrick Kujala and David Fumanelli, with the former barrel-rolling over of the rear of the Italian’s machine. The Koiranen GP driver violently flew through the air and clattered into the retaining tyre barrier, eventually coming to rest upside-down.
The ever-efficient British marshals were immediately on the scene, as the 16-year-old Finn was assisted from his wrecked GP3/13 machine. The safety car period lasted for several laps as the stricken machines were cleared, before the race was resumed with only five laps remaining. Conor Daly immediately elected to serve his drive-thru penalty, as Jack Harvey stormed back into a commanding lead. As the race drew to a conclusion, Lewis Williamson and Carlos Sainz jr. collided whilst battling for 8th position and the reverse grid pole for tomorrow’s second race. The Briton was forced into a frustrating retirement down the Wellington Straight, as Sainz jr. limped around in his damaged MW Arden.
Despite the incident-filled 15 laps, Jack Harvey managed to bring his ART Grand Prix machine home to secure his maiden GP3 victory on home soil, ahead of initial pole-man Kevin Korjus with team-mate Facu Regalia a distant 3rd. Italian driver Giovanni Venturini will start tomorrow’s race from the reverse grid pole, alongside the Jenzer Motorsport driver of Alex Fontana.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
Sam Bird Flies To Sensational Victory In Thrilling GP2 Feature Race
Sam Bird has flown to a sensational victory in what was a thrilling GP2 feature race around the legendary Silverstone circuit, which featured a frenetic battle for 3rd in the closing laps. The British star was joined on the podium by Stephane Richelmi and team-mate Tom Dillmann, after an unbelievably competitive 29 laps.
After securing his second pole position of the season, Marcus Ericsson stormed into the lead when the five red lights went out. Through the opening few corners, utter mayhem ensued as the Swede collided with the Carlin of Felipe Nasr. This allowed Sam Bird to slip through and into the lead by Turn 4, with Championship leader Stefano Coletti 2nd. Further down the order saw Sergio Canamasas stall on the grid in his Caterham, as Simon Trummer and Daniel de Jong pitted early on after receiving minor damage.
During the opening few laps, many battles ensued up and down the order. Marcus Ericsson set his sights upon catching Stefano Coletti for 2nd, despite being under investigation for his collision with Felipe Nasr at the start. Alexander Rossi collided with Kevin Ceccon at Turn 16 and tipped the Italian into a race-ending spin. After his earlier pit-stop, Dutchman Daniel de Jong was struck with a stop/go penalty for speeding in the pits. By Lap 6, both Stefano Coletti, Felipe Nasr and James Calado pitted from the front, a lap before race leader Sam Bird and Marcus Ericsson followed.
This allowed the DAMS of Stephane Richelmi to assume the lead at the front, as his team-mate Marcus Ericsson was struck with a drive-thru penalty for causing the incident with Felipe Nasr at the start. After the pit-stops, Sam Bird found himself further down the order and only several seconds ahead of Stefano Coletti. After opening up a considerable lead at the front, Stephane Richelmi eventually pitted on Lap 13, therefore allowing reigning GP3 Champion Mitch Evans to assume the lead for Arden International.
The Kiwi also pitted several laps later, returning to the circuit in 3rd position and right into the midst of a frenetic battle for 3rd between team-mate Johnny Cecotto jr., Stefano Coletti and Stephane Richelmi. At Turn 4, there was utter mayhem as Stefano Coletti muscled his way around the Arden International duo, therefore progressing to 3rd. However, Mitch Evans soon retook 3rd after a masterful overtaking maneuver around the Monegasque driver. Unfortunately the Arden International driver was found guilty of speeding in the pits, and was therefore struck with a stop/go penalty which naturally ruined his race.
As the race progressed, Jon Lancaster collided with fellow countryman James Calado at Turn 6, however both drivers managed to continue circulating. Despite qualifying a strong 3rd, Felipe Nasr endured a frustrating race which eventually culminated in retirement on Lap 18. After assuming the lead of the race when Mitch Evans pitted, Frenchman Tom Dillmann eventually pitted himself on Lap 18, therefore gifting the lead of the race back to team-mate Sam Bird. Stephane Richelmi then managed to overtake Stefano Coletti for 3rd, as Tom Dillmann began to scythe his way back through the order after making his compulsory pit-stop.
The 24-year-old Frenchman battled extremely hard for 3rd position with Stefano Coletti for several laps, before he finally perfected a maneuver on the Rapax driver on Lap 28 after Stefano Coletti ran wide at Turns 16 and 17. The Monegasque’s race was brought to a premature and frustrating conclusion several corners later, when the Racing Engineering of Fabio Leimer became overzealous and stormed up the inside at Turn 4. The two collided, with Coletti sustaining race-ending damage.
Further up the track saw Sam Bird storm to his third race victory of the season, only +2.4 seconds ahead of the charging DAMS of Stephane Richelmi. Tom Dillmann secured the final podium position in hard-fought fashion, after an absolutely mesmerizing 29-lap race around the legendary Silverstone circuit. Julian Leal will start tomorrow’s sprint race from the reverse grid pole after finishing in 8th, and will start alongside the Indonesian sensation of Rio Haryanto.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Lewis Hamilton Secures Pole On Home Soil In Thrilling Qualifying At Silverstone
Lewis Hamilton has secured his second pole position on home soil after a thrilling qualifying hour around the legendary Silverstone circuit, which saw the local favorite lead a Mercedes front-row lock-out ahead of the Red Bull duo of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. Paul di Resta managed a strong 5th for Force India.
Once again the teams and drivers were greeted with dry weather conditions for the all-important qualifying hour for the British Grand Prix, which saw the Sauber duo of Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez become the first drivers to take to the Silverstone circuit once Q1 got underway. Nico Hulkenberg therefore produced the first lap of the opening segment with a 01:35.806, before Esteban Gutierrez proceeded to thwart his team-mate with a 01:33.697.
Romain Grosjean then ended Sauber’s reign at the top with a 01:32.586, with team-mate Kimi Raikkonen slotting into 2nd position. The Frenchman continued to improve at the top, as Fernando Alonso momentarily rose to the top for Ferrari before Romain Grosjean quickly disposed the Spaniard with an even quicker 01:31.964. The Mercedes duo then asserted their authority over proceedings as the opening segment of qualifying progressed, with Nico Rosberg and then Lewis Hamilton rising to the top for the German marque with the latter producing a 01:30.955.
As the opening segment of qualifying drew to a conclusion, the Ferrari duo of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa only just managed to progress to the top ten shootout. Both Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Gutierrez were eventually eliminated from proceedings, along with Charles Pic, Jules Bianchi, Giedo van der Garde and Max Chilton.
The second segment of qualifying began with the Red Bull of Mark Webber taking to the Silverstone circuit first for Red Bull, with the former British Grand Prix winner producing the first timed lap with a 01:31.341. The Milton Keynes-based outfit’s reign was momentarily disrupted by the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg, who flew to the top with a 01:31.028 before Sebastian Vettel utterly obliterated the opposition with a 01:30.990. The reigning Champion remained at the top of the timing sheets as Q2 drew to a conclusion, as Daniel Ricciardo continued to impress in the Toro Rosso by storming to 3rd position with a 01:31.182.
McLaren’s woeful pace continued during the second segment of qualifying, as both Jenson Button and Sergio Perez were eliminated from proceedings as the Lotus duo only just managed to scrape through to the top ten shootout. Both Jenson Button and Sergio Perez were joined by Felipe Massa, Jean-Eric Vergne, Nico Hulkenberg and Pastor Maldonado in the drop-zone as Q2 drew to a conclusion.
The all-important top ten shootout began with the Australian duo of Daniel Ricciardo and Mark Webber taking to the track first, in what promised to be a thrilling spectacle. The Toro Rosso driver produced the first timed lap of the segment with a 01:31.579, before Mark Webber, Nico Rosberg and then Lewis Hamilton stormed to the top with the latter setting a 01:30.096 to slot into provisional pole position. After the excitement of the first flying laps, the drivers returned to the pits to receive fresh tyres before returning for “take two” around the legendary Silverstone circuit.
Mark Webber became the first driver to improve, albeit only as far a 2nd position with a 01:30.220. Nico Rosberg momentarily managed to rise to the top for Mercedes, before local hero Lewis Hamilton obliterated his team-mate’s time with a stunning 01:29.607 as his adoring home fans roared their appreciation from the grandstands. Reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel could only manage 3rd, leaving Lewis Hamilton heading a Mercedes front-row lock-out.
Whether or not the Mercedes duo will have the ability to thwart Red Bull on race pace during the tomorrow’s 52-lap race remains to be seen, however it is first blood to the 2008 World Champion who will unquestionably be aiming for his second victory around the home of Formula 1 during what should certainly be a thrilling race tomorrow afternoon.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m29.607s 2. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m30.059s + 0.452s 3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m30.211s + 0.604s 4. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m30.220s + 0.613s 5. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m30.736s + 1.129s 6. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m30.757s + 1.150s 7. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m30.908s + 1.301s 8. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m30.955s + 1.348s 9. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m30.962s + 1.355s 10. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m30.979s + 1.372s Q2 cut-off time: 1m31.592s Gap ** 11. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m31.649s + 0.659s 12. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m31.779s + 0.789s 13. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m31.785s + 0.795s 14. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes 1m32.082s + 1.092s 15. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1m32.211s + 1.221s 16. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m32.359s + 1.369s Q1 cut-off time: 1m32.512s Gap * 17. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m32.664s + 1.669s 18. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m32.666s + 1.671s 19. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault 1m33.866s + 2.871s 20. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth 1m34.108s + 3.113s 21. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 1m35.481s + 4.486s 22. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 1m35.858s + 4.863s 107% time: 1m37.364s
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Kevin Korjus Takes Impressive GP3 Pole At Silverstone
Kevin Korjus has taken an impressive pole position for rookie outfit Koiranen GP, only just ahead of the local hero of Jack Harvey. The leading duo were followed home by the ART Grand Prix driver of Facu Regalia in 3rd, after a thrilling and frenetic qualifying session around the legendary Silverstone circuit.
After the miserably wet weather conditions witnessed during the opening day of the British Grand Prix weekend, the GP3 fraternity were greeted with glorious sunshine and a dry track ahead of qualifying for the first race of the weekend. Estonian driver Kevin Korjus became the first driver to take to the Silverstone circuit as the session got underway, leading out a long queue of awaiting drivers all eager to begin circulating the 5.891km circuit. The 20-year-old eventually produced the first timed lap of the day with a 02:03.140, which was immediately bettered by Swedish driver Jimmy Eriksson.
As the qualifying session gradually progressed, the times at the top continued to improve as the likes of Aaro Vainio, Carlos Sainz jr., and Robert Visoiu rose to the top with the latter producing a 01:47.976 for MW Arden. However, the Romanian’s reign at the top was quickly thwarted by team-mate Daniil Kvyat who stormed to the top of the timing sheets with a 01:47.366. Carlos Sainz jr. was on course to dispose of his Russian team-mate after lighting up the timing screens throughout the opening two sectors, however the Spaniard ran extensively wide at Turn 16 and therefore ruined his lap.
As Carlos Sainz jr. recovered after his minor excursion through the gravel trap at Turn 16, local driver Jack Harvey appeased his home fans by storming to the top with a 01:47.145. Once again the times at the top continued to plummet, with Kevin Korjus momentarily returning to the top before Championship leader Tio Ellinas asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:46.693.
As the session drew to a thrilling conclusion, Carlos Sainz jr. and Jack Harvey returned to the top, before the Koiranen GP driver of Kevin Korjus finally cemented his first pole in the GP3 Series with a 01:46.360. The majority of the field were refused the luxury of bettering the Estonian’s benchmark, after the Carlin of Eric Lichtenstein spun at Turn 3 and brought out numerous yellow flags.
The leading duo in the Drivers’ Championship of Tio Ellinas and Conor Daly could only manage 6th and 9th respectively, in what will unquestionably be a thrilling 15-lap race later in the afternoon. Newcomers Koiranen GP have certainly made their mark in the Series despite their rookie status, with Kevin Korjus clearly set upon recording his debut victory in the Series during race one.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
Nico Rosberg Fastest After Productive Second Practice At Silverstone
Nico Rosberg has ended the second practice session fastest for Mercedes, in what was unquestionably a highly productive 90 minutes of track action for the majority of the field after the washout that was practice one. The German ace was followed at the top by the Red Bull duo of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel.
After the atrociously wet conditions during the opening practice session earlier in the morning, the Formula 1 paddock was treated to improving weather conditions over the Silverstone circuit for the second practice session. Although the track was still slightly damp in places, the lack of rainfall meant only intermediate tyres were called upon by the drivers in the opening few minutes of the session. The Red Bull duo of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were the first to take to the track at the start of the session, with the reigning Champion producing the first timed lap with a 01:44.038.
Although the majority of the drivers elected for Pirelli’s Cinturato intermediate tyres, Jules Bianchi played it safe during the early stages of the session after electing for the full wet tyre compound in his Marussia. Sebastian Vettel’s reign over proceedings was short-lived, as Valtteri Bottas stormed to the top for Williams with a 01:43.929. Nico Hulkenberg momentarily rose to the top for Sauber, before local hero Paul di Resta rose to the top for Force India with a 01:43.207. With the track conditions improving greatly by the minute, Jean-Eric Vergne became the first driver to switch to slick tyres, which enabled the Frenchman to rise straight to the top for Toro Rosso with a 01:41.868, a time he improved upon next time around with a 01:37.102.
As the second session progressed, the Force India duo of Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta traded fastest times at the top as the Silverstone-based outfit strive for a competitive weekend on home soil. Adrian Sutil eventually worked his way down to a 01:35.677, before Mark Webber lowered the benchmark even further with a 01:34.648. Despite the improving weather conditions, Felipe Massa found himself spearing towards the barrier once again in his Ferrari. The Brazilian driver sustained light damage to the front of his machine, in what was his third successive incident for Ferrari since Monaco.
After Felipe Massa’s stricken Ferrari was cleared by the ever-efficient Silverstone marshals, Nico Rosberg stormed to the top of the timing sheets for Mercedes with a 01:34.327. As the German improved upon his time at the top, team-mate Lewis Hamilton slotted into 2nd position for the German marque to create a Mercedes 1-2 at the top. However, the outfit’s reign at the top was quickly quelled by the Toro Rosso of Daniel Ricciardo who produced a highly competitive 01:33.550 as light rain once again began to fall upon the Silverstone circuit.
Adrian Sutil once again returned to the top for Force India as the session progressed, as Jean-Eric Vergne, Romain Grosjean, Charles Pic, Sebastian Vettel and Giedo van der Garde all became the first drivers to switch to Pirelli’s P Zero medium tyres. On the softer rubber, Sebastian Vettel blitzed the timing screens with a 01:33.068, improving a lap later with a 01:32.680. However, Nico Rosberg continued to improve for Mercedes, producing a 01:32.248 to return to the top as the majority of the field turned their attention on high-fuel runs in preparation for the race on Sunday.
As the session drew to a conclusion, the majority of the order remained unchanged with Nico Rosberg leading the Red Bull duo of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel at the front. Paul di Resta managed to finish an impressive 4th ahead of fellow countryman Lewis Hamilton, in what was a highly productive session in comparison to the morning period. The drivers will be hoping the rain stays away from the Silverstone circuit for the remainder of the weekend, as they strive to enjoy as much dry running as possible in the build-up to the all-important race on Sunday.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m32.248s 33 2. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m32.547s + 0.299s 26 3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m32.680s + 0.432s 31 4. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m32.832s + 0.584s 34 5. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m32.911s + 0.663s 28 6. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m33.171s + 0.923s 34 7. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m33.290s + 1.042s 38 8. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m33.313s + 1.065s 34 9. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m33.322s + 1.074s 38 10. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m33.494s + 1.246s 32 11. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m33.740s + 1.492s 29 12. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1m33.896s + 1.648s 36 13. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m34.120s + 1.872s 30 14. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes 1m34.130s + 1.882s 29 15. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m34.998s + 2.750s 32 16. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m35.070s + 2.822s 29 17. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m35.127s + 2.879s 35 18. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth 1m35.802s + 3.554s 27 19. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 1m35.984s + 3.736s 32 20. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault 1m36.079s + 3.831s 35 21. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 1m37.329s + 5.081s 33 22. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m43.466s + 11.218s 7
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