The new rankings after the first Indian Grand Prix.
Rank - Driver - Points - Pre. Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - 3918.5 - 1
2 - Mark Webber - 2477 - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - 2196.5 - 3
4 - Jenson Button - 2047 - 4
5 - Fernando Alonso - 1906 - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - 1035.5 - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - 897.5 - 7
8 - Rubens Barrichello - 716 - 8
9 - Adrian Sutil - 592 - 9
10 - Michael Schumacher - 561 - 10
11 - Vitaly Petrov - 485 - 12
12 - Sebastien Buemi - 451 - 13
13 - Jaime Alguersuari - 339 - 15
14 - Robert Kubica - 337.5 - 11
15 - Kamui Kobayashi - 418 - 14
16 - Nick Heidfeld - 379 - 16
17 - Jarno Trulli - 319 - 17
18 - Paul Di Resta - 308 - 19
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - 295 - 18
20 - Timo Glock - 221.5 - 20
21 - Nico Hulkenberg - 214 - 21
22 - Sergio Perez - 186 - 24
23 - Kimi Raikkonen - 171.5 - 22
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - 171 - 23
25 - Pastor Maldonado - 152 - 25
26 - Bruno Senna - 131 - 26
27 - Giancarlo Fisichella - 93 - 27
28 - Pedro De La Rosa - 84 - 28
29 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 78 - 29
30 - Kazuki Nakajima - 61.5 - 30
31 - Lucas Di Grassi - 37 - 32
32 - Karun Chandhok - 35 - 34
33 - Sebastian Bourdais - 32.5 - 33
34 - Nelson Piquet Jnr - 32 - 31
34 - Narain Karthikeyan - 32 - 36
36 - Daniel Ricciardo - 30 - 36
37 - Sakon Yamamoto - 18 - 35
38 - Romain Grosjean - 15.5 - 38
39 - Luca Badoer - 5.5 - 39
40 - Christian Klien - 2 - 41
Sunday 30 October 2011
2011 Indian Grand Prix - Race
Sebastian Vettel won the first Indian Grand Prix with ease. Jenson Button kept Vettel thinking with a second place finish, ahead of Alonso in third.
The race started with action throughout the grid. Webber was under pressure from Alonso and Button. Fernando slightly locked up, losing his place to Jenson. Button, with a good toe from Webber, took second place down the long straight. Hamilton did have a good start, but around the first corners, he was squeezed out down to sixth. Behind, several cars collided spitting out debris around the first two corners. Timo Glock, Jarno Trulli and Rubens Barrichello (who lost his front wing) all pit. While, Kobayashi has to retire from the race. The biggest gainer was Schumacher, who jumped into 8th place, taking both Toro Rosso's who fell out of the points.
At the very front, Vettel was pulling out a huge lead. On lap 5, he had a 4.2 second gap o the fight for second between Button and Webber. They lead Alonso, Massa, Hamilton, Rosberg, Schumacher, Sutil and Senna. In 11th was Alguersuari, who was putting Bruno under pressure for that last points paying position. After encouragement from his team, the young Spaniard managed to take 10th place off the Brazilian. Things went from bad-to-worse for Senna when Sebastien Buemi took him immediately.
In the battle for second, Button was starting to create a gap. He was setting consistant fastest laps, and was starting to close the gap to Vettel. With a gap of about 5 seconds, Vettel took the fastest lap, ensuring that the gap never got smaller. On the same lap, Webber, Alonso and Hamilton all pitted for new tyres. The order stayed as it was, but when Massa exited the pits a lap latter, he was very close to colliding with his Ferrari teammate. The pace that was being set by these four drivers resulted in Vettel and Button pitting. The fastest on the new tyres was Hamilton. He was setting similar pace to Vettel, and was closing in on Massa in fifth.
On lap 24, little separated the two. By turn 5, Lewis believed he had seen a gap on the inside. Into the braking zone, Massa was just in the lead; however, upon taking the corner, the two collided. Both spun, but they both managed to keep their cars on the track. The incident went to the stewards, and they soon decided that Felipe Massa was at at fault, and gave him a drive-through penalty. After the dust had settled, and Lewis had a new front wing, Massa was seventh, just ahead of Hamilton. However, a lap latter, Massa pitted for new tyres. Then, Felipe's day got even worse. Similar to his accident in qualifying, he hits the kerb at turn 8 (instead of turn 7), braking his front-left suspension, and ending his day.
Back at the front, and Vettel was easily in the lead. Button was ensuring that Sebastian was not running away with the race, as the Brit maintained about a 5 second gap. Behind, there was now a battle for third. Webber and Alonso were closing, and Fernando seemed to be the faster of the two. Webber pitted first, and when Fernando pitted, the Spaniard managed to do the under-cut and take third place of the Australian. Now all he had to do was keep that position.
Alonso managed to fend of Webber for the remaining laps, and Vettel did a similar job to Button. Sebastian Vettel eased to victory at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. Button kept him on his toes, but the German was never in any real danger. Alonso took third ahead of Webber. They lead Schmacher, Rosberg, Hamilton. While Alguersuari, Sutil and Perez rounded out the top 10.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Lewis Hamilton -McLaren - 3
8 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
9 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
10 - Sergio Perez - Sauber -24
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
12 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
13 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
14 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
15 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
16 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
17 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
18 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
R - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
R - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
R - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
R - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
R - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
The race started with action throughout the grid. Webber was under pressure from Alonso and Button. Fernando slightly locked up, losing his place to Jenson. Button, with a good toe from Webber, took second place down the long straight. Hamilton did have a good start, but around the first corners, he was squeezed out down to sixth. Behind, several cars collided spitting out debris around the first two corners. Timo Glock, Jarno Trulli and Rubens Barrichello (who lost his front wing) all pit. While, Kobayashi has to retire from the race. The biggest gainer was Schumacher, who jumped into 8th place, taking both Toro Rosso's who fell out of the points.
At the very front, Vettel was pulling out a huge lead. On lap 5, he had a 4.2 second gap o the fight for second between Button and Webber. They lead Alonso, Massa, Hamilton, Rosberg, Schumacher, Sutil and Senna. In 11th was Alguersuari, who was putting Bruno under pressure for that last points paying position. After encouragement from his team, the young Spaniard managed to take 10th place off the Brazilian. Things went from bad-to-worse for Senna when Sebastien Buemi took him immediately.
In the battle for second, Button was starting to create a gap. He was setting consistant fastest laps, and was starting to close the gap to Vettel. With a gap of about 5 seconds, Vettel took the fastest lap, ensuring that the gap never got smaller. On the same lap, Webber, Alonso and Hamilton all pitted for new tyres. The order stayed as it was, but when Massa exited the pits a lap latter, he was very close to colliding with his Ferrari teammate. The pace that was being set by these four drivers resulted in Vettel and Button pitting. The fastest on the new tyres was Hamilton. He was setting similar pace to Vettel, and was closing in on Massa in fifth.
On lap 24, little separated the two. By turn 5, Lewis believed he had seen a gap on the inside. Into the braking zone, Massa was just in the lead; however, upon taking the corner, the two collided. Both spun, but they both managed to keep their cars on the track. The incident went to the stewards, and they soon decided that Felipe Massa was at at fault, and gave him a drive-through penalty. After the dust had settled, and Lewis had a new front wing, Massa was seventh, just ahead of Hamilton. However, a lap latter, Massa pitted for new tyres. Then, Felipe's day got even worse. Similar to his accident in qualifying, he hits the kerb at turn 8 (instead of turn 7), braking his front-left suspension, and ending his day.
Back at the front, and Vettel was easily in the lead. Button was ensuring that Sebastian was not running away with the race, as the Brit maintained about a 5 second gap. Behind, there was now a battle for third. Webber and Alonso were closing, and Fernando seemed to be the faster of the two. Webber pitted first, and when Fernando pitted, the Spaniard managed to do the under-cut and take third place of the Australian. Now all he had to do was keep that position.
Alonso managed to fend of Webber for the remaining laps, and Vettel did a similar job to Button. Sebastian Vettel eased to victory at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. Button kept him on his toes, but the German was never in any real danger. Alonso took third ahead of Webber. They lead Schmacher, Rosberg, Hamilton. While Alguersuari, Sutil and Perez rounded out the top 10.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Lewis Hamilton -McLaren - 3
8 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
9 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
10 - Sergio Perez - Sauber -24
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
12 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
13 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
14 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
15 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
16 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
17 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
18 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
R - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
R - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
R - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
R - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
R - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
Saturday 29 October 2011
Latest F1 News
Abu Dhabi's Young Driver Test
Drivers are starting to be confirmed for the Young Driver's Test Sessions in Abu Dhabi at the end of the year. Renault will have Kevin Korjus from Estonia. He competed in the Renault World Series this year, fininshing sixth overall. There seems to be a scrum to get a seat at Toro Rosso.
Stefano Coletti seems to be the closest to getting one though. The driver from Monaco finished the 2010 GP3 championship in ninth overall. Also in with a shot of a Toro Rosso drive is Italian, Kevin Ceccon. The 18 year old won this years Auto GP Drivers Championship. Another driver who should feature is Charles Pic. It had been rumoured that he was set for a Toro Rosso seat, but it seems that Force India has gained his services.
Grosjean To Drive For Renault
Romain Grosjean will take a seat at Renault during first practice at Abu Dhabi and Brazil. Renault are trying to decide on next years driver line-up, and Swiss driver Grosjean seems to be a favourite to take the seat. At the moment he seems to be fighting with Senna, Petrov and Kubica to get one of the two Renault seats. Romain has driver for Renault before, competing in seven races in 2009. He managed to get to 13th place at Brazil.
HRT Recieve Double Penalty
Both Hispania drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Daniel Ricciadro, have received grid-penalties after qualifying at India. Narain has been handed a 5-place penalty for impeding Michael Schumacher in Q1. Ricciadro has also got a 5-place penalty after a gearbox change. Both HRT will start on the back row of the gird. This is a huge dissapointment for the Spanish team, after both of their drivers had beaten Virgin.
Drivers are starting to be confirmed for the Young Driver's Test Sessions in Abu Dhabi at the end of the year. Renault will have Kevin Korjus from Estonia. He competed in the Renault World Series this year, fininshing sixth overall. There seems to be a scrum to get a seat at Toro Rosso.
Stefano Coletti seems to be the closest to getting one though. The driver from Monaco finished the 2010 GP3 championship in ninth overall. Also in with a shot of a Toro Rosso drive is Italian, Kevin Ceccon. The 18 year old won this years Auto GP Drivers Championship. Another driver who should feature is Charles Pic. It had been rumoured that he was set for a Toro Rosso seat, but it seems that Force India has gained his services.
Grosjean To Drive For Renault
Romain Grosjean will take a seat at Renault during first practice at Abu Dhabi and Brazil. Renault are trying to decide on next years driver line-up, and Swiss driver Grosjean seems to be a favourite to take the seat. At the moment he seems to be fighting with Senna, Petrov and Kubica to get one of the two Renault seats. Romain has driver for Renault before, competing in seven races in 2009. He managed to get to 13th place at Brazil.
HRT Recieve Double Penalty
Both Hispania drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Daniel Ricciadro, have received grid-penalties after qualifying at India. Narain has been handed a 5-place penalty for impeding Michael Schumacher in Q1. Ricciadro has also got a 5-place penalty after a gearbox change. Both HRT will start on the back row of the gird. This is a huge dissapointment for the Spanish team, after both of their drivers had beaten Virgin.
2011 Indian Grand Prix - Qualifying
Sebastian Vettel took Pole Position, again, at the first Indian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton took second, but will start in fifth due to his grid penalty.
Q1 turned out to be quite tight for some drivers. HRT, Virgin and Lotus all lost their drivers, but they were joined by Kobayshi. Kamui was just beaten by Schumacher and Button, as they had to go out on the soft tyres to ensure passage into the next faze of qualifying. Throughout the twenty minutes, there was alot of close action. Several cars slide of, and cut corners, throwing up alot of dirt. As soon as the tyres got dusty, it resulted in the cars usually falling of the track again. All this drama resulted in drivers rejoining into another drivers line. It is unsure how much some drivers were effected, but it would be a suprise if anything is taken further.
In Q2, the top six teams ensured they had quick qualified for Q3 by setting a lap time as soon as possible. Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren did the one stint, on a quiter track. They were joined by Rosberg, who seemed to have good pace. This left the midfield to fight for the remaining three spaces. Schumacher was the drivers under pressure, again. With some traffic, and vibration on the rear tyres, the best the German could come was 12th. He was beaten by both Toro Rossos and Adrian Sutil.
Q3 was all about the top 6. Sutil, Buemi and Alguersuari did not set a time, so there would be escusses about traffic. After 5 minutes, Vettel lead Hamilton. Button chose to set 1 flying lap, due to his problems in Q1. The battled seemed to be between Sebastian and Lewis, unless their teammates could spring a suprise. With the chequered flag out, everyone was on a flying lap, and lap times were very close. Massa was running his Ferrari to the edge; however, he took his car to far. Going over a chicane, he broke his supension on his front-right wheel. Losing control, he slid into the wall. Yellow Flags came out. However, there was some confsion for Button. He was passing Massa while he was sliding into the wall. He past the incident before the yellow flags came out. No punishment was been recieved or given yet, but when Jenson set his time, he had jumped to 5th, ahead of Massa. Further ahead, Vettel had improved his lap time. Lewis had had a poor lap, and he abonded the lap, and settled for second, ahead of Webber and Alonso.
Vettel took Red Bull's 16th Pole of the season. After his penalty, Hamilton will start 5th, pushing up Webber, Alonso and Button.
Grid For Tomorrow
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
3 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
4 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
5 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3*
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
10 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
11 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
12 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
13 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
14 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
15 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
16 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12*
17 - Kamui Koabayashi - Sauber - 14
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24*
21 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
22 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36*
24 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36*
*LH & SP - after 3 place grid penalty
*VP & NK - after 5 place grid penalty
*DR - after penalty for gearbox change
Q1 turned out to be quite tight for some drivers. HRT, Virgin and Lotus all lost their drivers, but they were joined by Kobayshi. Kamui was just beaten by Schumacher and Button, as they had to go out on the soft tyres to ensure passage into the next faze of qualifying. Throughout the twenty minutes, there was alot of close action. Several cars slide of, and cut corners, throwing up alot of dirt. As soon as the tyres got dusty, it resulted in the cars usually falling of the track again. All this drama resulted in drivers rejoining into another drivers line. It is unsure how much some drivers were effected, but it would be a suprise if anything is taken further.
In Q2, the top six teams ensured they had quick qualified for Q3 by setting a lap time as soon as possible. Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren did the one stint, on a quiter track. They were joined by Rosberg, who seemed to have good pace. This left the midfield to fight for the remaining three spaces. Schumacher was the drivers under pressure, again. With some traffic, and vibration on the rear tyres, the best the German could come was 12th. He was beaten by both Toro Rossos and Adrian Sutil.
Q3 was all about the top 6. Sutil, Buemi and Alguersuari did not set a time, so there would be escusses about traffic. After 5 minutes, Vettel lead Hamilton. Button chose to set 1 flying lap, due to his problems in Q1. The battled seemed to be between Sebastian and Lewis, unless their teammates could spring a suprise. With the chequered flag out, everyone was on a flying lap, and lap times were very close. Massa was running his Ferrari to the edge; however, he took his car to far. Going over a chicane, he broke his supension on his front-right wheel. Losing control, he slid into the wall. Yellow Flags came out. However, there was some confsion for Button. He was passing Massa while he was sliding into the wall. He past the incident before the yellow flags came out. No punishment was been recieved or given yet, but when Jenson set his time, he had jumped to 5th, ahead of Massa. Further ahead, Vettel had improved his lap time. Lewis had had a poor lap, and he abonded the lap, and settled for second, ahead of Webber and Alonso.
Vettel took Red Bull's 16th Pole of the season. After his penalty, Hamilton will start 5th, pushing up Webber, Alonso and Button.
Grid For Tomorrow
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
3 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
4 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
5 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3*
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
10 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
11 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
12 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
13 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
14 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
15 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
16 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12*
17 - Kamui Koabayashi - Sauber - 14
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24*
21 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
22 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36*
24 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36*
*LH & SP - after 3 place grid penalty
*VP & NK - after 5 place grid penalty
*DR - after penalty for gearbox change
Friday 28 October 2011
2011 Indian Grand Prix - Free Practice
Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa were the quickest to adapt the the new track, as the topped FP1 and FP2. However, the big talking point was Hamilton and Sergio Perez. He has received a three-place grid penalty for qualifying after ignoring yellow flags. The flags were out due to marshalls being on the track.
Free Practice 1
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
5 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
10 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
11 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
12 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
13 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
14 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
15 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
16 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
19 - Karun Chandhok - Lotus - 34
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
21 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
22 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
23 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
24 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
Free Practice 2
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
4 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
7 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
8 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
10 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
12 - Kamui Kobayshi - Sauber - 14
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
14 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
15 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
16 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
17 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
19 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
21 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Daniel Ricciadro - HRT - 38
24 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
Free Practice 3
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
10 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
11 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
12 - Bruno Senna - Renault -26
13 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
14 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
22 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
23 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
24 - Daniel Ricciadro - HRT - 36
Free Practice 1
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
5 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
10 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
11 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
12 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
13 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
14 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
15 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
16 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
19 - Karun Chandhok - Lotus - 34
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
21 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
22 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
23 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
24 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
Free Practice 2
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
4 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
7 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
8 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
10 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
12 - Kamui Kobayshi - Sauber - 14
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
14 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
15 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
16 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
17 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
19 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
21 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Daniel Ricciadro - HRT - 38
24 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
Free Practice 3
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
10 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
11 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
12 - Bruno Senna - Renault -26
13 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
14 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
22 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
23 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
24 - Daniel Ricciadro - HRT - 36
Saturday 22 October 2011
Latest F1 News
Karthikeyan In For Liuzzi
Narain Karthikean will replace Vitantonio Liuzzi at the Indian Grand Prix. Hispania will have Karthikeyan and Ricciardo in their two cars. It had been announced months ago that Narain would race at India, but as was reported here, there was doubt over who he would replace. In the end the Italian Liuzzi will take a back seat this weekend, though he will race the Abu Dhabi and Brazil GP.
The New Jersey Grand Prix?
The big rumours this week is that USA will have two races by 2013. As well as a new race at Austin next year, a newer street-race could feature at New Jersey in 2013. The fourth street-race, would be in June, probably around the same time as the Canadian GP. It may be risky having a second American GP, with the embarrassment of the last USA GP at Indianapolis. With 2 races now set to be in America, this one will be named the Grand Prix Of America.
Nico Close To A New Contract
Mercedes and Nico Rosberg are in contract discussions. Nico's contract runs out after 2012, but the German is looking to sign a "long-term" deal. Mercedes seem to be keen to keep Nico for as long as they can. For Nico, Mercedes is probably his best bet. If he ever had the choice to join the 3 bigger teams, we would be number 2. Signing a new contract should put him as Mercedes' Number 1 for some years to come.
Karun Will Not Race In India
Lotus' Tony Fernandes has confirmed that Karun Chandhok will not race at the Indian GP this weekend. There had been strong rumours that he would get the chance to race at his home's inaugural F1 race, but it was not to be. Karun will get a chance to do Free Practice 1 on Friday, but that will be all. However, there could be a future for the driver. It seems that Lotus are keen on having him around for longer. Heikki Kovalainen & Jarno Trulli are confirmed for next year, but Jarno's F1 days are numbered, and Karun could be the man who fills his shoes in 2013.
2 DRS Zones For India?
Word on the street is that there will be two DRS zones at this weekends India GP. Like at the Italian & Canadian GPs, the drivers will be able to use the DRS twice. The first zone would be between turns 3 & 4 on the long straight. Then the second one would be at the exit of turn 15, to turn 16 (the last on the track). It is to be seen yet if 2 DRS zones are better than 1. Canada was a classic GP, but that was due to the weather. The 2 zones at Italy didn't create two much for the race, but lets see what it is like in India.
Narain Karthikean will replace Vitantonio Liuzzi at the Indian Grand Prix. Hispania will have Karthikeyan and Ricciardo in their two cars. It had been announced months ago that Narain would race at India, but as was reported here, there was doubt over who he would replace. In the end the Italian Liuzzi will take a back seat this weekend, though he will race the Abu Dhabi and Brazil GP.
The New Jersey Grand Prix?
The big rumours this week is that USA will have two races by 2013. As well as a new race at Austin next year, a newer street-race could feature at New Jersey in 2013. The fourth street-race, would be in June, probably around the same time as the Canadian GP. It may be risky having a second American GP, with the embarrassment of the last USA GP at Indianapolis. With 2 races now set to be in America, this one will be named the Grand Prix Of America.
Nico Close To A New Contract
Mercedes and Nico Rosberg are in contract discussions. Nico's contract runs out after 2012, but the German is looking to sign a "long-term" deal. Mercedes seem to be keen to keep Nico for as long as they can. For Nico, Mercedes is probably his best bet. If he ever had the choice to join the 3 bigger teams, we would be number 2. Signing a new contract should put him as Mercedes' Number 1 for some years to come.
Karun Will Not Race In India
Lotus' Tony Fernandes has confirmed that Karun Chandhok will not race at the Indian GP this weekend. There had been strong rumours that he would get the chance to race at his home's inaugural F1 race, but it was not to be. Karun will get a chance to do Free Practice 1 on Friday, but that will be all. However, there could be a future for the driver. It seems that Lotus are keen on having him around for longer. Heikki Kovalainen & Jarno Trulli are confirmed for next year, but Jarno's F1 days are numbered, and Karun could be the man who fills his shoes in 2013.
2 DRS Zones For India?
Word on the street is that there will be two DRS zones at this weekends India GP. Like at the Italian & Canadian GPs, the drivers will be able to use the DRS twice. The first zone would be between turns 3 & 4 on the long straight. Then the second one would be at the exit of turn 15, to turn 16 (the last on the track). It is to be seen yet if 2 DRS zones are better than 1. Canada was a classic GP, but that was due to the weather. The 2 zones at Italy didn't create two much for the race, but lets see what it is like in India.
2011 Indian Grand Prix - Preview
2011 Indian GP
Location : Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida. Uttar Pradesh
Lap Stats : 60 laps - 3.19 miles/lap - 101.6 miles
Weather
Saturday : Sunshine
Sunday : Sunshine
This Time
Now with both titles wrapped up, Red Bull have nothing to loose, so expect to see them race without any pressure. With it being the first Indian GP, you can also expect a surprise. The driver who adapts the the track the fastest will get a huge advantage. It may be one of the few weekends, where the Free Practice sessions will be a true reflection of who is fastest. As for the track, it looks interesting. It has a Tilke-long-straight-with-tight-corner, which will be the DRS zone. I would say that the majority of overtaking will be there, but that wasn't the case in Korea. For the race, Petrov has a 5-grid penalty after his Korean accident, and at the end of the grid, there will be at least one Indian driver. Karthikeyan will replace Liuzzi, and partner Ricciardo, at the HRT team. There has still been no conformation on Karun Chadhok taking a Lotus seat. Karun has Tony Fernandes' backing, but that may not be enough.
Location : Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida. Uttar Pradesh
Lap Stats : 60 laps - 3.19 miles/lap - 101.6 miles
Weather
Saturday : Sunshine
Sunday : Sunshine
This Time
Now with both titles wrapped up, Red Bull have nothing to loose, so expect to see them race without any pressure. With it being the first Indian GP, you can also expect a surprise. The driver who adapts the the track the fastest will get a huge advantage. It may be one of the few weekends, where the Free Practice sessions will be a true reflection of who is fastest. As for the track, it looks interesting. It has a Tilke-long-straight-with-tight-corner, which will be the DRS zone. I would say that the majority of overtaking will be there, but that wasn't the case in Korea. For the race, Petrov has a 5-grid penalty after his Korean accident, and at the end of the grid, there will be at least one Indian driver. Karthikeyan will replace Liuzzi, and partner Ricciardo, at the HRT team. There has still been no conformation on Karun Chadhok taking a Lotus seat. Karun has Tony Fernandes' backing, but that may not be enough.
Friday 21 October 2011
Latest F1 News
Vettel to Help Webber To Second Place
Driver's World Champion, Sebastian Vettel has said that he will help team mate Mark Webber, in any way he can, to get second place in the Driver's World Championship. Mark is in battle with Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton to take that second place behind Sebastian Vettel. It is unsure on Webber's thoughts on the matter, though he may be forced to accept, as the Red Bull bosses will surely want a 1-2.
Hulkenberg & DiResta For Force India
It is rumoured that Force India has chosen on next years driver line-up, and it will be Nico Hulkenberg and Paul DiResta. Leaving out Adrian Sutil may be a risk, through he has been pushed by DiResta, and many expect the Scot to go onto greater things. Nico had a solid debut season, with a unforgettable Pole in Brazil. Many fans are undecided on the German, though giving him a second chance should go down well. The question is now, what happens to Sutil. There has been rumours of a Williams seat being available, then there is also Renault, a future seat at Mercedes, even Ferrari?
Driver's World Champion, Sebastian Vettel has said that he will help team mate Mark Webber, in any way he can, to get second place in the Driver's World Championship. Mark is in battle with Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton to take that second place behind Sebastian Vettel. It is unsure on Webber's thoughts on the matter, though he may be forced to accept, as the Red Bull bosses will surely want a 1-2.
Hulkenberg & DiResta For Force India
It is rumoured that Force India has chosen on next years driver line-up, and it will be Nico Hulkenberg and Paul DiResta. Leaving out Adrian Sutil may be a risk, through he has been pushed by DiResta, and many expect the Scot to go onto greater things. Nico had a solid debut season, with a unforgettable Pole in Brazil. Many fans are undecided on the German, though giving him a second chance should go down well. The question is now, what happens to Sutil. There has been rumours of a Williams seat being available, then there is also Renault, a future seat at Mercedes, even Ferrari?
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Latest F1 News
Petrov Gets Penalty
After his crash with Michael Schumacher at Korea, Vitaly Petrov has been given a five-place grid penalty for the Indian grand prix. Petrov was fighting with Alonso, when h out-breaked himself, and crashed into the side of Michael's Mercedes. The Korean stewards decided that Petrov had caused an avoidable collision. Petrov had acknowledged that the accident was his fault.
HRT Gets Penalty
Hispania Racing Team also got a penalty post-Korean GP. An unsafe release of Daniel Ricciardo's car during the race earned HRT a E5000 fine. The Aussie was released into the path of another driver after his second pitstop.
Korean GP Under Threat
After making a loss at last weekends GP, future races in South Korea have come under doubt. The race promoter had said that the race had made a huge loss, and that the race was unpopular with the locals. During the weekends, the grandstands were not full, and with the area around the track still looking like an industrial site, instead of the intended city, its future looks bleak. The only foreseeable way to aid it would be if Bernie Ecclestone lowered the price of its contract, although, with several other countries looking at a possible grand prix, there is little chance of that happening soon.
A 5th Driver In Line For A Toro Rosso Seat?
With Buemi, Alguersuari, Ricciadro & Vergne all in the hat for a Toro Rosso drive next year, it seems that fifth driver is also in contention. Charles Pic is rumoured to be taking part in the Abu Dhabi Young Driver's Test, at the end of the year, for Toro Rosso. The Frenchman is currently racing in GP2, and is fourth in the standings. It seems to be understood that if he does not get a seat, then he will likely be the Test Driver next year.
Mercedes Re-Invent F-Duct
Mercedes seems to getting ready for 2012. It seems that at Suzuka, the tested a F-duct style innovation, and they intend to use it next year. It is confined to the front wing, unlike McLaren's 2009 design. Air flows through a vent on the nose, and is directed to the front wing supports, and exits at the rear wing. It is not activated by the drivers, making it legal.
After his crash with Michael Schumacher at Korea, Vitaly Petrov has been given a five-place grid penalty for the Indian grand prix. Petrov was fighting with Alonso, when h out-breaked himself, and crashed into the side of Michael's Mercedes. The Korean stewards decided that Petrov had caused an avoidable collision. Petrov had acknowledged that the accident was his fault.
HRT Gets Penalty
Hispania Racing Team also got a penalty post-Korean GP. An unsafe release of Daniel Ricciardo's car during the race earned HRT a E5000 fine. The Aussie was released into the path of another driver after his second pitstop.
Korean GP Under Threat
After making a loss at last weekends GP, future races in South Korea have come under doubt. The race promoter had said that the race had made a huge loss, and that the race was unpopular with the locals. During the weekends, the grandstands were not full, and with the area around the track still looking like an industrial site, instead of the intended city, its future looks bleak. The only foreseeable way to aid it would be if Bernie Ecclestone lowered the price of its contract, although, with several other countries looking at a possible grand prix, there is little chance of that happening soon.
A 5th Driver In Line For A Toro Rosso Seat?
With Buemi, Alguersuari, Ricciadro & Vergne all in the hat for a Toro Rosso drive next year, it seems that fifth driver is also in contention. Charles Pic is rumoured to be taking part in the Abu Dhabi Young Driver's Test, at the end of the year, for Toro Rosso. The Frenchman is currently racing in GP2, and is fourth in the standings. It seems to be understood that if he does not get a seat, then he will likely be the Test Driver next year.
Mercedes Re-Invent F-Duct
Mercedes seems to getting ready for 2012. It seems that at Suzuka, the tested a F-duct style innovation, and they intend to use it next year. It is confined to the front wing, unlike McLaren's 2009 design. Air flows through a vent on the nose, and is directed to the front wing supports, and exits at the rear wing. It is not activated by the drivers, making it legal.
Sunday 16 October 2011
New Rankings Review
Schumacher vs Sutil
In the Battle of the Germans in ninth place, it appears that Adrian Sutil has taken the upper hand. He lost 9th place last week after the Japanese GP, but due to Michael's retirement at this weekends Korean GP, Adrian has re-taken that place back. There is now a 26 point gap between the two German drivers, and that gap will probably stay about the same until the end of the season.
Ricciardo Starts To Climb
Daniel Ricciardo of HRT has started to climb the rankings. This weekend has seen the Australian jump up 2 places, as he is currently joint at 36th place. If he finishes the remaining three races, he will carry on climbing. He should be in the top 35 by the end of the year, and if his races go really well, he will soon be knocking on the door of the top 30.
In the Battle of the Germans in ninth place, it appears that Adrian Sutil has taken the upper hand. He lost 9th place last week after the Japanese GP, but due to Michael's retirement at this weekends Korean GP, Adrian has re-taken that place back. There is now a 26 point gap between the two German drivers, and that gap will probably stay about the same until the end of the season.
Ricciardo Starts To Climb
Daniel Ricciardo of HRT has started to climb the rankings. This weekend has seen the Australian jump up 2 places, as he is currently joint at 36th place. If he finishes the remaining three races, he will carry on climbing. He should be in the top 35 by the end of the year, and if his races go really well, he will soon be knocking on the door of the top 30.
Rankings - 16th October
The new rankings after the 2011 Korean Grand Prix.
Rank - Driver - Points - Pre. Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - 3764.5 - 1
2 - Mark Webber - 2468 - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - 2266 - 3
4 - Jenson Button - 1997 - 4
5 - Fernando Alonso - 1928.5 - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - 1080.5 - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - 870.5 - 7
8 - Rubens Barrichello - 744.5 - 8
9 - Adrian Sutil - 573 - 10
10 - Michael Schumacher - 547 - 9
11 - Robert Kubica - 487 - 11
12 - Vitaly Petrov - 458 - 12
13 - Sebastian Buemi - 458 - 13
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - 437 - 14
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - 436.5 - 15
16 - Nick Heidfeld - 399.5 - 15
17 - Jarno Trulli - 315.5 - 17
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - 293.5 - 18
19 - Paul Di Resta - 292 19
20 - Timo Glock - 228.5 - 21
21 - Nico Hulkenberg - 225 - 20
22 - Kimi Raikkonen - 199 - 22
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - 191 - 23
24 - Sergio Perez - 164 - 24
25 - Pastor Maldonado - 152 - 25
26 - Bruno Senna - 120 - 26
27 - Giancarlo Fisichella - 100.5 - 27
28 - Pedro De La Rosa - 84 - 28
29 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 78 - 29
30 - Kazuki Nakajima - 66 - 30
31 - Nelson Piquet Jnr - 38.5 - 31
32 - Lucas Di Grassi - 37 - 33
33 - Sebastian Bourdais - 36.5 - 32
34 - Karun Chandhok - 35 - 34
35 - Sakon Yamamoto - 24 - 35
36 - Narain Karthikeyan - 22 - 36
36 - Daniel Ricciardo - 22 - 38
38 - Romain Grosjean - 19.5 - 37
39 - David Coulthard - 5.5 - 39
39 - Luca Badoer - 5.5 - 39
41 - Chrisitian Klien - 2 - 41
Rank - Driver - Points - Pre. Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - 3764.5 - 1
2 - Mark Webber - 2468 - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - 2266 - 3
4 - Jenson Button - 1997 - 4
5 - Fernando Alonso - 1928.5 - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - 1080.5 - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - 870.5 - 7
8 - Rubens Barrichello - 744.5 - 8
9 - Adrian Sutil - 573 - 10
10 - Michael Schumacher - 547 - 9
11 - Robert Kubica - 487 - 11
12 - Vitaly Petrov - 458 - 12
13 - Sebastian Buemi - 458 - 13
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - 437 - 14
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - 436.5 - 15
16 - Nick Heidfeld - 399.5 - 15
17 - Jarno Trulli - 315.5 - 17
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - 293.5 - 18
19 - Paul Di Resta - 292 19
20 - Timo Glock - 228.5 - 21
21 - Nico Hulkenberg - 225 - 20
22 - Kimi Raikkonen - 199 - 22
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - 191 - 23
24 - Sergio Perez - 164 - 24
25 - Pastor Maldonado - 152 - 25
26 - Bruno Senna - 120 - 26
27 - Giancarlo Fisichella - 100.5 - 27
28 - Pedro De La Rosa - 84 - 28
29 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 78 - 29
30 - Kazuki Nakajima - 66 - 30
31 - Nelson Piquet Jnr - 38.5 - 31
32 - Lucas Di Grassi - 37 - 33
33 - Sebastian Bourdais - 36.5 - 32
34 - Karun Chandhok - 35 - 34
35 - Sakon Yamamoto - 24 - 35
36 - Narain Karthikeyan - 22 - 36
36 - Daniel Ricciardo - 22 - 38
38 - Romain Grosjean - 19.5 - 37
39 - David Coulthard - 5.5 - 39
39 - Luca Badoer - 5.5 - 39
41 - Chrisitian Klien - 2 - 41
2011 Korean Grand Prix - Race
Sebastian Vettel won his first race as Double World Champion at the Korean grand prix. Lewis Hamilton came a determined second, ahead of Mark Webber in third.
The start was quite tight. Everyone made it around the first two corners in safety. However, the order was to change by turn four. Vettel got a very good tow down the main 1km straight, and tried to outbrake Lewis. Hamilton won, but Sebastian got great traction of the corner, and using his KERS, took the inside line around turn four, and took the lead. Behind, it was Felipe Massa who got the best start. He jumped up to fourth, as he battled with Webber, Button & Alonso. Webber stayed third, while Button dropped back to sixth after being squashed out. Rosberg was close behind Button, while Schumacher had managed to get himself into the points.
By lap 4, Vettel had managed to pull out the 1 second gap needed for the DRS zone. Hamilton had a similar gap to Webber, but the Ferrari's were closer to Mark. By lap 9, only 2 seconds covered Webber, Massa & Alonso. Neither Ferrari could get past Mark, while the Australian could just not pull away. The battle became so tight, that they started to drop back from Hamilton, and Button started to catch them.
By lap 14, the pit stop window had opened. The first to pit were Button & Rosberg. Jenson had the lead in the pits, but on exit, it was Nico who led. However, the German made a mistake coming out of the pits, and Jenson snatched back seventh on the straight. Hamilton & Vettel soon pitted as well. But, after exiting the pits, the double yellow flags came out, with the safety car. At the end of the long straight, Petrov had tried to out brake Alonso, locked up his brakes, and crashed into the back of Schumacher. The accident retired both drivers, and due to the debris, the safety car came out so the marshals could clear the mess.
When the safety car re-entered the pits, Vettel pulled away from Hamilton, then Webber, Button, Rosberg, Massa & Alonso. Button was told to climb all over the back of Mark's Red Bull, however a charge never appeared. Jenson could not seem to catch Mark, as Webber seemed to have his eyes on Hamilton. Behind, Rosberg started to hold up the 2 Ferrari's. Alonso had been stuck behind his team mate all race, and their seemed to be no indication that Felipe would be letting him through. The 2 eventually forced Nico into a mistake. Nico locked up, and in the smoke and chaos, both Ferrari drivers slipped past, with Fernando also sneaking past Felipe.
The action was now in the battle for second. Webber was catching Hamilton slowly but surely. By lap 34, Webber was right behind Lewis, and the two had a great battle around the second sector. They were wheel to wheel as neither would give way. Eventually, Webber backed out slightly, but did not fall to far behind. He was constantly badgering Lewis. The McLaren seemed to have the edge on the first 2 sectors, but the Red Bull could pull back a lot of momentum in the final sector. However, as Mark said after the race, it was harder to pass in that part of the track.
The grid stayed fairly similar to the final set of stops. With drivers fighting behind him, Vettel now had clear air, and made his stop with ease. Hamilton & Webber pitted together, however, Lewis stayed ahead. Button was catching this pair, but he was also being caught by Alonso, who was the fastest man on track. Massa was in sixth, ahead of a battle between Alguersuari & Rosberg for seventh. With the end of the race approaching, Lewis seemed to be able to keep Webber at bay. Button & Alonso couldn't seem to battle, and at one point Fernando went on his team radio saying "I Give Up". A very un-Alonso like response. Jaime Alguersuari eventually took seventh of Rosberg, who had a very long stint on his last set of tyres. In the end though, the day was about one man, and one team. Sebastian Vettel took his 2oth race win, and Red Bull took the constructors title for a second successive year.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
10 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
11 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 10
12 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
13 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
14 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
15 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
17 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
18 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
19 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
20 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - HRT - 29
21 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
R - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
R - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
R - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
The start was quite tight. Everyone made it around the first two corners in safety. However, the order was to change by turn four. Vettel got a very good tow down the main 1km straight, and tried to outbrake Lewis. Hamilton won, but Sebastian got great traction of the corner, and using his KERS, took the inside line around turn four, and took the lead. Behind, it was Felipe Massa who got the best start. He jumped up to fourth, as he battled with Webber, Button & Alonso. Webber stayed third, while Button dropped back to sixth after being squashed out. Rosberg was close behind Button, while Schumacher had managed to get himself into the points.
By lap 4, Vettel had managed to pull out the 1 second gap needed for the DRS zone. Hamilton had a similar gap to Webber, but the Ferrari's were closer to Mark. By lap 9, only 2 seconds covered Webber, Massa & Alonso. Neither Ferrari could get past Mark, while the Australian could just not pull away. The battle became so tight, that they started to drop back from Hamilton, and Button started to catch them.
By lap 14, the pit stop window had opened. The first to pit were Button & Rosberg. Jenson had the lead in the pits, but on exit, it was Nico who led. However, the German made a mistake coming out of the pits, and Jenson snatched back seventh on the straight. Hamilton & Vettel soon pitted as well. But, after exiting the pits, the double yellow flags came out, with the safety car. At the end of the long straight, Petrov had tried to out brake Alonso, locked up his brakes, and crashed into the back of Schumacher. The accident retired both drivers, and due to the debris, the safety car came out so the marshals could clear the mess.
When the safety car re-entered the pits, Vettel pulled away from Hamilton, then Webber, Button, Rosberg, Massa & Alonso. Button was told to climb all over the back of Mark's Red Bull, however a charge never appeared. Jenson could not seem to catch Mark, as Webber seemed to have his eyes on Hamilton. Behind, Rosberg started to hold up the 2 Ferrari's. Alonso had been stuck behind his team mate all race, and their seemed to be no indication that Felipe would be letting him through. The 2 eventually forced Nico into a mistake. Nico locked up, and in the smoke and chaos, both Ferrari drivers slipped past, with Fernando also sneaking past Felipe.
The action was now in the battle for second. Webber was catching Hamilton slowly but surely. By lap 34, Webber was right behind Lewis, and the two had a great battle around the second sector. They were wheel to wheel as neither would give way. Eventually, Webber backed out slightly, but did not fall to far behind. He was constantly badgering Lewis. The McLaren seemed to have the edge on the first 2 sectors, but the Red Bull could pull back a lot of momentum in the final sector. However, as Mark said after the race, it was harder to pass in that part of the track.
The grid stayed fairly similar to the final set of stops. With drivers fighting behind him, Vettel now had clear air, and made his stop with ease. Hamilton & Webber pitted together, however, Lewis stayed ahead. Button was catching this pair, but he was also being caught by Alonso, who was the fastest man on track. Massa was in sixth, ahead of a battle between Alguersuari & Rosberg for seventh. With the end of the race approaching, Lewis seemed to be able to keep Webber at bay. Button & Alonso couldn't seem to battle, and at one point Fernando went on his team radio saying "I Give Up". A very un-Alonso like response. Jaime Alguersuari eventually took seventh of Rosberg, who had a very long stint on his last set of tyres. In the end though, the day was about one man, and one team. Sebastian Vettel took his 2oth race win, and Red Bull took the constructors title for a second successive year.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
10 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
11 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 10
12 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
13 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
14 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
15 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
17 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
18 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
19 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
20 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - HRT - 29
21 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
R - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
R - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
R - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
Saturday 15 October 2011
2011 Korean Grand Prix - Qualifying
Lewis Hamilton got his first pole position of the year, finally denying Red Bull the top stop. Vettel could only come second, ahead of Button & Webber.
In Q1, everything went to plan to most of the teams. Hamilton set the fastest lap in the 20 minutes, as McLaren seemed to close the gap to Red Bull at the front. In the midfield, Force India and Sauber seemed secure. The team in trouble was Williams. It seemed to be a fight between Maldonado & Barrichello to see who would make it through. With the flag out, it was Barrichello who was through, but with Rubens in the pits, Pastor came across the line, beating his teammates lap time. Rubens joined the two Lotus', Virgins & HRTs.
Q2 was slightly tighter for some teams. Red Bull & McLaren eased through on the soft tyres. But Ferrari & Mercedes had to use the super-soft tyres. Massa had to do 2 stints to get through to Q3, while Michael Schumacher struggled with vibration, and he could only reach 12th. His lap time was beaten by Alguersuari, then Sutil & DiResta. Both Force India's just making it through to the last part of Qualifying.
In Q3, it was all about today's 2 fastest teams. In the first stint, Hamilton took pole, ahead of Vettel, Webber & Button. The Ferrari's were split by Rosberg, while Force India chose not to run. At the start of the second stint, it seemed that the drivers were tight for time. Every made it across the line in time, but all 8 drivers were tightly bunched. Webber was first in the pack, but a poor first sector forced him to abandon his lap. Behind him though, was the man of the moment. Lewis Hamilton went across the line, setting the fastest time of the day. Button could only beat Webber, and Vettel could nothing but take second.
Lewis stops Red Bull's total domination of Qualifying this year. It is the first none-Red Bull pole since Brazil 2010, and Lewis' first pole since Canada 2010!
Grid For Tomorrow
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
10 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 10
11 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
12 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
13 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
15 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
16 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
17 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
20 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
24 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
In Q1, everything went to plan to most of the teams. Hamilton set the fastest lap in the 20 minutes, as McLaren seemed to close the gap to Red Bull at the front. In the midfield, Force India and Sauber seemed secure. The team in trouble was Williams. It seemed to be a fight between Maldonado & Barrichello to see who would make it through. With the flag out, it was Barrichello who was through, but with Rubens in the pits, Pastor came across the line, beating his teammates lap time. Rubens joined the two Lotus', Virgins & HRTs.
Q2 was slightly tighter for some teams. Red Bull & McLaren eased through on the soft tyres. But Ferrari & Mercedes had to use the super-soft tyres. Massa had to do 2 stints to get through to Q3, while Michael Schumacher struggled with vibration, and he could only reach 12th. His lap time was beaten by Alguersuari, then Sutil & DiResta. Both Force India's just making it through to the last part of Qualifying.
In Q3, it was all about today's 2 fastest teams. In the first stint, Hamilton took pole, ahead of Vettel, Webber & Button. The Ferrari's were split by Rosberg, while Force India chose not to run. At the start of the second stint, it seemed that the drivers were tight for time. Every made it across the line in time, but all 8 drivers were tightly bunched. Webber was first in the pack, but a poor first sector forced him to abandon his lap. Behind him though, was the man of the moment. Lewis Hamilton went across the line, setting the fastest time of the day. Button could only beat Webber, and Vettel could nothing but take second.
Lewis stops Red Bull's total domination of Qualifying this year. It is the first none-Red Bull pole since Brazil 2010, and Lewis' first pole since Canada 2010!
Grid For Tomorrow
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
10 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 10
11 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
12 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
13 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
15 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
16 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
17 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
20 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
24 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
Friday 14 October 2011
Latest F1 News
Nico Rosberg Fined
During Free Practice 1, Nico Rosberg lost control of his Mercedes at the first corner, and slid into the side of Jaime Alguersuari's Toro Rosso. Nico was told to go to the stewards after the race, where the incident would be discussed. However, Nico arrived late to the meeting, as he was talking to the press. In the end, the stewards decided that there would be no punishment for the accident, but that Nico would be fined for arriving late to the meeting. Rosberg recieved a E10,000 fine, 5,000 of which would be suspended.
Korea's Pit Exit
It is not only Nico & Jaime who have had troubles with the pit exit at the Korean GP. When exiting the pits, the driver is sent straight onto the racing line, which could results in close encounters during a race. However, the only real alternatives are to send the drivers all the way around the gravel trap of turn 1; or, have an Abu-Dhabi style pit exit tunnel. The tunnel may be a bit drastic, but if something is not done, then a serious accident will happen eventually.
Sahara Buys Part Of Force India
Vijay Mallya has sold nearly half of his team to India group, Sahara India Pariwar. They have paid $100 million to have 42.5% of the team. Vijay now owns 42.5%, while the remaining 15% belongs to Michael Mol. The size of the investment is staggering, and it should aid Force India's dreams of becoming a top 5 team.
During Free Practice 1, Nico Rosberg lost control of his Mercedes at the first corner, and slid into the side of Jaime Alguersuari's Toro Rosso. Nico was told to go to the stewards after the race, where the incident would be discussed. However, Nico arrived late to the meeting, as he was talking to the press. In the end, the stewards decided that there would be no punishment for the accident, but that Nico would be fined for arriving late to the meeting. Rosberg recieved a E10,000 fine, 5,000 of which would be suspended.
Korea's Pit Exit
It is not only Nico & Jaime who have had troubles with the pit exit at the Korean GP. When exiting the pits, the driver is sent straight onto the racing line, which could results in close encounters during a race. However, the only real alternatives are to send the drivers all the way around the gravel trap of turn 1; or, have an Abu-Dhabi style pit exit tunnel. The tunnel may be a bit drastic, but if something is not done, then a serious accident will happen eventually.
Sahara Buys Part Of Force India
Vijay Mallya has sold nearly half of his team to India group, Sahara India Pariwar. They have paid $100 million to have 42.5% of the team. Vijay now owns 42.5%, while the remaining 15% belongs to Michael Mol. The size of the investment is staggering, and it should aid Force India's dreams of becoming a top 5 team.
2011 Korean Grand Prix - Free Practice
Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton topped the time sheets on Saturday's Free Practice sessions. The teams were greeted with heavy rain, which resulted in fewer lap times, and more spins as cars struggled for grip. On Saturday morning, it was the McLarens that led the way, with Button & Hamilton taking 1st and 2nd.
Free Practice 1 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
4 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 10
5 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
6 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
7 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
10 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
11 - Karun Chandhok - Lotus - 34
12 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 26
13 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso - NR*
14 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
15 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
16 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
17 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
18 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
19 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
20 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
21 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
22 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
23 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
24 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
* NR = No Ranking
Free Practice 2 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
10 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
12 - Adrian Sutil - Force India -10
13 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
14 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
15 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
17 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
18 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
20 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
Free Practice 3 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
7 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 10
9 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
10 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
11 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
12 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
13 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
15 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
16 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
20 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virin - 29
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
24 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
Free Practice 1 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
4 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 10
5 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
6 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
7 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
10 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
11 - Karun Chandhok - Lotus - 34
12 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 26
13 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso - NR*
14 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
15 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
16 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
17 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
18 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
19 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
20 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
21 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
22 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
23 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
24 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
* NR = No Ranking
Free Practice 2 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
10 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
12 - Adrian Sutil - Force India -10
13 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
14 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
15 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
17 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
18 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
20 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
Free Practice 3 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 9
7 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 12
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 10
9 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
10 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
11 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 19
12 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 15
13 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 14
15 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 24
16 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
20 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virin - 29
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
24 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Latest F1 News
Jean-Eric Vergne To Test Drive Toro Rosso
At this weekends Korean Grand Prix, Jean-Eric Vergne will take part in First Practice for Toro Rosso. Jaime Alguersuari will make way for the Frenchman. Vergne will also get the same chance at Abu Dhabi and Brazil. This is the beginning of a big decision by Toro Rosso. They have to decide on next year's driver line-up. To fill the two slots, the four drivers competing are - Alguersuari, Buemi, Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo.
Renault Boss To Meet Kubica
Eric Boullier is to have a meeting with Robert Kubica about 2012. Robert is still having rehabilitation sessions, and there is still doubt over his future. No one seems 100% sure on the situation, and Eric is having this meeting to help him in next year's decision. He has to choose Renault's driver line-up, and has to choose if Kubica will be part of that. He cannot rush Rob, but at the same time, had to make a decision eventually or he could end up losing out in the driver market.
At this weekends Korean Grand Prix, Jean-Eric Vergne will take part in First Practice for Toro Rosso. Jaime Alguersuari will make way for the Frenchman. Vergne will also get the same chance at Abu Dhabi and Brazil. This is the beginning of a big decision by Toro Rosso. They have to decide on next year's driver line-up. To fill the two slots, the four drivers competing are - Alguersuari, Buemi, Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo.
Renault Boss To Meet Kubica
Eric Boullier is to have a meeting with Robert Kubica about 2012. Robert is still having rehabilitation sessions, and there is still doubt over his future. No one seems 100% sure on the situation, and Eric is having this meeting to help him in next year's decision. He has to choose Renault's driver line-up, and has to choose if Kubica will be part of that. He cannot rush Rob, but at the same time, had to make a decision eventually or he could end up losing out in the driver market.
Sunday 9 October 2011
2011 Korean Grand Prix - Preview
2011 Korean GP
Location : Yeongam, South Jeolla, South Korea
Lap Stats : 55 laps - 3.49 miles/lap - 309.155 miles
History
Most Wins (Driver) : Fernando Alonso - 1
Most Wins (Constructor) : Ferrari - 1
Most Fastest Laps : Fernando Alonso - 1
Most Podiums : Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa - 1
Lap Record : Fernando Alonso - 1:50.257
2010
Pole : Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
Fastest Lap : Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
Winner : Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
Weather
Saturday : Sunshine
Sunday : Sunshine
Last Time
In 2010, the race started with rain, and due to that, a safety car. There was 3 laps under the safety car, then the race was stopped, and there was a 40 minute delay. The rain was restarted under the safety car, for another 14 laps. Many of the drivers were saying that the race should be stopped again, but Lewis Hamilton famously said that the track was dry enough for inters. When the Safety Car left, the race seemed to be about one man - Sebastian Vettel. He lead for 45 laps, until a engine blow-up cost him a race win. This was gifted to Fernando Alonso. He took the lead of the Driver's Championship to the last 2 races, while it looked like Red Bull had ruined Sebastian Vettel's chances.
This Time
With the Driver's Championship all wrapped up by Vettel, he said that in the remaining races he will be looking forward to racing without risk. Red Bull seemed to have been caught by McLaren at Japan, and there could be a similar battle this weekend as well. Lewis will want to turn his back on a stressful couple of weeks, while Button will want to build on this great momentum. Ferrari looked so-so at Japan. They benefited from Vettel and Red Bull taking a cautious aproach at Suzuka, put Fernando had great pace at the end as he pushed Button. What is for sure, is that we should have a dry race, unlike last years torrential rain.
Location : Yeongam, South Jeolla, South Korea
Lap Stats : 55 laps - 3.49 miles/lap - 309.155 miles
History
Most Wins (Driver) : Fernando Alonso - 1
Most Wins (Constructor) : Ferrari - 1
Most Fastest Laps : Fernando Alonso - 1
Most Podiums : Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa - 1
Lap Record : Fernando Alonso - 1:50.257
2010
Pole : Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
Fastest Lap : Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
Winner : Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
Weather
Saturday : Sunshine
Sunday : Sunshine
Last Time
In 2010, the race started with rain, and due to that, a safety car. There was 3 laps under the safety car, then the race was stopped, and there was a 40 minute delay. The rain was restarted under the safety car, for another 14 laps. Many of the drivers were saying that the race should be stopped again, but Lewis Hamilton famously said that the track was dry enough for inters. When the Safety Car left, the race seemed to be about one man - Sebastian Vettel. He lead for 45 laps, until a engine blow-up cost him a race win. This was gifted to Fernando Alonso. He took the lead of the Driver's Championship to the last 2 races, while it looked like Red Bull had ruined Sebastian Vettel's chances.
This Time
With the Driver's Championship all wrapped up by Vettel, he said that in the remaining races he will be looking forward to racing without risk. Red Bull seemed to have been caught by McLaren at Japan, and there could be a similar battle this weekend as well. Lewis will want to turn his back on a stressful couple of weeks, while Button will want to build on this great momentum. Ferrari looked so-so at Japan. They benefited from Vettel and Red Bull taking a cautious aproach at Suzuka, put Fernando had great pace at the end as he pushed Button. What is for sure, is that we should have a dry race, unlike last years torrential rain.
New Ranking Review
Button Up To Fourth
After a string of impressive results, Jenson Button has taken fourth place in the F1 Rankings. He has overtaken Fernando Alonso, who drops to fifth. This is the highest Jenson has ever been, and it is the lowest Fernando has been for some time. Jenson is also closing in on Hamilton in third. It is unlikely that he takes third before the end of the year, but he will close the gap. Fernando, though, is dropping. He will be hoping for a strong end to 2011, and then carry on that momentum next year. If he does not, the gap will only increase.
Michael Back Into The Top 10
Michael Schumacher has re-entered the Top 10, 2 years after his comeback. There have been many ups and downs through them years, but he has finally made it. The last time he was there was in his Ferrari days, and most seem an age ago to Michael. Schumacher has taken Kubica and Sutil. Adrian, after reaching 9th for the first time last race, had dropped back to 10th.
After a string of impressive results, Jenson Button has taken fourth place in the F1 Rankings. He has overtaken Fernando Alonso, who drops to fifth. This is the highest Jenson has ever been, and it is the lowest Fernando has been for some time. Jenson is also closing in on Hamilton in third. It is unlikely that he takes third before the end of the year, but he will close the gap. Fernando, though, is dropping. He will be hoping for a strong end to 2011, and then carry on that momentum next year. If he does not, the gap will only increase.
Michael Back Into The Top 10
Michael Schumacher has re-entered the Top 10, 2 years after his comeback. There have been many ups and downs through them years, but he has finally made it. The last time he was there was in his Ferrari days, and most seem an age ago to Michael. Schumacher has taken Kubica and Sutil. Adrian, after reaching 9th for the first time last race, had dropped back to 10th.
Rankings - 9th October
The new rankings after the Japanese Grand Prix.
Pos - Driver - Points - Pre. Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - 3682 - 1
2 - Mark Webber - 2479.5 - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - 2192.5 - 3
4 - Jenson Button - 1960.5 - 5
5 - Fernando Alonso - 1947 - 4
6 - Felipe Massa - 1067.5 - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - 854.5 - 7
8 - Rubens Barrichello - 742.5 - 8
9 - Michael Schumacher - 562 - 11
10 - Adrian Sutil - 553 - 9
11 - Robert Kubica - 507 - 10
12 - Vitaly Petrov - 465 - 13
13 - Sebastian Buemi - 445 - 12
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - 439 - 15
15 - Nick Heidfeld - 418.5 - 14
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - 418.5 - 16
17 - Jarno Trulli - 324 - 17
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - 293.5 - 18
19 - Paul DiResta - 270 - 20
20 - Nico Hulkenberg - 225 - 22
21 - Timo Glock - 222.5 - 21
22 - Kimi Raikkonen - 219 - 19
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - 191 - 23
24 - Sergio Perez - 154 - 25
25 - Pastor Maldonado - 152 - 24
26 - Bruno Senna - 111 - 27
27 - Giancarlo Fisichella - 26
28 - Pedro De La Rosa - 84 - 29
29 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 76 - 30
30 - Kazuki Nakajima - 69 - 28
31 - Nelson Piquet Jnr - 48.5 - 31
32 - Sebastian Bourdais - 42 - 32
33 - Lucas Di Grassi - 37 - 33
34 - Karun Chandhok - 35 - 34
35 - Sakon Yamamoto - 30 - 35
36 - Narain Karthikeyan - 22 - 36
37 - Romain Grosjean - 19.5 - 36
38 - Daniel Ricciardo -18 - 38
39 - David Coulthard - 5.5 - 39
39 - Luca Badoer - 5.5 - 40
41 - Christian Klien - 2 - 41
Pos - Driver - Points - Pre. Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - 3682 - 1
2 - Mark Webber - 2479.5 - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - 2192.5 - 3
4 - Jenson Button - 1960.5 - 5
5 - Fernando Alonso - 1947 - 4
6 - Felipe Massa - 1067.5 - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - 854.5 - 7
8 - Rubens Barrichello - 742.5 - 8
9 - Michael Schumacher - 562 - 11
10 - Adrian Sutil - 553 - 9
11 - Robert Kubica - 507 - 10
12 - Vitaly Petrov - 465 - 13
13 - Sebastian Buemi - 445 - 12
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - 439 - 15
15 - Nick Heidfeld - 418.5 - 14
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - 418.5 - 16
17 - Jarno Trulli - 324 - 17
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - 293.5 - 18
19 - Paul DiResta - 270 - 20
20 - Nico Hulkenberg - 225 - 22
21 - Timo Glock - 222.5 - 21
22 - Kimi Raikkonen - 219 - 19
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - 191 - 23
24 - Sergio Perez - 154 - 25
25 - Pastor Maldonado - 152 - 24
26 - Bruno Senna - 111 - 27
27 - Giancarlo Fisichella - 26
28 - Pedro De La Rosa - 84 - 29
29 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 76 - 30
30 - Kazuki Nakajima - 69 - 28
31 - Nelson Piquet Jnr - 48.5 - 31
32 - Sebastian Bourdais - 42 - 32
33 - Lucas Di Grassi - 37 - 33
34 - Karun Chandhok - 35 - 34
35 - Sakon Yamamoto - 30 - 35
36 - Narain Karthikeyan - 22 - 36
37 - Romain Grosjean - 19.5 - 36
38 - Daniel Ricciardo -18 - 38
39 - David Coulthard - 5.5 - 39
39 - Luca Badoer - 5.5 - 40
41 - Christian Klien - 2 - 41
2011 Japanese Grand Prix - Race
Jenson Button won a close fought Japanese GP, beating of a very closely packed grid. But, he could not stop Sebastian Vettel winning his second consecutive Driver's World Championship.
The race started fairly well for Button. He got a very good start, and was side-by-side with Vettel, but Sebastian pushed Jenson over to the right hand side of the track, forcing JB to touch the grass, and slow down. This let Lewis Hamilton through into second. Vettel lead Hamilton, Button, then Massa, Alonso, Webber. Kobayashi had fallen down the field, but DiResta had jumped upto 8th.
Tyres were the words on most people mouths today. Many expected at least three stops from the leading drivers, and thats what we got. By lap 8, the tyres, which had already been through a qualifying session, were beginning to loose grip. However, it would be a puncture that would lead to the first pit-stop. Hamilton seemed to get a puncture near the Spoon corner, letting Button into second. Lewis managed to hold onto 3rd before the pits. But, after Lewis had opened the gates, the rest of the leaders followed.
Pitting first was a mistake for Hamilton, as he lost second and third. Alonso, who had taken Massa suprisingly easily, had jumped Lewis in the pits to hold third place. He followed Button and Vettel. By lap 13, only 5 seconds separeted the top 5, and Massa and Webber were not too far down the road. It wasn't long though before a second stop was needed. Vettel pitted first this time, and again, the first man who stopped lost the most. Vettel's pitstop let Button take the lead, but a lap latter, when Jenson had had his pitstop, he maintained the lead after a fast in-lap.
This left Hamilton leading Massa at the front. Hamilton was leading going around 130R, but Massa tried to take Lewis on the outside of the chicance. Lewis did not seem to see him, and the two touched, breaking a piece of Felipe's front wing. The two soon pitted, but they did leave a piece of Ferrari on the track. As it was close to the racing line, the safety car was deployed, letting the marshalls to clear up the debris.
The safety car lead Schumacher, then Button, Vettel, Alonso, Webber, Massa and Hamilton. Michael was in the lead due to not pitting, and with a scramble for fourth, he was increasing the gap to those four drivers, especially Hamilton. He was trying to ensure that he would be ahead of them after he pitted for the last time. With the safety car back in the pits, it wasn't long until the leaders went for their last pistop. Button held off Vettel, but Alonso managed to jump Sebastian into second place. Hamilton had managed to jump both Massa, and Rosberg, who hadn't pitted yet. This meant that by the time Schumacher had pitted, he rejoined 6th, behing Lewis, but ahead of Massa.
The closest battle now was for second. Vettel was all over the back of Alonso. The Ferrari had the higher top speed, meaning that even a Red Bull with KERS and DRS was not enough for the young German. It wasn't long before Red Bull were on Sebastian's radio telling him to accept third, and take the title. This left Alonso to start turning the wick up on Button. With 5 laps to go, Button had a lead of 3.7 seconds over Fernando. The Spaniard, though, was closing in about 1 second/lap. with 3 laps remaining, the gap was down to 1 second. Button though chose to put his foot on the gas, ensuring victory. He crossed the line ahead of Alonso, with Sebastian Vettel taking third, and his second Driver's World Championship.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
2 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
6 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
9 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
10 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
11 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
12 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
13 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
14 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
16 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
17 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
21 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
22 - Daniel Ricciadro - HRT - 38
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
R - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
The race started fairly well for Button. He got a very good start, and was side-by-side with Vettel, but Sebastian pushed Jenson over to the right hand side of the track, forcing JB to touch the grass, and slow down. This let Lewis Hamilton through into second. Vettel lead Hamilton, Button, then Massa, Alonso, Webber. Kobayashi had fallen down the field, but DiResta had jumped upto 8th.
Tyres were the words on most people mouths today. Many expected at least three stops from the leading drivers, and thats what we got. By lap 8, the tyres, which had already been through a qualifying session, were beginning to loose grip. However, it would be a puncture that would lead to the first pit-stop. Hamilton seemed to get a puncture near the Spoon corner, letting Button into second. Lewis managed to hold onto 3rd before the pits. But, after Lewis had opened the gates, the rest of the leaders followed.
Pitting first was a mistake for Hamilton, as he lost second and third. Alonso, who had taken Massa suprisingly easily, had jumped Lewis in the pits to hold third place. He followed Button and Vettel. By lap 13, only 5 seconds separeted the top 5, and Massa and Webber were not too far down the road. It wasn't long though before a second stop was needed. Vettel pitted first this time, and again, the first man who stopped lost the most. Vettel's pitstop let Button take the lead, but a lap latter, when Jenson had had his pitstop, he maintained the lead after a fast in-lap.
This left Hamilton leading Massa at the front. Hamilton was leading going around 130R, but Massa tried to take Lewis on the outside of the chicance. Lewis did not seem to see him, and the two touched, breaking a piece of Felipe's front wing. The two soon pitted, but they did leave a piece of Ferrari on the track. As it was close to the racing line, the safety car was deployed, letting the marshalls to clear up the debris.
The safety car lead Schumacher, then Button, Vettel, Alonso, Webber, Massa and Hamilton. Michael was in the lead due to not pitting, and with a scramble for fourth, he was increasing the gap to those four drivers, especially Hamilton. He was trying to ensure that he would be ahead of them after he pitted for the last time. With the safety car back in the pits, it wasn't long until the leaders went for their last pistop. Button held off Vettel, but Alonso managed to jump Sebastian into second place. Hamilton had managed to jump both Massa, and Rosberg, who hadn't pitted yet. This meant that by the time Schumacher had pitted, he rejoined 6th, behing Lewis, but ahead of Massa.
The closest battle now was for second. Vettel was all over the back of Alonso. The Ferrari had the higher top speed, meaning that even a Red Bull with KERS and DRS was not enough for the young German. It wasn't long before Red Bull were on Sebastian's radio telling him to accept third, and take the title. This left Alonso to start turning the wick up on Button. With 5 laps to go, Button had a lead of 3.7 seconds over Fernando. The Spaniard, though, was closing in about 1 second/lap. with 3 laps remaining, the gap was down to 1 second. Button though chose to put his foot on the gas, ensuring victory. He crossed the line ahead of Alonso, with Sebastian Vettel taking third, and his second Driver's World Championship.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
2 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
6 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
9 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
10 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
11 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
12 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
13 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
14 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
16 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
17 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
21 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
22 - Daniel Ricciadro - HRT - 38
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
R - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
Saturday 8 October 2011
Latest F1 News
Teams Block Name Changes
Ferrari, Sauber and HRT have stopped Lotus and Renault from changing their names for next year. Team Lotus want to become Caterham, while Renault want to change to Team Lotus. If they want to change, they need 18 votes for them from the F1 commission. This is made up of the teams, the FIA, Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, reps from the engines supplies, sponsors, and track promoters. It is unclear why the 3 teams will not allow the change, but the requested that the decision to be discussed at he next commission meeting.
More Trouble For The Bahrain GP
More doubt has been cast of the Bahrain grand prix scheduled for 2012. Teams and drivers are worried by reports of more unrest in the country, and with the possible grand prix only about 6 months away, a decision has to be made fairly soon. This years Bahrain GP has a lot of coverage, due to being postponed, then the calendar was adjusted for it to fit in. Then it was finally cancelled, with teams not preparing to race into December. If next years race is cancelled, and we do not see Bahrain until 2013, then we could see the Turkish Grand Prix filling the gap.
Ferrari, Sauber and HRT have stopped Lotus and Renault from changing their names for next year. Team Lotus want to become Caterham, while Renault want to change to Team Lotus. If they want to change, they need 18 votes for them from the F1 commission. This is made up of the teams, the FIA, Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, reps from the engines supplies, sponsors, and track promoters. It is unclear why the 3 teams will not allow the change, but the requested that the decision to be discussed at he next commission meeting.
More Trouble For The Bahrain GP
More doubt has been cast of the Bahrain grand prix scheduled for 2012. Teams and drivers are worried by reports of more unrest in the country, and with the possible grand prix only about 6 months away, a decision has to be made fairly soon. This years Bahrain GP has a lot of coverage, due to being postponed, then the calendar was adjusted for it to fit in. Then it was finally cancelled, with teams not preparing to race into December. If next years race is cancelled, and we do not see Bahrain until 2013, then we could see the Turkish Grand Prix filling the gap.
2011 Japanese Grand Prix - Qualifying
Sebastian Vettel took another Pole Position in 2011, as he gets even closer to a second Driver's World Championship. He beat the McLaren drivers of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton who took second and third.
In Q1, the biggest talking point was Nico Rosberg dropping out in qualifying. Nico never did a lap time due a hydrolics issue, a result of which left him in 23rd place, only ahead of Liuzzi, who didn't do a lap time either. These two were joined by the rest of the "new teams". At the front, Kobayashi gave Japan something to chear about by putting his car in 1st place, though with a set a softer tyres.
Q2 began with the bigger teams trading blows at the top of the timing board. Lewis Hamilton took 1st in Q2, beating of the Red Bull's and Button. The top 6 safey made it through, along with Schumacher in 7th. With 2 minutes to go, it was Toro Rosso who hadboth cars in the Top 10; however, both decided not to go out. This decision left them helpless to Senna, Petrov and Kobayashi who pushed them out.
Q3 was all about tyres. Throughout qualifying, teams were struggling with quick tyres degredation, and were not pushing at all on their in-lap and out-lap. Half of the remaining 5 also chose to only do 1 flying lap, and Senna, Petrov & Kobayashi chose not to do a flying lap at all. This left the top 7 to battle it out for pole. After the first set of laps, Hamilton was on prilemry pole, ahead of Button and Vettel. With seconds left on the clock, drivers were scrambling to get onto their flying laps, and ensuring that they were the last driver on the track. In the final chicane, a slow Hamilton was ambushed by Schumacher and Webber, who were desperatly trying to squeeze a flying lap in the remaining time. The chaos left Schumacher and Hamilton with no time to set a flying lap, as they were beaten by the chequered flag by seconds. Of those that had beaten the flag, it was Sebastian Vettel who beat Jenson Button by 0.009 seconds. They beat Hamilton's time, pushing him down to third.
Tomorrow's Grid
Pos -Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
3 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
4 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
6 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
8 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
9 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
10 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
11 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
12 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
13 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
14 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
15 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
16 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
17 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
23 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
In Q1, the biggest talking point was Nico Rosberg dropping out in qualifying. Nico never did a lap time due a hydrolics issue, a result of which left him in 23rd place, only ahead of Liuzzi, who didn't do a lap time either. These two were joined by the rest of the "new teams". At the front, Kobayashi gave Japan something to chear about by putting his car in 1st place, though with a set a softer tyres.
Q2 began with the bigger teams trading blows at the top of the timing board. Lewis Hamilton took 1st in Q2, beating of the Red Bull's and Button. The top 6 safey made it through, along with Schumacher in 7th. With 2 minutes to go, it was Toro Rosso who hadboth cars in the Top 10; however, both decided not to go out. This decision left them helpless to Senna, Petrov and Kobayashi who pushed them out.
Q3 was all about tyres. Throughout qualifying, teams were struggling with quick tyres degredation, and were not pushing at all on their in-lap and out-lap. Half of the remaining 5 also chose to only do 1 flying lap, and Senna, Petrov & Kobayashi chose not to do a flying lap at all. This left the top 7 to battle it out for pole. After the first set of laps, Hamilton was on prilemry pole, ahead of Button and Vettel. With seconds left on the clock, drivers were scrambling to get onto their flying laps, and ensuring that they were the last driver on the track. In the final chicane, a slow Hamilton was ambushed by Schumacher and Webber, who were desperatly trying to squeeze a flying lap in the remaining time. The chaos left Schumacher and Hamilton with no time to set a flying lap, as they were beaten by the chequered flag by seconds. Of those that had beaten the flag, it was Sebastian Vettel who beat Jenson Button by 0.009 seconds. They beat Hamilton's time, pushing him down to third.
Tomorrow's Grid
Pos -Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
3 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
4 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
6 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
8 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
9 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
10 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
11 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
12 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
13 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
14 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
15 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
16 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
17 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
23 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
Friday 7 October 2011
2011 Japanese Grand Prix - Free Practice
Jenson Button was fastest in all 3 Free Practice sessions on Friday, beating off Alonso, Vettel, Hamilton and Webber. The McLaren drivers of Button and Hamilton came 1st & 2nd in FP1, with Sebastian Vettel crashing out with 10 seconds left on the clock. In FP2, Button was fastest again, ahead of Alonso, Vettel and Webber. Lewis Hamilton was down in 8th. In the final practice session on Saturday morning, JB was again was fastest ahead of team mate Lewis Hamilton.
Free Practice 1 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
9 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
10 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
11 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
12 - Nico Hulkenberg - Force India - 22
13 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
14 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
15 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
16 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
17 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
18 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Karun Chandhok - Lotus - 34
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
24 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
Free Practice 2 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
2 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
9 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
10 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
11 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
12 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
14 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
15 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
16 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
17 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
20 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
21 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
22 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
23 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
Free Practice 3 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
10 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
11 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
12 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
13 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
14 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
15 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
16 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
17 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
21 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
22 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
Free Practice 1 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
9 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
10 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
11 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
12 - Nico Hulkenberg - Force India - 22
13 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
14 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
15 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
16 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
17 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
18 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Karun Chandhok - Lotus - 34
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
24 - Narain Karthikeyan - HRT - 36
Free Practice 2 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
2 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
9 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
10 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
11 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
12 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
14 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
15 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
16 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
17 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
20 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
21 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
22 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
23 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
Free Practice 3 Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 5
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 4
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 11
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 13
10 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
11 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
12 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 16
13 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
14 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 25
15 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 20
16 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
17 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 27
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 18
21 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 30
22 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 21
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 38
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
Wednesday 5 October 2011
Latest F1 News
Button Signs For McLaren
Jenson Button has signed a new multi-year contract with McLaren. There had been rumours linking him with a drive in 2013 for Ferrari. The contract length has not been confirmed, but it is suspected that we will be seeing JB at McLaren for a few years to come. This year, Jenson has been driving great and has been outperforming Lewis Hamilton. Currently he is the only driver who can stop Sebastian Vettel from winning a second title. The contract is said to be worth up to £50 million. It should see Jenson racing at McLaren for at least 4 years, and when he decides to stop racing, it is understood that he will then take up an advisory roll at the team.
Fernando Going For Second
After losing out on the title at the Singapore GP, Fernando Alonso has set his sights in winning the battle for second. Currently, Jenson Button lies 2nd, ahead of Mark Webber, Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton. The victor will gain little, bar the satisfaction of beating of fierce competition.
Teams Set Sights On 2012
Red Bull and Ferrari have already past comment about their 2012 cars. Ferrari have said that they will try hold back less, and their 2012 model will be something different. Adrian Newey has also said that next year's Red Bull will "amaze" the field. With both titles now close to Red Bull, the other teams on the grid will stop development of this years car, and start preparing next years. As in the past, the team that starts developing first may loss out a bit on that year, but will get a small advantage at the start of the next season.
Jenson Button has signed a new multi-year contract with McLaren. There had been rumours linking him with a drive in 2013 for Ferrari. The contract length has not been confirmed, but it is suspected that we will be seeing JB at McLaren for a few years to come. This year, Jenson has been driving great and has been outperforming Lewis Hamilton. Currently he is the only driver who can stop Sebastian Vettel from winning a second title. The contract is said to be worth up to £50 million. It should see Jenson racing at McLaren for at least 4 years, and when he decides to stop racing, it is understood that he will then take up an advisory roll at the team.
Fernando Going For Second
After losing out on the title at the Singapore GP, Fernando Alonso has set his sights in winning the battle for second. Currently, Jenson Button lies 2nd, ahead of Mark Webber, Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton. The victor will gain little, bar the satisfaction of beating of fierce competition.
Teams Set Sights On 2012
Red Bull and Ferrari have already past comment about their 2012 cars. Ferrari have said that they will try hold back less, and their 2012 model will be something different. Adrian Newey has also said that next year's Red Bull will "amaze" the field. With both titles now close to Red Bull, the other teams on the grid will stop development of this years car, and start preparing next years. As in the past, the team that starts developing first may loss out a bit on that year, but will get a small advantage at the start of the next season.
Sunday 2 October 2011
2011 Japanese Grand Prix - Preview
2011 Japanese GP
Location : Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Lap Stats : 53 laps - 3.6 miles/lap - 307.573 miles
History
Most Wins (Driver) : Michael Schumacher - 7
Most Wins (Constructor) : McLaren - 8
Most Fastest Laps : Michael Schumahcer - 4
Most Podiums : Michael Schumacher - 9
Lap Record : Kimi Raikkonen - 1:31.540
2010
Pole : Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
Fastest Lap : Mark Webber - Red Bull
Winner : Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
Weather
Saturday : Mostly Cloudy
Sunday : Sunshine
Last Time
Qualifying was delayed from Saturday to the Sunday morning, due to awful weather. Red Bull did well to take the front row, ahead of Hamilton and Kubica. At the start of the race, two first corner accidents brought out the safety car. During the safety car, Kubica, who had climbed to second, retired after losing a tyre. This then left 2 races. There was the battle between Webber & Vettel for first. Then the battle for third between Alonso, Button and Hamilton. In the end Vettel wins started a great string of results as he went on to win the title. Webber held onto second, while the best Alonso could do was to beat the McLarens.
This Time
This years Japanese Grand Prix will probably be remembered for Vettel winning his second Driver's World Championships. He only needs to finish in the top 10 to ensure he is champion. After winning the last two Japanese GPs, he will surely be fast, and will be the man to beat. He is the type of driver that will want to win this weekend, and really will not take second, even if it wins him the title.
Location : Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Lap Stats : 53 laps - 3.6 miles/lap - 307.573 miles
History
Most Wins (Driver) : Michael Schumacher - 7
Most Wins (Constructor) : McLaren - 8
Most Fastest Laps : Michael Schumahcer - 4
Most Podiums : Michael Schumacher - 9
Lap Record : Kimi Raikkonen - 1:31.540
2010
Pole : Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
Fastest Lap : Mark Webber - Red Bull
Winner : Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
Weather
Saturday : Mostly Cloudy
Sunday : Sunshine
Last Time
Qualifying was delayed from Saturday to the Sunday morning, due to awful weather. Red Bull did well to take the front row, ahead of Hamilton and Kubica. At the start of the race, two first corner accidents brought out the safety car. During the safety car, Kubica, who had climbed to second, retired after losing a tyre. This then left 2 races. There was the battle between Webber & Vettel for first. Then the battle for third between Alonso, Button and Hamilton. In the end Vettel wins started a great string of results as he went on to win the title. Webber held onto second, while the best Alonso could do was to beat the McLarens.
This Time
This years Japanese Grand Prix will probably be remembered for Vettel winning his second Driver's World Championships. He only needs to finish in the top 10 to ensure he is champion. After winning the last two Japanese GPs, he will surely be fast, and will be the man to beat. He is the type of driver that will want to win this weekend, and really will not take second, even if it wins him the title.
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