Pippa Mann Confirmed For Indianapolis 500 With Dale Coyne Racing
It has been officially confirmed that 29-year-old Briton Pippa Mann will compete during the Indianapolis 500 later this month with Dale Coyne Racing, which will see her start her second race around the legendary oval. Pippa Mann has competed in four IZOD IndyCar Series events, and became the first female Briton to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.
Pippa Mann made her debut at the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with Conquest Racing, where she qualified 31st and finished 20th. Despite qualifying 27th at New Hampshire, Pippa Mann suffered an end-plate fracture during final practice and was forced to withdraw from the event. Although she bounced back at Kentucky with 22nd, she was involved in the multi-car incident at the season finale at Las Vegas which eventually took the life of Dan Wheldon and saw Pippa Mann suffer burns.
Throughout 2012, Pippa Mann was without a full-time drive. She competed in the Auto GP Series at Sonoma for Campos Racing and finished 9th and 8th respectively during the two races. The 29-year-old Briton is understandably thrilled with her return to the IZOD IndyCar Series this month, which will see her team-mate fellow countryman Justin Wilson and Brazilian female driver Ana Beatriz.
“I’m delighted to be able to share this news,” explained Pippa Mann. “I actually first met Dale [Coyne] several years ago, before I came to the U.S., at what turned out to be the final ChampCar test at Sebring right before the open-wheel merger. We’ve sort of had an on-going conversation ever since then, and I actually got very close to getting in one of Dale’s cars on Bump Day last year. A year later, we’ve now put this program together, and I cannot wait to be back on track with Honda and running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.”
Before making her debut in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2011, Pippa Mann enjoyed a highly competitive career in the Firestone Indy Lights category which saw her take her first pole around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and first victory at the Kentucky Speedway. Pippa Mann will begin her preparations for the Indianapolis 500 on May 11th during the first of six practice days.
Picture Copyright © IndyCar
McLaren Unveil MP4-28 Challenger In Spectacular Fashion
McLaren have become the second team to unveil their 2013 challenger ahead of the new season, during a spectacular ceremony at the team’s Woking factory which included a parade of race and Championship winning cars from the outfits colorful history. The covers were taken off of the new car by drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez.
The Woking-based outfit ended the 2012 season in fine form with victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix at the hands of Jenson Button, and aim to begin the new season in similar fashion with the 2009 World Champion now partnered by Mexican sensation Sergio Perez. The duo arrived in spectacular fashion to unveil the new car, with Button and Perez arriving via the outfit’s development model of the new McLaren P1 sportscar and 12C Spider respectively.
Just like last season’s MP4-27, this year’s machine features no ugly step-nose design. Instead the car includes a majestically sweeping nose design, however slight modifications have been carried out towards the front of the car, including new front pullrod suspension configuration, sidepod profiles and rear bodywork. The livery also remains the same, maintaining a combination of silver and rocket red.
It has also been confirmed that Jenson Button will become the first driver to get behind the wheel of the new MP4-28 once pre-season testing gets underway at Jerez next week, as the Briton prepares to begin his fourth season with McLaren. Jenson Button took three victories last season for the outfit, including a sensational win at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The 33-year-old is already eager to begin testing ahead of the new season, and is confident that both he and Sergio Perez can excel at the top.
“I’m going into my fourth season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver and, more than ever, I know and understand the strengths and abilities of this team.” Explained Jenson Button, “This year is really about continuity and consolidation. Obviously, the biggest change for 2013 is my new team-mate, Checo [Sergio Perez]. It’s always interesting and inspiring to begin working with a new face, and it already feels like a very positive working relationship.
“This year’s car is the best we’ve ever made – I know the engineers have left absolutely no stone unturned in wringing every ounce of performance from every available area. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel and attempt to carry forward the incredible legacy that lives beneath the skin of every single man and woman who works at McLaren.”
Sergio Perez is also eagerly anticipating his debut year with McLaren, after making the switch to the Woking-based outfit from Sauber. The 23-year-old understands that there will be high amounts of pressure on his shoulders to perform at the team, but is confident he can prove his doubters wrong and begin his career at the team with the fierce competitiveness witnessed last season with Sauber.
“For me, this is a great day.” Enthused Sergio Perez, “In fact, every day this year has been great: I’ve been working hard with my new team to get everything ready for the start of the 2013 season – and it’s been an incredible journey to get to know this incredible organisation. I’m incredibly proud to be a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.
“Of course, I am fully aware of the steep slope ahead of me: it has already been an intense couple of weeks, getting to grips with a new team, meeting my engineers and mechanics, learning new ways of working and, of course, learning all about a brand new car – something I’ll need to do with just six days of on-track testing. It’s a big challenge.
“But I’m more prepared than I’ve ever been for the start of a new season. I feel extremely fit, focused and refreshed – there’s still a lot to do, but my aims are to feel confident, comfortable and ready to race by the time I land in Australia in just a few weeks’ time.”
Although many were quick to question McLaren’s decision to replace Lewis Hamilton with Sergio Perez, the young Mexican driver is keen to open his winning account with the Woking-based outfit in 2013. McLaren both started and ended last season with victories at Australia and Brazil, and will be keen to emulate such success once the new season gets underway at the Australian Grand Prix in several weeks time.
Picture(s) Copyright © McLaren F1 Team
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
James Calado Stays With Lotus For 2013
British GP2 star James Calado has elected to stay with Lotus for the 2013 GP2 season, as the 23-year-old aims to battle for Championship supremacy alongside the likes of Felipe Nasr at Carlin. During his debut season in the sport, Calado won two races at Sepang and Hockenheim on his way to 5th in the Drivers’ Championship.
With former GP2 team-mate Esteban Gutierrez graduating to Formula 1 with Sauber next season, James Calado is understandably looking forward to battling for Championship supremacy with Lotus, a team which has previously won the Championship on three occasions as ART Grand Prix. James Calado is understandably enthralled to be staying with Lotus next season, and is looking to improve upon his successful debut season.
“I am absolutely delighted to receive the ongoing backing from the RSF that enables me to take part in this incredibly competitive Championship again and even more so to do it with Lotus GP again.” Explained James Calado, “I feel privileged to be a part of this project and to have the support of great partners without whom none of this would be possible.
“In terms of speed, we showed in 2012 that we were right up there with pole positions and a couple of wins. Now I know the car, the tyres, and the team I’m expecting to be fast and to win as many races as possible. I’m looking forward to 2013 and I hope I’ll improve after such a good year in 2012.”
The last British Champion of GP2 was Lewis Hamilton back in 2006, when the Briton raced for the same outfit. Since then, however, the team has undergone a rebrand as Lotus Grand Prix and currently run in the legendary black and gold colors of the Formula 1 team. James Calado will be striving to bring Championship successes to Lotus next season in GP2, with his eyes unquestionably set upon one day progressing to the world of F1.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Lewis Hamilton Hails United States Grand Prix As “Best Of The Year”
Lewis Hamilton believes the United States Grand Prix was one of the best of the year so far, after the 2008 World Champion thwarted the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel and stormed to a historic race victory at the inaugural race around the Circuit of the Americas. Hamilton and Vettel were followed home by Fernando Alonso in 3rd.
After initially loosing out to Mark Webber at the start, Lewis Hamilton quickly disposed of the Australian driver and began to close the gap to race leader Sebastian Vettel. On Lap 42, the Briton eventually stormed around the outside of the reigning World Champion to take the lead, utilizing his DRS-advantage to great effect. From then on, Lewis Hamilton controlled the race at the front, denying Sebastian Vettel victory at his 100th Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton finally crossed the line to take a memorable victory, the 21st of career and his fourth of the current season. Sebastian Vettel was just under a second behind the Briton at the checkered flag, as he once again extended his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship. Whilst being interviewed on the podium by American motor sport legend Mario Andretti, Lewis Hamilton explained how he thought the 56-lap race was the best of the year so far.
Lewis Hamilton was interviewed on the podium by motor sport legend Mario Andretti
“First time winner, yeah, I’m so happy.” Enthused an exuberant Lewis Hamilton on the podium, “The fans have been amazing this weekend, so thank you so much. The warm welcome we’ve had has been fantastic and I think this is probably one of the best, if not the best Grand Prix we’ve had all year. Especially for me and my team, this is so special. It’s been a long, long time since I had a win and I’m just so proud, so proud of the work the guys did, so grateful for the support we’ve had.”
Lewis Hamilton’s sensational overtaking maneuver on Sebastian Vettel was greatly assisted not only by DRS, but also by several back-markers who enabled the Briton to close right up on to the German. This enraged Sebastian Vettel, who was heard venting his anger over the team radio after Hamilton had stormed past him. However, Hamilton was overjoyed that the traffic went in his favor for once, as the Briton has been dealt with bad luck thanks to lapped traffic in the past.
“It’s been a great weekend, to be able to beat Red Bull and Sebastian is definitely a tough challenge but we managed to do it today.” Explained Lewis Hamilton, “Traffic usually catches me out, so I was glad that it worked slightly in my favor at some points. But yeah, what a great feeling to win the first Grand Prix here, back in the States, I won the last one here as well, so I’m massively proud.”
Despite Lewis Hamilton taking a superlative victory at Austin, the British star fought long and hard to close the gap to Sebastian Vettel and eventually overtake him for the lead. The RB8, designed by the masterful mind of Adrian Newey, was notoriously quick during qualifying. This enabled Sebastian Vettel to set several fearsomely competitive laps throughout the weekend, however Lewis Hamilton explained after the race that Vettel was able to open up a considerable gap through Turn 9 in particular on each lap.
“It was everywhere, they’re pretty strong everywhere.” Said Lewis Hamilton, when asked where Red Bull were quickest around the Circuit of the Americas. “I think it was more so… the first sector is very difficult to follow through [Turns] Four, Five, Six, Seven, such high speed it’s quite difficult to follow through there. The place where he really extended his gap was the exit of Nine. That was really where, in the most important part, where he made over a second gap, so I was struggling to really get… to remain close.”
Lewis Hamilton now heads to Brazil with an aim of simply enjoying his final race with McLaren, before the Briton leaves the Woking-based outfit for Mercedes next season. Hamilton wanted to win one more race for McLaren, and will unquestionably be aiming to secure another at the grand finale around Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit. Lewis Hamilton has never won a race in Brazil, and could well once again gatecrash Red Bull’s title challenge next weekend.
Picture(s) Copyright © McLaren F1 Team & Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton Condemns Sergio Perez’s “Crazy” Driving At Suzuka
Lewis Hamilton has condemned Sergio Perez’s attacking driving style which was evident during the early stages of the Japanese Grand Prix, in which the future McLaren driver lunged up the inside of the Briton heading into the tight hairpin at turn 11. Perez tried a similar move around the outside later in the race, but spun out in the process.
After finishing the Japanese Grand Prix a distant 5th, the Briton proceeded to raise question marks over Sergio Perez’s driving style. As Hamilton defended his position, trying his best to avoid contact with the Championship at stake, Sergio Perez proceeded to lunge up the inside on the McLaren driver. This move was reminiscent of Kamui Kobayashi the previous year, who wowed his adoring home fans with a series of stunning overtakes into the hairpin.
Sergio Perez’s second overtake on Hamilton ended with the Mexican in the gravel.
Once the first round of pitstops had been made, Sergio Perez once again found himself behind the McLaren of Lewis Hamilton. After carrying way too much speed into the hairpin, Perez was forced to the outside of the track as Hamilton defended against the Mexican’s onslaught. This overtake prematurely ended Perez’s race, as the Sauber driver spun into the retaining gravel trap. Lewis Hamilton later dubbed these maneuvers as “crazy”, in a race weekend which saw the 2008 World Champion struggle with his setup.
“I thought that he was going to do a crazy maneuver, which he did,” explained Lewis Hamilton, in an interview with Reuters. “Then [later] when he was behind me I saw it coming again so I moved a little to the inside, thinking that he was going to go up the inside so he couldn’t get by, and he just flew down the outside of me. So very interesting…”
Sergio Perez later admitted that his spin was entirely his fault, after the Mexican avoided contact with Lewis Hamilton and embedded his car within the gravel. The Briton later explained that he decided against fighting for the position with Sergio Perez as he was thinking about the Championship fight with the likes of Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, the latter eventually winning the race in dominant style. Lewis Hamilton is now 42 points behind Championship leader Alonso, as the F1 circus moves swiftly on to Korea.
Picture(s) Copyright © McLaren F1 Team & Getty Images
McLaren Confirm Sergio Perez As Hamilton’s Replacement
In the wake of Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Mercedes for the 2013 season, McLaren have confirmed that Mexican driver Sergio Perez will replace the Briton at the Woking-based outfit, and will team-mate Jenson Button for the 2013 season. This comes after weeks of speculation that Perez had been approached by McLaren.
After allegedly being approached by McLaren as their “Plan B” should Lewis Hamilton move from the team, speculation over Perez’s future grew dramatically after his illustrious 2nd place at the Italian Grand Prix. However, during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend Sergio Perez flatly refused to discuss such allegations, denying any links with either McLaren of Ferrari.
Initially it was thought Sergio Perez would move to Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa, largely thanks to his commitments to Ferrari’s Young Driver Programme. However, after Luca di Montezemolo stated that the 22-year-old would be too inexperienced for Ferrari, it looked as though he would remain at Sauber for 2013.
However, as contractual negotiations between Lewis Hamilton and both McLaren and Mercedes wore on, it was rumored that the Woking-based outfit had approached the Mexican driver as a possible replacement for the 2008 World Champion. With Lewis Hamilton today agreeing to a three-year deal with Mercedes, Sergio Perez has finally been confirmed at McLaren after weeks of continuous speculation.
“I’m thrilled and delighted to have become a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.” Enthused Sergio Perez, who has widely been regarded as the rising star of F1. “I’ve spent the 2012 season working very hard to demonstrate my potential, but I’ve always remained humble and focused. I am, and always will be, extremely grateful to Peter [Sauber] and everybody at the Sauber Formula 1 team for their belief in me, and for giving me the chance to race in Formula 1.
“I’m under no illusion that it is indeed a very big step – as it would be for any driver – but I’m ready for it. So, while I’m still fully focused on doing my best for Sauber for the remainder of this season, I’m already massively looking forward to working with everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and with Jenson [Button], who’s someone I’ve long admired as a brilliant driver and a great Champion.”
With Jenson Button and Sergio Perez teamed up for the 2013 season, McLaren will unquestionably be a force to be reckoned with, largely due to their formidable driver pairing. McLaren’s team principal, Martin Whitmarsh, is extremely excited at seeing Sergio Perez join the team. Already the Mexican driver has shown his ability and maturity in battling with the likes of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, and will be an intriguing prospect for such a competitive outfit like McLaren.
“I’m delighted to welcome Sergio on board.” Explained Martin Whitmarsh, “His performances throughout 2012 have convinced us that he’s an extremely exciting prospect for the future. It was a string of giant-killing performances, a trio of podiums and a brilliant fastest lap in this year’s Monaco Grand Prix that showed us that Sergio lacks nothing in terms of speed and commitment. We’ve been monitoring his progress carefully for some months – and, now that he’s become part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, our task will be to refine and develop his abilities as his career progresses over the coming years.
“Uniting Sergio alongside Jenson will give us a very broad base of driver ability. Jenson is one of motorsport’s greatest ambassadors, and his unique blend of prodigious speed and canny race-craft makes him formidably well-armed to fight for victory on any Grand Prix circuit in the world. While Sergio is still developing his palette of skills, we’re convinced that he’s not only talented and quick, but also that he’s willing and eager to learn.”
The 2013 season will certainly be a intriguing prospect, as Sergio Perez develops himself as a McLaren driver alongside Jenson Button. The Mexican driver now has the tremendous ability to show Ferrari just how wrong they were, and to show the motor sport world how much of a serious title contender he can be in a team with an amazing ability for success.
Picture Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG
Lewis Hamilton Agrees Three-Year Deal With Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton has shocked the sporting world by agreeing a three-year deal with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, after weeks of speculation regarding the Briton’s future within the sport. This move will see Lewis Hamilton replace Michael Schumacher within the team, with Sergio Perez confirmed at McLaren.
The 2008 World Champion has been supported by McLaren since the early stages of the his career, and has raced for the team since his debut season in Formula 1 in 2007. Over recent years, speculation has gathered momentum of Lewis Hamilton potentially moving away from the Woking-based outfit, with rumors of the Briton joining either Ferrari or Red Bull. However, after BBC F1 pundit Eddie Jordan hinted at a possible move to Mercedes, the allegations have dominated the sports headlines.
“It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team.” Explained Lewis Hamilton, after remaining coy on a possible move to Brackley over recent weeks. “Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share. Together, we can grow and rise to this new challenge. I believe that I can help steer the Silver Arrows to the top and achieve our joint ambitions of winning the World Championships.”
Lewis Hamilton will be replacing F1 veteran Michael Schumacher within the team for 2013.
This move will possibly see the end of Michael Schumacher’s career in Formula 1, with Lewis Hamilton set to replace the veteran alongside Nico Rosberg next season. Unless the German can find another drive for 2013, it looks set that his three-year return to the sport will end without any major successes, the likes of which were predicted back in 2010 when he announced his return to the sport.
“I have had three nice years with the team which unfortunately did not go as well as we all would have wanted on the sporting side.” Said Michael Schumacher, whose personal best finish with Mercedes has so far been 3rd at this year’s European Grand Prix. “I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve the success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment. I will now concentrate on the next races.”
With Mercedes only recording one victory in the sport since their return in 2010, Lewis Hamilton is unquestionably playing a big gamble in joining the German marque. Winning the 2013 Drivers’ Championship is highly unlikely for the Briton, however with the major changes in the regulations for 2014, the 2008 World Champion could well find success with the Brackley-based outfit.
Regardless of whether Lewis Hamilton will finally find success with Mercedes, it’s undeniable that his move from McLaren will go down as one of the biggest driver changes the sport has, and will, ever see.
Picture(s) Copyright © McLaren & Mercedes AMG Petronas
Max Chilton Storms To GP2 Pole At Monza
Max Chilton was able to capitalize on his earlier pace set during practice, as the Briton stormed to his second pole of the season during the 30 minute qualifying session earlier this afternoon. The Carlin driver will start tomorrow’s race alongside former race winner Giedo van der Garde, who almost clinched pole prior to Chilton’s rise to the top.
Like with the rest of the days running, the GP2 qualifying session was run in glorious weather conditions, a stark contrast to the treacherous conditions experienced at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend. As soon as the session went green, the whole of the GP2 field immediately took to the track. Johnny Cecotto jr., Fabio Leimer and Fabio Onidi all momentarily shared the top spot, before the Caterham of Giedo van der Garde shot to the top to take control of the session.
As the session entered its closing stages, it looked as though the Dutchman was set to secure his second pole position of the season. However, this likelihood was dismissed by rising British star Max Chilton, who sailed to the top of the timing sheets with only several minutes of the session remaining. Giedo van der Garde was able to improve upon his time, however the 27-year-old Dutchman remained in 2nd.
Max Chilton then ended the session in dramatic style, as he pushed to strengthen his lead at the top, the Briton spun upon negotiating turn 11. Chilton embedded his Carlin within the gravel, bringing out the yellow flags and preventing anyone else from improving on their own times. This cemented Chilton on pole position for the main feature race, which will take place tomorrow afternoon.
With 19 drivers qualifying within a second of each other after today’s frenetic 30 minute session, it’s unquestionable that tomorrow’s penultimate feature race will be a hotly contested event. Luiz Razia, who is currently tied atop the Drivers’ Championship with Davide Valsecchi, will start only 12th for tomorrow’s race, and will naturally be striving for a competitive result.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Max Chilton Carlin 1m31.886s 2. Giedo van der Garde Caterham 1m31.953s + 0.067s 3. Johnny Cecotto Jr Addax 1m32.151s + 0.265s 4. Luca Filippi Coloni 1m32.165s + 0.279s 5. Davide Valsecchi DAMS 1m32.208s + 0.322s 6. Marcus Ericsson iSport 1m32.216s + 0.330s 7. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m32.324s + 0.438s 8. Fabio Onidi Coloni 1m32.388s + 0.502s 9. Esteban Gutierrez Lotus 1m32.396s + 0.510s 10. Felipe Nasr DAMS 1m32.462s + 0.576s 11. Rio Haryanto Carlin 1m32.471s + 0.585s 12. Luiz Razia Arden 1m32.495s + 0.609s 13. James Calado Lotus 1m32.622s + 0.736s 14. Nigel Melker Ocean 1m32.625s + 0.739s 15. Jolyon Palmer iSport 1m32.659s + 0.773s 16. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m32.675s + 0.789s 17. Nathanael Berthon Racing Engineering 1m32.769s + 0.883s 18. Sergio Canamasas Lazarus 1m32.772s + 0.886s 19. Simon Trummer Arden 1m32.889s + 1.003s 20. Victor Guerin Ocean 1m32.911s + 1.025s 21. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m32.967s + 1.081s 22. Stephane Richelmi Trident 1m32.969s + 1.083s 23. Julian Leal Trident 1m32.989s + 1.103s 24. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m33.109s + 1.223s 25. Rodolfo Gonzalez Caterham 1m33.511s + 1.625s 26. Ricardo Teixeira Rapax 1m33.719s + 1.833s
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
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