FIA lowers pit-lane speed limit ahead of Hungarian GP
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has confirmed a change in the pit-lane speed limit for the race ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. This decision will see the speed limit remain at 80Km/h for the whole race weekend, after an FOM cameraman was struck on the head by a loose wheel during the German Grand Prix last time out.
The alteration of the sport’s rules comes after the World Motor Sport Council voted in favour of the changes, which were originally planned to be introduced next season. Usually the pit-lane speed limit for the race is 100Km/h, with the rest of the weekend at 80Km/h. These new rules will see the speed limit remain at the lower 80Km/h, therefore preventing such an incident which occurred at the German Grand Prix after Mark Webber was released from his pit-box with his right-rear tyre loose, which subsequently worked its way completely loose and bowled over an FOM cameraman.
These new rulings by the FIA will mean that the overall length of a pit-stop will increase, with cars running through the pits at a considerably slower pace than beforehand. This in turn could create strategic headaches for the many of the teams, forcing a rethink in the amount of pit-stops carried out during a race. The FIA has also confirmed that it will become mandatory for all team personnel working on a car in the pits to wear helmets, adding yet another precaution to avoid head injuries within the freneticism in the pit-lane.
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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
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Mark Webber Handed Three-Place Grid Penalty For Bahrain
Mark Webber has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the Bahrain Grand Prix, after the Australian driver collided with the Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Vergne. The collision between the sister outfits saw both pit for repairs, however Mark Webber was eventually forced to retire after his right-rear wheel feel off after his stop.
After the controversial proceedings during the closing stages of the Malaysian Grand Prix, further bad luck plagued the Australian driver throughout the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. During qualifying he was forced to stop at the side of the track after a bowser issue saw him run out of fuel, which in turn saw him excluded from the results of qualifying. After electing to start from the pit-lane and pitting on the first lap to avoid excess usage of the soft tyre compound, Webber had worked his way up to 11th position by Lap 14.
Mark Webber’s rogue wheel after his retirement at China.
Shortly after his team-mates first pit stop of the race, Mark Webber collided with the Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Vergne at Turn 6. This saw the Australian driver sustain damage to his front wing, as he returned to the pits for repairs. During this pit stop, his right-rear tyre was not secured properly which in turn saw it fall off at Turn 14. The wheel ominously rolled across the track and in front of numerous cars including Sebastian Vettel, however luckily no-one struck the tyre. The incident between the two drivers was naturally investigated by the stewards, with the Australian driver deemed to be at fault and issued with a grid penalty for the Bahrain Grand Prix next weekend.
Mark Webber will understandably be eager to forget his demons of the last two race weekends next time out at Bahrain, as rumors continue to circulate the world of motor sport pertaining to his future in the sport. The Australian driver could well have picked up a decent amount of points during the race, however the collision with Vergne was the catalyst for yet more bad luck.
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Mark Webber Elects For Pit-Lane Start
Mark Webber and Red Bull have elected to start the 56-lap Chinese Grand Prix from the pit-lane, after the Australian driver was excluded from the results of qualifying and relegated to the back of the grid. This came after the Red Bull driver stopped during the session after running out of fuel, and failed to produce the mandatory fuel sample.
This decision has allowed the team to carry out gearbox and set-up alterations ahead of the race, which are usually prohibited during parc ferme conditions between qualifying and the race. Starting from the pit-lane will also act as a benefit for Mark Webber should any first corner incidents arise towards the back of the pack, with the Australian ace initially set to start the race within the vicinity of the Caterham and Marussia duo.
In a race set to be dominated by tyre degradation and preservation, Mark Webber has the ability to climb his way back through the order. With a brand-new gearbox, which includes altered gear ratios for improved straight-line speed, and the ability to choose which tyre he starts the race on, Mark Webber could scythe his way through the pack. Further up the order, the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen will be forced to start the race on the soft tyre compound, unlike the Red Bull duo who have complete freedom over their decisions.
During last season, both Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were struck with the same misfortune after running out of fuel during qualifying. Whereas Lewis Hamilton managed to finish 8th after deciding to start 24th at the Spanish Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel rose tremendously through the order to 3rd after electing to start from the pits. Mark Webber’s race is certainly not already over, in a race which could yet yield a topsy-turvy result.
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Williams Spend Final Day Of Second Test Carrying Out Pit-Stop Practice
Williams elected to spend the final day of the second pre-season test at Barcelona carrying out imperative pit-stop practice ahead of the new season, with the entire race team joining the outfit at the Circuit de Catalunya. Both Valtteri Bottas and Pastor Maldonado drove during the day, yet failed to set a timed lap.
After launching their new Renault-powered FW35 machine at the beginning of the week in the pit-lane of the Circuit de Catalunya, Williams ended the four-day test where they started in the pit-lane carrying out numerous practice pit-stops with both Bottas and Maldonado. The Grove-based outfit were joined in their fastidious practice stops by Mark Webber and Red Bull, who did likewise during the day.
Throughout the morning period rookie Valtteri Bottas began proceedings for Williams, completing 23 laps all of which were centralized around pit-stop practice. The Finn didn’t once set a timed lap, and neither did team-mate Pastor Maldonado who continued the team’s work in the pits during the wet afternoon period. Both drivers feel confident after their first week testing the new car, with the reliability of the FW35 already an improvement in comparison to the FW34.
“The full race team joined us in Barcelona today for pitstop practice.” Explained the team’s Technical Director, Mike Coughlan. “The weather was wet as we expected which means we didn’t lose any dry running time with the FW35 in doing this. Overall, we’ve had a very encouraging week as the core reliability of the car has proved to be excellent. We are now looking forward to the next test in Barcelona where we can concentrate on the performance.”
After a return to winning ways last season at the hands of Pastor Maldonado, the British team will be hoping to remain a competitive force this coming season. Valtteri Bottas topped the lap count of the week, with the Finnish rookie completing 355 laps in the new car. The Grove-based outfit will be looking to continue improving throughout the third and final test next week once the F1 fraternity reconvenes at the Circuit de Catalunya.
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Charles Pic Forced To Retire With Engine Problems At Abu Dhabi
After a sensational qualifying performance from rookie Charles Pic yesterday, which saw the Frenchman out-qualify team-mate Timo Glock and the Caterham of Vitaly Petrov, the 22-year-old endured a tough 55-lap race. After loosing out at the start, the Frenchman was eventually forced into retirement due to engine issues on lap 41.
At the start of the race, Charles Pic lost ground to team-mate Timo Glock and the Caterham of Vitaly Petrov. Despite a competitive battle throughout the early stages of the race between the Marussia driver and Vitaly Petrov, Caterham’s KERS advantage saw the Russian driver open up a gap to Charles Pic. The Frenchman’s race was made all the more difficult with a frustrating pit-stop, before Pic was finally forced into retirement during the closing stages of the race.
“It was a very tough but exciting race today.” Explained Charles Pic, who has greatly impressed many in the paddock so far this season. “I was in a good battle with Vitaly and I came close to overtaking him on several occasions. Unfortunately we couldn’t quite meet the challenge of his KERS advantage. Our pitstop was not quite perfect, which is a shame as a slick stop could have helped us to jump him. Overall I am pleased that I could enjoy a good battle with one of the Caterhams; it’s just unfortunate that we had to retire because of the engine problem. Generally I have to say it has been a very positive weekend.”
As Charles Pic’s debut season in Formula 1 draws to a conclusion, speculation still surrounds the Frenchman as to where he will end up in 2013. Both Caterham and Marussia could be potential options for Pic, who is remaining focused on the final two races of the season, at two tracks the Marussia driver has yet to race on.
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Red Bull To Withdraw Vettel’s Car From Parc Ferme To Investigate Further
Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that the team will withdraw Sebastian Vettel’s car from parc ferme to further investigate the reasons behind his issue during qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This comes after the German was excluded from the session and sent to the back of the grid.
Due to this decision from the Milton Keynes-based outfit, Sebastian Vettel will be forced to instead start tomorrow’s race from the pit-lane. Christian Horner has explained how Renault immediately ordered him to stop Sebastian Vettel’s car on the circuit, as the reigning World Champion carried out his slow down lap after his final run during the top ten shootout. Prior to the incident, the German driver had qualified 3rd, behind team-mate Mark Webber and eventual poleman Lewis Hamilton.
“During the slow down lap following the final run of Q3, Renault instructed to immediately stop Sebastian’s car on the circuit due to an issue with the fuel system.” Explained Christian Horner, “After speaking with the stewards, who accepted the situation of force majeure for technical reasons for the car to be stopped, unfortunately, for reasons yet to be fully understood, 850ml of the required one litre was pumped out of the car following post race checks.
“As a result, the FIA has excluded Sebastian from qualifying and we will withdraw the car from Parc Ferme in order to investigate further. Therefore Sebastian will start from the pit lane for tomorrow’s race. We will need to make the most of Mark’s strong front-row grid position and Sebastian will have a busy evening ahead of him.”
With Red Bull poised to clinch the Constructors’ Championship for third year in succession this weekend around the Yas Marina circuit, the teams hopes of any major points haulage lies solely with Mark Webber, who will start the race from 2nd on the grid. With Fernando Alonso set to start tomorrow’s race from 6th on the grid, Sebastian Vettel’s 13 point lead in the Championship is most certainly under threat, with the German poised for a frenetic 55-lap race as he strives to work his way through the order.
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Lewis Hamilton Positive Despite Maldonado Incident
Lewis Hamilton has remained positive despite a late retirement due to an incident with the Williams of Pastor Maldonado, in which the Venezuelan driver tipped the 2008 World Championship into the wall at turn 13. This meant Lewis Hamilton failed to score any World Championship points at Valencia, despite a competitive race until the end.
After starting the race 2nd alongside reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton was passed early on by the Lotus of Romain Grosjean. The Briton’s race got considerably tougher as the race wore on, especially when he suffered yet another despairingly slow pit-stop under the safety car conditions. However, Lewis Hamilton has stated it’s not the end of the world, however it certainly makes his Championship battle at the top all that more difficult.
“We lost some points today – fortunately, however, a couple of other drivers fighting at the front also missed out, so it’s not the end of the world.” Explained a surprisingly positive Lewis Hamilton, “It just makes things a little bit tougher. Today was just a bad day in the office – but that’s motor racing, and I’m already looking forward to the next Grand Prix, my home race at Silverstone.”
This disappointing result leaves Lewis Hamilton in 3rd position the Drivers’ Championship on 88 points, 23 points behind Championship leader Fernando Alonso. Mark Webber sits 2nd on 91 points, adding to the openness of the 2012 season. Lewis Hamilton will now be heading back home to his beloved British Grand Prix at Silverstone, with his eyes set firmly on a victory.
Kimi Raikkonen Fined For Late Pit Entry During Third Practice
The race stewards have imposed a €2,500 fine upon Kimi Raikkonen, after the Finn made a rather late entry into the pit-lane during third practice earlier today. The Lotus driver initially ran wide at the final chicane before deciding to turn sharply left and enter the pit-lane in a slightly unorthodox fashion, crossing the white line upon entry.
This offense has been deemed in breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 4 (d) of the FIA International Sporting Code, and has landed Raikkonen with a hefty fine. Ironically it was Kimi Raikkonen who was momentarily held up at the Monaco Grand Prix when Sergio Perez made a similar error when entering the pit-lane during the race.
A statement from the stewards read: “The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, have considered the following matter, determine a breach of the regulations has been committed by the competitor named below and impose the penalty referred to.”
Instead of impose a harsher grid penalty upon the Finn, the race stewards decided to fine Raikkonen as it was deemed his late entry was not dangerous and did not impede another competitor.
Kimi Raikkonen will start tomorrows race from 12th on the grid, after a slightly uncompetitive qualifying session. The Finn has previously won once before around the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, in 2005 when he was racing for McLaren.
Williams Team Personnel Released From Hospital
Following on from yesterday’s disastrous fire in the pit-lane after the race, Williams have confirmed that a further two team members have been discharged from hospital after being treated at the tracks medical facilities beforehand. However, one team member has remained in hospital after receiving serious burns.
After being treated for smoke inhalation, the two team members that were discharged from hospital have now returned home. The third team member who has remained in hospital at Spain is in a stable condition, and will hopefully be able to return home within the next 48 hours. Williams have confirmed that his family are in constant communication, and that he is in good spirits.
The cause for the fire is as of yet unknown, with the Grove-based outfit still working with the sports governing body, the FIA, and local authorities to try and ascertain how this atrocity came about.
“I was pleased to welcome back to the factory the majority of our team this morning.” Said Williams team principal, Sir Frank Williams, “One of our people remains in Spain for further medical assistance, but we are all looking forward to his imminent return. Everyone at Williams F1 is extremely relieved that this event was contained as quickly as it was and the damage which occurred was, relatively speaking, limited in its nature.The astonishing response from the teams and other paddock personnel was immediate, unconditional and overwhelming.”
This incident tarnished the celebrations that were ongoing, after Pastor Maldonado secured Williams’ 114th race victory. With the team suffering damage to their equipment in the blaze, the rest of the paddock has been united in helping out, and the team are confident they will travel to the Monaco Grand Prix in full force in two weeks time.
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