Jay Howard secures IndyCar return for Indy 500
British IndyCar driver Jay Howard has secured a return to the Verizon IndyCar Series for the 2015 Indianapolis 500 with Bryan Herta Autosport, where the 33-year-old will compete in the team’s #97 car. The event in May will mark Howard’s first outing in the Series since 2011, when he competed with Sam Schmidt Motorsport in four races.
Although the team’s sole seat for the 2015 season remains vacant after Jack Hawkworth’s departure to A.J. Foyt Racing, their plans for the 99th running of the coveted Indianapolis 500 are half complete with Jay Howard confirming his return to the Series.
The former Indy Lights Champion originally made his IndyCar debut with Roth Racing in 2008, before returning to the Indy Lights Series the following year. In 2010 and 2011 Howard managed to compete in a combined eight races in IndyCar with Sarah Fisher Racing, Sam Schmidt Motorsports and Rahal Letterman Lanigan, which included his only official start in the Indianapolis 500 in 2011.
Despite his inability to secure a full-time drive in 2012, the Briton was scheduled to enter the Indianapolis 500 with Mike Shank Racing, however he frustratingly failed to make it to the grid after the team’s engine deal failed to materialise. Howard is understandably thrilled with his confirmed return to the IndyCar Series, and is targeting further races with the team.
“With all the letdowns and everything that went wrong at Indy, it’s a relief to have another chance to put all that behind me,” explained Howard to RACER. “I’m really excited to have a deal already in place between my sponsor Green1 and Bryan Herta’s team. I have a lot of unfinished business in IndyCar, which makes this partnership with Bryan and Green1 such a big thing for me. And we’re working on doing more than the Indy 500 together.”
Last season the Indianapolis 500 was won by Ryan Hunter-Reay, with Helio Castroneves a close second. After failing to qualify for the 2010 Indianapolis 500 and retiring from the event the following year after contact, Howard will certainly be looking to reach the checkered flag during the 99th running of the legendary 200-lap race.
Image courtesy of Jim Haines/IndyCar Media Service
Kamui Kobayashi crashes during Moscow demo in Ferrari F1 car
Former Sauber and Toyota Formula 1 driver Kamui Kobayashi crashed during his promotional run at the Moscow City Racing Demonstration, whilst behind the wheel of Ferrari’s 2009 F1 car. The Japanese driver, who is now competing in FIA World Endurance Championship with Ferrari, was running in wet conditions when the incident occurred.
After being dropped by Sauber after last season despite his maiden podium finish in the sport, Kamui Kobayashi switched to endurance racing with the Scuderia after a drive in Formula 1 failed materialize due to a lack of funds. The 26-year-old Hyogo-born driver finished 20th in this year’s Le Mans 24h event in the GTE Pro category, and received his first outing in a Ferrari Formula 1 car back in May around the Scuderia’s testing facility at Fiorano.
However, Kamui Kobayashi’s return behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car was plagued by embarrassment after he spun in the tricky weather conditions and hit the retaining barrier. Although significant damage was caused to the F60 machine, the Italian outfit had luckily brought a second car to the event therefore allowing Kamui Kobayashi to return to the demonstration within 20 minutes of his embarrassing ordeal.
Kamui Kobayashi’s incident comes almost a year after Pastor Maldonado’s humiliating incident at a demonstration event in Venezuela last August. The local hero had recently secured his and Venezuela’s first victory in Formula 1, accounting for the 20,000 fans attending the venue. Many other teams’ were present at the demonstration in Moscow on Sunday including McLaren and Lotus, ahead of Russia’s inaugural Formula 1 race next season.
Picture Copyright © Ferrari
FIA Confirm Death Of Canadian Grand Prix Marshal
The FIA has issued a statement confirming the tragic death of a Canadian Grand Prix marshal, who was struck by a mobile crane after the race as Esteban Gutierrez’s Sauber was cleared. As the marshal assisted the crane carrying the Mexican’s stricken car, he tripped and was subsequently hit by the recovery vehicle.
Medical staff were immediately on the scene, and the marshal was initially sent to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s medical centre before being airlifted to the nearby Sacre-Coeur hospital in Montreal for further treatment. Despite the medical staffs’ best efforts, the marshal tragically succumb to his injuries sustained at the circuit at 18:02 local time.
“The FIA is sad to announce the death of a Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada circuit worker, at 6:02 pm.” Read an official statement from the FIA, “The worker, a member of the Automobile Club de l’Île Notre Dame, was the victim of an unfortunate accident that occurred at the end of this afternoon’s Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada. The worker was helping to recover a car which had stopped during the race. The recovery vehicle had lifted the car to return it to the pits and while doing this the worker dropped his radio and attempted to pick it up. As he did this, he stumbled and was hit and run over by the recovery vehicle.
“The worker was transported via helicopter to Sacre-Coeur Hospital. Unfortunately, the worker succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The FIA, l’Automobile Club de l’Île Notre-Dame and the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada want to communicate their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim. The identity of the worker cannot be revealed at this time.”
This is the first time a marshal has been killed at a Grand Prix event since way back in 2001, when a marshal was killed following Jacques Villeneuve and Ralf Schumacher’s horrific incident at the season-opening Grand Prix when a tyre flew through a gap in the fencing.
Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team
Tio Ellinas Fends Off Patric Niederhauser For GP3 Victory At Spain
Tio Ellinas has continued from where he left off last season in the GP3 Series with a stunning victory at the opening race of the season around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, fending off the charging Jenzer Motorsport of Patric Niederhauser. American ace Conor Daly finished a close 3rd, in a race utterly dominated by tyres.
Although Kevin Korjus initially secured pole position earlier in the day, the Estonian driver was subsequently issued with a grid penalty for ignoring yellow flags in the practice session. This meant Tio Ellinas started the race from pole alongside Patric Niederhauser, and the duo led away at the front at the start as the field negotiated the tight opening few turns. After the opening lap, the 21-year-old Cypriot had already opened up a one second lead to Patric Niederhauser, whereas further back many battles ensued for position.
Towards the rear of the pack Marussia Manor Racing debutant Ryan Cullen ran extensively wide at the final corner and skipped deep into the gravel trap but managed to continue circulating. British rising star Josh Webster became the first retirement of the race on Lap 6, after the Status Grand Prix driver returned to the pits with an issue on his car. As the race progressed, Daniil Kvyat’s tyres began to seriously wear as the Russian driver plummeted through the order.
Facu Regalia was forced to take avoiding action through Turn 10 after Kevin Korjus out-broke himself, as the field bunched up as tyre wear gripped the pack. Finnish debutant Patrick Kujala became the next retirement of Lap 11, as more drivers began to suffer greatly due to tyre wear. As the race entered its closing stages, almost the entire field began to suffer from tyre wear including race leader Tio Ellinas who was coming under serious pressure from the Jenzer Motorsport of Patric Niederhauser.
Dino Zamparelli crashed out of the race on Lap 14, after the Briton slammed into the rear of Kevin Korjus at Turn 5. This saw Zamparelli damage the front-right of his car and bury himself deep within the retaining gravel trap. Facu Regalia was also forced into retirement after returning to the pits, as both Tio Ellinas and Patric Niederhauser came under pressure from Conor Daly’s ART Grand Prix.
Despite a late surge towards the latter stages of the race, Tio Ellinas managed to fend off both Patric Niederhauser and Conor Daly to secure his second victory in the Series and the first in the new GP3/13 machine. After loosing pole position due to the grid penalty for the first race, Kevin Korjus managed to secure the reverse grid pole and will start tomorrow’s race alongside David Fumanelli. With tyre wear clearly the name of the game in the new era of the GP3 Series, expect further freneticism as the season progresses.
Results - 17 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Tio Ellinas Manor 28m06.022s
2. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer + 0.428s
3. Conor Daly ART + 0.940s
4. Nick Yelloly Carlin + 9.726s
5. Aaro Vainio Koiranen + 16.925s
6. Jack Harvey ART + 23.006s
7. David Fumanelli Trident + 23.572s
8. Kevin Korjus Koiranen + 28.615s
9. Robert Visoiu MW Arden + 29.053s
10. Alex Fontana Jenzer + 29.426s
11. Lewis Williamson Bamboo + 29.669s
12. Giovanni Venturini Trident + 30.832s
13. Luis Sa Silva Carlin + 37.044s
14. Melville McKee Bamboo + 37.277s
15. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden + 51.669s
16. Samin Gomez Jenzer + 51.949s
17. Emanuele Zonzini Trident + 52.325s
18. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin + 52.759s
19. Jimmy Eriksson Status + 53.858s
20. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden + 1m08.691s
21. Ryan Cullen Manor + 1m09.967s
22. Carmen Jorda Bamboo + 1m10.626s
23. Adderly Fong Status + 1m14.398s
24. Facu Regalia ART + 2 laps
Retirements:
Driver Team Laps
Dino Zamparelli Manor 14
Patrick Kujala Koiranen 10
Josh Webster Status 6
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
2013 GP3 Series Preview
When the GP3 Series reconvenes around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya for the season opening Spanish Grand Prix, a brand-new era will dawn in the category’s history. When the opening practice session gets underway on the Friday afternoon, spectators around the world will get their first glimpse of the new GP3/13 machine.
This new machine, which no longer sounds like a supercharged lawnmower, offers the drivers with a 3.4 litre naturally aspirated 400HP engine as well as a completely redesigned chassis from Dallara. The 28-car field consists of a mixture of returning and new drivers all striving to work their way up to the pinnacle of motorsport, from numerous nations across the globe. This will see the likes of Aaro Vainio, Conor Daly and Tio Ellinas up against Series rookies Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz jr., all of whom are more than capable of securing race victories and even the overall Championship.
After several seasons known as Lotus GP, French outfit ART Grand Prix has reverted back to their original name for the new season across all of the categories they compete in. This has also seen a switch in their colors from the unmistakable black and gold of Lotus to their original of white. Their driver line-up for the new season is a strong combination of experience and youth, consisting of returning American ace Conor Daly, Argentinean debutant Facu Regalia and reigning British Formula Three Champion Jack Harvey. This trio all know how to secure victories, and could well find themselves battling for Championship supremacy later in the year.
Conor Daly will return this season in GP3 with ART Grand Prix.
Despite securing the Drivers’ Championship with Mitch Evans last season, MW Arden once again failed to thwart ART Grand Prix in the Constructors’ Championship. However, this season the Banbury-based outfit has a real chance of once again taking the fight to ART Grand Prix with the youngest driver pairing on the grid. Returning GP3 driver Robert Visoiu will be joined by Red Bull Junior Team members Carlos Sainz jr. and Daniil Kvyat, creating a trio who will certainly threaten ART’s dominance.
Last season Carlos Sainz jr. competed in a variety of Formula 3 categories, including the FIA Formula Three EuroSeries and the British Formula Three Series for Carlin. After impressing greatly during testing in the GP3 Series, Russian sensation Daniil Kvyat enters the category as a potential Championship candidate alongside Carlos Sainz jr. and Robert Visoiu. The 19-year-old is the reigning Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS Champion for Koiranen Motorsport, and also finished a strong runner-up in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Championship for the same outfit.
British outfit Carlin is also sporting a strong line-up for the new season, despite a line-up consisting of three debutants in the category. Luis Sa Silva enters GP3 fresh from endeavors in numerous Formula 3 categories including the FIA Formula 3 EuroSeries and the British Formula Three Series with the Angola Racing Team. The 22-year-old Angolan will be joined by British rising star Nick Yelloly, who is a member of the BRDC Rising Stars and the MSA Team UK Elite Drivers. The 22-year-old has recently competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series for Comtec Racing, securing two victories and a further four podiums along the way.
The youngest driver within the Carlin outfit this season is Argentinean debutant Eric Lichtenstein, who makes the switch to the GP3 Series fellowing a successful season in the Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain. The 18-year-old from Buenos Aires finished 3rd in the Championship for Jamun Racing after securing 11 race victories at legendary circuits such as Brands Hatch, Nurburgring and Silverstone.
Samin Gomez is one of only two female drivers in GP3 this season.
Jenzer Motorsport sports a line-up consisting of one of only two female drivers on the grid for the new season, with Venezuelan driver Samin Gomez joining the Swiss duo of Patric Niederhauser and Alex Fontana. Gomez has previously tested in the GP3 Series for Jenzer Motorsport, and enters the Series after a strong display of driving last season in the Formula Abarth Euro Series and Formula Abarth Series with the Swiss outfit.
After securing two race victories last season, Patric Niederhauser will unquestionably be striving to add to his tally in his second full season in the GP3 Series with Jenzer Motorsport. The 21-year-old Swiss driver has already competed in the European Le Mans Series this year with Race Performance, securing a podium finish at Silverstone alongside fellow countryman Michel Frey. Niederhauser and Gomez will be joined at Jenzer Motorsport by Alex Fontana, who has previously competed in six GP3 races for the Swiss outfit. The 20-year-old, who is a member of the Lotus F1 Junior Team, also competed in the FIA Formula 2 Series last year and secured one race victory on his way to 7th in the Championship.
Tio Ellinas is already a Championship favourite heading into the new season.
Marussia-backed Manor Racing could well be the dark horse when the new season gets underway, with Cypriot Tio Ellinas unquestionably a man fully capable of mounting a Championship challenge at the front. The 21-year-old took victory during the final race of last season at Monza, and will be out to immediately begin adding to his tally when the Series reconvenes at Barcelona. The Cypriot will be joined by British debutants Ryan Cullen and Dino Zamparelli, the latter a member of the BRDC Rising Stars.
Irish team Status Grand Prix also features a strong line-up ahead of the new season, featuring reigning German Formula Three Champion Jimmy Eriksson. The 22-year-old Swedish ace will be making his debut in the Series, as will his team-mates of Adderly Fong and Josh Webster. Adderly Fong has already competed in various categories on his way to the GP3 Series, including the Auto GP and Firestone Indy Lights Series. Josh Webster is another member of the BRDC Rising Stars and MSA Team UK Elite Drivers, and is the youngest of the three Status Grand Prix drivers.
For the new season, Atech CRS Grand Prix has been rebranded as Bamboo Engineering, an outfit better known for its involvement in the World Touring Car Championship. The Silverstone-based outfit enters the Series with an exciting trio of drivers, including British returnee and former race winner Lewis Williamson. The 23-year-old is a former member of the Red Bull Junior Team, and has previously competed for MW Arden in the Series. He will be joined by fellow countryman Melville McKee and Carmen Jorda who is preparing to compete in her second full season in the Series.
For 2013 Atech CRS Grand Prix has been rebranded as Bamboo Engineering.
Melville McKee enters the GP3 Series fresh from a season in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Series with Interwetten.com Racing, which saw the Singapore-born driver secure one podium at the Nurburgring. Carmen Jordan endured a frustrating season last year with Ocean Racing Technology, which included numerous retirements. However, the Spanish driver will be aiming to raise her game this season with the rebranded Silverstone-based outfit.
Trident Racing boasts a highly experienced trio of drivers for the new season, with Italian drivers Giovanni Venturini and David Fumanelli joined by Sammarinese debutant Emanuele Zonzini. After a relatively competitive season last year with the Italian outfit, Venturini will be looking for his maiden victory in 2013 as will fellow countryman David Fumanelli. Despite racing for Championship contenders MW Arden last season, Fumanelli could only manage one podium finish at the European Grand Prix around the Valencia Street Circuit.
Both Giovanni Venturini and David Fumanelli will be joined at Trident Racing by 19-year-old debutant Emanuele Zonzini, who enters the GP3 Series after a season in the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS, Formula Abarth Euro and Formula Abarth Series. The Sammarinese driver previously tested for both Lotus GP (now ART Grand Prix) and Trident Racing during the winter period, eventually being confirmed for the latter in January.
Koiranen GP is a new Finnish outfit in GP3 this season.
The final team on the 2013 grid is newcomers Koiranen GP, a Finnish outfit based in Barcelona. Prior to their involvement in the GP3 Series, the outfit competed in many other junior Formula’s including the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS Series. Headed by Marko Koiranen and formed back in 1997, Koiranen GP features an intriguing mixture of new and experienced talent for the new season. Former race winner Aaro Vainio is joined by fellow countryman Patrick Kujala and Estonian driver Kevin Korjus.
After a highly competitive season with Lotus GP last year which included one race victory and four podium finishes, 19-year-old Aaro Vainio will be looking to lead the new team in their debut season in the category. This will be the Finn’s third full season in the Series, making him one of the most experienced drivers on the grid. It is from one end of the experience spectrum to the other with Vainio’s fellow countryman Patrick Kujala, who at only 16 years of age enters the GP3 Series after competing in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro and ALPS Series with Koiranen GP last season.
The Finnish duo of Aaro Vainio and Patrick Kujala will be joined by 20-year-old Estonian ace Kevin Korjus, who completes the switch from the Formula Renault 3.5 category after two seasons with Tech 1 Racing which included three victories and five podiums. Back in 2010, Kevin Korjus won the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Championship with Koiranen GP and will unquestionably be striving to rekindle his competitive partnership with the outfit this season.
It’s undeniable that the GP3 Series has an extremely competitive grid for the fourth year of competition, which is expected to once again produce some sensational driving in the new GP3/13 machine. Along with the exciting 28-car grid, the category will also host it’s first standalone event and first non-European event this season. The former will be around the Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo, a popular testing venue for the world of Formula 1, GP2 and GP3. The first non-European race weekend for the GP3 Series will also host what will surely be a classic season finale, with a race around the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The 2013 GP3 Series has all of the ingredients to be an absolute classic, with a new car, many new and returning drivers and a mouth-watering calendar which should provide for some of the most entertaining racing of the year. Already Formula 1 has two former GP3 drivers on the grid in the form of Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Gutierrez, and expect future Champions to be discovered as this season prepares to begin.
Picture(s) Copyright © Daniel Kalisz, Malcolm Griffiths & Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Valencia Added To 2013 GP3 Calendar
It has been announced that GP3 has added a race around Valencia’s Circuit de Ricardo Tormo in Spain to their 2013 calendar, which will now host the second round of the forthcoming season. This addition will see the 2013 GP3 calendar rise to 16 races at eight different venues, with this year’s finale set to take place at Abu Dhabi.
This race weekend will be the first standalone GP3 event which will not take place in support of a Formula 1 race weened, with GP3’s visit to Valencia set to bridge the five week gap between the Monaco and British Grands Prix. During this period, Formula 1 visits Canada with the race around Montreal’s Circuit du Gilles Villeneuve. Both the GP2 and GP3 Series do not follow Formula 1 to their North or South American venues, instead supporting only the European and a handful of Asian races throughout the year.
In recent years the Circuit de Ricardo Tormo in Valencia has become a popular testing venue for both Formula 1, GP2 and GP3 alike. Despite this popularity, only the GP2 Series has raced around the circuit, with races during 2006 and 2007 before Formula 1’s first race around the Valencia Street Circuit in 2008. GP3’s first standalone event will coincide with the introduction of the new GP3/13 machine, which has already recorded times in winter testing 4.2 seconds faster than it’s predecessor.
“We are happy to announce that Valencia has been added to the calendar.” Explained GP3’s CEO Bruno Michel, “It will be the first time that the Series will race at Circuit de Ricardo Tormo. 2013 promises to be a very strong season for GP3 with the introduction of the GP3/13 car, recording a lap time 4.2 seconds quicker than its previous generation on the same track. The driver line-up is probably the strongest we have ever had. I can’t wait for the season to start in Barcelona next month.”
The new season for GP3 kicks off in May when the Series supports the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, with the category set for one final winter test this week at Silverstone. The Series will also feature a mid-season test at Budapest’s Hungaroring during the first week of June, the week before the inaugural GP3 standalone event at Valencia.
Picture Copyright © Drew Gibson/GP2 Series Media Service
Romain Grosjean: “It’s A Good Continuation Of The E20”
Romain Grosjean has explained how the new Lotus E21 is a good continuation of the E20, the car which powered the Enstone-based outfit to 4th in the Constructors’ Championship last season. Despite suffering a topsy-turvy season, Romain Grosjean still managed a personal best of 2nd at the Canadian Grand Prix.
During the 2012 season, Lotus were regarded by many as the dark horse of the Formula 1 grid. Throughout the year, the outfit consistently finished in the points in the majority of the races and eventually won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Kimi Raikkonen behind the wheel. Although Romain Grosjean suffered a tough season with Lotus, the Frenchman was retained by the outfit. With the new season now only days away, the 26-year-old is optimistic that he and Lotus can start the season in a positive fashion.
“It’s a good continuation of the E20 and definitely a step forward; the team have been working hard and are doing their best to give us a good car.” Explained Romain Grosjean, “The answer will only be clear after qualifying in Melbourne; we looked quick during winter testing but it’s always different to race weekends, so let’s see what the first race brings us. Hopefully it’s a good surprise, as was the case last year, and I’m sure we can have a very good season.”
Last season Romain Grosjean surprised many by qualifying 3rd for the Australian Grand Prix behind the McLaren duo of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Unfortunately the Frenchman was taken out during the opening lap of the race after a collision with Pastor Maldonado, however both Grosjean and Lotus will be hoping such misfortune does not reoccur during the coming season, as the Frenchman aims to redeem himself after an incident-filled 2012 season.
Picture Copyright © Lotus F1 Team
Carlos Sainz jr. Fastest After Opening Day Of GP3 Estoril Test
Spanish GP3 debutant Carlos Sainz jr. has ended the opening day of the Estoril test fastest for MW Arden, after GP3’s first official pre-season test around the Portuguese circuit. The 18-year-old set the fastest time in the afternoon period, whereas Cypriot Tio Ellinas set the pace in the morning for Marussia Manor Racing.
The opening day of the pre-season test at Estoril was the dawn of a new era of GP3 action, with the 27 drivers taking to the track in the brand-new GP3/13 machine. Several teams up and down the grid sported revised liveries, such as Status Grand Prix and MW Arden, only adding to the excitement and intrigue which surrounds the new season. This test was also the first opportunity for two new outfits to gain their first taste of GP3 action, as Koiranen GP from Finland and Bamboo Engineering (formerly Atech Grand Prix) from the United Kingdom took to the track.
The Carlin of Angolan driver Luís Sá Silva made GP3 history by becoming the first driver to take to the track in the new GP3/13 machine, as the new 400hp car roared into life around the Estoril circuit. Soon, the majority of the field had also taken to the track to carry out various installation laps. However, the drivers soon began experimenting with the new machinery and setting competitive lap times, with the Carlin of Eric Lichtenstein setting the initial benchmark ahead of Kevin Korjus and David Fumanelli.
Tio Ellinas produced the fastest time in the morning period.
Russian driver Daniil Kvyat then rose to the top of the timing sheets with a stunning time only several tenths under the GP3 lap record around Estoril, before former race winner Tio Ellinas surpassed the record with a 01:29.396 for Marussia Manor Racing. This lap remained unchallenged as the morning session drew to a close, with Ellinas being followed by the MW Arden of Daniil Kvyat and David Fumanelli in the Trident.
After the lengthy two hour lunch break, the drivers returned to the Estoril circuit. During the break, the track temperature dropped slightly as Aaro Vainio set the fastest time with a 01:28.971. Italian ace David Fumanelli momentarily posted the fastest time of the day, before Russian rookie Daniil Kvyat put his MW Arden atop the timing sheets, nearly three quarters of a second faster than the Trident driver.
A red flag delay was caused at the start of the final hour of proceedings, when American driver Ethan Ringel of Bamboo Engineering spun. However, track action was quickly resumed as Carlos Sainz jr. produced a blisteringly quick time of a 01:26.816 to assert his authority over proceedings in the final minutes of the day. The Spaniard remained fastest as the day was brought to a conclusion, with Sainz jr. being followed by MW Arden team-mate Daniil Kvyat and Marussia Manor Racing’s Tio Ellinas in 3rd. The GP3 Estoril test will continue tomorrow, as the stars of the future continue to prepare for the new season.
Today’s times:
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden 1m26.816s 29 2. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m27.616s + 0.800s 27 3. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m27.681s + 0.865s 19 4. David Fumanelli Trident 1m27.714s + 0.898s 26 5. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m27.846s + 1.030s 25 6. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m27.871s + 1.055s 24 7. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m28.021s + 1.205s 30 8. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m28.068s + 1.252s 42 9. Facu Regalia ART 1m28.112s + 1.296s 27 10. Conor Daly ART 1m28.309s + 1.493s 28 11. Jack Harvey ART 1m28.509s + 1.693s 21 12. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m28.614s + 1.798s 24 13. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m28.791s + 1.975s 19 14. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m28.844s + 2.028s 28 15. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m29.019s + 2.203s 28 16. Adderly Fong Status 1m29.029s + 2.213s 26 17. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m29.159s + 2.343s 28 18. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m29.201s + 2.385s 30 19. Josh Webster Status 1m29.417s + 2.601s 27 20. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m29.682s + 2.866s 35 21. Vicky Piria Manor 1m29.816s + 3.000s 27 22. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m29.852s + 3.036s 27 23. Ethan Ringel Bamboo 1m30.266s + 3.450s 27 24. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m30.477s + 3.661s 26 25. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m30.694s + 3.878s 29 26. Lewis Williamson Bamboo 1m31.142s + 4.326s 9 27. Roberto La Rocca Bamboo 1m31.313s + 4.497s 13
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Williams Become Final Team To Unveil 2013 Challenger
Williams have become the final team to unveil their new car ahead of new new season, with Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas taking the covers off of the team’s FW35 machine at Barcelona prior to the start of testing. Maldonado will become the first driver to get behind of the wheel of the FW35 later this morning.
After a return to the their winning ways last season with Pastor Maldonado’s sensational victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, Williams are understandably keen to remain a competitive force in the field. Like many teams up and down the grid, the new FW35 features numerous improvements in comparison to the FW34 of last season yet retains a relatively similar appearance. The team have opted for the modesty panel to hide the step-nose design, with the front of the car reminiscent of Ferrari.
Although the new car is an evolution of their race winning FW34, the Grove-based outfit believe the FW35 is 80% new with a new gearbox, rear suspension, radiators, floor, exhausts, bodywork and front nose. Coupled with a revised driver line-up which features 2011 GP3 Champion and former Williams reserve driver Valtteri Bottas alongside Pastor Maldonado, the British outfit are understandably optimistic for the season ahead.
One of the major factors of the new season will be reliability up and down the order, with Williams confident that the FW35 will enjoy a certain amount of reliability throughout the season ahead. The new gearbox has been vigorously tested throughout the winter period, already completing 3,200kms on the dyno. The team also plan to introduce an aerodynamic upgrade prior to the first race of the year at Australia, and Mike Coughlan is adamant that the coanda effect will become a major development factor over the year.
“The Coanda effect is going to be a big thing for us,” explained the team’s technical director, Mike Coughlan. “There’s been no rule clarification concerning this area of the car, so we’ll work closely with Renault to maximize the available gains. Use of the DRS is more restricted this year, so we’ll take some resource away from that and focus on other areas. Given the rule stability over the winter. I’m pleased with the gains that we’ve been able to make with this car. It’s a better, more refined Formula One car than the FW34 and I think everyone involved in the project can feel proud of the work they’ve done.”
Despite a roller-coaster of a season last year for Pastor Maldonado, the Venezuelan driver is preparing to begin his third season in Formula 1 and can no longer be regarded as a rookie. The 27-year-old is adamant both he and Williams can continue to remain competitive throughout 2013, and is aiming to return the Grove-based outfit back to their rightful spot atop the rostrum.
“Starting my third season with Williams is important for both myself and the team.” Said Pastor Maldonado, “We’ve been working hard to develop the car and improve our performance. Last year we won a race and were competitive, but this season we must be even more competitive which I believe is possible. Consistency will be our aim to close the gap to the teams in front. Being part of the Williams family is very special as a driver and I want to thank Frank for not only giving me the opportunity to drive for him, but also to deliver a win. My goal is to help take the team back to the top.”
Whilst Pastor Maldonado aims to return to the top, his new team-mate for 2013 is eagerly anticipating making his debut at Melbourne next month. Former GP3 Champion and Williams reserve driver Valtteri Bottas will replace Bruno Senna at the outfit this season, in doing so becoming the ninth Finn to become a Formula 1 driver. Due largely to his knowledge of the FW34 thanks to his reserve driver duties, Bottas already believes the team has improved with their new car.
“It feels great to now be promoted to race driver with Williams this season.” Said Valtteri Bottas, “It’s a big step and I’m really looking forward to it. I have been doing a lot of training, meeting with my engineers and working in the simulator in preparation; so I feel ready. We know we have improved our car from last season but I am looking forward to seeing how it compares on track. We have a busy test programme ahead but I’m really excited. The moment the start lights go out in Melbourne is a moment I have been building towards my whole career.”
After a sensationally competitive 2012 season, Williams are already aiming to emulate such success in what is already tipped to be another incredibly exciting season of Formula 1 racing. The Grove-based outfit have a formidable driver pairing who know how to win races and Championships, and therefore will be well prepared for the competitiveness that will await them next month.
Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team
Caterham Unveil New CT03 Machine Prior To Testing
Caterham have become the latest team to unveil their 2013 challenger, with drivers Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde taking the wraps off of their new CT03 car ahead of the opening day of pre-season testing at Jerez in Spain. The Dutchman will get his first taste of the new car later today, once testing begins.
With only several minutes to go before the start of the opening day of pre-season testing, Caterham unveiled their new car to the F1 media. The new car, which features a much brighter shade of green, has been dubbed an evolution of the team’s CT01 machine by the team’s technical director Mark Smith, and features several new technical alterations including a lower chassis, undercut sidepods to assist airflow to the rear of the car and a new diffuser. However, the new car retains the step-nose design, with the team opting against implementing the modesty panel.
“CT03 is the first car we have produced in the Leafield Technical Centre so it marks an important milestone in the development of our team.” Explained Mark Smith, “The season ahead presented us with an interesting challenge early in the design process as it is the last year of the current regulations before the introduction of the new engine rules in 2014. With that in mind we decided that CT03 would be an evolution of CT01 rather than a complete re-design, allowing us to focus our resources on developing areas of last year’s package where opportunities would give us the greatest return, whilst also beginning work on the 2014 package.
“We have made a number of significant changes to the car that takes it from the package that gained us tenth place in the 2012 Championship in Brazil into [the] CT03.” Continued Mark Smith, “Among the most obvious are around the lower chassis where the sidepods have been significantly undercut to improve airflow to the rear of the car. The diffuser, engine cover and cooling exits have also seen major changes and there are more subtle improvements to other areas of the car, such as the sidepod turning vanes and the lower tea-tray area. This is the package we will take to race one in Australia and as part of the 2013 upgrade program we will then bring new front and rear wings and a new diffuser soon after the start of the season.”
With the absence of HRT on the grid heading into the new season, this leaves only Caterham and Marussia fighting towards the back of the grid. This will certainly make the battle for 10th in the Constructors’ Championship for 2013 even more important between the two outfits. Caterham have yet to score their first points in Formula 1, and will be hoping that either Charles Pic or Giedo van der Garde can change that in the coming months.
Picture Copyright © Caterham F1 Team
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