Lotus Confirms Nick Chester As James Allison Replacement

Lotus has confirmed the appointment of Nick Chester as the team’s technical director, following James Allison’s departure from the Enstone-based outfit. After a long and colorful career with the team since its days known as Renault back in 2005, James Allison has left the team to potentially join a rival outfit.

To fill the void left after James Allison’s departure, Lotus has confirmed former Engineering Director Nick Chester as his replacement as the team’s technical director. After a five-year career at Arrows Grand Prix, Nick Chester joined the outfit [then known as Benetton] back in 2000 as a race engineer. By 2005, he was promoted to the head of the vehicle performance group before becoming the head of performance systems in 2010. Last season Nick Chester was appointed as the team’s Engineering Director, in what has so far been a colorful career with the Enstone-based outfit.

“I have worked at Enstone for over twelve years and am delighted to take on the role of Technical Director.” Explained Nick Chester, “I am grateful to the management at Enstone for the faith they have shown in promoting me to this position. I am very aware of our need to keep pushing development of this year’s E21 whilst developing next year’s car to a set of very different regulations. There are some exciting times ahead for Enstone and I’m honored to be part of it.”

After an extremely competitive start to the 2013 season for Lotus, which has seen Kimi Raikkonen in particular finish in the points at each of the four races so far, team principal Eric Boullier has stipulated the importance of remaining in the development battle as the season wears on. Next season the sport will witness a transformation unlike any other beforehand, as a whole host of new technical regulations are introduced. Nick Chester will spearhead the team’s development into this new era of Formula 1.

James Allison could well be on his way to a rival outfit.

“We are pleased to announce Nick Chester as our next Technical Director.” Said Eric Boullier, “Nick is well known to everyone at Enstone having been with the team for over twelve years. He is already directly involved with this and next year’s cars, ensuring a smooth transition which has been underway for some time. It’s an illustration of the strength and breadth of talent at Enstone that we can draw on personnel of the calibre of Nick and it’s something of an Enstone tradition for new Technical Directors to be promoted from within. He assumes his new position at a tremendously exciting time for the sport.

“The 2014 technical regulation changes present many challenges, while our current position of second place in both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Championships mean we cannot lose sight of this year’s development battle. Nick really has his work cut out, but we know he is more than capable of handling the tasks ahead. As a team and individually, we would all like to thank James Allison for his efforts during his three stints at Enstone and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

James Allison’s departure from Lotus has sparked several rumors within the paddock, with the Briton linked to a move to several rival teams up and down the grid including McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes. Several of these major teams have shown interest in James Allison in recent months, and he could well prove highly valuable to the lucky team which eventually snaps him up. It will be interesting to see whether Allison’s departure has a major affect on Lotus’s current form, which sees them as one of the top teams on the current grid, something they will be striving to retain as Nick Chester assumes the technical director duties.

Picture(s) Copyright © Lotus F1 Team

2013 Formula 1 UBS Chinese Grand Prix Preview

After what seems like an eternity since the controversial Malaysian Grand Prix around Kuala Lumpur’s Sepang International Circuit, the Formula 1 fraternity is finally preparing to reconvene for the third round of the season at Shanghai in China. Sebastian Vettel currently leads the Championship, nine points ahead of Kimi Raikkonen.

Although three weeks has passed since the controversial proceedings towards the end of the Malaysian Grand Prix, it’s undeniable that Sebastian Vettel’s decision to deny team orders and overtake team-mate Mark Webber for the race victory will still dominate the headlines as the paddock returns to the Shanghai International Circuit. Despite the continued spotlight on Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber’s partnership which is expected for the weekend ahead, the Chinese Grand Prix is an event with favorable memories for Red Bull. Back in 2009, Sebastian Vettel stormed to the outfit’s first race victory in utterly treacherous weather conditions.

Since then the Milton Keynes-based outfit has dominated proceedings at the front of the order, picking up three Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships along with a further 34 race victories across many of the races on the calendar. However, it’s unquestionable that the outfit’s closest rivals such as Ferrari, Lotus and Mercedes will be eager to challenge their dominance during this weekend’s events.

After the sweltering heat which plagued the drivers and team personnel at the Malaysian Grand Prix last time out, much cooler temperatures are expected this weekend at Shanghai. The Chinese Grand Prix has been struck by inclement weather conditions on numerous occasions, however early weather forecasts indicate a dry weekend ahead. The opening two races of the season were both struck by heavy rain at some stage of the weekend, forcing the drivers to opt for Pirelli’s Cinturato full wet and intermediate weather tyre. Once again the Cinturato compound will be available to the drivers, along with Pirelli’s soft and medium tyre compounds.

This weekend will mark the first appearance of Pirelli’s 2013 soft tyre compound, which has received slight alterations over the winter period along with all of Pirelli’s compounds. This has caused renewed criticism of Pirelli’s P Zero and Cinturato tyre range, with Red Bull in particular speaking out against the tyre compounds. The medium compound has so far been selected for all of the opening three races, along with the super-soft in Australia and hard in Malaysia.

The Chinese Grand Prix has been present on the Formula 1 calendar since 2004, a year which was dominated by the Ferrari duo of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. The Brazilian driver eventually won the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix, ahead of the BAR of Jenson Button and the McLaren of Kimi Raikkonen. Only Lewis Hamilton has won more than one Chinese Grand Prix, in 2008 and 2011, making him the most successful driver around the Shanghai International Circuit. However, the Briton’s reign around the Chinese circuit could be questioned this weekend if Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button or Nico Rosberg takes victory on Sunday.

Although Lewis Hamilton his two victories at China with McLaren, the Woking-based outfit is tied with the most wins around the circuit with Ferrari. Both teams have won on three occasions (with Jenson Button adding to Lewis Hamilton’s tally), with Ferrari securing victories in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Either Ferrari or McLaren could take a fourth victory at the circuit this weekend, however the Scuderia are without a doubt the likeliest to do so due to McLaren’s disastrous start to the season.

Can Felipe Massa continue his competitive start to the season this weekend in China?

Although Fernando Alonso is unquestionably regarded as the number one driver at Ferrari, Felipe Massa has surprised many with his competitive start to the 2013 season. The 31-year-old Brazilian has not won a Grand Prix since 2008, however he is undeniably eager to end his winless-streak this season. Felipe Massa has finished both races so far this season within the top five, whereas Fernando Alonso crashed out of the Malaysian Grand Prix after a front wing failure on Lap 2. Last season it was widely predicted that the Brazilian would be replaced for the 2013 season, however he has been quick to redeem himself of late and could prove to be a contender for victory this weekend.

The driver representative steward for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix will be former Formula 1 driver Mark Blundell, who will make his second appearance in the role. The 47-year-old Briton made his Formula 1 debut back in 1991 with Brabham, before competing with the likes of Ligier, Tyrrell and McLaren later in his career. He moved to ChampCar in 1996, eventually picking several victories before focusing on endurance races later in his career. The Briton will be joined in the stewardship of the Chinese Grand Prix by Garry Connelly and Steven Chopping.

Like with the opening two races of the season, the Chinese Grand Prix will also feature two DRS Zones around the 5.451km circuit. The first DRS Zone is situated in exactly the same location as last season, with the detection zone at Turn 12 and the activation zone 752m before Turn 14 down the exceedingly long back-straight. The second DRS Zones is a completely new addition for the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend, and is situated with the detection zone 35m before Turn 16, with the activation zone 98m after Turn 16 down the start/finish straight.

Last season saw Nico Rosberg storm to his maiden Formula 1 race victory for Mercedes, and their first victory as a Constructor since 1955 with Juan-Manuel Fangio. The latter stages of the race were utterly dominated by the high degradation of the Pirelli tyres, with Kimi Raikkonen in particular loosing out significantly and dropping back through the order. Once again the Formula 1 fraternity is heading to China with he possibility of a third different race winner this weekend, however the favorite for victory is once again Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull. Can anyone tame the Red Bulls this weekend, or will their own goal of the previous race weekend come back to haunt them?

Picture(s) Copyright © Pirelli & Getty Images

Claire Williams Becomes Deputy Team Principal At Williams

It has been confirmed that Claire Williams has been appointed as the Deputy Team Principal of the Williams F1 Team, a role she will assume with immediate effect. This new role will see her work alongside her father and Team Principal Sir Frank Williams, and has created a clear succession path for the Grove-based outfit.

The announcement of this new appointment was initially scheduled to take place before the start of the new Formula 1 season, however with the death of Lady Virginia Williams earlier in the month, both Sir Frank Williams and Claire Williams elected postpone the announcement due to family privacy. Claire will play a pivotal role in the day to day running of the team, and will continue her role as the Commercial Director of the British outfit. Claire Williams began her career within the team in 2002 as the press officer, and has since worked her way up through the outfit.

“Over the past decade Claire has worked tirelessly for Williams.” Explained the team’s founder, Sir Frank Williams. “Her knowledge of the sport and passion for the team is unquestionable and I’m proud to say that during her time here she has proven herself to be one of our most valuable assets. With Claire being appointed Deputy Team Principal, I know the future of Williams is in extremely safe hands. This appointment also had Ginny’s blessing who I know would have been incredibly proud to have seen Claire taking on this position by my side.’’

Claire Williams is understandably honored to be assuming the role of Deputy Team Principal alongside her father, which comes after recent management alterations at the Grove-based outfit which has seen Adam Parr and Toto Wolff leave the outfit. Claire Williams is hopeful of seeing the team enter a new and successful chapter in the future.

“I’m truly honored to be taking on the role of Deputy Team Principal and look forward to working alongside Frank to help run the team this season and beyond.” Said Claire Williams, “I have grown up in the sport and have learnt the ropes from one of Formula One’s legendary Team Principals and as a result I feel well equipped for this new challenge. I understand the commitment that every person within the team gives each day to see our car out on the track and I am determined to see us back at the top. It will be a privilege to play a part in taking the team into what I hope will be a successful next chapter.”

Williams has endured a frustrating start to the 2013 season, with Pastor Maldonado retiring from both races at Australia and Malaysia. The Venezuelan ace has been rather negative with regards to the team’s FW35 machine, forcing the team to ponder a return to their 2012 exhaust layout amid the challenging start to the season. The team will be hoping for a change of luck in the next few races, as Formula 1 prepares to bid farewell to Asia for the start of the European season in May.

Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team

Sebastian Vettel: “I Think I Did A Big Mistake Today”

Reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel has admitted he made a big mistake in passing team-mate Mark Webber for the lead of the Malaysian Grand Prix, a race which the German eventually won in controversial circumstances. Mark Webber was under the impression that Vettel would not make the move, and that victory was his for the taking.

After Mark Webber perfected the switch from the intermediate to the dry tyres during the early stages of the Malaysian Grand Prix, it looked almost a certainty that Mark Webber would cross the line to take a well earned victory. Allegedly the team informed Mark Webber that Sebastian Vettel would be settling for 2nd position behind the Australian ace, therefore prompting Webber to turn down his engine and save fuel.

However, Sebastian Vettel decided to catch and controversially overtake his team-mate in the latter stages of the race. Mark Webber defended the lead heavily, almost barging Sebastian Vettel into the pit-wall on the run down to Turn 1. Eventually Sebastian Vettel made the move stick on the exit of Turn 4, a maneuver which infuriated Mark Webber and made for a exceedingly tense podium ceremony. The Australian driver felt he drove exceptionally well during the race, and was understandably furious during the podium ceremony.

Although Sebastian Vettel knowingly overtook Mark Webber for the lead of the race, the German later admitted he had made a big mistake in doing so. The reigning World Champion, who took his 27th career victory, apologized to Mark Webber during the post-race press conference and explained how he should have remained in 2nd position and adhered to the team’s orders.

“As you can see I’m not entirely happy.” Explained Sebastian Vettel, “I think I did a big mistake today. I think we should have stayed in the positions that we were. I didn’t ignore it on purpose but I messed up in that situation and obviously took the lead which, I can see now he’s upset, but yeah, I want to be honest at least and stick to the truth and apologize. To sum it up, apologies to Mark, obviously now the result is there but… yeah, all I can say is that I didn’t do it deliberately.”

Mark Webber refused to be drawn into discussion with regards to his team-mate’s actions, however his body language after the race and on the podium spoke much louder than words. Sebastian Vettel’s demeanor on the podium was equally tense, as the realization of his actions struck him. It seemed neither of the three drivers on the podium were happy after the race, as team orders and tyre management once again overshadowed a thoroughly entertaining race.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

Sebastian Vettel Takes Controversial Race Victory At Malaysia

Sebastian Vettel has taken a controversial race victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, after a race long-battle with his Red Bull team-mate of Mark Webber who eventually finished 2nd. Lewis Hamilton managed to finish an decent 3rd, as he too fought with his team-mate of Nico Rosberg.

Prior to the start of the race, rain struck parts of the Sepang International Circuit, resulting in several drivers spinning off of the track on their way to the grid. This forced the entire grid to start the race on the intermediate tyre, with the opening sector of the track extremely wet in particular. At the start, Sebastian Vettel glided into the lead, as Mark Webber enjoyed a surprisingly competitive getaway and stormed into 3rd position around the opening two corners.

Fernando Alonso crashes out of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

In the ensuing melee of the opening few corners, Fernando Alonso damaged his front wing whilst battling with Sebastian Vettel for the lead. The Spaniard surprisingly elected to remain out on the track at the end of the opening lap, and subsequently suffered a front wing failure as Mark Webber overtook the Ferrari driver at Turn 1. With his front-wing utterly destroyed and stuck underneath his Ferrari, Fernando Alonso ran straight on at Turn 1 and beached his car in the retaining gravel trap, forcing him into retirement.

By Lap 5 Sebastian Vettel elected to pit for slick tyres, with the Sepang International Circuit quickly drying out in the humid weather conditions. This move was met with skepticism throughout the paddock as the German driver struggled for grip early on. However, many more drivers eventually decided to pit throughout the next few laps, including Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Mark Webber.

Many were amused when Lewis Hamilton mistakingly stopped at the McLaren garage, with the Briton clearly forgetting he had changed teams for a split second. Force India suffered a disastrous pit stop for their two drivers, after an issue with the front-left tyre held them up. Jean-Eric Vergne collided with Charles Pic in the pits, as the Toro Rosso driver was unsafely released into the path of the Caterham driver.

As the majority of the field pitted, Nico Rosberg assumed the lead for Mercedes however the German driver eventually pitted on Lap 9 to hand the lead of the race to Mark Webber who had overtaken his German team-mate during the opening pit-stops. As Mark Webber continued to lead at the front, Lewis Hamilton gradually began to catch the Red Bull duo at the front. Pastor Maldonado’s torrid start to the new season continued on Lap 14, when the Venezuelan driver ran extensively wide at Turn 11 and damaged his front wing, forcing him to pit for a new one.

After winning the Australian Grand Prix last time out, Kimi Raikkonen was enduring a tough race in the midfield for Lotus after starting 10th. The Finn found himself frustratingly stuck behind the McLaren of Sergio Perez after his first pit-stop, and finally managed to perfect an overtaking maneuver on Lap 15. Mark Webber pitted from the lead on Lap 19, handing the lead down to team-mate Sebastian Vettel. However, the reigning World Champion pitted several laps later, allowing Mark Webber to reassume his lead at the front.

The Force India duo suffered another string of disastrous stops with both of their drivers, which later forced both Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil to retire from the race. Lewis Hamilton pitted from 3rd, this time managing to find the correct pit box. Several laps later saw both Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg pit once again, as Sebastian Vettel took the lead. However, the German driver once again failed to retain the lead at the front when he pitted, exiting the pits behind both Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton down in 3rd position.

After the front runners had completed their third pit-stops, Jenson Button was left in the lead of the race for McLaren. The 2009 World Champion eventually pitted on Lap 36, however a disastrous stop for McLaren saw the Briton grind to a halt just after exiting his pit box with a loose front-right wheel. Out on track saw Sebastian Vettel overtake Lewis Hamilton for 2nd position, as the Briton was ordered to save fuel in his Mercedes. The final round of pit-stops began on Lap 41, with Lewis Hamilton pitting first for Mercedes.

Both Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg were next, with Mark Webber pitting on Lap 43 and only just resuming in the lead ahead of Sebastian Vettel. The next lap saw the Red Bull duo battle extremely hard for the lead, with Mark Webber almost forcing Sebastian Vettel into the pit-wall down the start/finish straight. Eventually Sebastian Vettel muscled his way around his team-mate, as Lewis Hamilton was forced to defend from Nico Rosberg for the final podium position.

As the race entered its closing stages, both Pastor Maldonado, Daniel Ricciardo and Jenson Button retired from the race. Nico Rosberg was forced to settle for 4th position in the latter stages of the race, despite being visibly quicker than his British team-mate. At the front, Sebastian Vettel crossed the line to secure his 27th career victory, ahead of a disgruntled Mark Webber who thought the victory was his. Lewis Hamilton secured his first podium finish for Mercedes, with Nico Rosberg 4th.

Despite a controversial conclusion, the Malaysian Grand Prix was one of pure excitement as two teams at the front battled relentlessly for both the race victory and the final podium position. With the podium an extremely tense affair, the paddock will reconvene in several weeks time for the Chinese Grand Prix.

PROVISIONAL RACE RESULTS

The Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang, Malaysia;
56 laps; 310.408km;
Weather: .

Classified:

Pos  Driver        Team                       Time
 1.  Vettel         Red Bull-Renault           
 2.  Webber         Red Bull-Renault           +     4.298
 3.  Hamilton       Mercedes                   +      12.1
 4.  Rosberg        Mercedes                   +    12.640
 5.  Massa          Ferrari                    +      25.6
 6.  Grosjean       Lotus-Renault              +      35.5
 7.  Raikkonen      Lotus-Renault              +      48.4
 8.  Hulkenberg     Sauber-Ferrari             +      53.0
 9.  Perez          McLaren-Mercedes           +      72.3
10.  Vergne         Toro Rosso-Ferrari         +      87.1
11.  Bottas         Williams-Renault           +      88.6
12.  Gutierrez      Sauber-Ferrari             +     1 lap
13.  Bianchi        Marussia-Cosworth          +     1 lap
14.  Pic            Caterham-Renault           +     1 lap
15.  van der Garde  Caterham-Renault           +     1 lap
16.  Chilton        Marussia-Cosworth          +    2 laps
17.  Button         McLaren-Mercedes           +          
18.  Ricciardo      Toro Rosso-Ferrari         +          
19.  Maldonado      Williams-Renault           +          
20.  Sutil          Force India-Mercedes       +          
21.  Di Resta       Force India-Mercedes       +          
22.  Alonso         Ferrari                    +          

Fastest lap: Perez, 1m39.199

Picture(s) Copyright © Getty Images

Russian Time Replaces iSport International In GP2

German-based outfit Russian Time have replaced iSport International for the forthcoming GP2 Series season, in doing so becoming the first Russian outfit to join the Formula 1 feeder category. The new season kicks off in just under three weeks time, around Malaysia’s sensational Sepang International Circuit.

After it became apparent that iSport International were suffering from financial difficulties back in February, it was believed the British outfit were looking to sell their GP2 entry ahead of the new season. Despite partaking in the first winter test at Jerez, it has now been officially confirmed that their place on the 2013 grid has been taken by newcomers Russian Time.

Although the outfit are Russian and bear the nations name in their title, they are currently based in Germany. The team, founded by Igor Mazepa, are eager to begin operating within the GP2 Series, and are confident despite their late entry into the season. The team will get their first taste of GP2 track action later this week, at the second and final winter test around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

“We’re very happy to be joining the GP2 Series.” Enthused Igor Mazepa, “It is one of the most prestigious categories in motorsport and we cannot wait to start running with the car this week in Barcelona. We know that it will be a challenge to be quickly on par with the other teams, but we have managed to put together a group of people whose experience in GP2 will be invaluable and we are pretty confident that we will do a good job from the get-go. We’re looking forward to this first season and hope to add many more to it!”

Many will be sad to see iSport International depart from the GP2 Series, with the outfit having competed in the category since its inception back in 2005. Since then the outfit had taken 19 race victories, along with the Drivers’ Championship in 2007 with Timo Glock. Last season the team only secured two race victories at the hands of both Jolyon Palmer and Marcus Ericsson, both of whom left the team at the end of the season.

“I am pleased to welcome Russian Time to the GP2 Series.” Explained GP2’s CEO, Bruno Michel. “I am certain that they will be a great addition to our field. Igor Mazepa has already put in place a team of staff with some great GP2 experience which will help them be able to be on pace very quickly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank iSport International and Paul Jackson for eight great seasons in GP2 and wish them all the best for the future.”

Russian Time have yet to announce their drive line-up for the coming season, however with such a short space of time remaining until the season-opening race in support of the Malaysian Grand Prix, the announcement should be soon. The final winter test for the category begins on March 5th at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

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

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.

Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team

Narain Karthikeyan Linked To Force India Drive

Former Jordan and HRT driver Narain Karthikeyan has become the latest driver to be linked to the remaining race seat at Force India, amid continued speculation as to who will eventually team-mate Paul di Resta. The last seat for the Silverstone-based outfit remains the only vacancy on the 2013 grid.

With only several weeks remaining until the season opening Australian Grand Prix, Force India remain the only team on the grid without a fully confirmed driver line-up, after Marussia and Caterham signed Luiz Razia and Giedo van der Garde respectively to complete their driver line-ups for the forthcoming season. Many drivers have been linked to the vacancy at Force India, including the likes of Jaime Alguersuari, Adrian Sutil, Jules Bianchi and now Narain Karthikeyan.

Narain Karthikeyan’s sudden link to the Indian outfit comes after it emerged that the 36-year-old would be able to bring wealthy sponsorship money to the team with Tata, which would essentially see Karthikeyan pay for his drive within the team. The topic of pay drivers has been rife throughout the paddock of late, however it has become a well known fact that some teams up and down the grid require such income to continue their existence in sport.

“As soon as Narain’s long-term sponsors Tata increased the budget for 2013, talks with Force India began.” Explained a source in the Deccan Chronicle. “Unlike the past, the negotiation has been a lot more positive. As reserve drivers don’t have much of a role in F1 these days, Narain is only interested in the second driver seat. If talks fail, he will probably go to America for [the] IndyCar Series where a couple of teams have already shown interest.”

Should Narain Karthikeyan complete the switch from the ashes of HRT to Force India, he would become the first Indian driver to secure a full-time race seat with an Indian outfit. Although this would be an ideal PR opportunity for the Indian Grand Prix later in the year, Karthikeyan’s previous record is unarguably against him with the likes of Adrian Sutil and Jules Bianchi in the mix.

Picture Copyright © HRT F1 Team

Marussia Launches KERS-Assisted MR02 At Jerez

Marussia have unveiled their new KERS-assisted MR02 machine at Jerez, prior to the first day of pre-season testing at the Jerez circuit in Spain. With only one driver confirmed for the new season in former reserve driver Max Chilton, much of the attention within the paddock is on who will team-mate the Briton at the Banbury-based outfit.

As the first day of testing dawned over the Jerez circuit, Marussia became the first outfit to get proceedings underway with a short and sweet unveiling of their new MR02 machine on the track’s start/finish line. The new car features a slightly revised color scheme in comparison to last season, however their main colors of black and red remain relatively the same.

For the first time in 2013, Marussia will run the KERS device which naturally presented a challenge to the design team to accommodate the package. Another new addition to the Banbury-based outfit’s machine is a new sidepod design, which is aimed at improving the airflow over the car. This will be assisted by a more aggressive coanda exhaust layout, which the team believes will be a major development area for the new season up and down the grid.

“We embark on the first pre-season test of 2013 feeling very positive about our new car – the MR02 – and what lies ahead in this next important chapter in the development of the Marussia F1 Team.” Explained Marussia’s team principal, John Booth. “Whilst we have experienced some changes over the winter, the one area of stability we have enjoyed is the one that is most important to our progression from here, the design of our 2013 race car, led by our Technical Director Pat Symonds. The incremental steps we were taking in the latter half of last season gave us the confidence to not only fight hard for 10th place in the Constructors’ Championship, but to feel encouraged by our overall design direction, which was the basis for the car we are fielding here in Jerez today.

“It is early days in our pre-season development programme but there is a great deal of optimism amongst the team for what lies ahead.” Continued John Booth, “With that in mind, we all look forward to seeing the MR02 make its on-track debut later this morning.”

Max Chilton will become the first driver to get behind the wheel of the new MR02 later today at Jerez, however the Briton’s team-mate has yet to be confirmed by the Anglo-Russian outfit. After Timo Glock’s sudden departure from the team, rumors have been circulating that paddock that GP2 ace Luiz Razia could join Max Chilton. With no driver announcement imminent, Max Chilton and Marussia will be hoping for a productive opening day of the first pre-season test.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team