Rossi takes maiden GP2 victory as Leimer is crowned Champion

Alexander Rossi has made GP2 history around the Yas Marina Circuit by becoming the first driver from America to win a race in the Series, whilst Fabio Leimer made history of his own by becoming the first Swiss driver to clinch the coveted Drivers’ Championship. Fellow rival Sam Bird suffered a disastrous race, after stalling on the grid.

Initially the start of the race was delayed after both Gianmarco Raimondo, Nathaniel Berthon and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs stalled on the grid as the five red lights came on. This saw the rest of the field once again circulate the Yas Marina Circuit on a second formation lap, as the three cars in question where wheeled into the pit-lane to start the race. With tensions running high, the five red flights once again illuminated over the grid as pole man Alexander Rossi prepared to sprint into action.

At the start utter mayhem ensued as Championship contender Sam Bird stalled on the grid, with the rest of the field including his main Championship rival Fabio Leimer miraculously avoiding the stranded Russian Time machine. As Sam Bird was wheeled back into the pits to restart his car and take to the track, carnage ensued at Turns 5 and 6 as Jon Lancaster was perilously launched into the air and onto the top of Tom Dillmann’s car. Luckily the front of the Briton’s machine only just missed the head of Tom Dillmann, as the rest of the field strove to avoid the melee.

Sam Bird is disconsolately wheeled back into the pits after stalling at the start.

This incident understandably saw the safety car deployed, which greatly assisted Sam Bird who managed to return to the action after stalling on the grid and not fall a lap down. At the front Jolyon Palmer managed to take the lead ahead of the Caterham of Alexander Rossi, with Championship leader Fabio Leimer a strong 3rd. As the marshals cleared away the stricken cars’ of Jon Lancaster and Tom Dillmann, Stephane Richelmi became the next retirement in his DAMS after returning to the pits. A replay of the Turn 5 incident showed the Monegasque driver also bouncing over the sharp kerbs behind the Lancaster and Dillmann incident, which could well have been a factor in his retirement.

After only a short period of time behind the safety car, the race was resumed with Jolyon Palmer in a dominant lead ahead of Alexander Rossi and Fabio Leimer. Further down the order saw Sam Bird scything his way through the order in a bid to redeem himself after his torrid start. At Turns 8 and 9, the British sensation managed to pass both Nathaniel Berthon and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, before the first few scheduled pit-stops ensued. After enduring a tough qualifying session in his Rapax, Stefano Coletti’s race failed to improve, as the Monegasque driver lightly collided with the ART Grand Prix of James Calado before pitting a lap later.

On Lap 7 yellow flags began appearing in the first few corners, after bollard was knocked loose and onto the circuit. Luckily it was residing off of the racing line, allowing it to be retrieved without the necessity for a safety car intervention. A lap later Sam Bird returned to the pits for a new set of tyres along with Indonesian star Rio Haryanto, whilst race leader Jolyon Palmer continued to produce fastest laps in the lead of the race. Several laps later the other Championship contender of Fabio Leimer pitted along with Felipe Nasr, Sergio Canamasas and Dani Clos, whilst James Calado’s miserable weekend continued as was heard complaining of no power. A replay indicated that the Briton’s bargeboard had worked its way loose and had become stuck in his air intake.

After making his mandatory pit-stop, Championship leader Fabio Leimer began scything his way through the field with half of the drivers ahead of him still yet to stop. This saw the Swiss sensation breeze around Gianmarco Raimondo, who strove to make his car as wide as possible in his defense. Meanwhile further freneticism ensued further back, as Simon Trummer and Jake Rosenzweig collided at Turns 8 and 9. This saw both drivers come under investigation, with Simon Trummer eventually struck with a drive-thru penalty.

As the final feature race of the season continued, Vittorio Ghirelli became the latest retirement after returning to the pits. Meanwhile out on track Stefano Coletti continued to make minor mistakes, as the 24-year-old lightly tapped the rear of Gianmarco Raimondo’s Trident Racing. After loosing the lead at the start to Jolyon Palmer, Alexander Rossi eventually made his stop on Lap 18. In a bid to overtake the Briton when he made his pit-stop, the Caterham mechanics elected to only change the rear tyres.

Alexander Rossi made GP2 history for America.

This tactic proved sensational, as Jolyon Palmer pitted for his stop a lap later and returned to the track frustratingly behind the bright green Caterham of Alexander Rossi. However, the British driver had super-soft tyres bolted to his Carlin, which would give him a slight advantage for several laps before tyre wear intervened. Although Alexander Rossi was now in a net 1st place after rising ahead of Jolyon Palmer, Marcus Ericsson had in fact assumed the lead as he had yet to make his mandatory stop. Eventually the top three of Marcus Ericsson, Mitch Evans and James Calado all peeled off into the pits several laps later, thus allowing Daniel Abt to lead his first laps of the season.

Eventually the final two drivers of Daniel de Jong and Daniel Abt pitted on Lap 22, which released Alexander Rossi into the lead of the race ahead of the hard-charging Jolyon Palmer. With the race drawing to a climactic conclusion with Fabio Leimer on course to securing the Drivers’ Championship, the safety car was deployed for a second time after Mitch Evans collided with the Caterham of Sergio Canamasas at Turn 21. This saw the reigning GP3 Champion forced into retirement, as the field bunched up with Alexander Rossi still at the front.

As absolute confusion ensued in the Rapax pits as both Stefano Coletti and Simon Trummer pitted together without informing the team, Sam Bird had managed to rise up to 10th and a points-paying position. With Fabio Leimer running in 3rd position, all Bird required was a 7th place finish or higher to keep his Championship hopes alive. At the restart Alexander Rossi catapulted himself into a commanding lead, as Marcus Ericsson brought the Championship tension to breaking-point by overtaking Fabio Leimer for 3rd.

Now all Sam Bird required was a 9th place finish, as he lay in 10th position stuck behind the ART Grand Prix of Daniel Abt. As Nathaniel Berthon retired in a plume of smoke after his engine expired, Alexander Rossi crossed the line to take his and America’s maiden victory in the GP2 Series. Despite his jubilation, all eyes were focused on the Racing Engineering of Fabio Leimer and Russian Time of Sam Bird, whose positions remained unchanged as they crossed the line. This meant Fabio Leimer had secured the coveted GP2 title in nail-biting fashion, with Sam Bird 10th and only just unable to make the move for 9th.

On the last lap Stefano Coletti’s incident-filled race continued after he collided with the MP Motorsport of Daniel de Jong, which forced both drivers into retirement. Despite the Championship celebrations down in the Racing Engineering garages, tomorrow’s final sprint race still awaits the GP2 fraternity. Johnny Cecotto has managed to secure the reverse grid pole for Arden International, and will start the race alongside Felipe Nasr.

Results - 29 laps:

Pos  Driver              Team/Car                Time/Gap
 1. Alexander Rossi      Caterham            1h00m16.414s
 2. Jolyon Palmer        Carlin                   +2.130s
 3. Marcus Ericsson      DAMS                     +3.075s
 4. Fabio Leimer         Racing Engineering       +4.687s
 5. Dani Clos            MP                       +5.218s
 6. James Calado         ART                      +6.370s
 7. Felipe Nasr          Carlin                   +8.873s
 8. Johnny Cecotto Jr    Arden                   +12.142s
 9. Daniel Abt           ART                     +13.102s
10. Sam Bird             Russian Time            +13.568s
11. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs  Hilmer                  +14.852s
12. Sergio Canamasas     Caterham                +15.896s
13. Simon Trummer        Rapax                   +15.919s
14. Rio Haryanto         Addax                   +19.021s
15. Rene Binder          Lazarus                 +19.229s
16. Julian Leal          Racing Engineering      +21.039s
17. Gianmarco Raimondo   Trident                 +23.308s
18. Nathanael Berthon    Trident                   +1 lap*
19. Stefano Coletti      Rapax                     +1 lap*
20. Daniel de Jong       MP                        +1 lap*
21. Jake Rosenzweig      Addax                    +3 laps*

*Not running at finish

Retirements:                          

    Mitch Evans          Arden                    22 laps
    Vittorio Ghirelli    Lazarus                   9 laps
    Stephane Richelmi    DAMS                       1 lap
    Tom Dillmann         Russian Time              0 laps
    Jon Lancaster        Hilmer                    0 laps

Picture(s) Copyright © Sam Bloxham & Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Alice Powell to complete GP3 return with Bamboo Engineering

Alice Powell will complete a return to the GP3 Series with Bamboo Engineering for this weekend’s season finale around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. The 20-year-old competed in the category last season for Status Grand Prix, and has competed in the F3 Cup this season.

This weekend will see the inaugural GP3 Series event around the Yas Marina Circuit, which will play host to the season finale as the likes of Facu Regalia and Daniil Kvyat battle at the sharp-end of the Championship standings. Whilst that battle rages on, Alice Powell has been confirmed at Bamboo Engineering, as a replacement for Britain’s Melville McKee who won at Germany earlier in the season. The Briton will join fellow female driver Carmen Jorda in the the outfit this weekend, with the third seat within the team still unconfirmed. Alice Powell is understandably eager to make her return to the Series, and make her first appearance in the new GP3/13 machine.

“I’m really looking forward to racing in Abu Dhabi and to step into a GP3 car again.” Explained Alice Powell, “Obviously the car is very different from what I drove last year and to anything I’ve raced before, so it will take time to get used to the car and tyres. But I can’t wait to get on track and I will give it my best shot.”

Despite making their debut in the GP3 Series this season after purchasing the Atech CRS outfit soon after last year’s season had drawn to a conclusion, the Silverstone-based outfit will this weekend be competing in their final GP3 race weekend after being bought by current GP2 debutants Russian Time. For Alice Powell and her team-mates’, this weekend will all be about striving to impress with an ambition of securing a full-time drive for the 2014 GP3 season.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service

Fabio Leimer calm ahead of GP2 Championship showdown

Racing Engineering’s Fabio Leimer is remaining calm ahead of the GP2 Championship showdown this weekend around the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, which will finally see the 2013 GP2 Series Champion crowned. The Swiss ace is currently seven points clear of Sam Bird at the top of the Championship.

After twenty races in 2013 visiting legendary circuits such as Monte-Carlo, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, the GP2 Series will come to an enthralling conclusion this weekend around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. With only two races still to run, five drivers can still mathematically clinch the Championship, however Fabio Leimer and Sam Bird are unquestionably entering the finale as favourites as they sit only seven points clear of each other at the top of the standings. Despite this presumption, both Felipe Nasr, Stefano Coletti and James Calado could each pose a threat as the season draws to an end.

Although the Russian Time of Sam Bird has clinched two more victories than his Championship rival throughout the 2013 season, Fabio Leimer still sits atop the Championship standings heading into the finale. Both Fabio Leimer and Sam Bird began their separate GP2 careers’ back in 2009 around the Yas Marina Circuit in the Asian Series, with both drivers gradually rising through the category to become regular race winners and Championship contenders. Despite the expected pressure heading into the final GP2 race weekend leading the Drivers’ Championship, Fabio Leimer is remaining exceptionally calm.

Sam Bird sits only seven points behind Championship leader Fabio Leimer.

“It’s good to go to Abu Dhabi with a seven point lead, but we have to focus on the race weekend and not the Championship.” Explained Fabio Leimer, who is poised to become Switzerland’s first GP2 Champion. “We will concentrate on doing a good job, as we have done all year long. Pressure is not a problem because we have been working for this for several years. There is no reason to become nervous when you finally get the chance to achieve what you have worked so hard for.”

Throughout the 2013 season, the GP2 Series has visited a diverse collection of circuits around the world as Formula 1’s main support category. This has seen the many drivers tackle the notorious streets of Monte-Carlo, muscle their way around the sweeping curves of the ever-daunting Spa-Francorchamps circuit and also enjoy the long straights of the Autodromo di Monza. However, this weekend’s circuit will pose an altogether different challenge to the numerous drivers. With the first sector a combination of fast-flowing curves and never-ending straights, the second and third sectors are reminiscent to a street circuit such as Marina Bay in Singapore or even Monte-Carlo.

Despite the challenge awaiting the Championship contenders, Fabio Leimer is unperturbed by the Yas Marina Circuit’s difficult layout. The Rothrist-born driver made his GP2 debut around the circuit in 2009, and won the last GP2 event at the circuit in 2011 for the Spanish outfit from pole position. Undoubtedly due to his previous success around the circuit, Fabio Leimer is eager to get the track action underway for this weekend’s GP2 season finale.

“I like the Yas Marina Circuit a lot.” Enthused Fabio Leimer, “I drove my first ever GP2 race in Abu Dhabi and actually finished on the podium, and last time we drove here things went pretty well for me as well. Even though I normally prefer the fast tracks, Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite venues, I could not say why in particular. Just the whole layout is amazing and I am really looking forward to the races there.”

Due to the tight and twisty confines of the second and third sectors in particular, Fabio Leimer will unquestionably be striving to secure only his second pole position of the season. However, there is no denying that the Swiss ace will meet strong resistance throughout the weekend from his fellow Championship rivals, with other drivers such as Marcus Ericsson, Tom Dillmann and Jolyon Palmer all out to enjoy a competitive race weekend in a bid to secure race seats for 2014.

Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Bernie Ecclestone Slams Ferrari After Sebastian Vettel Overtake Saga

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has slammed Ferrari, after the recent saga pertaining to Sebastian Vettel’s alleged illegal overtake on the Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Vergne during the early stages of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The sport’s governing body the FIA has since confirmed that the overtake was legal, despite widespread speculation.

After an absolutely enthralling 2012 season, which included unpredictability and endless excitement, Bernie Ecclestone has voiced his opinion over the Sebastian Vettel overtake saga. The 82-year-old believes the speculation has somewhat overshadowed what was a thrilling season, and has confirmed plans to speak to Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo. Speaking to British newspaper The Daily Telegraph, Mr. Ecclestone believes Ferrari are “completely wrong” after they wrote to the FIA seeking clarification on the matter on Thursday.

“In the rules and regs normally you have to protest,” explained F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone to The Daily Telegraph. “They [Ferrari] missed that time. Then there is the fact that a green flag was shown, which nobody seems to dispute. It’s a complete joke. What they are saying in that letter is wrong. I don’t think there needs to be any action taken. It’s completely and utterly wrong. Personally I think it’s not really like Ferrari to do this. I think they badly wanted to win. But nothing will happen. What can they do? Take civil action? Maybe. But the case is flawed before it starts. Nothing is going to happen.”

Bernie Ecclestone believes it is a shame that the season has ended this way, with widespread speculation circulating the media pertaining to the legality of Sebastian Vettel’s overtaking maneuver on Jean-Eric Vergne. Throughout the due course of the 71-lap Brazilian Grand Prix, the German was accused of passing a further two cars under yellow flag conditions, however they were quickly dismissed after in-depth analysis. The third overtake on Vergne at one stage did appear to be illegal, however further analysis shows that a green flag was flown before the green light, with flags taking precedence over lights in the sport.

“It’s a shame because everything had gone so well,” continued Bernie Ecclestone to The Daily Telegraph. “It was a super race, a super Championship. Now everyone is talking about this. The problem is that no one knows what is going on.”

With the legality of Sebastian Vettel’s overtakes during the Brazilian Grand Prix now clear, the German can now begin preparing to defend his crown next season in the sport. However, one can be assured that Ferrari and Fernando Alonso will be more than eager to deny the German such privileges in what promises to be another fascinating season of F1 in 2013.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

Fernando Alonso: “It Was One Of The Most Difficult Races”

Fernando Alonso has explained how the Brazilian Grand Prix was one of the most difficult races of his career, mirroring the same beliefs of race winner Jenson Button who also described the season finale as the toughest of his career. Despite finishing 2nd, Fernando Alonso was still unable to clinch the Drivers’ Championship.

After starting the race from 7th, Fernando Alonso immediately capitalized on Sebastian Vettel’s early spin on the opening lap by rising up the order to 4th. However, with the Spaniard unwilling to take unnecessary risks in his plight to secure the Championship, he was forced to pit on Lap 11 for the intermediate tyre along with the likes of fellow Championship rival Sebastian Vettel. This saw him plummet down the order, however he steadily rose back up to 4th before once again pitting for the dry tyre as the track conditions began to steadily improve.

Fernando Alonso remained in 4th position for the majority of the race, however once the rain began to intensify once again, the Spaniard was forced to pit for intermediate tyres. This saw him drop behind his team-mate, however once Nico Hulkenberg and Lewis Hamilton had their coming together, Massa allowed his team-mate through into what turned out to be 2nd position. However this was still not enough for the Championship, as Sebastian Vettel as able to finish 6th, allowing him to clinch his third successive Drivers’ Championship.

“It was more or less what we wanted.” Explained Fernando Alonso after the race, “Mixed conditions and [a] very, very difficult race. It was one of the most difficult races we ever drove, I think with the conditions out there and you [could] feel that you are with the wrong tyre every lap but you ask the team and everyone is in the same position so you need to keep fighting. There was a lot of risk every lap to crash and have an accident and finish the race there.”

With Ferrari’s F2012 car unquestionably slower than Red Bull’s RB8 on average throughout the season, Fernando Alonso’s superlative record of finishing all but two races all season and finishing on the podium thirteen times is a pure testament to the Spaniard’s unwavering competitiveness throughout the year. Fernando Alonso might not have secured the Drivers’ Championship, but he most certainly showed he is capable of remaining competitive regardless of the car supplied to him by the team.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

Fernando Alonso Positive Despite Not Winning The Championship

Fernando Alonso has remained extremely positive despite not winning the Drivers’ Championship, after an absolutely enthralling season finale around Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit. The Spaniard believes the Championship was not lost today, after yet another masterful drive during the race.

After a tough start to the season, Fernando Alonso emerged as Sebastian Vettel’s main Championship rival. With victories at the Malaysian, European and German Grands Prix, not to mention scoring points at every race except Belgium and Japan, Fernando Alonso was without a doubt one of the most consistent drivers throughout the year. However, the Spaniard’s superb competitiveness was still not enough to see him clinch his third Drivers’ Championship, although he remains immensely positive after one of the most entertaining seasons in the history of the sport.

“I score this season a 10!” Exclaimed a thrilled Fernando Alonso, “If we had to repeat these twenty races I would change nothing done by the team or yours truly: no mistakes, no mechanical problems, zero problems at the pit stops, zero strategic mistakes. We definitely did not lose the title today, as that happened in Spa or Suzuka. We might not have finished the season with the most points, but we won many other things, like everyone’s respect and fans and colleagues agree on who was the best this year. I am proud of the job I did.”

Despite Fernando Alonso’s tremendous consistency throughout the season, which saw him finish on the podium a stupendous thirteen times, qualifying remained the achilles-heel of the Scuderia. This was once again evident after qualifying for the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, which saw Fernando Alonso qualify a lowly 8th, which became 7th once Pastor Maldonado incurred his ten-place grid penalty.

However, Ferrari and Fernando Alonso once again carried out a “little Sunday miracle”, which saw Alonso rise through the order to 2nd behind race winner Jenson Button. However, this was still not enough to clinch the Championship, as Vettel still managed to finish a competitive 6th.

“Once again today we did an impeccable job, finishing on the podium after starting from the fourth row, producing yet another little Sunday miracle.” Continued Fernando Alonso, “The team kept me constantly updated about Vettel and, towards the end, I was hoping something might happen to him or Button which would allow us to reach our goal. It didn’t happen and we must accept the result delivered on the race track. What to ask from the team for 2013? That’s easy, a quicker car, but most of all I’d like to see the same effort and professionalism the team displayed when it reacted to our initial difficulties.”

Fernando Alonso will undoubtedly return in 2013 as a title contender, regarding Ferrari can produce a much more competitive machine for their drivers over the winter period. The F2012 was in no way the fastest car on the grid at the start of the season, however the masterful driving of Fernando Alonso, and later Felipe Massa, saw the Scuderia remain near the top. Should Ferrari produce a better car next season, expect to see Alonso and Massa take numerous victories for the scarlet outfit.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

Nico Hulkenberg: “That Was A Lot Of Fun”

Nico Hulkenberg has explained how the Brazilian Grand Prix was a lot of fun for the German driver, despite the tricky track conditions and his eventual collision with race leader Lewis Hamilton. The Force India driver managed to finish the race in 5th, after incurring a drive-thru penalty due to this collision with Hamilton.

At the start Nico Hulkenberg scythed through the field like a hot knife through butter, eventually rising to 3rd position as the rain began to intensify. As Lewis Hamilton pitted for intermediates, the German driver rose steadily up to 2nd position and eventually took the lead after a sensational overtaking maneuver on Jenson Button. As the race progressed, Hulkenberg lost his lead to the McLaren of Lewis Hamilton after a minor spin, with the Briton’s eyes firmly set on victory in his final race for the Woking-based outfit.

However, such glory was not to be for either driver, as Nico Hulkenberg tried desperately to retake the lead into Turn 1 as the pair lapped several back-markers. This ended in tears, as Hulkenberg lost control of his Force India and collided with Lewis Hamilton, ending the Briton’s race. Nico Hulkenberg was able to continue racing, albeit after being issued with a drive-thru penalty for allegedly causing the incident.

“That was a lot of fun – very entertaining and there was so much happening all the time!” Enthused Nico Hulkenberg after the race, “We had a great chance to finish on the podium today, but it slipped away, which is a shame. I made a small mistake [whilst in the lead] and Lewis got ahead of me. I managed to stay with him and was fighting to get the lead back when we touched.

“It’s hard to say what happened but I was making a move going into Turn One and had a slightly loose rear. I was about to turn in and suddenly there was contact. It’s a shame for both of us because we were having a great battle. I managed to keep going but I had lost a lot of time. Fifth place is still a super result to end the season and I think the team did an excellent job this weekend. I hope they enjoyed the race – it’s a nice leaving present in my last race.”

Lewis Hamilton was understandably unhappy with the incident, which effectively ruined his chances of securing a farewell victory for himself and McLaren, with the Briton moving to Mercedes next season. Initially Nico Hulkenberg did not apologize for their coming together, however the German eventually visited the Briton and apologized for causing his retirement.

“It was a little bit unfortunate.” Explained a saddened Lewis Hamilton after the race, “That’s what happens when you race with the less experienced. I feel OK, and I feel happy for the team to get the win.”

Both drivers now move on to pastures new for the 2013 season, as Lewis Hamilton moves to Mercedes and Nico Hulkenberg moves to Sauber. Both drivers were GP2 Champions before their respective careers in Formula 1, and will both unarguably battle once again for supremacy at the sharp end of the order during a race weekend. With both Mercedes and Sauber pretty much level during the later half of the year, Hamilton could well find himself battling against Hulkenberg throughout 2013.

Picture Copyright © Force India F1 Team

Sebastian Vettel Becomes The Youngest Triple World Champion

After twenty races of pure adrenaline, entertainment and unpredictability, Sebastian Vettel has clinched his third successive World Drivers’ Championship in superlative style. The season was not easy, and presented the German with an endless amount of obstacles to overcome, but he overcame them tremendously throughout the season.

After dominating the 2011 season in a style reminiscent of fellow countryman Michael Schumacher, the competitiveness of the Championship was increased over the winter period with a drastic change in regulations and the introduction of several highly controversial Pirelli tyre compounds. All these ingredients presented us with a mouthwatering season, and it didn’t disappoint.

Sebastian Vettel’s dominance was instantly thwarted in the opening race of the season, as the McLaren duo dominated the race weekend. Jenson Button took a commanding victory, however Sebastian Vettel gate-crashed the McLaren party with 2nd, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton in 3rd. The second of the season was a wet affair at Kuala Lumpur’s Sepang circuit for the Malaysian Grand Prix, which was a tough race for the reigning World Champion. The German could only manage 5th in qualifying, and struggled during the race after a collision with HRT’s Narain Karthikeyan. Vettel could only manage 11th in the race, which yielded no points for the German.

The Chinese Grand Prix was equally frustrating for Sebastian Vettel, who struggled immensely during qualifying after being eliminated in Q2 and qualifying only 11th for the race. The race itself was won by Nico Rosberg, as Vettel progressed up to 5th position during the race. However, the German driver returned to his former glories at the Bahrain Grand Prix as he stormed to a superlative race victory after securing pole position. Vettel was followed home by the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen.

If Sebastian Vettel fans thought his Bahrain victory was the return of his dominance at the front, they were disappointed at the next race around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, where Sebastian Vettel could only manage 6th during the race. The Monaco Grand Prix next time out was marginally better with 4th, but the results were still not as promising as the previous season. Mark Webber took victory at Monaco, clearly stating that Red Bull could win races.

The next two races for Sebastian Vettel were extremely bittersweet for the German, who managed to secure pole at both the Canadian and European Grands Prix. However, a mixture of tyre issues and the return of the dreaded alternator failure saw the Red Bull driver fail to even finish on the podium at either races. At Montreal, Vettel struggled throughout the latter stages of the race with his tyres and could only manage 4th. At Valencia, a sudden alternator failure on his car saw him suffer his first retirement of the year.

The next two races once again failed to produce the sort of results Sebastian Vettel was after, with 3rd at the British Grand Prix and 5th at the German Grand Prix. At Hockenheim, the German controversially overtook Jenson Button for 2nd in the closing stages of the race after taking to the run-off area at the hairpin. This demoted him to 5th after a post-race time penalty was issued by the race stewards.

McLaren emerged as a very competitive outfit throughout the middle of the season, as Lewis Hamilton took victories at the Hungarian and Italian Grands Prix, whereas Jenson Button won at Belgium. During this three race period, Sebastian Vettel endured a roller-coaster of results which consisted of 4th at Hungary, 2nd at Belgium and another frustrating alternator-related retirement at Monza.

However, Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull’s season picked up greatly from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards. After Lewis Hamilton retired from the lead at Singapore, Vettel stormed to an all-important race victory. This victory was replicated at the next three races in Japan, Korea and India as Red Bull rediscovered their competitiveness and returned to their 2011 dominance. This run of competitiveness was almost ended at Abu Dhabi after a controversial disqualification from qualifying saw the German start from the pit-lane instead of 3rd on the grid. This failed to deter him, however, as he completed an absolutely barnstorming race to eventually finish 3rd.

This meant Vettel could clinch the Championship in Austin at the return of the United States Grand Prix, however a superlative drive from Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso denied the German this luxury, as the Championship decider moved to the season-finale at Brazil. After 71-lap tense a slippery laps around the Interlagos circuit, Sebastian Vettel prevailed as he retained his Championship crown in stupendous fashion by finishing 6th and thwarting Fernando Alonso by only three points.

The question now is can Sebastian Vettel win the Championship for a fourth successive time next season, as more spills and thrills are created throughout the 2013 season. Sebastian Vettel most certainly earned his third Championship crown, and will undeniably be after more in the future as Germany bids farewell to one master of the sport, and warmly welcomes another.

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Button Wins Unbelievably Entertaining Brazilian GP, Vettel Crowned Champion

Jenson Button has stormed to his 15th career victory after an absolutely enthralling season finale around Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit, where rain as predicted created absolute mayhem throughout the due course of the 71-lap race. Sebastian Vettel managed to finish 6th to clinch his third successive Drivers’ Crown.

Utter carnage at Turn 4 as Bruno Senna and Sebastian Vettel collide!

Only several minutes before the start of the race and history looked set to repeat itself as rain began trickling down upon the Interlagos circuit, however all the drivers decided to start the race on the dry tyres. At the start, Lewis Hamilton led away at the front from team-mate Jenson Button, as absolute carnage ensued further back as Bruno Senna was left no room by Sebastian Vettel which resulted in a controversial collision between the two. This tipped Vettel into a disastrous spin, as Senna and Perez collided and retired.

Pastor Maldonado joined his team-mate and Sergio Perez in becoming the third retirement of the race, as the Venezuelan driver spun into the barriers at Turn 3. However, the Championship was far from over as Sebastian Vettel instantly set the fastest lap of the race down in 19th position, despite an enormous chunk missing from his side pod. Fernando Alonso ran wide as the rain began to intensify at Turn 1, as he strove for a competitive performance with Vettel way down the order.

By Lap 6, the majority of the pack began to pit for the Cinturato intermediate tyres, with Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher becoming the first two drivers to do so. Romain Grosjean stayed out on the dry tyres, and therefore slammed into the barriers after spinning at Turn 11 after struggling greatly in the adverse weather conditions. Whilst Grosjean’s Lotus was cleared away, Jenson Button began jostling for the lead with team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

As Mark Webber spun in the wet, Jenson Button stormed into the lead of the race after a masterful overtaking maneuver on team-mate Lewis Hamilton. Whilst utter mayhem and confusion ensued throughout the order, Nico Hulkenberg had silently risen up to 3rd position for Force India. As Lewis Hamilton pitted for intermediate tyres, the German driver began to reel in race leader Jenson Button.

On Lap 11, Championship contenders Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel pitted for intermediate tyres, as the leaders remained out on the slick and greasy track. Despite the lack of grip on the track, Hulkenberg and Button began to battle for the lead, a battle which Nico Hulkenberg won as he commandingly stormed into the lead for Force India. After initially pitting for wet tyres, Lewis Hamilton became one of the first drivers to switch back to dry tyres. The Briton was quickly followed by the Ferrari of Alonso and the Sauber of Kobayashi, before the rest of the field followed suit and switched back to the dry tyres.

With several collisions taking place throughout the opening stages of the race, the track was strewn with copious amounts of debris. The severity of the issue became apparent when Nico Rosberg picked up a puncture, as the race stewards finally deployed the safety car to allow the marshals to clear the track. As soon as the safety car was deployed, race leaders Nico Hulkenberg and Jenson Button immediately pitted, with the German retaining the lead from the Briton.

After several laps under safety car conditions, green flag conditions were resumed as Mark Webber made a complete hash of the restart and ran wide at Turn 1 as Kobayashi overtook the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel. Lewis Hamilton immediately set his sights on returning to the lead of the race, and quickly disposed of his team-mate Jenson Button for 2nd. Kamui Kobayashi continued scything through the field, as the Japanese driver rose to 4th after overtaking Championship contender Fernando Alonso. However, the Spaniard immediately retook the position during the next lap as Kimi Raikkonen ran wide at Turn 1.

Felipe Massa then began his surge through the order on Lap 34, as the local hero carried out an important overtaking maneuver on Sebastian Vettel for 6th. Paul di Resta made a slight error through Turn 12, as the drizzle began to ease and the track began to dry at Interlagos. However, the race was far from over as more rain loomed on the horizon and eventually began to fall upon the circuit, as both Mark Webber and Vitaly Petrov made minor mistakes in the once again worsening conditions.

Lewis Hamilton continued his surge through the order as the rain returned, as the 2008 World Champion stormed into the lead after overtaking the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg. Nico Rosberg was the first driver to switch back to the intermediate tyres, as the intensity of the rain increased as the race entered its closing stages. Sebastian Vettel’s race was greatly compromised as the German driver’s car radio stopped working, and the German driver mistakingly pitted on Lap 53. The Red Bull mechanics fitted the dry tyre to his Red Bull, forcing him to pit once again for the intermediate tyres several laps later.

On Lap 55 another twist in the race occurred as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg collided, which resulted in Hamilton retiring from his final race with McLaren. Nico Hulkenberg tried to overtake the Briton for the lead of the race, however he lost traction and spun into the side of Hamilton. The German driver was luckily able to continue, despite incurring a drive-thru penalty for causing the collision.

Despite pitting once again for intermediate tyres, Sebastian Vettel once again began to steadily improve through the order. Due to Hamilton’s retirement and Hulkenberg’s penalty, Fernando Alonso had risen to 3rd place behind race leader Jenson Button and Felipe Massa. The Brazilian driver understandably allowed his team-mate through, however Sebastian Vettel was also rising through order. With Alonso in 2nd, Vettel was still in a Championship-winning position in 6th.

Try as Fernando Alonso might to catch and overtake Jenson Button for the lead and the Championship crown, the Spaniard was frustratingly unable to do so as he remained in 2nd position as the safety car was once again deployed on the final lap as Paul di Resta crashed heavily out of the race at Turn 14. This saw the Scotsman retire from the race, and also saw the race end under safety car conditions. This therefore crowned Sebastian Vettel was the 2012 Formula 1 World Champion, as Jenson Button took victory for McLaren.

The 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix was unarguably the best race for many years, which saw weather intervention and complete mayhem up and down the order. Caterham were able to clinch 10th in the Constructors’ Championship, amid a tense battle down the order. The F1 fraternity now enters the winter break period, before pre-season testing begins in earnest early next year.

PROVISIONAL RACE RESULTS

The Brazilian Grand Prix
Interlagos, Brazil;
71 laps; 305.909km;
Weather: Mixed conditions.

Classified:

Pos  Driver        Team                       Time
 1.  Button        McLaren-Mercedes           1h45:22.656
 2.  Alonso        Ferrari                    +     2.754
 3.  Massa         Ferrari                    +     3.615
 4.  Webber        Red Bull-Renault           +     4.936
 5.  Hulkenberg    Force India-Mercedes       +     5.708
 6.  Vettel        Red Bull-Renault           +     9.453
 7.  Schumacher    Mercedes                   +    11.900
 8.  Vergne        Toro Rosso-Ferrari         +    28.600
 9.  Kobayashi     Sauber-Ferrari             +    31.200
10.  Raikkonen     Lotus-Renault              +     1 lap
11.  Petrov        Caterham-Renault           +     1 lap
12.  Pic           Marussia-Cosworth          +     1 lap
13.  Ricciardo     Toro Rosso-Ferrari         +     1 lap
14.  Kovalainen    Caterham-Renault           +     1 lap
15.  Rosberg       Mercedes                   +     1 lap
16.  Glock         Marussia-Cosworth          +    2 laps
17.  De la Rosa    HRT-Cosworth               +    2 laps
18.  Karthikeyan   HRT-Cosworth               +    2 laps
19.  Di Resta      Force India-Mercedes       +    3 laps

Fastest lap: Hamilton, 1:18.069

Not classified/retirements:

Driver        Team                         On lap
Hamilton      McLaren-Mercedes             55
Grosjean      Lotus-Renault                6
Maldonado     Williams-Renault             2
Senna         Williams-Renault             1
Perez         Sauber-Ferrari               1

Picture(s) Copyright © Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton Asserts An Early Authority At Brazil In Practice One

Lewis Hamilton has ended the opening session of the Brazilian Grand Prix fastest overall, as the Briton prepares for his final race with McLaren. The 2008 World Champion was followed home by the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel in 2nd and Mark Webber in 3rd, as the teams and drivers began preparations for the final race weekend of the season.

Only one week after the immensely successful United States Grand Prix at Austin, the teams began their preparations for the season finale around Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit and the Brazilian Grand Prix. With rain almost definitely forecast for the remainder of the weekend, particularly Sunday, the team’s were understandably eager to gather as much dry running as possible once the opening session began. The session began in glorious sunshine at the Interlagos circuit, as Valtteri Bottas [Williams] and Giedo van der Garde [Caterham] replaced their respective team-mates for Friday running.

Pirelli issued each team with a prototype of one of next season’s new tyre compounds, to allow the teams and drivers to test the new compound ahead of the 2013 season. After the Pirelli tyres created much excitement at the start of the season, it seems the tyre supplier is aiming to continue the trend with a completely new design of tyre compounds for next season. These prototype tyres were color coded in orange, to differentiate between the Hard (Silver) and Medium (White) compounds.

Valtteri Bottas set the initial pace for Williams, as their reserve driver set a 01:21.218 in the early stages of the session. Some drivers opted to carry out installation laps to begin with, however many drivers quickly returned to the track to complete their first timed laps. Sergio Perez was quick to thwart the Finn’s time at the top, as the McLaren-bound driver set a 01:15.869. This time failed to remain fastest for long, as Lewis Hamilton asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:14.374.

As the session progressed, Lewis Hamilton continued to improve at the top of the timing sheets, as the Briton set a 01:14.131. Championship leader Sebastian Vettel slotted into 2nd position, as Hamilton’s team-mate Jenson Button went 3rd. Whilst the majority of the field circulated out on track, Kimi Raikkonen remained stuck in the pits as he complained of a potential engine issue on his Lotus. After the mechanics changed the spark plugs on his car, the Finn was sent back out only to once again return to the pits with the engine still sounding terribly rough.

Whilst Raikkonen’s mechanics once again busied themselves around his Lotus, Sergio Perez’s Sauber mechanics began changing his brake material, after the Mexican driver was seen locking up on numerous occasions out on track. After further work on Raikkonen’s Lotus, the 2007 World Champion was able to finally take to the track and complete a timed lap, which he was able to eventually improve upon to 14th. Whilst Raikkonen completed his first laps around the Interlagos circuit, Felipe Massa spun and continued at Turn 9, as the local hero pushed to the limits in his Ferrari.

As the opening session of the weekend drew to a conclusion, Timo Glock also spun and continued at Turn 7 as the Marussia driver pushed to the limits around the undulating Interlagos circuit. However, no-one managed to displace Lewis Hamilton at the front, who remained fastest by only +0.009 seconds to the reigning World Champion of Sebastian Vettel. Mark Webber managed to finish 3rd for Red Bull, ahead of the other McLaren of Jenson Button.

The teams and drivers will return to the Interlagos circuit later in the afternoon, as they continue to prepare for this weekend’s grand finale. The weather is forecast to remain dry for the remainder of the day, before the weather turns supposedly inclement for the rest of the weekend including the all-important qualifying session and 71-lap Brazilian Grand Prix.

Pos  Driver                Team                   Time               Laps
 1.  Lewis Hamilton        McLaren-Mercedes       1m14.131s            33
 2.  Sebastian Vettel      Red Bull-Renault       1m14.140s  + 0.009   35
 3.  Mark Webber           Red Bull-Renault       1m14.198s  + 0.067   34
 4.  Jenson Button         McLaren-Mercedes       1m14.217s  + 0.086   31
 5.  Fernando Alonso       Ferrari                1m14.392s  + 0.261   28
 6.  Felipe Massa          Ferrari                1m14.716s  + 0.585   29
 7.  Romain Grosjean       Lotus-Renault          1m14.719s  + 0.588   33
 8.  Paul di Resta         Force India-Mercedes   1m14.738s  + 0.607   34
 9.  Pastor Maldonado      Williams-Renault       1m15.015s  + 0.884   37
10.  Nico Hulkenberg       Force India-Mercedes   1m15.050s  + 0.919   32
11.  Michael Schumacher    Mercedes               1m15.114s  + 0.983   36
12.  Kamui Kobayashi       Sauber-Ferrari         1m15.255s  + 1.124   31
13.  Sergio Perez          Sauber-Ferrari         1m15.396s  + 1.265   32
14.  Valtteri Bottas       Williams-Renault       1m15.413s  + 1.282   23
15.  Daniel Ricciardo      Toro Rosso-Ferrari     1m15.587s  + 1.456   35
16.  Kimi Raikkonen        Lotus-Renault          1m15.701s  + 1.570   16
17.  Jean-Eric Vergne      Toro Rosso-Ferrari     1m16.048s  + 1.917   35
18.  Nico Rosberg          Mercedes               1m16.315s  + 2.184   36
19.  Giedo van der Garde   Caterham-Renault       1m16.460s  + 2.329   32
20.  Timo Glock            Marussia-Cosworth      1m16.506s  + 2.375   31
21.  Vitaly Petrov         Caterham-Renault       1m16.617s  + 2.486   30
22.  Charles Pic           Marussia-Cosworth      1m17.234s  + 3.103   26
23.  Pedro de la Rosa      HRT-Cosworth           1m17.678s  + 3.547   15
24.  Narain Karthikeyan    HRT-Cosworth           1m17.895s  + 3.764   13

Picture Copyright © McLaren F1 Team