Sebastian Vettel remains dominant after practice three at Abu Dhabi
Sebastian Vettel has remained dominant at the front after the third and final practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, with the German ace ending the final hour of practice fastest ahead of team-mate Mark Webber. Lewis Hamilton ended the session as the best of the rest in 3rd, with team-mate Nico Rosberg 4th.
With only one hour of track time remaining for the drivers to prepare for the all-important qualifying hour, the third and final practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend began with an immediate flurry of track action headed by the Lotus duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean, with the Frenchman in particular eager to make up for his lost time during practice two yesterday. However, only several corners into his first installation lap around the Yas Marina Circuit the Frenchman was heard complaining over the team radio of vibrations still plaguing his machine.
Despite the instant flurry of track activity, many drivers up and down the order only completed one installation lap before then returning back to the pits. Eventually Charles Pic became the first driver to produce a timed lap for Caterham, after initially missing the apex of Turn 6. The Frenchman managed a 01:52.337, before then improving on his next lap with a 01:50.512. Giedo van der Garde then improved upon his team-mate’s benchmark with a 01:47.898, as more drivers began returning to the track to begin producing their first timed laps of the session.
As more drivers began producing timed laps, the disgruntled Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen rose to the top with a 01:45.026, as Max Chilton went about removing the bollard at Turn 1. Newly-crowned Champion Sebastian Vettel soon managed to assert his authority over the proceedings with a 01:44.117, as Adrian Sutil was heard describing his Force India machine as undriveable over the team radio. Meanwhile both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen began trading fastest laps at the front, with the German eventually lowering the benchmark to a 01:43.795. The duo’s battle at the front was short-lived, however, as the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg soon stormed to the top with a 01:43.784.
Although Sebastian Vettel was momentarily able to return to the top in his Renault-powered RB9, Nico Rosberg was quick to better his fellow countryman’s time with a 01:43.465. Whilst qualifying preparations ensued up and down the paddock, Jules Bianchi’s was brought to a premature conclusion after the Frenchman spun at Turn 2 and lightly tapped the retaining tyre barrier. Despite the recovery operation by the marshals, the session remained under green flag conditions with double-waved yellow flags denoting the incident.
The many drivers soon returned to the Yas Marina Circuit sporting Pirelli’s soft tyre compound, as the qualifying simulations swung into full motion. This enabled Jenson Button to momentarily rise to the top for McLaren, with Nico Hulkenberg 2nd. However, the Briton’s reign was short-lived as former team-mate Lewis Hamilton soon rose to the top for Mercedes with a 01:41.580. As the times continued to tumble at the top, Sebastian Vettel soon silenced the opposition with a 01:41.351, which the German sensation managed to improve upon with a 01:41.349. Mark Webber slotted neatly into 2nd position behind his Red Bull team-mate, creating yet another 1-2 finish for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
With all three practice sessions now over, the attention within the paddock will now switch to qualifying later in the day. Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull look utterly dominant out on track, however the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and even the Lotus of Romain Grosjean could well spark a surprise when the sun goes down the floodlights illuminate the Yas Marina Circuit.
Picture Copyright © Pirelli
Sebastian Vettel makes it fantastic-five in Suzuka
Sebastian Vettel has stormed to his fifth race victory in succession, after a fantastic drive from the Red Bull ace during the 53-lap Japanese Grand Prix. Despite a minor altercation with Lewis Hamilton at the start, the German managed to deny both team-mate Mark Webber and the Lotus of Romain Grosjean the luxury of victory.
At the start Mark Webber defended heavily to his Red Bull team-mate, as Lewis Hamilton tried his hardest to thread his way through the two Red Bulls. Unfortunately for the Briton this endeavor failed horribly, as he collided with Sebastian Vettel and sustained a right-rear puncture. This saw the former Champion plummet through the order, as Romain Grosjean enjoyed a masterful start in his Lotus and flew into the lead at Turns 1 and 2. Further back carnage ensued between Giedo van der Garde and Jules Bianchi, who came together and speared into the retaining tyre wall in a cloud of dust.
Despite the heavy impact into the tyre wall for Giedo van der Garde, the safety car was not deployed as the ever-efficient Suzuka marshals began clearing the stricken vehicles. Meanwhile Lewis Hamilton limped miserably back to the pits for a change of tyres, despite further damage to the floor of his Mercedes. By Lap 6 Romain Grosjean had managed to open up a small lead to the Red Bull duo, with Sebastian Vettel lounging around a distant 3rd after the start. Further down the order Kimi Raikkonen surged up into 10th position around the McLaren of Jenson Button, as Jean-Eric Vergne became one of the first drivers to make a scheduled pit-stop in his Toro Rosso.
After a torrid start to the race for Lewis Hamilton, the Briton failed to improve after his pit-stop. Due to damage sustained to the floor of his Mercedes, the German marque elected to retire him on Lap 6. The brought to a conclusion a brief and highly frustrating race for the 2008 World Champion, as further pit-stops ensued for the likes of Jenson Button, Valtteri Bottas and Adrian Sutil. The sole Mercedes of Nico Rosberg ran extensively wide at Turn 1 as the race progressed, which in turn allowed the Ferrari duo of Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso to close the gap to the German. Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta became the next two drivers to pit on Lap 10, as Fernando Alonso struggled to find a way around his Ferrari team-mate of Felipe Massa.
On Lap 11 Mark Webber elected to pit for Red Bull, along with Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen. This allowed Sebastian Vettel to rise up into 2nd position, with Romain Grosjean still impressing many out in the lead of the race for Lotus. However, the Frenchman soon stormed into the pits a lap later along with Nico Rosberg and Sergio Perez. This saw Sebastian Vettel ominously take the lead of the race, as Mercedes’ race failed to improve when they unsafely released Nico Rosberg into the path of Sergio Perez.
This incident in the pit-lane instantly saw the race stewards elect to investigate the issue, before Nico Rosberg was eventually struck with a drive-thru penalty. Fernando Alonso became the next driver to pit for Ferrari, as Mark Webber instantly produced the fastest lap of the race in his Red Bull on fresh tyres. After staying out for several more laps, Sebastian Vettel eventually pitted. This allowed Romain Grosjean to resume his lead of the race, as the reigning World Champion rejoined the action back in 3rd position behind the Frenchman and his Red Bull team-mate.
Once again Daniel Ricciardo had elected to carry out a different strategy from those in front of him, by being one of only two drivers to start the race on the hard tyre compound along with the Caterham of Charles Pic. By Lap 18, the Australian ace had still not pitted for his first tyre stop, and was therefore creating an exciting train of cars from 4th down to to 9th. This battle included the Ferrari duo of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, as well as the Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg and Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen. Eventually the Sauber ace managed to muscle his way around the future Red Bull star, as Felipe Massa and Esteban Gutierrez banged wheels through Turn 11 in what was becoming a hard fought battle within the midfield.
Daniel Ricciardo finally elected to make his first scheduled stop on Lap 21, as fellow countryman Esteban Gutierrez and Sergio Perez became locked in a grueling battle for 8th position. Several laps later Mark Webber returned to the pits in his Red Bull, as Sebastian Vettel locked up heavily into the final chicane. Further down the order the usual freneticism ensued, as Daniel Ricciardo ran perilously wide at the daunting 130R after trying to overtake Paul di Resta around the outside. Although the Australian ace managed to make the move stick, he was soon under investigation by the race stewards for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. As expected the Toro Rosso driver was struck with a drive-thru penalty, as Romain Grosjean pitted from the lead of the race on Lap 29.
This allowed Sebastian Vettel to once again rise up into the lead of the race, as Felipe Massa became the latest driver to incur the wrath of the race stewards for speeding in the pit-lane. This saw the Brazilian driver struck with a drive-thru penalty, after initially enjoying a highly competitive start for the Scuderia. As the race unfolded it became apparent that both Romain Grosjean and Sebastian Vettel were on two-stop strategies, whereas Mark Webber would have to pit for a third and final time during the closing laps. With the Australian driver’s competitive pace, he would have to pass both Romain Grosjean and Sebastian Vettel if he had any hopes of securing his first victory of the season.
Sebastian Vettel made his second and last pit-stop on Lap 37, rejoining the action only just behind the Lotus of Romain Grosjean in 3rd. The German wasted no time in catching the Lotus ace, and perfected a masterful overtaking maneuver several laps later into Turn 1. Mark Webber made his final stop on Lap 42, allowing Sebastian Vettel to quickly return to the lead. The Australian driver made his intentions perfectly clear during his stop, switching to the medium tyre compound in a bid to catch and overtake the leading duo ahead of him.
However, the task at hand proved to be trickier than expected for the 37-year-old. As expected he soon managed to catch up to the rear of Romain Grosjean’s Lotus, however a combination of excellent defensive driving from the Frenchman and the E21’s superlative speed prevented Mark Webber from instantly storming into 2nd position. As Sebastian Vettel causally led at the front, Mark Webber was forced to wait several more laps before eventually muscling his way around Romain Grosjean.
As the closing laps of the race ticked away, Sergio Perez and Nico Rosberg suffered minor contact at the final chicane. This forced the Mexican to dive into the pits with a left-rear puncture, in what was becoming a frustrating afternoon for both Mercedes and McLaren. Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, managed to overtake Nico Hulkenberg for 4th in the closing stages, as Sauber once again enjoyed a tremendously competitive race. Nico Hulkenberg eventually came home 6th after being overtaken by Kimi Raikkonen shortly after Fernando Alonso, with Esteban Gutierrez a jubilant 7th to secure his maiden points in Formula 1.
Out in front though it was a familiar sight as Sebastian Vettel crossed the line to secure his fifth straight victory after Belgium, Italy, Singapore and Korea. The Red Bull ace was followed home by team-mate Mark Webber, who made it a Red Bull 1-2 with Romain Grosjean a promising 3rd for Lotus. With Fernando Alonso finishing a relatively competitive 4th, the Sebastian Vettel will have to wait until India to clinch the Championship. The German has won every Formula 1 event around the Buddh International Circuit, and will unquestionably be the favourite to secure his sixth successive victory in several weeks time.
PROVISIONAL RACE RESULTS The Japanese Grand Prix Suzuka, Japan; 53 laps; 307.471km; Weather: Dry. Classified: Pos Driver Team Time 1. Sebatian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1h37.410s 2. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault +7.1s 3. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault +9.9s 4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari +45.6s 5. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault +47.3s 6. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari +51.6s 7. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari +1m11.6s 8. Nico Rosberg Mercedes +1m12.0s 9. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes +1m20.8s 10. Felipe Massa Ferrari +1m29.2s 11. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes +1m38.5s 12. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari +1 lap 13. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari +1 lap 14. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes +1 lap 15. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes +1 lap 16. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault +1 lap 17. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault +1 lap 18. Charlies Pic Caterham-Renault +1 lap 19. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth +1 lap Fastest lap: Mark Webber, 1m34.587s Not classified/retirements: Driver Team On lap Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 9 Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 0 Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth 0
Picture Copyright © Pirelli
Lewis Hamilton fastest after incident-filled opening practice at Japan
Lewis Hamilton has ended an incident-filled opening practice session fastest ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, after numerous drivers struggled around the iconic Suzuka circuit. The 2008 World Champion ended the session ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg, with reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel 3rd for Red Bull.
Only several days after the frenetic proceedings of the Korean Grand Prix, the Formula 1 circus reconvened once again for the opening practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix at the legendary Suzuka circuit. Despite minor threats of rain throughout the day, the iconic circuit was bathed in glorious sunshine and clear skies as the session began. Down at Caterham Heikki Kovalainen once again made an appearance, this time in the place of Frenchman Charles Pic.
As soon as the session began, a flurry of cars instantly took to the Suzuka circuit with Red Bull driver Mark Webber becoming the first to do so. The Australian sensation was quickly joined by the likes of Kimi Raikkonen and Daniel Ricciardo, as the traditional installation laps ensued up and down the paddock. Several drivers elected to complete more than one installation lap, however no-one completed a timed lap as preparations for the weekend ahead geared up.
Eventually Pastor Maldonado and Jules Bianchi shattered the silence which had fallen over the Suzuka circuit by heading back out onto the track, as the Mercedes mechanics began busying themselves around Lewis Hamilton’s gearbox and engine with hints that something could be amiss. Meanwhile out on track Pastor Maldonado managed to produce the first timed lap of the weekend with a 01:36.969, a time which the Venezuelan ace managed to quickly improve upon with a 01:36.178 shortly afterwards. As more drivers gradually began taking to the Suzuka circuit, McLaren’s Sergio Perez rose to the top with a 01:35.871.
Whilst the Mexican ace improved upon his time at the top, Jules Bianchi’s session was brought to an explosive halt as the Frenchman lost control of his Marussia and slammed violently into the retaining tyre wall at Turn 9. Immediately after the incident Jules Bianchi was seen flexing his left hand, after clearly feeling the full force of the impact through the steering wheel. As the ever-efficient Suzuka marshals began clearing the stricken Cosworth-powered machine, Jules Bianchi gingerly extracted himself from the cockpit and ultimately back to the pits.
Once the incident had been cleared and the numerous yellow flags had been withdrawn, Mark Webber wasted no time in rising to the top for Red Bull with a 01:35.208. After producing the initial benchmark in his Williams, Pastor Maldonado’s Renault-powered machine was stuck within the pits as he mechanics busied themselves in changing the floor on the Venezuelan’s machine. Out on track Felipe Massa continued to lower the benchmark, with the Ferrari driver setting a 01:35.126 to momentarily rise to the top. However, the Scuderia’s reign was short-lived, as the Mercedes duo of Nico Rosberg and then Lewis Hamilton asserted their authority over proceedings with the latter producing a 01:34.251.
As the opening session of the weekend drew to a conclusion, utter confusion occurred out on track. As Lewis Hamilton remained fastest at the top of the timing screens, both Pastor Maldonado and Giedo van der Garde suffered separate issues at once. Whilst the Williams driver’s left-rear wheel worked its way loose through the iconic Spoon Curve, F1 rookie Giedo van der Garde simply ran straight on at Turn 9 and skipped though the gravel and then lightly tapped the retaining tyre barrier. These separate incidents both sparked the end of the session for Pastor Maldonado and Giedo van der Garde respectively, in what was becoming an incident-filled morning session.
Amid further spills and thrills during the final few minutes of the opening practice session, including minor mistakes from Mark Webber, Nico Rosberg and a spin for Max Chilton, Lewis Hamilton managed to remain at the top for Mercedes ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg. The Mercedes duo ended the session ahead of the Red Bull duo of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, with Felipe Massa 5th ahead of team-mate Fernando Alonso in 6th. Once again the German marque has begun the weekend in fine form, however Red Bull have remained hot on their heels. The drivers will return to the iconic Suzuka circuit later in the day, as preparations continue for the 29th running of the Japanese Grand Prix.
Picture Copyright © Pirelli
Sebastian Vettel Holds Off Kimi Raikkonen For First Victory On Home Soil
Sebastian Vettel has finally secured his maiden victory on home soil, after an eventful 60-lap German Grand Prix around the iconic Nurburgring circuit. The German sensation only just managed to hold off the charging Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen, with the Finn’s team-mate a close 3rd after a superlative race performance.
Despite securing an impressive pole position for Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton suffered a disastrous start as he was pounced upon by the Red Bull duo of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber from both sides down into Turn 1. Local hero Sebastian Vettel assumed the lead, with team-mate Mark Webber 2nd after a surprisingly strong start. As the opening lap of the race ensued, many battles raged up and down the order, with both of the McLarens’ and Force Indias’ battling hard down into Turn 1.
Lewis Hamilton is pounced upon at the start by the Red Bull duo.
Felipe Massa’s race last only three laps, before the Brazilian driver spun out at Turn 1 in peculiar fashion. With speculation ripe over his future with Ferrari, an embarrassing retirement was not what the 32-year-old required. After only four laps many midfield drivers’ began diving into the pits, including Paul di Resta and Jean-Eric Vergne. The Force India mechanics dangerously released the Scotsman after servicing his car, right into the path of Jean-Eric Vergne. The incident would be investigated after the race, as Lewis Hamilton elected to pit on Lap 5 in a bid to perfect the ‘undercut’ on the Red Bull duo who had robbed him at the start.
Race leader Sebastian Vettel immediately responded to Lewis Hamilton’s actions, with the German driver plunging into the pits and therefore gifting the lead to team-mate Mark Webber. On Lap 8 horror struck in the pit-lane, as Mark Webber came in for his stop from the lead. As the Australian driver left his pit-box, his right-rear tyre worked its way loose and shot into the direction of the pit crew. The tyre then slammed into the back of an unsuspecting cameraman, hitting him on the head. The cameraman in question immediately received medial attention, and it was later confirmed he was suffering from concussion and chest pains.
As the panic ensued in the pits, Mark Webber was wheeled back into the pit-box and then re-released, a lap down and plum last. Meanwhile Romain Grosjean had assumed the lead of the race, as Sebastian Vettel scythed his way through the drivers’ who had yet to pit and back up to 3rd by Lap 11. Whereas the German looked to return to the front of the pack, Lewis Hamilton was frustratingly held up by team-mate Nico Rosberg. The German was eventually instructed to allow his team-mate through, with the German yet to pit in the Mercedes.
Fernando Alonso pitted from 2nd position on Lap 12, therefore releasing Sebastian Vettel to hunt down Romain Grosjean who was still producing impressive lap times at the front. However, the Frenchman soon pitted a lap later, allowing the local favorite to resume his lead at the front. With Jenson Button yet to make his first pit stop, the former World Champion found himself in 2nd position, but was soon overtaken by the charging Romain Grosjean who looked impressively quick in the Lotus.
After momentarily holding up Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hulkenberg pitted from 4th position. However, Lewis Hamilton’s pace of the previous day simply seemed to evaporate in the opening stages of the race, as Kimi Raikkonen stormed around the outside of firstly Nico Rosberg and then the 2008 World Champion with considerable ease. Jenson Button finally pitted from 3rd on Lap 21, releasing Kimi Raikkonen before Lewis Hamilton elected to pit again with Mercedes’ tyre woes returning with vengeance.
Jules Bianchi’s race was brought to a fiery and premature conclusion on Lap 23, with the Frenchman’s Marussia suffering a spectacular engine failure which saw a fierce oil fire briefly erupt towards the rear of his car. The 23-year-old quickly removed himself from the car, however the car then proceeded to roll casually down the back straight and across the circuit, forcing the safety car to be deployed as the marshals strove to clear the stricken car in comical fashion.
As soon as the safety car was deployed almost the entire field immediately elected to pit, including the leading trio of Sebastian Vettel, Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen. Jean-Eric Vergne was forced into a second consecutive retirement under the safety car conditions, with the Toro Rosso driver suffering from a hydraulics issue. The race was eventually resumed on Lap 29, as Sebastian Vettel continued to lead at the front ahead of the Lotus duo. However, the Red Bull ace struggled to open up a gap to Romain Grosjean, who continued to catch the reigning Champion as rumors emerged that he had lost KERS.
Despite catching Sebastian Vettel and swarming all over the rear of his Red Bull, Romain Grosjean failed to perfect an overtaking maneuver and eventually pitted for new tyres on Lap 40. This released Kimi Raikkonen, who soon assumed the lead of the race as Sebastian Vettel pitted to defend against Romain Grosjean’s renewed pace on new tyres. The German remained ahead of the Frenchman upon exiting the pit-lane, as Kimi Raikkonen remained out in the lead. Whilst Kimi Raikkonen still continued to produce consistently quick times at the front, Sebastian Vettel and Romain Grosjean began working their way through the drivers who had yet to pit including Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes in 4th.
The initial pole man soon pitted once again, as did Jenson Button who therefore released Sebastian Vettel and Romain Grosjean into the path of race leader Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, who many were beginning to think would remain out on the circuit until the end of the race. However, both Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso elected to pit on Lap 49, with both drivers electing for Pirelli’s soft tyre compound. This created a thrilling climax to the German Grand Prix, as Kimi Raikkonen hunted down team-mate Romain Grosjean and race leader Kimi Raikkonen.
Eventually the Frenchman was instructed to let the Finn through, a team order Romain Grosjean dutifully adhered to. As Kimi Raikkonen hunted down Sebastian Vettel for the lead of the race, Fernando Alonso began catching Romain Grosjean for 3rd. However, the top four positions remained unchanged as Sebastian Vettel stormed across the line to secure his first ever victory on home soil, becoming the first German driver to do so since Michael Schumacher back in 2006.
The reigning Champion’s fourth victory of the season has enabled him to extend his lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 34 points over Fernando Alonso, who in turn remains ahead of Kimi Raikkonen by only seven points. The sport will reconvene in several weeks time around Budapest’s Hungaroring, for the 28th running of the Hungarian Grand Prix, another race Sebastian Vettel has yet to win.
PROVISIONAL RACE RESULTS The German Grand Prix Nurburgring, Germany; 60 laps; 306.458km; Weather: Sunny. Classified: Pos Driver Team 1. Vettel Red Bull-Renault 2. Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 3. Grosjean Lotus-Renault 4. Alonso Ferrari 5. Hamilton Mercedes 6. Button McLaren-Mercedes 7. Webber Red Bull-Renault 8. Perez McLaren-Mercedes 9. Rosberg Mercedes 10. Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 11. Di Resta Force India-Mercedes 12. Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 13. Sutil Force India-Mercedes 14. Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 15. Maldonado Williams-Renault 16. Bottas Williams-Renault 17. Pic Caterham-Renault 18. van der Garde Caterham-Renault 19. Chilton Marussia-Cosworth DNF. Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari DNF. Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth DNF. Massa Ferrari
Picture(s) Copyright © Getty Images
Paul di Resta Fastest In Wet Opening Practice Session At Canada
Paul di Resta has ended the opening practice session of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend fastest for Force India, in what was a wet/dry opening 90 minutes of track action around Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The Scotsman finished ahead of the McLaren of Jenson Button, with Romain Grosjean 3rd for Lotus.
The opening practice session ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix got underway in gloomy and wet weather conditions around the legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with the Sauber of Esteban Gutierrez and Marussia of Max Chilton eventually becoming the first drivers to take to the Montreal circuit. Naturally the entire field elected to carry out numerous installation laps, with Sebastian Vettel in particular returning to the pits after every lap to complete a practice start at the end of the pit-lane.
Whereas the reigning World Champion continued to complete practice starts at the end of the pit-lane, Esteban Gutierrez produced the first timed lap of the weekend with a 01:34.113. The Mexican driver managed to continue improving, eventually working his way down to a 01:30.224 on the full wet Cinturato tyres. The 21-year-old’s reign at the top was short-lived, however, as Mark Webber soon rose to the top for Red Bull after producing a 01:29.412 on the intermediate tyres. The Australian ace then lowered the benchmark even further with a 01:27.909, as more drivers began braving the elements on the intermediate tyre.
As Valtteri Bottas got to grips with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and skipped through the grass at Turn 3, Kimi Raikkonen rose to the top for Lotus with a 01:27.334, before Jean-Eric Vergne thwarted the Finn as the times at the top began to tumble thanks to the improving weather conditions. Nico Rosberg soon asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:26.051 for the German marque, before improving with a 01:24.902. The German ace seems intent on continuing from where he left off after the Monaco Grand Prix last time out.
Jules Bianchi ran straight on at Turn 3 as the opening practice session progressed, forcing the Frenchman to prematurely end his session after struggling to engage the reverse gear. Whilst Jules Bianchi began his walk back to the pits, Mercedes continued to dominate at the front as Lewis Hamilton produced a time +0.616 seconds behind his team-mate to go 2nd fastest. Nico Rosberg continued to improve at the top for the German marque as the session entered its closing stages, as the Toro Rosso duo of Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo became the first to switch to Pirelli’s dry tyres in the improving weather conditions.
Nico Rosberg once again improved at the top with a 01:23.680, before reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel stormed to the top for Red Bull with a 01:23.047. The German sensation has surprisingly yet to win a race around Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and will be striving to bring an end to that stat this weekend. Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg made minor errors as the session drew to a close, before Jenson Button rose to the top for McLaren with a 01:21.551.
Pastor Maldonado made contact with the wall at Turns 3 and 4 during the final minutes of the session, as the Venezuelan driver spun into the wall and destroyed the front of his Williams. The 28-year-old’s stricken Williams was quickly cleared, allowing Paul di Resta to rise to the top for Force India as the checkered flag emerged signaling the end of the opening practice session. The Scotsman was followed home at the front by Jenson Button in the McLaren and Romain Grosjean in the Lotus.
The teams and drivers will return to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve later in the day for the second practice session ahead of Sunday’s 70-lap Canadian Grand Prix. The drivers will naturally be hoping the rain fails to return for practice two, as they continue their many preparations for the weekend ahead.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m21.020s 10 2. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m21.108s + 0.088s 20 3. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m21.258s + 0.238s 21 4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m21.308s + 0.288s 16 5. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m21.608s + 0.588s 22 6. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m22.068s + 1.048s 18 7. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m22.402s + 1.382s 22 8. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes 1m22.587s + 1.567s 17 9. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m23.047s + 2.027s 26 10. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m23.131s + 2.111s 16 11. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m23.341s + 2.321s 13 12. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m23.352s + 2.332s 17 13. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m23.3e6s + 2.366s 19 14. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m23.417s + 2.397s 19 15. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m23.957s + 2.937s 33 16. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m25.054s + 4.034s 21 17. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1m25.354s + 4.334s 22 18. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 1m25.753s + 4.733s 21 19. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 1m25.821s + 4.801s 19 20. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault 1m27.143s + 6.123s 20 21. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m27.522s + 6.502s 11 22. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth 1m29.306s + 8.286s 8
Picture Copyright © Force India F1 Team
Jules Bianchi Replaces Luiz Razia At Marussia
Frenchman Jules Bianchi has officially replaced Brazilian driver Luiz Razia at Marussia, only several weeks prior to the start of the new season. This comes amid sudden speculation surrounding Luiz Razia’s association with the Anglo-Russian outfit, with the former GP2 driver’s financial support towards the team failing to materialize.
After only two days of track action during pre-season testing for Marussia, Luiz Razia failed to make an appearance for the outfit during the second pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. The Brazilian’s unexplained involvement during the second test instantly re-ignited the Formula 1 rumor mill, and it was soon confirmed that “complications” with Razia’s contract was the cause for his absence. For all four days of the second test, Max Chilton was behind the wheel of the MR-02 machine.
When Max Chilton continued to rack up the miles for Marussia once the third and final pre-season test began, strong rumors linking numerous familiar faces to Luiz Razia’s drive at the outfit began to surface which included Vitaly Petrov, Heikki Kovalainen and Narain Karthikeyan. However, with only two days of pre-season testing remaining prior to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Marussia have finally confirmed what is hoped to be the final driver alteration of the season with Ferrari-backed Frenchman Jules Bianchi replacing former GP2 runner-up Luiz Razia at the team.
“We are very pleased to welcome Jules Bianchi to the Marussia F1 Team.” Confirmed Marussia’s team principal, John Booth at the Barcelona circuit after the second day of testing. “Jules is a proven talent who is highly regarded within the Paddock. He has been on a clear trajectory towards Formula 1 and has achieved some impressive performances through the various feeder formulae, notably his 2012 season in Formula Renault 3.5 when he was also Reserve Driver for Force India. He is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and his obvious pedigree put him on the radar for a number of teams over the winter as a driver ready to step up to Formula 1.
“We have found ourselves in a situation where we have had to terminate our contract with Luiz Razia. Having made clear the basis on which we must operate in 2013, and given the steps we had taken to put that new structure in place, we had no alternative but to remain true to the principles which we had identified as being key to securing our long-term future. Jules can now look forward to a very swift initiation into the Team over the course of the next two days here in Barcelona, when he is expected to run for one and a half days to afford both our drivers some dry running with the latest aero specification.”
Jules Bianchi was initially linked to the vacancy at Force India for the majority of the winter period, but the 23-year-old was eventually thwarted by returning German driver Adrian Sutil. After several impressive years in the lower Formulae, it looked as though Bianchi would once again have to endure a year on the sidelines as either a test or reserve driver. However, in the dog-eat-dog world of the sport, Razia’s loss is certainly Bianchi’s gain, with the Frenchman understandably overjoyed with his new appointment.
“I am thrilled to have secured a race seat with the Marussia F1 Team.” Enthralled the Frenchman, “Racing in Formula 1 this season has been my goal over the winter and after evaluating a number of options I am very excited to have this opportunity to demonstrate that I am ready for this next step in my racing career. I am also very grateful to the Ferrari Driver Academy that has always supported me and has given me the possibility to mature as a racing driver enabling me to be fully prepared for this new exciting challenge. The next two weeks of preparation for the season will be incredibly busy but I am ready to get started tomorrow with my first day in the MR02.”
Due to Jules Bianchi’s involvement with Ferrari, it has been widely rumored throughout the paddock that Marussia will switch to Ferrari power for the 2014 season once the new engine regulations come into force. This comes after Graeme Lowdon, Marussia’s team president, confirmed that it was unlikely that the team’s current engine supplier, Cosworth, would design an engine for 2014. Such a move for Marussia could be highly beneficial, and could propel the team to new heights in the coming months.
Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team
Adrian Sutil Finally Confirmed At Force India
Force India have finally confirmed German driver Adrian Sutil alongside Paul di Resta for the forthcoming season, after months of speculation as to who would eventually secure the final seat on the grid. This will see Adrian Sutil complete a return to Formula 1, and embark upon his fifth season with the Silverstone-based outfit.
After Nico Hulkenberg switched to Sauber after last season, Force India were left in a conundrum as to who to elect to partner Paul di Resta. Over the winter period, numerous drivers had been linked to the outfit, including the likes of Bruno Senna, Heikki Kovalainen, Jaime Alguersuari, Jules Bianchi, Adrian Sutil and even Narain Karthikeyan. Throughout recent weeks, that long list had shortened somewhat leaving only Jules Bianchi and Adrian Sutil as likely candidates to secure the final vacancy on the grid.
For the second test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, Force India confirmed that both Paul di Resta, Adrian Sutil and Jules Bianchi would test the new Mercedes-powered VJM06 machine. This cemented the fact that either Sutil or Bianchi would eventually secure the drive, and only several weeks prior to the start of the season the Silverstone-based outfit have confirmed that the 30-year-old German has been the successful candidate.
“I’m delighted to be back in Formula One, especially with a team I know so well.” Enthused Adrian Sutil, “I’m very happy and I want to thank Sahara Force India for giving me a second chance. Having been away from the sport, I’m even more determined to achieve my goals in Formula One. Things went really well at the Barcelona test last week and it almost feels as though I’ve never been away. Driving the car felt so natural and I was able to get back in the groove quickly and find the limit. Now my focus is on making the most of the final test session this week, working with the team in the simulator and getting myself in the best possible shape for Melbourne.”
Adrian Sutil will return behind the wheel of the VJM06 on Friday to continue his preparations for the season ahead at the third and final test, and will continue to do so on Saturday before Paul di Resta reassumes driving duties on Sunday. Adrian Sutil’s Formula 1 career began in 2007 with Spyker, and continued with the outfit once they were rebranded as Force India in 2008. The German has since started in 90 Grands Prix, finishing a personal best of 4th at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix.
After failing to greatly impress during his first stint in Formula 1, Adrian Sutil will naturally be eager to rekindle his competitiveness in the sport once the season gets underway at Australia next month. Last year saw Force India enjoy a relatively competitive season the midfield, and both Sutil and di Resta will be striving to continue such results in 2013.
Picture Copyright © Force India F1 Team
Lewis Hamilton Fastest On Final Day Of Second Test In Rain-Struck Session
Lewis Hamilton has ended the second test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya fastest overall, in a day plagued by inclement weather conditions. The day started in chilly and overcast conditions, and despite a dry end to the morning period ended with further rainfall. The Briton was followed by Jenson Button and Jean-Eric Vergne.
Unlike the previous days at the Circuit de Catalunya, the fourth and final day dawned with rain in the air and overcast conditions. Despite the inclement weather conditions, many drivers immediately elected to take to the track once the green flag signaled the start of the morning session. Both Felipe Massa and Jules Bianchi were making their first appearances for their respective teams, however Massa almost instantly brought proceedings to a halt after spinning at Turn 4.
The Brazilian driver, who had carried out the majority of Ferrari’s running at Jerez, became the first of many drivers to be caught out by the tricky track conditions. Luckily Massa did not make contact with the tyre barrier, and was quickly cleared to allow the session to resume. Whilst Massa’s car was being recovered, light rain had begun to fall upon the circuit, forcing numerous teams to elect for Pirelli’s Cinturato intermediate and wet weather tyres for the first time this year.
Lewis Hamilton managed to set the pace early on for Mercedes, with the Briton eventually working his way down to a 01:43.074. The 2008 World Champion’s former team-mate, Jenson Button, then rose to the top with a 01:41.409, which he too was able to improve upon. However, Romain Grosjean went fastest with a 01:40.068 before the second red flag delay of the day was caused when the Caterham of Giedo van der Garde spun at the final corner. During this relatively short delay, the rain subsided somewhat, before the session was resumed.
The Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton became the first driver to return to the Barcelona circuit once the session returned to green, with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa wasting no time in also returning to the track after his minor excursion early on. Lewis Hamilton managed to return to the top of the timing sheets with a 01:38.206 before yet another spin brought proceedings to a halt. This time it was the Sauber of Esteban Gutierrez who had spun at Turn 5, however Mark Webber’s Red Bull had also ground to a halt between Turns 9 and 10. The session was only momentarily returned to green flag conditions, before the Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Vergne spun at Turn 5 also, bringing yet another delay to the session.
Once the session was resumed, Felipe Massa redeemed himself after his earlier spin by flying to the top with a 01:36.568. However, Lewis Hamilton disposed of the Brazilian driver by setting a 01:34.201 on the medium tyres, with the track beginning to quickly dry out after the earlier rainfall. The Briton was able to improve by just under three seconds, before the Ferrari of Felipe Massa returned to the top with a 01:31.298. Whilst Esteban Gutierrez made a slight error through Turn 1, Felipe Massa continued setting blisteringly quick times at the top, eventually working his way down to a 01:27.351.
Lewis Hamilton ended Felipe Massa’s reign at the top with a 01:25.929 as the morning session continued, with the track now relatively dry after the earlier sprinkling of rain. Jules Bianchi and then Jenson Button momentarily rose to the top respectively, before Lewis Hamilton continued to assert his authority over proceedings with a 01:23.282. As the morning session drew to a close, rain began to once again fall over the Circuit de Catalunya. A fifth red flag delay was caused when Giedo van der Garde stopped on the track, therefore allowing the times to remain unchanged heading into the lunch interval with Lewis Hamilton fastest overall.
During the lunch hour, the rain continued to pound the Barcelona circuit, therefore making track conditions treacherous when the day was resumed. Jean-Eric Vergne decided to venture out in his Toro Rosso early on, and was quickly followed by others who opted to brave the elements with Pirelli’s Cinturato intermediate and wet weather tyres. Proceedings were once again brought to a halt in the trying conditions, as Esteban Gutierrez once again spun, this time into the gravel at Turn 4.
Lewis Hamilton elected to immediately return to the circuit once the session was resumed, despite informing the media trackside that he would most likely not return in the afternoon due to the pointlessness of running in the wet. A further red flag delay was caused as the day drew to a soggy close, this time featuring non-other than the 2008 World Champion who stopped between Turns 6 and 7. Jean-Eric Vergne returned to the track once the session returned to green flag conditions, only for Jules Bianchi to come to a halt at the end of the pit-lane, causing the eighth delay of the day and subsequently ending the fourth and final day under red flag conditions.
Lewis Hamilton topped the timing sheets with his time from the morning period, and was followed home by his former team-mate of Jenson Button. Toro Rosso’s Jean-Eric Vergne came home a strong 3rd, with Bianchi, Gutierrez, van der Garde, Massa, Webber, Chilton and Grosjean rounding out the top ten. The third and final test session will take place next week, with day one scheduled for Thursday around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.
TODAY'S TIMES Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m23.282s 52 2. Jenson Button McLaren 1m23.633s +0.351 70 3. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso 1m24.071s +0.789 80 4. Jules Bianchi Force India 1m25.732s +2.450 96 5. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1m26.239s +1.957 61 6. Giedo van der Garde Caterham 1m27.429s +4.147 50 7. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m27.563s +4.281 80 8. Mark Webber Red Bull 1m27.616s +4.334 64 9. Max Chilton Marussia 1m29.902s +6.620 51 10. Romain Grosjean Lotus 1m34.800s +11.518 41 11. Valtteri Bottas Williams no time 23 12. Pastor Maldonado Williams no time 13
Picture Copyright © Mercedes AMG Petronas
Adrian Sutil: “Now We Can Only Wait And Cross Our Fingers”
Adrian Sutil made his first appearance behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car since the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix yesterday, when the German driver carried out a days testing for Force India. This comes amid continued speculation as to who will partner Paul di Resta at the Silverstone-based outfit this season.
For many months, the F1 fraternity has been awash with rumors and speculations as to who will eventually partner Paul di Resta at Force India for the new season. Since Nico Hulkenberg’s departure to Sauber, the team have yet to shed any official light on who will replace the German. Despite the team remaining as coy as possible on the subject, many drivers have been linked to the outfit in recent months including the likes of Jules Bianchi, Adrian Sutil, Jaime Alguersuari, Bruno Senna, Heikki Kovalainen and Narain Karthikeyan.
Jules Bianchi is also striving to secure the final seat at Force India.
With only several weeks to go before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, this list of possible drivers has whittled down somewhat to Jules Bianchi and Adrian Sutil. Both drivers have now driven the new VJM06 machine, and both have been associated with the team for many years. However, we are still none the wiser as to who will eventually be given the nod to team-mate Paul di Resta. The Briton has already explained how he has no preference over who is eventually chosen, but Sutil has confirmed that he and his manager have done all they can to secure the drive.
“Let’s wait and see in the next couple of days.” Explained Adrian Sutil, when asked how his chances of returning stood after his day testing. “My manager and I did all we can to make the decision easy for the team. Now we can only wait and cross our fingers. It was a good day and nice to be back in a Formula One car once again. My understanding is that the test next week in Barcelona will definitely feature both drivers from Force India’s 2013 driver line-up.”
The third and final pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya begins next Thursday, and will be the last time any of the drivers’ will be officially able to turn a wheel before Friday practice in Australia. Adrian Sutil seems quietly confident he can complete a return to the sport with Force India, yet many within the world of Formula 1 believe Jules Bianchi should be offered his chance to shine in the sport.
One other rumor within the paddock is that Force India’s future engine supplier could well be influenced by the driver the team eventually chooses. Adrian Sutil has a strong partnership with current engine supplier Mercedes, however Jules Bianchi could bring Ferrari engines to the team in the future due largely to his links to the Scuderia’s young driver programme. With Mercedes well advanced in the design of their 2014 engine, could Adrian Sutil’s relationship with the German marque prove a pivotal factor in his F1 future?
Picture(s) Copyright © Force India F1 Team
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.
Picture Copyright © Getty Images
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