Sebastian Vettel secures victory in crazy Korean Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel has stormed to his fourth successive Formula 1 victory for Red Bull, after an utterly crazy 55-lap race around the Korea International Circuit. The race was plagued by two safety car periods, as a frenetic race ensued up and down the order. Sebastian Vettel was joined on the podium by the Lotus duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean, with Nico Hulkenberg an impressive 4th for Sauber.
At the start Sebastian Vettel enjoyed a tremendous getaway off of the line, cruising into the lead of the race whereas Lewis Hamilton struggled and instantly came under pressure from the Lotus of Romain Grosjean. As the field streamed down the long straight between Turns 2 and 3, the Frenchman managed to perfect an overtaking maneuver on Lewis Hamilton for 2nd as the pack ran five-wide at one stage on the run down to Turn 3. Under braking Felipe Massa lost control of the rear of his Ferrari, which subsequently saw the Brazilian driver come to a halt in the middle of the track.
Although Felipe Massa was able to continue circulating, albeit towards the back of the pack, a concertina-effect rippled through the midfield as many drivers strove to avoid the stricken Ferrari. Both Adrian Sutil and Jenson Button sustained minor front-wing damage in the process, which accounted for their early pit-stops for replacements. After starting the race from way down in 13th position, the Australian sensation began gradually climbing his way through the order with an overtaking maneuver on the McLaren of Sergio Perez and then the Williams of Pastor Maldonado.
As the opening laps of the race ensued, Felipe Massa became the next driver to pit for Ferrari as Jenson Button managed to produce the fastest lap of the race after pitting for new tyres and a front-wing. Pastor Maldonado, Paul di Resta and Esteban Gutierrez all elected to pit a lap later, as Giedo van der Garde and Jules Bianchi came under investigation after an opening lap misdemeanor. Whilst several more pit-stops ensued up and down the order, Kimi Raikkonen managed to find a way around the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso, before he too elected to pit along with the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton. After being investigated by the stewards for forcing Jules Bianchi off of the circuit at the start, Giedo van der Garde was struck with a drive-thru penalty. This decision by the stewards would undoubtedly have left a bitter taste in the mouthes within the Caterham camp, as the Dutchman was running a competitive 12th at the time of his penalty.
On Lap 10 Romain Grosjean pitted from 2nd position, with the Frenchman enjoying a highly competitive opening few laps to the Korean Grand Prix. Upon returning to the action he was only just able to remain ahead of the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, as the duo battled fiercely for position through Turns 3 and 4. Whilst the 2008 World Champion strove to find a way around the Lotus driver, race leader Sebastian Vettel pitted. Once again the Red Bull mechanics perfected a smooth stop for the German, as Mark Webber amazingly assumed the lead of the race despite starting from a lowly 13th position.
The Australian sensation’s lead at the front was unfortunately short-lived, as he soon pitted and therefore ceded the lead of the race back to his German team-mate. Whilst Sebastian Vettel opened up the gap at the front to the Lotus of Romain Grosjean, action further down the order saw Sergio Perez come under investigation from the stewards for allegedly forcing Paul di Resta off of the track. By Lap 17, everyone except the Toro Rosso of Daniel Ricciardo had carried out at least one pit-stop. This left the Australian driver a strong 4th ahead of the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg, who quickly managed to find a way around the future Red Bull driver.
On Lap 26 Paul di Resta became the first retirement of the race, after he lost control of his Force India through the tricky Turn 12 and subsequently buried his car in the retaining tyre barrier. This was the 27-year-old’s fifth consecutive retirement behind the wheel of his Force India VJM06, amid a disappointing second half of the season for the Silverstone-based outfit. As the stricken Force India was gradually cleared under double-waved yellows by the Korean marshals, Mark Webber managed to find a way around the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso for 5th.
Utter mayhem was unleashed on Lap 28, when Nico Rosberg tried to overtake team-mate Lewis Hamilton. In the process the German’s front-wing became dislodged, creating a spectacular sight as sparks flew over the front of the Mercedes machine. Miraculously Nico Rosberg managed to both maintain control of his car and complete the overtaking maneuver on Lewis Hamilton, before limping back to the pits for a new front-wing. This in turn forced his British team-mate to remain out on track for another lap, despite suffering from severely degraded tyres in 3rd position.
Due to Lewis Hamilton’s struggle on his second set of tyres, the 2008 World Champion was in danger of being caught by the Red Bull of Mark Webber, who elected to pit on Lap 31. A lap later further madness ensued when Sergio Perez’s front-right tyre exploded down the long straight between Turns 2 and 3, showering the circuit in debris and pieces of rubber. The Mexican sensation managed to remain in control of his McLaren, as the safety car was unsurprisingly called upon due to the amount of debris on the track.
Almost immediately after the safety car’s deployment, both Sebastian Vettel and Romain Grosjean pitted at the front along with many other drivers up and down the order. After several long laps behind the safety car, the race was resumed with Sebastian Vettel in the lead of the race ahead of the Lotus of Romain Grosjean. However, the safety car was called upon shortly after the restart, amid further confusion and madness involving an incident between Adrian Sutil and Mark Webber. The Force India driver lost control of his car under braking much like Felipe Massa at the start, and collected Mark Webber at Turn 3. The Australian driver’s car immediately caught fire, and continued to burn through the rear of the car.
Hulkenberg was the star of the 55-lap race, as he fended off both Hamilton and Alonso
Eventually a fire truck was deployed to assist with the blaze, however the safety car had yet to be deployed creating a peculiar scenario as race leader Sebastian Vettel caught up with the fire truck only moments before the safety car was deployed. Prior to Sutil and Webber’s collision, Kimi Raikkonen managed to overtake Romain Grosjean for 2nd with Nico Hulkenberg 4th for Sauber. Once the race was finally resumed on Lap 40, Sebastian Vettel managed to storm off into the distance once again with Kimi Raikkonen in hot pursuit for Lotus. Further back Fernando Alonso desperately tried to overtake Lewis Hamilton for 5th, however the former McLaren driver managed to defend his position and begin catching Nico Hulkenberg.
As the race entered its closing stages, a highly frenetic battle within the midfield ensued between the likes of Felipe Massa, Sergio Perez, Pastor Maldonado, Esteban Gutierrez and Valtteri Bottas. After causing the second safety car period and signaling the end of Mark Webber’s race, Adrian Sutil was struck with a drive-thru penalty for speeding in the pits. During the final few laps Lewis Hamilton desperately tried to perfect an overtaking maneuver on Nico Hulkenberg for 4th, however the straight-line speed of the Sauber coupled with the German’s superb defensive driving saw him remain ahead of the Briton.
After a torrid second half of the race for Adrian Sutil, the German eventually pitted into retirement on Lap 52, as Nico Rosberg muscled his way around the McLaren of Jenson Button for 7th. During the final few laps both the Toro Rosso drivers’ of Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne entered retirement due to mechanical issues, as Sebastian Vettel remained dominant out in front ahead of the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen. Eventually the reigning Champion crossed the line to take yet another victory for Red Bull, and his hat-trick of victories around the Korea International Circuit.
The Lotus duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean joined Sebastian Vettel on the podium, with the Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg undoubtedly securing the driver of the day award after fending off the advances of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso to finish a highly competitive 4th. After a thrilling and frenetic 55-lap race around the Korea International Circuit, the sport will now immediately depart for Suzuka in preparation for the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend. Sebastian Vettel could well clinch the title in Japan, a trait which has been achieved by many of the greats in past including the German in 2011.
PROVISIONAL RACE RESULTS The Korean Grand Prix Korean International Circuit, Korea; 55 laps; 308.630km; Weather: Dry. Classified: Pos Driver Team Time/Gap 1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1h43m13.701s 2. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault +4.200s 3. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault +4.900s 4. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari +24.100s 5. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +25.200s 6. Fernando Alonso Ferrari +26.100s 7. Nico Rosberg Mercedes +26.600s 8. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes +32.200s 9. Felipe Massa Ferrari +34.300s 10. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes +35.100s 11. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari +35.900s 12. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault +47.000s 13. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault +50.000s 14. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault +1m03.500s 15. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault +1m04.500s 16. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth +1m07.900s 17. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth +1m12.900s 18. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari +2 laps 19. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari +3 laps 20. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes +5 laps Fastest lap: Vettel, 1:41.380 Not classified/retirements: Driver Team On lap Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 36 laps Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 24 laps
Picture(s) Copyright © Pirelli
Sebastian Vettel denies Lewis Hamilton pole at Korea
Sebastian Vettel has secured his 42nd career pole for the Korean Grand Prix, and will start the 55-lap race alongside the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton. Although Mark Webber finished 3rd, the Australian driver will be forced to serve his grid penalty from Singapore. This will see the second row consist of Romain Grosjean and Nico Rosberg.
After three practice sessions around the Korea International Circuit, the teams and drivers finally took to the track for qualifying to determine the grid for Sunday’s 55-lap Korean Grand Prix. Both Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel had looked incredibly competitive during the numerous practice sessions, however only one man could secure pole. The opening segment of qualifying began in glorious weather conditions over the Korea International Circuit, as the Sauber of Esteban Gutierrez eventually became the first driver to take to the track.
The Mexican rookie proceeded to complete the first timed lap of the session with a 01:41.058, before the times tumbled as more drivers gradually took to the circuit. Nico Hulkenberg and then Jenson Button lowered the benchmark to a 01:40.169 early on, before Nico Rosberg produced a 01:39.415 in his Mercedes. Whilst Kimi Raikkonen struggled in his Lotus and ran wide at Turn 1, Mercedes continued to reign supreme at the top as Lewis Hamilton went fastest with a 01:38.574. Esteban Gutierrez became one of the first drivers to opt for Pirelli’s super-soft tyre compound, which enabled the Mexican to catapult himself up to 2nd position with a 01:38.725.
As the opening segment of qualifying drew to a conclusion, the times continued to improve as more drivers began following Gutierrez’s trend by switching to the super-soft compound. Nico Hulkenberg returned to the top for Sauber with a 01:38.427, before Nico Rosberg and then Kimi Raikkonen did likewise with the latter producing a 01:38.341. As the checkered flag fluttered, the usual suspects were eliminated from proceedings. This included the Williams, Caterham and Marussia duos.
The second segment of qualifying began with Daniel Ricciardo and Kimi Raikkonen becoming the first drivers to eventually take to the Korea International Circuit, several minutes after the session turned green. Immediately the times at the top continued to tumble, as the likes of Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton all momentarily rose to the top for their respective outfits with the latter producing a competitive 01:37.824 to go fastest. Nico Rosberg was quick to slot into 2nd position behind his British team-mate, in doing so creating a 1-2 at the top for the German marque.
However, the reigning World Champion of Sebastian Vettel soon brought Mercedes’ reign to a conclusion, as he stormed to the top of the timing sheets with a 01:37.569. This time at the top reinforced Red Bull’s competitiveness at the front, as further down the order the likes of the McLarens and Force Indias struggled to improve within the drop zone. Both Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen were lucky to avoid elimination as the checkered flag emerged, with both Sergio Perez, Jenson Button, Daniel Ricciardo, Adrian Sutil, Paul di Resta and Jean-Eric Vergne all dropping out after Q2.
The ten remaining drivers lined up two-by-two for the all-important top ten shootout, with both drivers from Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, Lotus and Sauber managing to progress to the final segment of qualifying. At the start Mark Webber wasted no time in becoming the first driver to take to the track for Red Bull, and was quickly followed out by both Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton and team-mate Sebastian Vettel. Nico Rosberg managed to momentarily produce the first timed lap of the shootout, before Mark Webber almost immediately lowered the benchmark with a 01:37.464. Before anyone could gather their breath Sebastian Vettel crossed the line to fully assert his authority over proceedings, with the German sensation producing a 01:37.202.
In traditional fashion the drivers soon returned to the pits to refuel and prepare for a second flying lap, which quickly ensued with all ten drivers soon returning to the Korea International Circuit in a bid to somehow take the fight to the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel. Initially both Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg produced fastest opening sectors, as Mark Webber conceded and returned to the pits. Lewis Hamilton managed to split the Red Bull’s and go 2nd fastest with a 01:37.420, which in turn allowed Sebastian Vettel to coast back to the pits safe in the knowledge that he had secured his 42nd career pole.
The German driver will start tomorrow’s race alongside rival Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes, as team-mate Mark Webber serves his ten-place grid penalty from Singapore and plummets down the order to 13th. The second row of the grid will consist of the ever-impressive Romain Grosjean and Nico Rosberg, in what promises to be an intriguing Korean Grand Prix. No-one has ever won from pole around the Korea International Circuit, a stat Sebastian Vettel will be eager to change come race day.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m37.202s 2. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m37.420s +0.218s 3. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m37.464s +0.262s 4. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m37.531s +0.329s 5. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m37.679s +0.477s 6. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m38.038s +0.836s 7. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m38.223s +1.021s 8. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1m38.237s +1.035s 9. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m38.405s +1.203s 10. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m38.822s +1.620s Q2 cut-off time: 1m38.327s Gap ** 11. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes 1m38.362s +0.793s 12. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m38.365s +0.796s 13. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m38.417s +0.848s 14. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m38.431s +0.862s 15. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m38.718s +1.149s 16. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m38.781s +1.212s Q1 cut-off time: 1m39.175s Gap * 17. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m39.470s +1.129s 18. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m39.987s +1.646s 19. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault 1m40.864s +2.523s 20. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 1m40.871s +2.530s 21. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth 1m41.169s +2.828s 22. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 1m41.322s +2.981s 107% time: 1m45.224s
Picture Copyright © Pirelli
Sebastian Vettel returns to the top after final practice at Korea
Sebastian Vettel has managed to reassert his authority over proceedings at the top after the final practice session of the Korean Grand Prix, with the German sensation finishing ahead of team-mate Mark Webber to create a Red Bull 1-2. The duo were followed by the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg in 3rd, who in turn finished just ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton in 4th.
After the two practice sessions on Friday around the Korea International Circuit, the Formula 1 teams and drivers returned to the circuit to begin finalising their preparations for the all-important qualifying session later in the day with the final hour of practice. Once again the paddock was greeted with glorious sunshine overhead, with no signs of the typhoon threatening proceedings. As the session got underway, Max Chilton became the first driver to take to the circuit for Marussia and was quickly followed out by team-mate Jules Bianchi.
Despite many drivers electing to carry out traditional installation laps up and down the paddock, the Caterham duo of Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde elected to produce early lap times with the Frenchman setting the initial benchmark with a 01:43.170. Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde continued to improve throughout the early stages of the session, with the former remaining on top with a 01:42.730 before Giedo van der Garde rose to the top with a 01:42.383.
Whilst several more drivers returned to the Korea International Circuit after their initial installation laps, Lewis Hamilton was heard complaining of a vibration on the brake pedal as he circulated the track in his Mercedes. The 2008 World Champion eventually returned to the pits, before his mechanics busied themselves around his brakes to investigate the issue. Meanwhile the Force India of Adrian Sutil rose to the top with a 01:42.240, before Mark Webber thwarted the German’s momentary reign with an even quicker 01:39.330.
As the third and final practice session of the Korean Grand Prix weekend progressed, Jules Bianchi suffered a minor spin at Turn 9 as he pushed to the limit of his Cosworth-powered Marussia. The Frenchman luckily managed to avoid contact with the barriers, as Mark Webber continued to improve at the top with a 01:39.234. The Australian driver was soon thwarted by his team-mate of reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel, as he finally asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:39.014. Mark Webber returned to the top for Red Bull with a 01:39.001 as preparations for the remainder of the weekend raged on, before improving once again with a 01:38.946.
Lewis Hamilton managed to rise to the top with a 01:38.860, despite his earlier brake issues on his Mercedes machine. Mark Webber soon became the first driver to opt for Pirelli’s super-soft tyre compound as the session entered its closing stages, with many drivers’ attentions turning to qualifying simulation runs throughout the latter half of the session. This unsurprisingly saw the Australian sensation return to the top for Red Bull with a 01:38.132, as a flurry of cars returned to the track all sporting the softer rubber. Mark Webber soon managed to improve behind the wheel of his Renault-powered RB9 with a 01:38.018, before reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel soon rose ahead of his team-mate with a scintillating 01:37.881.
Eventually the checkered flag emerged signaling the end of third and final practice session, with Sebastian Vettel atop the timing sheets once again with Friday pace-setter Lewis Hamilton in 4th position. The German sensation was followed by team-mate Mark Webber in 2nd position, with the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg 3rd and only just ahead of his British team-mate. Despite Lewis Hamilton’s promising pace during the two Friday practice sessions, Red Bull still appear to be the team to beat around the twists and turns of the Korea International Circuit as the teams continue to crunch the numbers before qualifying later in the day.
Pos Driver Team/Car Time Gap Laps 1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m37.881s 17 2. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m38.018s +0.137s 17 3. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m38.318s +0.437s 16 4. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m38.332s +0.451s 15 5. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m38.486s +0.605s 13 6. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m38.701s +0.820s 19 7. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m38.816s +0.935s 14 8. Kimi Räikkönen Lotus-Renault 1m38.857s +0.976s 17 9. Nico Hülkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1m38.961s +1.080s 16 10. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m39.114s +1.233s 14 11. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m39.128s +1.247s 15 12. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m39.196s +1.315s 16 13. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m39.204s +1.323s 17 14. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes 1m39.274s +1.393s 15 15. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m39.327s +1.446s 17 16. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m39.371s +1.490s 19 17. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m39.665s +1.784s 15 18. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m40.128s +2.247s 17 19. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault 1m41.360s +3.479s 19 20. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 1m41.614s +3.733s 20 21. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth 1m41.646s +3.765s 14 22. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 1m42.267s +4.386s 17
Picture Copyright © Pirelli
Hamilton remains ahead of Vettel after second practice at Korea
Lewis Hamilton has managed to remain ahead of Championship leader Sebastian Vettel after the second practice session ahead of the Korean Grand Prix, with the leading duo finishing only just ahead of the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg. The top eight were separated by only a second, with a competitive battle between Mercedes and Red Bull emerging at the front.
After a frenetic opening practice session ahead of the Korean Grand Prix, the Formula 1 teams and drivers returned to the Korea International Circuit for the second practice session in the afternoon to continue with their preparations ahead of the race on Sunday. Both Paul di Resta and Jules Bianchi returned to their respective teams for the second session, after relinquishing their seats’ for their reserve drivers during practice one. Once the session got underway, Jules Bianchi was quick to become the first driver to take to the circuit, as many drivers immediately elected to begin producing timed laps.
As more drivers gradually took to the Korea International Circuit, Jules Bianchi set the first timed lap of the session with a 01:45.027. Unlike the morning session where many drivers elected to carry out the their traditional installation laps, the times quickly began to tumble during the early stages of the second practice session. Pastor Maldonado momentarily thwarted Jules Bianchi’s initial benchmark, before Jean-Eric Vergne stormed to the top for Toro Rosso with a 01:42.310. Nico Hulkenberg soon continued the trend of lowering the benchmark during the early stages of the session with a 01:41.191, before Sergio Perez and then Sebastian Vettel stormed to the top with an even quicker 01:39.696.
Eventually the entire field had produced a timed lap during the opening half of the second practice session, including the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen after his earlier incident. Mark Webber rose to the top for Red Bull with a 01:39.598 as the session progressed, before Lewis Hamilton once again asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:39.510 for the German marque. As preparations continued up and down the paddock, Mark Webber, Nico Hulkenberg and Giedo van der Garde became the first drivers to opt for Pirelli’s super-soft tyre compound. This understandably saw Mark Webber rise to the top with a 01:38.844, before Lewis Hamilton quickly returned to the top with the Briton also sporting Pirelli’s softer tyre compound.
Whilst Sebastian Vettel rose to the sharp end of the order, albeit behind the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, Mexican rookie Esteban Gutierrez spun at Turn 1. The Sauber driver simply lost control of the rear of his C32 machine upon the apex of the corner, yet managed to continue circulating despite momentarily disabling the first DRS zone. Eventually Sebastian Vettel opted for the super-soft tyre compound on his Red Bull, however the German was still unable to thwart to pace of the Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes. Shortly after his first run on the softer compound, Vettel unexpectedly returned to the pits with a suspected KERS issue.
As the second session gradually drew to a conclusion, the classification remained relatively unchanged due largely to the focus on heavy fuel runs in preparation for the race on Sunday. Charles Pic also spun during the final minutes in his Caterham at Turn 9, however the Frenchman was able to avoid the barriers and managed to continue circulating albeit after a trip through the grass. Eventually the checkered flag was unfurled to signal the end of the second practice session, with Lewis Hamilton once again fastest ahead of Sebastian Vettel and team-mate Nico Rosberg. The 2008 World Champion will understandably be keen on continuing his pace at the front into tomorrow’s final practice session, as preparations for qualifying intensify.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m38.673s 31 2. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m38.781s +0.108s 30 3. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m38.797s +0.124s 32 4. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m38.844s +0.171s 35 5. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m39.114s +0.441s 30 6. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m39.226s +0.553s 34 7. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m39.444s +0.771s 31 8. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m39.757s +1.084s 33 9. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m39.774s +1.101s 29 10. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m40.006s +1.333s 34 11. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m40.007s +1.334s 34 12. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes 1m40.152s +1.479s 31 13. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m40.186s +1.513s 33 14. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1m40.210s +1.537s 34 15. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m40.446s +1.773s 30 16. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m40.552s +1.879s 26 17. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m41.117s +2.444s 35 18. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m41.289s +2.616s 34 19. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 1m42.461s +3.788s 36 20. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault 1m42.798s +4.125s 35 21. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth 1m43.108s +4.435s 31 22. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 1m43.441s +4.768s 29
Picture Copyright © Mercedes AMG Petronas
Hamilton fastest as Raikkonen crashes during practice one at Korea
Lewis Hamilton has managed to end the opening practice session of the Korean Grand Prix weekend fastest overall, only just ahead of reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel. Mark Webber ended the session 3rd for Red Bull, whereas Kimi Raikkonen endured a heavy incident towards the end of the session.
After a two week gap since Sebastian Vettel’s sensational display of dominance around the illuminated streets of Singapore, the Formula 1 paddock reconvened at Yeongam for the fourth running of the Korean Grand Prix. Despite serious threats of a typhoon presenting inclement weather conditions on race day, the opening practice session of the weekend began in glorious and sunny weather conditions. For the first session, reserve drivers’ James Calado and Rodolfo Gonzalez replaced Paul di Resta and Jules Bianchi at their respective outfits, in a bid to enjoy some pivotal running in Formula 1.
At the start of the session reserve driver Rodolfo Gonzalez became the first driver to take to the track for Marussia, and was quickly followed by many others who were keen begin their preparations for the weekend ahead. As per usual many drivers up and down the paddock elected to carry out installation laps, with Pastor Maldonado and Sebastian Vettel in particular sporting a vast array of sensors on their respective machines. Eventually the Marussia of Rodolfo Gonzalez became the first driver to produce a timed lap, with a 01:52.294. The Venezuelan driver continued to improve as the session progressed, gradually working his way down to a 01:46.810 as Marussia’s preparations for the weekend ahead continued.
Despite continuing to improve around the Korea International Circuit, Rodolfo Gonzalez’s session was brought to a sudden halt, after a hefty collision with the wall. The 27-year-old Venezuelan driver ran wide on the exit of Turn 13, and was subsequently speared into the retaining concrete wall. The resulting incident destroyed the Marussia’s front-wing, as Gonzalez limped back to the pits for repairs.
After the debris that littered the exit of Turn 13 was cleared by the Korean marshals, the drivers gradually returned to the circuit to continue with their preparations. Sergio Perez soon rose to the top for McLaren with a 01:44.258, a time which the Mexican sensation was able to improve upon greatly down to a 01:41.960. James Calado and Valtteri Bottas slotted into 2nd and 3rd position respectively, as more driver continued returning to the Korea International Circuit. James Calado suffered a minor spin at Turn 12 as the session progressed, whereas Felipe Massa was informed of a left-front puncture on his Ferrari which forced the Brazilian driver to return to the pits.
Nico Rosberg soon rose to the top for Mercedes, with the German producing a 01:41.498 for the German marque. His reign was soon brought to a conclusion by the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso, who managed to produce a 01:41.437 for the Scuderia. The times continued to tumble as the session progressed, as reigning Champion Sebastian Vettel momentarily rose to the top for Red Bull before Nico Rosberg returned to the top with a 01:40.364. The German driver continued to improve at the front for Mercedes, with a 01:40.117 as Mark Webber slotted into 2nd position for Red Bull.
As the session entered its final stages Lewis Hamilton rose to the top for Mercedes with a 01:39.630, as Nico Rosberg’s Mercedes was seemingly struck with an issue, as the German’s seat was removed from his car to allow his mechanics access to a hydraulic filling point. Whilst Nico Rosberg remained in the pit-lane, the Red Bull duo of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel began to improve out on track, resulting in Sebastian Vettel producing a 01:39.667 to go 2nd fastest and only +0.037 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton.
The opening session was brought to an explosive conclusion, as Kimi Raikkonen lost the rear of his Lotus through the final complex of corners and slammed violently into the retaining tyre barrier. The resulting incident utterly destroyed both the front and the rear of the Finn’s car, undoubtedly increasing his back issues in the process. The checkered flag was ultimately unfurled amid yellow flags, as Kimi Raikkonen walked the short distance back to the pits leaving behind a completely wrecked Lotus.
Whilst the Lotus mechanics prepared for a lengthy rebuild before practice two, Lewis Hamilton ended the opening session fastest overall for Mercedes only just ahead of the ever threatening Red Bull’s of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. The preparations for the weekend ahead will continue later in the day, when the Formula 1 paddock returns to the Korea International Circuit for the second practice session.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m39.630s 20 2. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m39.667s +0.037s 20 3. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m39.816s +0.186s 19 4. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m40.117s +0.487s 20 5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m40.215s +0.585s 22 6. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m40.374s +0.744s 18 7. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m40.396s +0.766s 19 8. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m40.677s +1.047s 15 9. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes 1m40.860s +1.230s 20 10. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m40.880s +1.250s 13 11. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1m40.899s +1.269s 20 12. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m41.432s +1.802s 18 13. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m41.482s +1.852s 22 14. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m41.626s +1.996s 21 15. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m41.924s +2.294s 19 16. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m42.002s +2.372s 20 17. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m42.043s +2.413s 18 18. James Calado Force India-Mercedes 1m43.008s +3.378s 21 19. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault 1m43.660s +4.030s 20 20. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 1m43.883s +4.253s 19 21. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 1m44.100s +4.470s 14 22. Rodolfo Gonzalez Marussia-Cosworth 1m46.810s +7.180s 10
Picture Copyright © Mercedes AMG Petronas
Mercedes Eager For First Points Finish Since Singapore
Mercedes are searching for their first points finish since the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend in India, after two disastrous races for the German marque which has seen them fall into the clutches of Sauber in the Constructors’ Championship. Nico Rosberg has failed to finish the last two races, after collisions on the opening laps.
With Rosberg enduring copious amounts of bad luck during the last two races, Michael Schumacher has failed to be competitive and has become stuck towards the back of the highly competitive midfield. With Kamui Kobayashi finishing a tremendous 3rd at the Japanese Grand Prix, Sauber have become reinvigorated in their plight to catch the German marque for fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.
However, Mercedes are hopeful that a return to their points scoring ways is imminent this weekend, with both Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg eager to enjoy a competitive race weekend at the still relatively new Buddh International Circuit. Last season saw Mercedes finish 5th and 6th respectively at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, a result which would greatly benefit the team this weekend.
“The Formula One debut of India last year was certainly a success.” Explained Michael Schumacher, “After two races which have not been totally satisfying, we naturally wish for a more positive trend to come, and I can say that everybody in the team has put in a lot of effort to achieve it. Let’s see what we can make out of it.”
Nico Rosberg has unquestionably been dealt the worst luck of any driver up and down the paddock throughout the last two races, with the German driver on the receiving end of other drivers’ mistakes during the opening few corners.
In Japan, Bruno Senna was the culprit in making contact with the Mercedes driver during the first corner melee which also saw Fernando Alonso retire from the race. The same misfortune plagued Rosberg in Korea, only this time it was Kamui Kobayashi who made contact. The 27-year-old is understandably hoping for an incident-free race weekend at India, and will be striving to avoid contact on the opening lap in particular.
“The Buddh International Circuit is very challenging with an interesting combination of slow speed corners and long fast straights.” Said Nico Rosberg, “The track also has one of the highest average speeds in Formula One and is good for overtaking. I hope that I will have a bit more luck than recently next weekend, and I will have the chance to achieve a good result.”
With Sauber hot on their heels, Mercedes are most certainly having the pressure piled upon them as this highly entertaining season draws to a conclusion. The German marque have already been victorious this season, and will definitely prefer to finish ahead of Sauber who have only so far managed podium finishes at best.
Picture Copyright © Mercedes AMG Petronas
Button Believes Hamilton’s Move A Bad Decision
Jenson Button has explained how he believes current team-mate Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes for next season is a bad decision, amid one of the most talked about driver changes in the history of the sport. With Lewis Hamilton leaving McLaren for Mercedes, Sergio Perez has been signed as the Briton’s replacement alongside Button.
Despite recent turbulence within the McLaren outfit, which has included several disappointing results and another Lewis Hamilton rant on Twitter, speculation has begun to gather momentum that the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and the team, which brought him into the world of Formula 1, has begun to deteriorate. However, Jenson Button has been quick to deny these allegations, stating that the atmosphere within the Woking-based outfit is fantastic.
“The atmosphere in the team is fantastic.” Confirmed Jenson Button to British newspaper The Guardian, “As far as I can see with Lewis, he is focused and wants to win races. Nothing has changed, it is just the view of a few people with a wide audience and they need to get their facts straight.”
In recent races since Lewis Hamilton’s announcement confirming his move to Mercedes next season, the 2008 World Champion has endured some utterly disastrous results. Although Hamilton finished in the points at both the Japanese and Korean Grands Prix, the Briton has failed to challenge for race victories or even podiums. Hamilton finished 5th at the Japanese Grand Prix, after further setup woes similar to that witnessed at the Belgian Grand Prix, whereas at Korea last weekend Hamilton could only manage 10th after a rear anti-roll bar failure.
With Mercedes currently also struggling greatly, having been unable to score a point at either of the previous two races, many have questioned Lewis Hamilton’s decision to move to the German marque. After remaining silent on the topic over the recent race weekends, Jenson Button has finally expressed his opinion on his team-mate’s move, which will subsequently end what has been an intriguing three-year partnership at McLaren.
“He has chosen to go his own way at the end of the year.” Continued Jenson Button, “It is his decision, although I personally don’t think it is the right decision. The team will give Lewis everything they can because Lewis can give the team chances of winning races, as I can. The team care about the drivers, but also they care about winning. There will not be any change in this team at all in the way we go racing with two drivers.”
After the Korean Grand Prix, both McLaren drivers confirmed that their realistic Championship hopes were now over after a race weekend which only yielded one World Championship point for the whole team. Regardless of this fact, both Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton will unquestionably be striving for further race victories in the final four races of the season.
Picture Copyright © McLaren F1 Team
Lotus To Retain Raikkonen And Grosjean For 2013
Although Romain Grosjean has endured a frustrating and incident-filled 2012 season, Lotus team principal Eric Boullier confirmed after the Korean Grand Prix last Sunday that the Frenchman would remain at Lotus next season. The Frenchman will once again race alongside Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen, after his superb comeback season.
Whereas Kimi Raikkonen has so far completed every racing lap of the current season, a feat achieved by no other driver on the grid, Romain Grosjean has struggled greatly throughout certain race weekends. From colliding with the likes of Michael Schumacher at Malaysia and Lewis Hamilton at Belgium, to finishing 2nd at the Canadian Grand Prix, Grosjean’s 2012 season has been one of incredibly mixed emotions.
However, with Lotus confirming that the likable Frenchman will remain a Lotus driver next season, it seems the hangdog expression on his face seen throughout the Korean Grand Prix weekend can finally lift. With Grosjean avoiding all types of contact during the race, especially during the melee that was the opening three corners, the former GP2 Champion stormed to a competitive 7th position which included a lengthy battle with the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg.
After the race last Sunday, Lotus team principal Eric Boullier confirmed that Romain Grosjean would remain a Lotus driver alongside Kimi Raikkonen for the 2013 season, dispelling rumors that the Frenchman could be dropped by the Enstone-based outfit after his numerous on-track skirmishes. Boullier has explained that the contract is ready and waiting for him, and has been approved by the relevant board within the team.
“He has been reassured about his future and that he is going to stay with us, but I cannot commit today.” Explained Eric Boullier to the BBC, after the Korean Grand Prix. “There is a situation with the FIA and the race-ban suspension so I have to do it at the right time. We have [had] internal discussions. Everything is ready, the contract is ready and has been approved by the board. It is just a question of finding the possibility to do it.”
At the start of the Belgian Grand Prix last month, Romain Grosjean was the catalyst in the multi-car incident which took out Championship contenders Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, including the Sauber of Sergio Perez. This extremely violent incident, which so nearly saw Alonso’s head make contact with Grosjean’s out-of-control Lotus, saw the Frenchman issued with a one-race ban. Eric Boullier firmly believes that this ban has had a positive effect on him, and that he has learned from it despite his collision with Mark Webber at the start of the Japanese Grand Prix.
“In the end it had a positive effect on him,” continued Eric Boullier. “He understood it, he came to Monza on his own and he clearly wanted to rebuild himself. He deserves to be in Formula 1, we brought him back because we believe he has a future in Formula 1. I would be a bit foolish to bring him back and then get rid of him. There are many different reasons why he has had problems in the first corner. The first thing is to step back a bit and keep your line and just get through the first corner. Then you can race.”
Amid one of the most intriguing “silly seasons’ which Formula 1 has witnessed in its long and vibrant history, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton on the move, it seems the Lotus driver line-up will remain the same for next season. However, many other midfield teams such as Sauber, Force India and Williams have yet to confirm their line-up and continue to play host to ongoing rumors and speculations as this highly unique season draws to a thrilling conclusion.
Picture Copyright © Getty Images
Hulkenberg And Gutierrez At Sauber For 2013
Current Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg and GP2 driver Esteban Gutierrez have been strongly linked to Sauber for next season, in a move which would see current Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi rendered without a drive for the new season. With Sergio Perez set to join McLaren, this would see Sauber with a completely new driver line-up.
After making his debut back in 2010 for Williams, Nico Hulkenberg returned to the sport this season with Force India after taking a season out of full-time racing as Force India’s reserve driver. Apart from his illustrious pole at the wet/dry Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying session during his debut season, Hulkenberg failed to impress enough to remain a Williams driver was subsequently replaced by Pastor Maldonado.
However, after a season as Force India’s reserve driver last year, Hulkenberg was able to make his return to the sport this season with the Silverstone-based outfit. After a tough opening seven races, in which the German driver could only mange to score 7 World Championship points in relation to team-mate Paul di Resta’s 21, it looked as though Hulkenberg was in for a strenuously tough return to Formula 1.
At the European Grand Prix around the Valencia Street Circuit, Nico Hulkenberg’s season took a change for the better. After qualifying 8th, the 25-year-old German was able to finish a competitive 5th in what turned out to be a thrilling race. Since then, Hulkenberg has competitively finished in the points on several occasions, with a personal best of 4th at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Esteban Gutierrez enjoyed a highly competitive 2012 season in the GP2 Series.
Although no official announcement has been confirmed by Sauber or Nico Hulkenberg, the general belief within the paddock is that the deal has already been struck which will see the German driver switch to Sauber next season. However, the debate over who his team-mate will be next continues to rage on with both Kamui Kobayashi and GP2 star Esteban Gutierrez both linked to the remaining seat with the Hinwil-based outfit.
Esteban Gutierrez was the inaugural GP3 Series Champion back in 2010, after taking five victories throughout the season with the ART Grand Prix team. Last season saw the Mexican driver ‘graduate’ to the GP2 Series with Lotus ART, and take his first victory during the sprint race in support of the European Grand Prix.
Throughout the 2012 season, Esteban Gutierrez was constantly at the sharp end of the pack, finishing competitively in the points on a regular basis. The 21-year-old Mexican driver took three victories throughout the year at Valencia, Silverstone and the Hungaroring which saw him finish 3rd in the Drivers’ Championship behind Luiz Razia and eventual Series Champion Davide Valsecchi. With Mexican telecommunications company Telmex set to remain a sponsor of the Sauber outfit, it is widely regarded that Esteban Gutierrez will finally ‘graduate’ once more up to Formula 1.
The Mexican driver has already driven a Sauber Formula 1 car on numerous occasions over recent years at test sessions, and is still the teams official reserve driver. This connection with Sauber, not to mention his convenient nationality, makes him a perfect fit for the remaining seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg for 2013.
If Nico Hulkenberg does leave Sauber, this will leave a vacancy at Force India alongside Paul di Resta. Several drivers have been rumored a joining the Silverstone-based outfit, including former F1 drivers Adrian Sutil and Jaime Alguersuari. However, these rumored moves would leave Kamui Kobayashi without a drive for 2013, and it is as of yet unknown where the Japanese driver would end up next season, if anywhere.
Picture(s) Copyright © Getty Images & Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Mark Webber Laments “Mediocre” Start At Korea
Although Mark Webber started the Korean Grand Prix from pole position, the Australian driver endured yet another frustratingly slow getaway off of the line. This saw team-mate Sebastian Vettel storm up the inside in the lead at turn one, and set the tone for another Vettel-dominated 55-lap race.
Down the tremendously long straight after turn two, Mark Webber immediately piled pressure on Sebastian Vettel. After slipstreaming the German driver, Webber was able to draw his Red Bull alongside his team-mate into turn three, but to no avail. Sebastian Vettel remained in the lead, and proceeded to lead every lap of race once again in dominant style. Although Mark Webber was disappointed with his own performance at the start, which has basically seen his Championship challenge come to an end, the 36-year-old was happy with the overall result for his team.
“The start wasn’t sensational.” Admitted Mark Webber, after his third podium finish of the season. “I’ll have to look into it but yeah, probably the initial getaway wasn’t too great. It’s not the best corner to lead off so I thought, ok, we won’t risk too much in the first corner, and then we got a good slipstream off Sebastian but it was just neck-and-neck for us along the back straight. After that I just tried to hang in there as best I could. Of course I’m disappointed but I’m happy to get a good result in the other side as well.”
The main reason behind Mark Webber’s poor start was mainly due to clutch issues, which started as early as the formation lap. This saw the Australian driver suffer from lots of wheel-spin once the five red lights went out, allowing Sebastian Vettel to benefit greatly and storm into the lead despite starting from the dirtier side of the grid.
“I think we were chasing the clutch quite a bit after the first launch on the formation lap, and also coming to the back of the grid the boys were asking me to move the clutch ring quite a bit so the initial launch wasn’t good.” Continued Mark Webber, who lost the lead at turn one. “The first bite just kicked to wheel spin and from then on I knew I could have some issues. It was just a very… mediocre let’s say… run to the first corner. Seb got a good one. All wasn’t lost, obviously, second corner, getting the slipstream on the back straight I thought it was still possible to do something there.”
Ultimately Mark Webber was unable to retake the lead into turn three, after Sebastian Vettel defended well against his team-mate’s onslaught. From there on, it was a simple case of hanging on for 2nd, dealing with tyre management and keeping the Ferrari duo of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa at bay. Mark Webber currently sits 5th in the Drivers’ Championship, with 152 points scored and only one point behind the McLaren of Lewis Hamilton.
However, Mark Webber has admitted that his chances of clinching the Drivers’ Championship are now very slim indeed, with the Australian driver requiring some bizarre results in the remaining four races. Regardless of this fact, Mark Webber still remains hopeful of picking up another victory before the season comes to a conclusion.
Picture Copyright © Getty Images
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