Jaime Alguersuari Focusing On Pirelli Test Drive Role In 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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Timo Glock Officially Leaves Marussia By ‘Mutual Consent’

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Timo Glock Reported To Have Left Marussia

Timo Glock has allegedly left Marussia, according to a report issued by German newspaper Bild on Sunday which reads that the 30-year-old German has left the Anglo-Russian outfit by a mutual agreement to find a new challenge in his motor sport career. If true, this will leave Marussia with only one driver only weeks before pre-season testing.

With pre-season testing quickly approaching ahead of the new season, Timo Glock’s rumored departure could leave the Banbury-based outfit in turmoil. This would effectively leave the team with a relatively inexperienced driver, and in desperate search of a replacement to fill the void left by Timo Glock. The German driver has been a member of the Marussia F1 team since their debut season in the sport back in 2010, when they were then known as Virgin Racing.

After signing a three-year deal with the outfit back in 2011, Timo Glock’s future with Marussia looked settled. However, after a relatively tough 2012 season alongside Charles Pic, who shone during his debut season both out-qualifying and out-racing Glock on numerous occasions, it seems the experienced German’s future is now uncertain in the sport. At the time of Bild’s initial report, Marussia were unavailable for comment on the matter, however it is believed an official statement will occur on Monday.

Such a move by Timo Glock will unquestionably fuel speculation as to who will replace the German driver at Marussia, with only Caterham and Force India currently sporting vacancies on the 2013 grid. Timo Glock was originally set to team-mate rookie Max Chilton in 2013, and his departure will understandably prompt the outfit to hunt for an experienced replacement, due largely to Chilton’s inexperience during a race weekend.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Toto Wolff Linked To Management Role At Mercedes

Recent reports have linked Toto Wolff to a senior management position at Mercedes, following on from Norbert Haug’s departure from the German marque last year. These reports speculate that Toto Wolff would assume the role previously held by Haug within the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

As preparations for the new season continues to gather momentum, it seems the 41-year-old is set to leave his position of Executive Director and Shareholder of the Williams Formula 1 team in a switch which will see him join Mercedes in a senior management role. This could potentially see Wolff work alongside fellow countryman Niki Lauda, as the German marque aims for a much more competitive 2013 season with Nico Rosberg and former McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel.

Currently Toto Wolff is the co-owner of the HWA company which runs Mercedes-Benz’s DTM programme, which coincidentally ran the Austrian’s wife Susie Wolff during her campaign in DTM. The 30-year-old female star has since become the development driver at Williams, and it is currently unknown whether she will switch to Mercedes should the rumors linking Toto Wolff to the German marque come to fruition.

Both Toto Wolff and the Mercedes Formula 1 Team decided against commenting on the recent rumors, which surfaced in German newspaper Bild. However, it is believed within the F1 fraternity that a deal between the two parties has already been struck, despite no official confirmation from either Mercedes or Williams on the matter. This move would unquestionably add to an already strong team at Mercedes, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Ross Brawn and Niki Lauda all working to push the German marque further up the Formula 1 ladder.

Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team

Gary Paffett Does Not Understand Lewis Hamilton Move

Long-term McLaren test driver Gary Paffett has become the latest member of the Formula 1 fraternity to speak out against Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes for the 2013 season, with the Briton explaining how he “does not understand” the 2008 World Champion’s decision. This comes after Sir Jackie Stewart described it as a long-term risk.

As preparations for the new Formula 1 season continues to gather momentum, McLaren test driver and Mercedes DTM star Gary Paffett has described how he does not understand Hamilton’s decision, despite Paffett’s strong connections to the German marque.

During the latter half of the 2012 season, Lewis Hamilton shocked the sporting community by deciding to move away from McLaren to join Nico Rosberg at Mercedes for the next season. Gary Paffett has disclosed that he does not understand his fellow countryman’s decision, stating that he believes McLaren will be stronger than Mercedes once again in 2013.

“Some drivers move for their own certain reasons,” said Gary Paffett at the Autosport Show last weekend. “I think a few of the times they move people don’t understand it and I don’t understand this one. I don’t understand why he moved. I knew Lewis very well, I used to kart with him when he was ten years old. Lewis has solely been focused on winning, that is his aim. He wants to break records, he wants to win the most Championships, win the most races and I see his best place to do that at McLaren.”

Lewis Hamilton has been replaced at the Woking-based outfit by Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who impressed greatly during his two seasons with Sauber. Throughout the 2012 season, the 22-year-old finished on the podium three times including a near-victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix behind eventual winner Fernando Alonso.

Although there is strong doubt within the Formula 1 community that Lewis Hamilton has made the right decision, some including Martin Brundle believe the Briton will certainly be victorious in 2013. Only time will tell as to whether Lewis Hamilton has made the correct decision or not, however it’s unquestionable that his move is still sending shockwaves throughout the sporting world.

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Bruno Senna Confident Of Securing 2013 Drive Despite DTM Test

Bruno Senna is remaining confident of securing a drive for 2013 in Formula 1, after the Brazilian driver was replaced at Williams by the team’s reserve driver Valtteri Bottas. Senna is currently in talks with both Force India and Caterham, however the 29-year-old has reportedly carried out a DTM test with Mercedes.

Despite this test around Portugal’s Estoril circuit, Bruno Senna is still targeting a drive in Formula 1 for 2013. With Valtteri Bottas replacing him at Williams alongside Pastor Maldonado, Bruno Senna’s options for next season in F1 are between Force India or Caterham, both of which have yet to confirm their full driver line-up.

However, the Brazilian driver is likely to find tough competition for the remaining vacancies on the 2013 grid, with the likes of Paul di Resta, Jaime Alguersuari, Adrian Sutil, Jules Bianchi, Heikki Kovalainen, Giedo van der Garde and Vitaly Petrov all likely candidates for the drives at Force India and Caterham.

“You’re never relaxed until you have a nice signed contract, but we’re working very hard,” explained Bruno Senna to Autosport. “Chris [Goodwin, Senna’s manager] is a busy little bee. He’s been doing his job very well. Hopefully before the end of the year we’ll have a nice clear path to follow.”

Throughout the 2012 season, Bruno Senna was replaced by Valtteri Bottas during fifteen practice sessions. Unlike other teams such as Force India and Caterham, Bottas always replaced Senna within the team, partnering Pastor Maldonado during the opening practice session of each of the fifteen race weekends. This understandably fueled rumors that Bottas was set to replace Senna, and made the Brazilian’s 2012 season all the more difficult.

“It’s a tough World Championship,” continue Senna to Autosport. “This has probably been the toughest Formula 1 World Championship in many years. I think that coming into it as my first real year in Formula 1 was already a challenge. And then missing practice sessions all over the season, probably missing about 30 per cent of all the practice sessions of the year, is a lot of practice missed. It’s made my year much more difficult. But still I’ve learned a lot. It’s been a very big learning curve for me, and a very good one.”

If Bruno Senna fails to find a drive for next season, this would leave Felipe Massa as the only Brazilian driver on the grid. This would be the first time only one Brazilian driver has lined up for the start of the season since 1971, when the great Emerson Fittipaldi raced for Team Lotus.

Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team

Davide Valsecchi Shines On Final Day Of Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test

Newly-crowned GP2 Champion Davide Valsecchi has ended the Abu Dhabi Young Driver test fastest for Lotus, after setting an impressive 01:42.677 during the third and final day of track action. The Italian driver was followed home by the McLaren of Kevin Magnussen, with Sauber’s Esteban Gutierrez a close 3rd.

Although Kevin Magnussen was 2nd fastest throughout the day, the Dane took over from Briton Oliver Turvey after the morning session. Turvey ended the day 5th fastest overall, with the Red Bull of Robin Frijns between himself and Gutierrez in 4th. The Dutchman had previously driven for Sauber on the opening day, and took over driving duties in the RB8 from Antonio Felix da Costa for the third and final day.

GP2 runner-up Luiz Razia was back in action today for Toro Rosso, ending the day 6th fastest after completing 68 laps around the Yas Marina circuit. The Brazilian driver endued a tough return to track action with the Faenza-based outfit, suffering from fever as he strove to impress after a strong season in the GP2 feeder Series.

Bringing up the rear was American driver Alexander Rossi for Caterham, who also suffered a tough day in the office after suffering from an oil leak after his 14th run. This prevented the 21-year-old from completing any major running in the latter stages of the day, after taking over driving duties from the team’s reserve driver Giedo van der Garde.

This brings an end to the 2012 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test, after a variation of drivers from GP2, GP3, World Series by Renault and DTM received valuable track action in Formula 1 machinery. The Formula 1 world now prepares to head to Austin in Texas for the United States Grand Prix around the brand-new Circuit of the Americas.

Pos  Driver               Team                Time               Laps
 1.  Davide Valsecchi     Lotus-Renault       1m42.677s           86
 2.  Kevin Magnussen      McLaren-Mercedes    1m42.827s  + 0.150  51
 3.  Esteban Gutierrez    Sauber-Ferrari      1m43.093s  + 0.416  80
 4.  Robin Frijns         Red Bull-Renault    1m43.233s  + 0.556  53
 5.  Oliver Turvey        McLaren-Mercedes    1m43.604s  + 0.927  44
 6.  Luiz Razia           Toro Rosso-Ferrari  1m45.286s  + 2.609  68
 7.  Alexander Rossi      Caterham-Renault    1m46.485s  + 3.808  86

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Daniel Juncadella Awarded Ferrari Test At Vallelunga

Newly-crowned European Formula 3 Champion Daniel Juncadella has been awarded a test drive with Ferrari, after the 21-year-old Spaniard stormed to the title last weekend at Hockenheim. This test will take place on November 9th, at the Autodromo Vallelunga which is situated just north of Rome.

The 21-year-old from Barcelona stormed to both the FIA European Formula 3 and the Formula 3 Euro Series Championship titles in dominant fashion throughout the 2012 season, winning a combined total of 10 races in both categories as well as pole position, fastest lap and the race victory at the Formula 3 Masters event at Zandvoort. Although Juncadella is not expecting his test with the Scuderia to lead to anything, the Spaniard is understandably eager to jump into Formula 1 machinery.

“It’s what every young racing driver wants to do from the very first part of your career,” explained Daniel Juncadella to AutoSport. “It’s a dream come true for me. From the time I saw the prize was announced at the start of the year, it was something I really wanted to win.”

Although Daniel Juncadella’s Formula 3 season is now over, the Spaniard will be kept rather busy in the coming weeks. Due to his overwhelming dominance throughout the year, the 21-year-old will test both Formula 2, World Series by Renault and DTM machinery, not to mention an upcoming GP2 test with Rapax later this month. With such a dominant display of driving throughout 2012, Daniel Juncadella is a name that could well crop up in the future as he continues his career up the motor sport ladder.

Picture Copyright © ITR e.V.

McLaren Confirm Young Driver Test Plans

McLaren have confirmed their Abu Dhabi Young Driver test plans, with Kevin Magnussen joining reserve and test drivers Oliver Turvey and Gary Paffett. The three-day test is scheduled to take place the week after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and will feature reigning Champions Red Bull along with the likes of Lotus and Sauber.

Although it has not yet been confirmed who will drive on which day, it was confirmed earlier in the year that 20-year-old Danish driver Kevin Magnussen would join the Woking-based outfit during the test. The son of former F1 driver Jan Magnussen will enjoy his first taste of Formula 1 machinery alongside McLaren regulars Oliver Turvey and Gary Paffett.

This test week will be Oliver Turvey’s fifth outing with McLaren, and his second of the year after the 25-year-old partook in the Mugello mid-season test back in May. Back then, the Briton was joined by fellow countryman Gary Paffett, who has been associated with McLaren in a test driver role since 2001.

The 31-year-old has since enjoyed a highly successful career in the German DTM series, which has included 18 race victories since 2004. Paffett will join both Magnussen and Turvey, in what will be his 10th test outing with the team. Gary Paffett has contested each of the previous two Young Driver Tests at the Yas Marina circuit, and continues to be a valuable asset to the Woking-based outfit.

Picture Copyright © McLaren F1 Team

Susie Wolff Gets Maiden F1 Outing At Silverstone

Susie Wolff got her first taste of Formula 1 machinery yesterday around the Silverstone International Circuit, at a Williams F1 Parter Event held at the home of British motorsport. This saw the team roll out many of their legendary cars such as the FW08 and the FW18. Wolff drove last season’s Williams FW33, completing two 50km runs.

British driver Susie Wolff joined the Grove-based outfit in April 2012 as the team’s development driver, a role which has since coincided with her ongoing career in the German DTM series. Before yesterday’s partner event, Wolff had only ever worked on the team’s simulator. Albeit in slightly tricky conditions to begin with, Susie Wolff explained her first ever run in an F1 car as an incredible and exhilarating experience.

“It was incredible to experience a Formula One car for the first time.” Explained Susie Wolff, “I’ve done a lot of simulator work since I joined the team but nothing compares to the exhilaration of driving the real thing. The conditions were a little tricky as it was quite damp at the beginning of the run but the track soon dried out. The team also did a fantastic job preparing me for today, giving me all the information I needed so that I was always in control.’’

Throughout the day, Bruno Senna drove the Williams FW08 from the 1982 season, which saw Keke Rosberg to victory once throughout the 16-race season. Pastor Maldonado drove the FW18, a car which propelled Damon Hill to his one and only Drivers’ Championship in 1996. Together, both Damon Hill and then team-mate Jacques Villeneuve won 12 out of the 16 races throughout the 1996 season.

Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team