Raikkonen Signs For Lotus
Kimi Raikkonen was signed a 2 year contract with Lotus GP. The 2007 World Champion had been discussing a return with Williams, but when negotiations broke down, Lotus was his next option. Raikkonen's arrival means that 2012' grid will include 6 former World Champions (Vettel, Alonso, Button, Hamilton & Schumacher). It is yet to be seen who will join Kimi at Lotus GP. It seems that it will be a battle between Petrov & Grosjean. Both bring money to the team, and both have prospects, but it is unsure who currently leads the race.
Only 5 European Races In The Future
Bernie Ecclestone has said that in the near future, there may only be 5 European races on the calendar. There are currently 8 races in Europe - Spain, Europe, Monaco, Britain, Hungary, Italy, Belgium & Germany. Many of these races have been under threat from races further a field for some time. However, it looks like the hard times are not over, as Bernie is hoping for more races at Russia, South Africa & Mexico, but he is restricted with the 20 race limit. Unfortunately, whichever decision Bernie makes, he will upset someone. However, here at F1Ranks, we believe that there should be more European races than in other continents. F1 was founded in Europe, with all the races in the early seasons being held at European circuits.
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Monday 28 November 2011
Latest F1 News
Pic Signs For Marussia
Marussia Racing have announced that Charles Pic will drive for them in 2012. The Frenchman will join Timo Glock at the Russia team, and has replaced Jerome D'Ambrosio. The 21 year old (22 in March) has just finished competing in the GP2 series, finishing fourth in the Drivers Championship. Pic raced for Marussia Virgin at last weeks Abu Dhabi Young Driver Tests. He must have impressed, as the man who he is replacing (D'Ambrosio) has not been embarrassed by his more experienced teammate. It is yet to be seen what Jerome will do next, whether he has left Marussia Virgin all together, or F1 completely.
Virgin Are Fined
After Timo Glock retired in the Brazilian GP, Virgin Racing have been fined E5000 for an unsafe release. Apparently, the wheel was not put on straight, meaning that it was inevitable that the wheel would come off.
Alguersari to HRT, and Ricciardo to Caterham?
With the season officially over, let the silly season commence, and we start with two corkers. One of the biggest stories in the winter months will be the drivers which Toro Rosso decide on. At the moment, there seems to be 2 options. Either they choose Buemi & Alguersuari. Or they go with a fresh approach, and employ Ricciardo & Vergne. Now, it no drivers changes are announced, then that could lead with Daniel Ricciardo replacing Jarno Trulli at Caterham for 2012. It would be a surprise move, with Trulli doing a good job in the Lotus, as he kept Kovalainen on his toes all year round. But, if they go for the second option, it would leave Buemi & Alguersuari without a seat for next year. It this was the case, it would seem that Jaime would be odds-on to take the second seat at HRT next year. Buemi would have a more difficult time, with seats running out, and it may see him leave F1. Whatever happens, it is bound to have ripple affects through the grid, and should give us something to look forward to next March.
Marussia Racing have announced that Charles Pic will drive for them in 2012. The Frenchman will join Timo Glock at the Russia team, and has replaced Jerome D'Ambrosio. The 21 year old (22 in March) has just finished competing in the GP2 series, finishing fourth in the Drivers Championship. Pic raced for Marussia Virgin at last weeks Abu Dhabi Young Driver Tests. He must have impressed, as the man who he is replacing (D'Ambrosio) has not been embarrassed by his more experienced teammate. It is yet to be seen what Jerome will do next, whether he has left Marussia Virgin all together, or F1 completely.
Virgin Are Fined
After Timo Glock retired in the Brazilian GP, Virgin Racing have been fined E5000 for an unsafe release. Apparently, the wheel was not put on straight, meaning that it was inevitable that the wheel would come off.
Alguersari to HRT, and Ricciardo to Caterham?
With the season officially over, let the silly season commence, and we start with two corkers. One of the biggest stories in the winter months will be the drivers which Toro Rosso decide on. At the moment, there seems to be 2 options. Either they choose Buemi & Alguersuari. Or they go with a fresh approach, and employ Ricciardo & Vergne. Now, it no drivers changes are announced, then that could lead with Daniel Ricciardo replacing Jarno Trulli at Caterham for 2012. It would be a surprise move, with Trulli doing a good job in the Lotus, as he kept Kovalainen on his toes all year round. But, if they go for the second option, it would leave Buemi & Alguersuari without a seat for next year. It this was the case, it would seem that Jaime would be odds-on to take the second seat at HRT next year. Buemi would have a more difficult time, with seats running out, and it may see him leave F1. Whatever happens, it is bound to have ripple affects through the grid, and should give us something to look forward to next March.
Welcome to the Silly Season
With the season over, both titles easily won, and just the winter months to come, it could be a miserable time. However, do not despair, for F1Ranks will be here to brighten those dark days. We introduce to you the F1 Silly Season 2011-2012. From December to March we will be filling you in on the latest F1 news, creating random F1 rumours, looking back at the best bits 0f 2011 with the F1Rankings Awards, and looking forward to the 2012 season.
One thing to look forward too is the driver changes that await us. We could be seeing the return of Raikkonen, Grosjean and Kubica, while we may be saying good-bye to the likes of Barrichello, Trulli & Petrov. To start this years Silly Season off, we have compiled a possible grid for next year, and provided some educated guesses and who could fill the gaps. Enjoy.
RED BULL
1 - Sebastian Vettel
2 - Mark Webber
McLaren
3 - Jenson Button
4 - Lewis Hamilton
FERRARI
5 - Fernando Alonso
6 - Felipe Massa
MERCEDES
7 - Michael Schumacher
8 - Nico Rosberg
LOTUS
9 - ?
10 - ?
In Contention
- Kimi Raikkonen
- Robert Kubica
- Vitaly Petrov
- Bruno Senna
- Romain Grosjean
- Adrian Sutil
FORCE INDIA
11 - ?
12 - ?
In Contention
- Adrian Sutil
- Paul Di Resta
- Nico Hulkenberg
SAUBER
14 - Kamui Kobayashi
15 - Sergio Perez
TORO ROSSO
16 - ?
17 - ?
In Contention
- Jaime Alguersuari
- Sebastien Buemi
- Jean-Eric Vergne
- Daniel Ricciardo
WILLIAMS
18 - ?
19 - ?
In Contention
- Rubens Barrichello
- Pastor Maldonado
- Kimi Raikkonen
- Adrian Sutil
- Valtteri Bottas
CATERHAM
20 - Heikki Kovalainen
21 - Jarno Trulli
HRT
22 - Pedro De La Rosa
23 - ?
In Contention
- Jaime Alguersuari
- Vitantonio Liuzzi
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Narain Karthikeyan
- Jan Charouz
- Jean-Eric Vergne
- Giedo Van Der Garde
MARUSSIA
24 - Timo Glock
25 - Charles Pic
One thing to look forward too is the driver changes that await us. We could be seeing the return of Raikkonen, Grosjean and Kubica, while we may be saying good-bye to the likes of Barrichello, Trulli & Petrov. To start this years Silly Season off, we have compiled a possible grid for next year, and provided some educated guesses and who could fill the gaps. Enjoy.
RED BULL
1 - Sebastian Vettel
2 - Mark Webber
McLaren
3 - Jenson Button
4 - Lewis Hamilton
FERRARI
5 - Fernando Alonso
6 - Felipe Massa
MERCEDES
7 - Michael Schumacher
8 - Nico Rosberg
LOTUS
9 - ?
10 - ?
In Contention
- Kimi Raikkonen
- Robert Kubica
- Vitaly Petrov
- Bruno Senna
- Romain Grosjean
- Adrian Sutil
FORCE INDIA
11 - ?
12 - ?
In Contention
- Adrian Sutil
- Paul Di Resta
- Nico Hulkenberg
SAUBER
14 - Kamui Kobayashi
15 - Sergio Perez
TORO ROSSO
16 - ?
17 - ?
In Contention
- Jaime Alguersuari
- Sebastien Buemi
- Jean-Eric Vergne
- Daniel Ricciardo
WILLIAMS
18 - ?
19 - ?
In Contention
- Rubens Barrichello
- Pastor Maldonado
- Kimi Raikkonen
- Adrian Sutil
- Valtteri Bottas
CATERHAM
20 - Heikki Kovalainen
21 - Jarno Trulli
HRT
22 - Pedro De La Rosa
23 - ?
In Contention
- Jaime Alguersuari
- Vitantonio Liuzzi
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Narain Karthikeyan
- Jan Charouz
- Jean-Eric Vergne
- Giedo Van Der Garde
MARUSSIA
24 - Timo Glock
25 - Charles Pic
Sunday 27 November 2011
Rankings - 27th November
Here are the new rankings after the final race of 2011 at Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Pos - Driver - Points - Pre Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - 3901 - 1
2 - Mark Webber - 2658 - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - 2203 - 3
4 - Jenson Button - 2118.5 - 4
5 - Fernando Alonso - 1938.5 - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - 1036.5 - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - 910 - 7
8 - Rubens Barrichello - 716.5 - 8
9 - Adrian Sutil - 626.5 - 9
10 - Michael Schumacher - 587 - 10
11 - Vitaly Petrov - 503 - 11
12 - Jaime Alguersuari - 459 - 12
13 - Sebastian Buemi - 448.5 - 13
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - 438.5 - 15
15 - Robert Kubica - 408 - 14
16 - Paul Di Resta - 358 - 17
17 - Nick Heidfeld - 351 - 16
18 - Jarno Trulli - 308 - 18
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - 294 - 19
20 - Sergio Perez - 222 - 21
21 - Timo Glock - 217 - 20
22 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - 170 - 23
23 - Nico Hulkenberg - 166 - 22
23 - Pastor Maldonado - 166 - 24
25 - Kmi Raikkonen - 149.5 -25
26 - Bruno Senna - 147 - 26
27 - Giancarlo Fisichella - 89 - 27
28 - Pedro De La Rosa - 84 - 28
29 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 82 - 29
30 - Kazuki Nakajima - 55.5 - 30
31 - Karun Chandok - 35 - 32
32 - Lucas Di Grassi - 34 - 31
33 - Nelson Piquet Jnr - 32 - 33
33 - Narain Karthikeyan - 32 - 33
33 - Daniel Ricciardo - 32 - 35
36 - Sebastian Bourdais - 29 - 36
37 - Sakon Yamamoto - 18 - 37
38 - Romain Grosjean - 14 - 38
39 - Luca Badoer - 5.5 - 39
40 - Christian Klien - 1 - 40
Pos - Driver - Points - Pre Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - 3901 - 1
2 - Mark Webber - 2658 - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - 2203 - 3
4 - Jenson Button - 2118.5 - 4
5 - Fernando Alonso - 1938.5 - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - 1036.5 - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - 910 - 7
8 - Rubens Barrichello - 716.5 - 8
9 - Adrian Sutil - 626.5 - 9
10 - Michael Schumacher - 587 - 10
11 - Vitaly Petrov - 503 - 11
12 - Jaime Alguersuari - 459 - 12
13 - Sebastian Buemi - 448.5 - 13
14 - Kamui Kobayashi - 438.5 - 15
15 - Robert Kubica - 408 - 14
16 - Paul Di Resta - 358 - 17
17 - Nick Heidfeld - 351 - 16
18 - Jarno Trulli - 308 - 18
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - 294 - 19
20 - Sergio Perez - 222 - 21
21 - Timo Glock - 217 - 20
22 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - 170 - 23
23 - Nico Hulkenberg - 166 - 22
23 - Pastor Maldonado - 166 - 24
25 - Kmi Raikkonen - 149.5 -25
26 - Bruno Senna - 147 - 26
27 - Giancarlo Fisichella - 89 - 27
28 - Pedro De La Rosa - 84 - 28
29 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 82 - 29
30 - Kazuki Nakajima - 55.5 - 30
31 - Karun Chandok - 35 - 32
32 - Lucas Di Grassi - 34 - 31
33 - Nelson Piquet Jnr - 32 - 33
33 - Narain Karthikeyan - 32 - 33
33 - Daniel Ricciardo - 32 - 35
36 - Sebastian Bourdais - 29 - 36
37 - Sakon Yamamoto - 18 - 37
38 - Romain Grosjean - 14 - 38
39 - Luca Badoer - 5.5 - 39
40 - Christian Klien - 1 - 40
2011 Brazilian Gand Prix - Race
Mark Webber won his first grand prix of the year, after a gearbox issue for Sebastian Vettel dropped him to second.
It was a clean start for everyone; however, both Ferraris started well, with Alonso jumping Hamilton to take fourth. Team mate Felipe Massa managed to slip into sixth behind Lewis. At the very front, Sebastian Vettel got the perfect start, and he started to pull away. Webber couldn't do much, but to increase his gap to Button in third. Jenson; however, had to pay more attention to Alonso behind him. Fernando managed get a good run on him down th DRS straight, then going around turn 5, Alonso got alongside Button, and squeezed into third place.
In the midfield, Schumacher and Senna ere fighting for ninth. Michael seemed to get the jump on Senna at turn 1, but the but wasn't over and the two caught each other. Schumacher had a puncture, while Bruno broke a bit of his Renault front wing. After a while to look at the incident, the Brazilian got a drive-through penalty. Michael; meanwhile, had pitted, and rejoined in last place, and a lap down.
Back at the front, it looked as if Vettel could do no wrong. However, it soon came apparent that they could, as his Red Bull developed a Gearbox problem. First it was a problem with first and second gears, but then it spread to all the gears, with the World Champion having to short-shift on every gear change. This left with the German's lap times falling, and meant that Webber was closing in behind. It was not long until the Australian took the lead of his team mate, who gave no fight. Webber now lead his team mate, then Alonso, Button, Hamilton & Massa. Then it was Sutil who was fighting, and winning, against Rosberg.
At the mid-way point, drivers were coming in for the second of three stops. Jenson Button was the first, but he surprised the field by putting on the harder tyres. When the other leaders pitted, they put the softer tyres on. Button did not loose from the decision, indeed, he was going just as fast on these. He was still following Alonso, but behind, Massa (who was on a different strategy) was ahead of Hamilton. When Lewis came out of the pits, there was very little between the two drivers. Luckily though, nothing was added to their patched history, as a gearbox problem for Lewis ended his race. This left Felipe with plenty of breathing space, with Sutil a far way behind.
On the last set of pit stops, Button stayed on the harder tyres, and was joined by the Red Bulls and Ferraris. Jenson was in fourth, but was only 10 seconds behind Alonso in third. Then, when he got permission from his race engineer to do qualifying laps to the end of the race, Jenson set about catching Fernando for that final podium place. The Brit set fastest lap after fastest lap, and was soon all over the back of the Spaniard. Going around turn 1, there was little between the two, then with the help of DRS, Button eased his way onto the podium. Next up for him was Vettel, 10 seconds down the road. Jenson was told to try and catch him, but he would have to catch him at over a second a lap, and then take him, all in only 9 laps.
Button pushed Vettel, but never really got close to taking second. In the end, it was Mark Webber, who took his first race win since Hungary 2010. Vettel took 2nd, taking his 17th podium of the year. Jenson Button's third was enough to see him take second in the Drivers Championships. Further down, Adrian Sutil did a great job in his Force India to take sixth, ahead of Rosberg & Di Resta, while Kobayashi finished in ninth.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
9 - Kamui Kobyashi - Sauber - 15
10 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
11 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
12 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
14 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
15 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
16 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
17 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
18 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 18
19 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
20 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
R - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
R - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
R - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
R - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
It was a clean start for everyone; however, both Ferraris started well, with Alonso jumping Hamilton to take fourth. Team mate Felipe Massa managed to slip into sixth behind Lewis. At the very front, Sebastian Vettel got the perfect start, and he started to pull away. Webber couldn't do much, but to increase his gap to Button in third. Jenson; however, had to pay more attention to Alonso behind him. Fernando managed get a good run on him down th DRS straight, then going around turn 5, Alonso got alongside Button, and squeezed into third place.
In the midfield, Schumacher and Senna ere fighting for ninth. Michael seemed to get the jump on Senna at turn 1, but the but wasn't over and the two caught each other. Schumacher had a puncture, while Bruno broke a bit of his Renault front wing. After a while to look at the incident, the Brazilian got a drive-through penalty. Michael; meanwhile, had pitted, and rejoined in last place, and a lap down.
Back at the front, it looked as if Vettel could do no wrong. However, it soon came apparent that they could, as his Red Bull developed a Gearbox problem. First it was a problem with first and second gears, but then it spread to all the gears, with the World Champion having to short-shift on every gear change. This left with the German's lap times falling, and meant that Webber was closing in behind. It was not long until the Australian took the lead of his team mate, who gave no fight. Webber now lead his team mate, then Alonso, Button, Hamilton & Massa. Then it was Sutil who was fighting, and winning, against Rosberg.
At the mid-way point, drivers were coming in for the second of three stops. Jenson Button was the first, but he surprised the field by putting on the harder tyres. When the other leaders pitted, they put the softer tyres on. Button did not loose from the decision, indeed, he was going just as fast on these. He was still following Alonso, but behind, Massa (who was on a different strategy) was ahead of Hamilton. When Lewis came out of the pits, there was very little between the two drivers. Luckily though, nothing was added to their patched history, as a gearbox problem for Lewis ended his race. This left Felipe with plenty of breathing space, with Sutil a far way behind.
On the last set of pit stops, Button stayed on the harder tyres, and was joined by the Red Bulls and Ferraris. Jenson was in fourth, but was only 10 seconds behind Alonso in third. Then, when he got permission from his race engineer to do qualifying laps to the end of the race, Jenson set about catching Fernando for that final podium place. The Brit set fastest lap after fastest lap, and was soon all over the back of the Spaniard. Going around turn 1, there was little between the two, then with the help of DRS, Button eased his way onto the podium. Next up for him was Vettel, 10 seconds down the road. Jenson was told to try and catch him, but he would have to catch him at over a second a lap, and then take him, all in only 9 laps.
Button pushed Vettel, but never really got close to taking second. In the end, it was Mark Webber, who took his first race win since Hungary 2010. Vettel took 2nd, taking his 17th podium of the year. Jenson Button's third was enough to see him take second in the Drivers Championships. Further down, Adrian Sutil did a great job in his Force India to take sixth, ahead of Rosberg & Di Resta, while Kobayashi finished in ninth.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
9 - Kamui Kobyashi - Sauber - 15
10 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
11 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
12 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
14 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
15 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
16 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
17 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
18 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 18
19 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
20 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
R - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
R - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
R - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
R - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
Saturday 26 November 2011
2011 Brazilian Gand Prix - Qualifying
Sebastian Vettel took his final pole position of the year but a dominating display at Sao Paulo. He beat off Mark Webber and both McLaren drivers to break Nigel Mansell's record for most Poles in one season.
Q1 started with most people worrying about the weather. A rain cloud was not far away, and with teams determined to not get caught out, the first five minutes of Q1 was manic. Everyone was out setting fast lap times, however, no one was caught out. The normal order was being arranged, and the drivers fighting to get out of Q1 seemed to be Maldonado, Buemi and Kobayashi. With the chequered flag out, no was improving their lap times, leaving Maldonado as the first "scalp" of the qualfiying session.
In Q2, it was the usual suspects again who were fighting in the midfield. But, at the top, Vettel was leading Nico Rosberg who had set a great lap time and give Mercedes a little something to look forward to in the final qualifying stage. It did nearly seem that Mercedes would have the one car in Q3, with Schumacher struggling and fighting with the Force Indias for that 10th place. In the end, Schumacher made it in, along with Sutil and Senna. This left DiResta in 11th, and with a slight uphill battle for tomorrow. Barrichello did well to take 12th, in what could be his last ever qualifying session.
Q3 was all about one man - Sebastian Vettel. With one fast lap set by 6 drivers(Vettel, Webber, Hamilton, Button, Alonso & Rosberg), Vettel lead the way by over half a second. McLaren and Webber were not far behind, and Rosberg was close to Ferrari's pace. However, on the second flying laps, Vettel blitzed his time, and became the first driver to do a 1:11 all weekend. He takes his 15th pole position of the year, beating Mansell's 14 in 1992. Mark Webber lines up second, for a Red Bull 1-2. Button out-qualified Hamilton, and Rosberg managed to beat one Ferrari, to take 6th.
Grid For Tomorrow
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
10 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
11 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
12 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
13 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
14 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
15 - Vitaly Petrov -Renault - 11
16 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
17 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
18 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
20 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 18
21 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
22 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
23 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
24 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
Q1 started with most people worrying about the weather. A rain cloud was not far away, and with teams determined to not get caught out, the first five minutes of Q1 was manic. Everyone was out setting fast lap times, however, no one was caught out. The normal order was being arranged, and the drivers fighting to get out of Q1 seemed to be Maldonado, Buemi and Kobayashi. With the chequered flag out, no was improving their lap times, leaving Maldonado as the first "scalp" of the qualfiying session.
In Q2, it was the usual suspects again who were fighting in the midfield. But, at the top, Vettel was leading Nico Rosberg who had set a great lap time and give Mercedes a little something to look forward to in the final qualifying stage. It did nearly seem that Mercedes would have the one car in Q3, with Schumacher struggling and fighting with the Force Indias for that 10th place. In the end, Schumacher made it in, along with Sutil and Senna. This left DiResta in 11th, and with a slight uphill battle for tomorrow. Barrichello did well to take 12th, in what could be his last ever qualifying session.
Q3 was all about one man - Sebastian Vettel. With one fast lap set by 6 drivers(Vettel, Webber, Hamilton, Button, Alonso & Rosberg), Vettel lead the way by over half a second. McLaren and Webber were not far behind, and Rosberg was close to Ferrari's pace. However, on the second flying laps, Vettel blitzed his time, and became the first driver to do a 1:11 all weekend. He takes his 15th pole position of the year, beating Mansell's 14 in 1992. Mark Webber lines up second, for a Red Bull 1-2. Button out-qualified Hamilton, and Rosberg managed to beat one Ferrari, to take 6th.
Grid For Tomorrow
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
10 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
11 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
12 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
13 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
14 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
15 - Vitaly Petrov -Renault - 11
16 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
17 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
18 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
20 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 18
21 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
22 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
23 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
24 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
Friday 25 November 2011
2011 Brazilian Grand Prix - Free Practice
Mark Webber was fastest in first practice in Brazil. He beat both McLarens to the fastest time, and team mate Vettel. Luiz Razia got a chance in a Lotus, Jan Charouz drove for HRT, Romain Grosjean got in a Renault again, and Jean-Eric Vergne replaced Sebastien Buemi at Toro Rosso.
In second practice, Lewis Hamilton set a time half a second faster than Mark, to set the fastest time of the day. He beat Mark & teammate Vettel, with Alonso fourth, and Schumacher fifth.
In the final practice on Friday, Vettel set the fastest time ahead of Button & Webber. Sebastien Buemi had problems with his car, and was unable to set a time throughout the 1 hour session.
First Practice
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
4 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
8 - Nico Hulkenberg - Force India - 22
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
10 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
11 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
12 - Romain Grosjean - Renault - 38
13 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
14 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
15 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
16 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
17 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
18 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso - NR
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
20 - Luiz Razia - Lotus - NR
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
24 - Jan Charouz - HRT - NR
Second Practice
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
5 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
10 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
12 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
14 - Kamui Kobyashi - Sauber - 15
15 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
16 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 18
20 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
21 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
22 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT- 23
Third Practice
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 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
10 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
12 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
13 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
14 - Kamui Kobyashi - Sauber - 15
15 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
17 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
18 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 18
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
20 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
21 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
22 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
23 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
24 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
In second practice, Lewis Hamilton set a time half a second faster than Mark, to set the fastest time of the day. He beat Mark & teammate Vettel, with Alonso fourth, and Schumacher fifth.
In the final practice on Friday, Vettel set the fastest time ahead of Button & Webber. Sebastien Buemi had problems with his car, and was unable to set a time throughout the 1 hour session.
First Practice
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
4 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
8 - Nico Hulkenberg - Force India - 22
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
10 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
11 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
12 - Romain Grosjean - Renault - 38
13 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
14 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
15 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
16 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
17 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
18 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso - NR
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
20 - Luiz Razia - Lotus - NR
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
24 - Jan Charouz - HRT - NR
Second Practice
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
3 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
4 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
5 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
10 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
12 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
14 - Kamui Kobyashi - Sauber - 15
15 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
16 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
18 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 18
20 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
21 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
22 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
24 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT- 23
Third Practice
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 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 17
10 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
11 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
12 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
13 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 12
14 - Kamui Kobyashi - Sauber - 15
15 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 24
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 21
17 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
18 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 18
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
20 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
21 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 23
22 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 35
23 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
24 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 13
Tuesday 22 November 2011
2011 Brazilian Grand Prix - Preview
2011 Brazilian GP
Location : Sao Paulo, Brazil
Lap Stats : 71 laps - 2.677 miles/lap - 190.067 miles
History
Most Wins (Driver) : Alain Prost - 6
Most Wins (Constructor) : McLaren - 11
Most Fastest Laps : Michael Schumacher - 5
Most Podiums : Michael Schumacher - 10
2006 Winner : Felipe Massa
2007 Winner : Kimi Raikkonen
2008 Winner : Felipe Massa
2009 Winner : Mark Webber
2010
Pole : Nico Hulkenberg - Williams
Fastest Lap : Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
Winner : Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
Weather
Friday : Sunshine
Saturday : Showers, with a chance of thunderstorms
Sunday : Showers, with a chance of thunderstorms
Last Time
On Saturday, all the talk was about one German - Nico Hulkenberg. He managed to get his Williams, on a damp track, and take Pole Position. He beat off the 5 leaders, who were competing for the title. In the race, though, all attention was cast on a different German - Sebastian Vettel. He took the lead on the first lap, and lead nearly 100% of the race to take victory, and edge towards a Drivers World Title. For this race set up the final battle at Abu Dhabi. Coming in, five drivers had a chance to take the crown, but leaving Brazil there were only four.
Stats
Fernando Alonso could get his 20th career Fastest Lap.
Lewis Hamilton could gain his 20th career Pole Position.
Mark Webber needs one more finish in the top 3 to be on his 30th Podium.
Felipe Massa will be lining up for his 100th race at Ferrari.
Mark Webber will be competing in his 90th race for Red Bull.
This Time
On the last weekend of the season, there are still a few battles to be finalised. There is the battle for second in the Drivers title between Button, Alonso & Webber. Futher down, Adrian Sutil needs a point to finish inside the Top 1o in the Drivers Championship for this first time. The biggest battle (arguably) is in the constructors. Force India, Sauber and Toro Rosso are fighting for 6th place. The Indian team do have a large buffer, but anything can happen on the last race of the season, and if they do slip up, Sauber and Toro Rosso will be there to pick up any crumbs.
Location : Sao Paulo, Brazil
Lap Stats : 71 laps - 2.677 miles/lap - 190.067 miles
History
Most Wins (Driver) : Alain Prost - 6
Most Wins (Constructor) : McLaren - 11
Most Fastest Laps : Michael Schumacher - 5
Most Podiums : Michael Schumacher - 10
2006 Winner : Felipe Massa
2007 Winner : Kimi Raikkonen
2008 Winner : Felipe Massa
2009 Winner : Mark Webber
2010
Pole : Nico Hulkenberg - Williams
Fastest Lap : Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
Winner : Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
Weather
Friday : Sunshine
Saturday : Showers, with a chance of thunderstorms
Sunday : Showers, with a chance of thunderstorms
Last Time
On Saturday, all the talk was about one German - Nico Hulkenberg. He managed to get his Williams, on a damp track, and take Pole Position. He beat off the 5 leaders, who were competing for the title. In the race, though, all attention was cast on a different German - Sebastian Vettel. He took the lead on the first lap, and lead nearly 100% of the race to take victory, and edge towards a Drivers World Title. For this race set up the final battle at Abu Dhabi. Coming in, five drivers had a chance to take the crown, but leaving Brazil there were only four.
Stats
Fernando Alonso could get his 20th career Fastest Lap.
Lewis Hamilton could gain his 20th career Pole Position.
Mark Webber needs one more finish in the top 3 to be on his 30th Podium.
Felipe Massa will be lining up for his 100th race at Ferrari.
Mark Webber will be competing in his 90th race for Red Bull.
This Time
On the last weekend of the season, there are still a few battles to be finalised. There is the battle for second in the Drivers title between Button, Alonso & Webber. Futher down, Adrian Sutil needs a point to finish inside the Top 1o in the Drivers Championship for this first time. The biggest battle (arguably) is in the constructors. Force India, Sauber and Toro Rosso are fighting for 6th place. The Indian team do have a large buffer, but anything can happen on the last race of the season, and if they do slip up, Sauber and Toro Rosso will be there to pick up any crumbs.
Monday 21 November 2011
Latest F1 News
De La Rosa to HRT
Hispania Racing Team have confirmed that Pedro De La Rosa will race for them next season. The 40 year old Spaniard (41 in February) has signed a two year contract, and he becomes the first Spaniard to sign for the Spanish team. He will also be HRT's 8th driver in its 3 year history. Pedro did race at this years Canadian GP, replacing the injured Sergio Perez. He also drove for Sauber in 2010, but on got 1 finish in the top 10. He is a well known figure in the paddock, and he should supply HRT with plenty of F1 knowledge. It is unknown who will take the second seat at Hispania. Vitantonio Liuzzi had seemed keen, but after this signing, will they now want a young driver who could bring in sponsorship money?
Pic to Virgin?, and Grosjean to Lotus? and more...
The rumour mill has started to kick in, with next years driver line-up starting to fill up. The main rumours are at Lotus. Obviously, their decision rests on Robert Kubica's fitness. However, as the days go by, it is surely looking less and less likely that he will return for the first race next season. To fill in his shoes, it looks like Romain Grosjean will get another go at F1. The Swiss driver drove for Renault after replacing Nelson Piquet Jnr, but he was shunned after only half a season. But, after good driving down the formulas, he looks to have caught the eye of the Lotus' bosses.
Another driver looking even more likely to return is Kimi Raikkonen. It now seems only a matter of time before Williams announce next year's driver line-up, and Kimi looks set to take one of the space. If that means that they let go of Rubens Barrichello, it is yet to be seen. However, it is reported that Raikkonen's Williams team mate would be Pastor Maldonado.
Marussia seemed to have decided on next year's drivers as well. Partnering Timo Glock seems to be Charles Pic. He impressed for them in last weeks Abu Dhabu Young Drivers Tests, and he seems likely to replace Jerome D'Ambrosio in the final spot on the grid.
Hispania Racing Team have confirmed that Pedro De La Rosa will race for them next season. The 40 year old Spaniard (41 in February) has signed a two year contract, and he becomes the first Spaniard to sign for the Spanish team. He will also be HRT's 8th driver in its 3 year history. Pedro did race at this years Canadian GP, replacing the injured Sergio Perez. He also drove for Sauber in 2010, but on got 1 finish in the top 10. He is a well known figure in the paddock, and he should supply HRT with plenty of F1 knowledge. It is unknown who will take the second seat at Hispania. Vitantonio Liuzzi had seemed keen, but after this signing, will they now want a young driver who could bring in sponsorship money?
Pic to Virgin?, and Grosjean to Lotus? and more...
The rumour mill has started to kick in, with next years driver line-up starting to fill up. The main rumours are at Lotus. Obviously, their decision rests on Robert Kubica's fitness. However, as the days go by, it is surely looking less and less likely that he will return for the first race next season. To fill in his shoes, it looks like Romain Grosjean will get another go at F1. The Swiss driver drove for Renault after replacing Nelson Piquet Jnr, but he was shunned after only half a season. But, after good driving down the formulas, he looks to have caught the eye of the Lotus' bosses.
Another driver looking even more likely to return is Kimi Raikkonen. It now seems only a matter of time before Williams announce next year's driver line-up, and Kimi looks set to take one of the space. If that means that they let go of Rubens Barrichello, it is yet to be seen. However, it is reported that Raikkonen's Williams team mate would be Pastor Maldonado.
Marussia seemed to have decided on next year's drivers as well. Partnering Timo Glock seems to be Charles Pic. He impressed for them in last weeks Abu Dhabu Young Drivers Tests, and he seems likely to replace Jerome D'Ambrosio in the final spot on the grid.
Thursday 17 November 2011
2011 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test - Day 3
Jean-Eric Vergne secured a hat-trick, as he topped the time sheets at Abu Dhabi for the third day in a row. The Frenchman set the fastest time of the week, and was the only driver to get under 1:40, doing a 1:38 lap time. He beat the surprise of the day, Sam Bird, who got his Mercedes upto second ahead of Bianchi and Turvey. Down the board, Nathanael Barthon managed to beat both Virgins in his HRT. While Lotus' Alexander Rossi set the ninth fastest time beating Renault's Charouz. 949 laps were completed today, with 14 drivers competing.
Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Time
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 1:38.917
2 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 1:40.897
3 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 1:41.347
4 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 1:41.513
5 - Max Chilton - Force India - 1:41.575
6 - Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber - 1:42.049
7 - Mirko Bortolotti - Williams - 1:43.277
8 - Kevin Ceccon - Toro Rosso - 1:43.686
9 - Alexander Rossi - Lotus - 1:44.283
10 - Jan Charouz - Renault - 1:44.470
11 - Stefano Coletti - Toro Rosso - 1:44.545
12 - Nathanael Barthon - HRT - 1:45.839
13 - Robert Wickens - Virgin - 1:45.934
14 - Charles Pic - Virgin - 1:46.348
Jean-Eric Vergne's three "wins" have seen him take the Mock-Drivers Championship at this weeks Abu Dhabi Young Drivers Test. He bet Jules Bianchi, who had to take second place in his Ferrari. An impressive final day from Sam Bird was enough to push him upto third ahead of fellow compatriot Gary Paffett.
Mock-Drivers Championship
Pos - Driver - Team - Points - Pre. Pos
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 75 - 1
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 48 - 2
3 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 26 - 8
4 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 25 - 3
5 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 18 - 4
5- Max Chilton - Force India - 18 - 8
7 - Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber - 16 - 8
7 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 16 - 11
9 - Robert Wickens - Renault - 15 - 5
10 - Fabio Leimer - Sauber - 12 - 6
11 - Johnny Cecotto Jnr - Force India - 10 - 7
12 - Mirko Bortolotti - Williams - 6 - NA
13 - Kevin Ceccon - Toro Rosso - 5 - 14
14 -Kevin Korjus - Renault - 4 - 11
15 - Luiz Razia - Lotus - 2 - 13
15 - Alexander Rossi - Lotus - 2 - NA
17 - Rodolfo Gonzalez - Lotus - 1 - 14
17 - Jan Charouz - Renault - 1 - NA
Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Time
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 1:38.917
2 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 1:40.897
3 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 1:41.347
4 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 1:41.513
5 - Max Chilton - Force India - 1:41.575
6 - Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber - 1:42.049
7 - Mirko Bortolotti - Williams - 1:43.277
8 - Kevin Ceccon - Toro Rosso - 1:43.686
9 - Alexander Rossi - Lotus - 1:44.283
10 - Jan Charouz - Renault - 1:44.470
11 - Stefano Coletti - Toro Rosso - 1:44.545
12 - Nathanael Barthon - HRT - 1:45.839
13 - Robert Wickens - Virgin - 1:45.934
14 - Charles Pic - Virgin - 1:46.348
Jean-Eric Vergne's three "wins" have seen him take the Mock-Drivers Championship at this weeks Abu Dhabi Young Drivers Test. He bet Jules Bianchi, who had to take second place in his Ferrari. An impressive final day from Sam Bird was enough to push him upto third ahead of fellow compatriot Gary Paffett.
Mock-Drivers Championship
Pos - Driver - Team - Points - Pre. Pos
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 75 - 1
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 48 - 2
3 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 26 - 8
4 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 25 - 3
5 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 18 - 4
5- Max Chilton - Force India - 18 - 8
7 - Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber - 16 - 8
7 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 16 - 11
9 - Robert Wickens - Renault - 15 - 5
10 - Fabio Leimer - Sauber - 12 - 6
11 - Johnny Cecotto Jnr - Force India - 10 - 7
12 - Mirko Bortolotti - Williams - 6 - NA
13 - Kevin Ceccon - Toro Rosso - 5 - 14
14 -Kevin Korjus - Renault - 4 - 11
15 - Luiz Razia - Lotus - 2 - 13
15 - Alexander Rossi - Lotus - 2 - NA
17 - Rodolfo Gonzalez - Lotus - 1 - 14
17 - Jan Charouz - Renault - 1 - NA
Wednesday 16 November 2011
2011 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test - Day 2
Jean-Eric Vergne set the fastest lap time for the second consecutive day at Abu Dhabi. He beat Ferrari's Bianchi and McLaren's Paffett, but still went slightly slower than yesterday. However, it wasn't all plain sailing for the Frenchman. A KERS problem meant that he could only set 43 laps, instead of the 91 laps done by Jules Bianchi. Esteban Gutierrez returned to the Sauber car, and HRT had 2 drivers in Jan Charouz and Nathanael Bethon. The surprise of the day was Valtteri Bottas, who got his Williams to go faster than the Mercedes and Renault. Only 949 laps were completed today, but all teams did feature once more.
Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Fastest Time
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 1:40.188
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 1:40.279
3 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 1:41.756
4 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 1:42.367
5 - Johnny Cecotto Jnr - Force India - 1:42.873
6 - Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber - 1:43.637
7 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 1:43.734
8 - Kevin Korjus - Renault - 1:43.776
9 - Luiz Razia - Lotus - 1:43.944
10 - Kevin Ceccon - Toro Rosso - 1:44.808
11 - Jan Charouz - HRT - 1:46.644
12 - Charles Pic - Virgin - 1:46.698
13 - Nathanel Bethon - HRT - 1:48.646
Jean-Eric has also ran away with the Mock-Drivers Championship. With two wins, he nears an unassailable lead over Jules Bianchi, who stays second. Paffett moves upto third, and Bottas takes fourth. Johnny Cecotto Jnr is today's best newcomer.
Mock-Drivers Championship
Pos - Driver - Team - Points - Pre Pos.
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 50 - 1
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 33 - 2
3 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 25 - 5
4 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 18 - 7
5 - Robert Wickens - Renault - 15 - 3
6 - Fabio Leimer - Sauber - 12 - 4
7 - Johnny Cecotto Jnr - Force India - 10 - NA
8- Max Chilton - Force India - 8 - 6
8 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 8 - 9
8 - Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber - 8 - NA
11 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 4 - 8
11 -Kevin Korjus - Renault - 4 - NA
13 - Luiz Razia - Lotus - 2 - NA
14 - Rodolfo Gonzalez - Lotus - 1 - 10
14 - Kevin Ceccon - Toro Rosso - 1 - NA
Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Fastest Time
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 1:40.188
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 1:40.279
3 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 1:41.756
4 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 1:42.367
5 - Johnny Cecotto Jnr - Force India - 1:42.873
6 - Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber - 1:43.637
7 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 1:43.734
8 - Kevin Korjus - Renault - 1:43.776
9 - Luiz Razia - Lotus - 1:43.944
10 - Kevin Ceccon - Toro Rosso - 1:44.808
11 - Jan Charouz - HRT - 1:46.644
12 - Charles Pic - Virgin - 1:46.698
13 - Nathanel Bethon - HRT - 1:48.646
Jean-Eric has also ran away with the Mock-Drivers Championship. With two wins, he nears an unassailable lead over Jules Bianchi, who stays second. Paffett moves upto third, and Bottas takes fourth. Johnny Cecotto Jnr is today's best newcomer.
Mock-Drivers Championship
Pos - Driver - Team - Points - Pre Pos.
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 50 - 1
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 33 - 2
3 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 25 - 5
4 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 18 - 7
5 - Robert Wickens - Renault - 15 - 3
6 - Fabio Leimer - Sauber - 12 - 4
7 - Johnny Cecotto Jnr - Force India - 10 - NA
8- Max Chilton - Force India - 8 - 6
8 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 8 - 9
8 - Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber - 8 - NA
11 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 4 - 8
11 -Kevin Korjus - Renault - 4 - NA
13 - Luiz Razia - Lotus - 2 - NA
14 - Rodolfo Gonzalez - Lotus - 1 - 10
14 - Kevin Ceccon - Toro Rosso - 1 - NA
Tuesday 15 November 2011
2011 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test - Day 1
Red Bull continued its F1 dominance, as Jean-Eric Vergne set the fastest time on the first day of testing. After a whole day of testing for tomorrow's superstars, it was Frenchman Vergne who beat off Ferrari's Bianchi and Renault's Wickens. However, the day will also be remembered as the debut of the periscope exhaust. These will be on every car next year, but only a few chose to display theirs today. Pirelli also had a successful day, as teams and drivers started to get use to next years tyre compounds. 898 laps were completed today, and all 12 teams competed.
Fastest Times
Pos - Driver - Team - Time
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 1:40.011
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 1:40.960
3 - Robert Wickens - Renault - 1:42.217
4 - Fabio Leimer - Sauber - 1:42.331
5 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 1:42.912
6 - Max Chilton - Force India - 1:43.016
7 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 1:43.118
8 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 1:43.502
9 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 1:43.548
10 - Rodolfo Gonzalez - Lotus - 1:44.022
11 - Stefano Coletti - Toro Rosso - 1:45.278
12 - Dani Clos - HRT - 1:45.329
13 - Charles Pic - Virgin - 1:46.930
14 - Adrian Quaife-Hobbes - Virgin - 1:47.292
Mock-Young Drivers Championship
Pos - Driver - Team - Points
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 25
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 18
3 - Robert Wickens - Renault - 15
4 - Fabio Leimer - Sauber - 12
5 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 10
6 - Max Chilton - Force India - 8
7 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 6
8 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 4
9 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 2
10 - Rodolfo Gonzalez - Lotus - 1
Fastest Times
Pos - Driver - Team - Time
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 1:40.011
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 1:40.960
3 - Robert Wickens - Renault - 1:42.217
4 - Fabio Leimer - Sauber - 1:42.331
5 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 1:42.912
6 - Max Chilton - Force India - 1:43.016
7 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 1:43.118
8 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 1:43.502
9 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 1:43.548
10 - Rodolfo Gonzalez - Lotus - 1:44.022
11 - Stefano Coletti - Toro Rosso - 1:45.278
12 - Dani Clos - HRT - 1:45.329
13 - Charles Pic - Virgin - 1:46.930
14 - Adrian Quaife-Hobbes - Virgin - 1:47.292
Mock-Young Drivers Championship
Pos - Driver - Team - Points
1 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Red Bull - 25
2 - Jules Bianchi - Ferrari - 18
3 - Robert Wickens - Renault - 15
4 - Fabio Leimer - Sauber - 12
5 - Gary Paffett - McLaren - 10
6 - Max Chilton - Force India - 8
7 - Valtteri Bottas - Williams - 6
8 - Oliver Turvey - McLaren - 4
9 - Sam Bird - Mercedes - 2
10 - Rodolfo Gonzalez - Lotus - 1
Monday 14 November 2011
2011 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test - Preview
This week sees the return of the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test Sessions. There will be three days, Tuesday to Thursday, where each team will field have the chance to test their young drivers, and possible 2012 car designs. It will also be a chance for Pirelli to trial 2012 tyre compounds, as they look to further their tyre knowledge. Most of the drivers on show will be trying to impress their bosses, as they pursue a race seat in 2012. The names to look out for though are Jean-Eric Vergne (Red Bull), Jules Bianchi (Ferrari), Valtteri Bottas (Williams) and Robert Wickens (Renault & Virgin). All these have been tipped for future drives, and they are regarded as tomorrow's stars.
All the results from this weeks Test will be published here. We we also run a mock-Drivers Championship, to see who has been the fastest throughout the week. So enjoy.
Driver Line-Up
Red Bull - Jean-Eric Vergne
McLaren - Gary Paffett & Oliver Turvey
Ferrari - Jules Bianchi
Mercedes - Sam Bird
Renault - Robert Wickens, Kevin Korjus & Jan Charouz
Williams - Valtteri Bottas & Mirko Bortolotti
Force India - Max Chilton & Johnny Cecotto Jr.
Sauber - Esteban Gutierrez & Fabio Leimer
Toro Rosso - Stefano Coletti & Kevin Ceccon
Lotus - Rodolfo Gonzalez, Luiz Razia & Alexander Rossi
Hispania - Dani Clos
Virgin - Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, Charles Pic & Robert Wickens
All the results from this weeks Test will be published here. We we also run a mock-Drivers Championship, to see who has been the fastest throughout the week. So enjoy.
Driver Line-Up
Red Bull - Jean-Eric Vergne
McLaren - Gary Paffett & Oliver Turvey
Ferrari - Jules Bianchi
Mercedes - Sam Bird
Renault - Robert Wickens, Kevin Korjus & Jan Charouz
Williams - Valtteri Bottas & Mirko Bortolotti
Force India - Max Chilton & Johnny Cecotto Jr.
Sauber - Esteban Gutierrez & Fabio Leimer
Toro Rosso - Stefano Coletti & Kevin Ceccon
Lotus - Rodolfo Gonzalez, Luiz Razia & Alexander Rossi
Hispania - Dani Clos
Virgin - Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, Charles Pic & Robert Wickens
Rankings - 13th November
The new rankings after the 2011 Abu Dhabi grand prix.
Rank - Driver - Points - Pre Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - 3861 - 1
2 - Mark Webber - 2501 - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - 2258 - 3
4 - Jenson Button - 2083.5 - 4
5 - Fernando Alonso - 1922.5 - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - 1013.5 - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - 902 - 7
8 - Rubens Barichello - 711.5 - 8
9 - Adrian Sutil - 604.5 - 9
10 - Michael Schumacher - 575 - 10
11 - Vitaly Petrov - 496 - 11
12 - Jaime Alguersuari - 451 - 13
13 - Sebastian Buemi - 436.5 - 12
14 - Robert Kubica - 425 - 14
15 - Kamui Kobayashi - 421.5 - 15
16 - Nick Heidfeld - 361 - 16
17 - Paul Di Resta - 332 - 18
18 - Jarno Trulli - 302 - 17
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - 288 - 19
20 - Timo Glock - 217 - 20
21 - Sergio Perez - 206 - 22
22 - Nico Hulkenberg - 171 - 21
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - 170 - 24
24 - Pastor Maldonado - 166 - 25
25 - Kimi Raikkonen - 149.5 - 23
26 - Bruno Senna - 141 - 26
27 - Giancarlo Fisichella - 89 - 27
28 - Pedro De La Rosa - 84 - 28
29 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 78 - 29
30 - Kazuki Nakajima - 55.5 - 30
31 - Lucas Di Grassi - 37 - 31
32 - Karun Chandhok - 35 - 32
33 - Nelson Piquet Jnr - 32 - 34
33 - Narain Karthikeyan - 32 - 34
35 - Daniel Ricciardo - 30 - 36
36 - Sebastian Bourdais - 29 - 33
37 - Sakon Yamamoto - 18 - 37
38 - Romain Grosjean - 14 - 38
39 - Luca Badoer - 5.5 - 39
40 - Christian Klien - 2 - 40
Rank - Driver - Points - Pre Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - 3861 - 1
2 - Mark Webber - 2501 - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - 2258 - 3
4 - Jenson Button - 2083.5 - 4
5 - Fernando Alonso - 1922.5 - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - 1013.5 - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - 902 - 7
8 - Rubens Barichello - 711.5 - 8
9 - Adrian Sutil - 604.5 - 9
10 - Michael Schumacher - 575 - 10
11 - Vitaly Petrov - 496 - 11
12 - Jaime Alguersuari - 451 - 13
13 - Sebastian Buemi - 436.5 - 12
14 - Robert Kubica - 425 - 14
15 - Kamui Kobayashi - 421.5 - 15
16 - Nick Heidfeld - 361 - 16
17 - Paul Di Resta - 332 - 18
18 - Jarno Trulli - 302 - 17
19 - Heikki Kovalainen - 288 - 19
20 - Timo Glock - 217 - 20
21 - Sergio Perez - 206 - 22
22 - Nico Hulkenberg - 171 - 21
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - 170 - 24
24 - Pastor Maldonado - 166 - 25
25 - Kimi Raikkonen - 149.5 - 23
26 - Bruno Senna - 141 - 26
27 - Giancarlo Fisichella - 89 - 27
28 - Pedro De La Rosa - 84 - 28
29 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 78 - 29
30 - Kazuki Nakajima - 55.5 - 30
31 - Lucas Di Grassi - 37 - 31
32 - Karun Chandhok - 35 - 32
33 - Nelson Piquet Jnr - 32 - 34
33 - Narain Karthikeyan - 32 - 34
35 - Daniel Ricciardo - 30 - 36
36 - Sebastian Bourdais - 29 - 33
37 - Sakon Yamamoto - 18 - 37
38 - Romain Grosjean - 14 - 38
39 - Luca Badoer - 5.5 - 39
40 - Christian Klien - 2 - 40
Sunday 13 November 2011
2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Race
Lewis Hamilton dominated the Abu Dhabi GP, as he took his first race win since the German GP. He fended off Fernando Alonso all race, while Sebastian Vettel retired on the first lap.
In a even start, the majority of drivers got away well. But, going into the second corner, Sebastian Vettel, current Number 1, spun off the track, revelling a punctured tyre. Hamilton inherited the lead, ahead of Button, Alonso & Webber. There were a few tussles in the midfield, which resulted in Sergio Perez getting a new front wing. Vettel managed to get his Red Bull back to the pit lane, but it was very soon apparent that his race was over. On his in-lap, the remaining rubber had destroyed the floor, and the right-rear wheel of the Red Bull Renault. His race was over, but everyone else's continued.
Jenson Button was under attack from Alonso. Famed for his good starts, the Spaniard was keen on second place. Going into the first DRS zone, Fernando managed to get a good enough run on the Brit to take second place. Next up was Webber, who was closing in on Button. Hamilton was pulling away at the front. He was ensuring that he had at least a 4 second gap to Alonso in second place. Button had been caught by Webber. Mark seemed to be able to hold onto Jenson in the corners, but the Red Bull seemed to have little pace on the straights. Even with KERS and DRS, Webber was having real difficulty on taking that final podium position. As Jenson held up Mark, Felipe Massa was catching up behind. It was soon becoming a three-way battle for third.
Soon though, it looked like Mark had taken that third place. Going into the first DRS zone, Webber took the inside line and overtook Jenson. However, Button got a good driver of the second chicane, and going into the second DRS zone Jenson took that place back. By this time, the first pit-stop window was open, and first in was Hamilton and Alonso. They were soon joined by Button and Webber. However, Mark has an awful stop as Red Bull have trouble with one of the tyres. The pit stop last nine seconds, and it pushes him behind Massa in the order.
With a fast Webber in fifth, we were beginning to see another three-way battle for third between Button, Massa & Webber. Both Felipe & Mark were catching Jenson - who had a KERS issue. It looked like it would be a three-way battle, but Mark was faster than Felipe. This gave Jenson some room, and left it as a two-way battle between Massa & Webber for fourth. No matter how hard he tried, the Aussie could not take that position of the Brazilian.
With twenty laps to go, it was still Hamilton, Alonso, Button, Massa, Webber. Mark could not find a way into fourth, so he had no choice but to pit early, and under-cut him. However, when he pitted he surprised the whole field by putting on the softer tyres, meaning he had another pit to go. Button came in a lap latter, putting on the harder tyres, and this was copied by the rest of the front runners. Mark Webber's pitstop effectively stopped him getting a podium position, but if he pushed hard enough, he could take fourth off Massa. What Mark had to do was set fastest lap after fastest lap, and that was what he did. He put so much pressure on Massa, that the Brazilian made a mistake at turn one, spinning the car. This gave Webber his fourth place.
At the front, Hamilton remained untroubled. He maintained the 4 second gap to Fernando Alonso all race, and he a race win never seemed in doubt. Alonso took second, ahead of Button who had regained KERS. Mercedes and Force India managed to get two cars in the top 10, and Kobayashi beat of team mate Perez to tenth place.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari -5
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
10 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
11 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
12 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
13 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
14 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
16 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
17 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
18 - Jarno Trulli -Lotus - 17
19 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
20 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
R - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
R - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
R - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
R - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
In a even start, the majority of drivers got away well. But, going into the second corner, Sebastian Vettel, current Number 1, spun off the track, revelling a punctured tyre. Hamilton inherited the lead, ahead of Button, Alonso & Webber. There were a few tussles in the midfield, which resulted in Sergio Perez getting a new front wing. Vettel managed to get his Red Bull back to the pit lane, but it was very soon apparent that his race was over. On his in-lap, the remaining rubber had destroyed the floor, and the right-rear wheel of the Red Bull Renault. His race was over, but everyone else's continued.
Jenson Button was under attack from Alonso. Famed for his good starts, the Spaniard was keen on second place. Going into the first DRS zone, Fernando managed to get a good enough run on the Brit to take second place. Next up was Webber, who was closing in on Button. Hamilton was pulling away at the front. He was ensuring that he had at least a 4 second gap to Alonso in second place. Button had been caught by Webber. Mark seemed to be able to hold onto Jenson in the corners, but the Red Bull seemed to have little pace on the straights. Even with KERS and DRS, Webber was having real difficulty on taking that final podium position. As Jenson held up Mark, Felipe Massa was catching up behind. It was soon becoming a three-way battle for third.
Soon though, it looked like Mark had taken that third place. Going into the first DRS zone, Webber took the inside line and overtook Jenson. However, Button got a good driver of the second chicane, and going into the second DRS zone Jenson took that place back. By this time, the first pit-stop window was open, and first in was Hamilton and Alonso. They were soon joined by Button and Webber. However, Mark has an awful stop as Red Bull have trouble with one of the tyres. The pit stop last nine seconds, and it pushes him behind Massa in the order.
With a fast Webber in fifth, we were beginning to see another three-way battle for third between Button, Massa & Webber. Both Felipe & Mark were catching Jenson - who had a KERS issue. It looked like it would be a three-way battle, but Mark was faster than Felipe. This gave Jenson some room, and left it as a two-way battle between Massa & Webber for fourth. No matter how hard he tried, the Aussie could not take that position of the Brazilian.
With twenty laps to go, it was still Hamilton, Alonso, Button, Massa, Webber. Mark could not find a way into fourth, so he had no choice but to pit early, and under-cut him. However, when he pitted he surprised the whole field by putting on the softer tyres, meaning he had another pit to go. Button came in a lap latter, putting on the harder tyres, and this was copied by the rest of the front runners. Mark Webber's pitstop effectively stopped him getting a podium position, but if he pushed hard enough, he could take fourth off Massa. What Mark had to do was set fastest lap after fastest lap, and that was what he did. He put so much pressure on Massa, that the Brazilian made a mistake at turn one, spinning the car. This gave Webber his fourth place.
At the front, Hamilton remained untroubled. He maintained the 4 second gap to Fernando Alonso all race, and he a race win never seemed in doubt. Alonso took second, ahead of Button who had regained KERS. Mercedes and Force India managed to get two cars in the top 10, and Kobayashi beat of team mate Perez to tenth place.
Race Results
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari -5
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
10 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
11 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
12 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
13 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
14 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
16 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
17 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
18 - Jarno Trulli -Lotus - 17
19 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
20 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
R - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
R - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
R - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
R - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
Saturday 12 November 2011
2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Qualifying
Sebastian Vettel pulled out a great lap time to beat both the McLarens in one of the closest battles for pole all season.
In Q1, there were no troubles for the big teams. Hamilton set the fastest lap, but as usual, the attention was on the bottom of the grid. This weekend, it was the two Williams drivers who were in trouble. Barrichello was having problems with his car. The Williams had an oil leek issue which could not be repaired in time. This resulted in Rubens being the first to drop out in qualifying. He was soon joined by Trulli, Kovalainen, Glock, D'Ambrosio, Ricciardo & Liuzzi.
In Q2, the problems continued for Williams. Their pace wasn't brilliant, and the best Maldonado could do was 17th. After his 10-place, that would put the two Williams driver on the back row of the grid. A red flag did briefly appear during the session. Massa had cut a corner, and debris from a pole on one of the corners had found its way onto the racing line. The red flag was immediatly brought out, due to the possibility of a puncture or floor damage to a car. After a great rise in recent performances, Toro Rosso were not looking as competitive. They had the fastest car in a straight line, but that could not help them get though into Q3, as both cars dropped out. They were both beaten by Petrov & Perez. However, they were also beaten by both Force India cars, as Di Resta & Sutil made it into Q3. They joined Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull & McLaren in having their 2 drivers in the final stage of qualifying.
Q3 was one of the closest battles for pole this season, and for some time. It seemed that it would be a battle between Red Bull & McLaren, with Alonso possibly up there as well. After the front runners had set their first time, it was Hamilton who led from Vettel, Webber & Button. Lewis and Sebastian were seperated by the smallest of margins, while a mistake by Button on the final corner has cost him at least one position. With 1 minute left, all ten cars were out on the track. As the sector times came in, it was Button who was the fastest. He was setting the fastest sector times, and he looked like the favourite to take pole. He crossed the line to take first place. However, he was followed by Hamilton, who took pole by 0.009 seconds. But, McLarens joy was short lived, when Sebastian Vettel went across the line to seal another pole position.
Tomorrows Grid
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
9 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
10 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
11 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
12 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
13 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
14 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
16 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
21 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
22 - Jerome D'Amborosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
24 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
In Q1, there were no troubles for the big teams. Hamilton set the fastest lap, but as usual, the attention was on the bottom of the grid. This weekend, it was the two Williams drivers who were in trouble. Barrichello was having problems with his car. The Williams had an oil leek issue which could not be repaired in time. This resulted in Rubens being the first to drop out in qualifying. He was soon joined by Trulli, Kovalainen, Glock, D'Ambrosio, Ricciardo & Liuzzi.
In Q2, the problems continued for Williams. Their pace wasn't brilliant, and the best Maldonado could do was 17th. After his 10-place, that would put the two Williams driver on the back row of the grid. A red flag did briefly appear during the session. Massa had cut a corner, and debris from a pole on one of the corners had found its way onto the racing line. The red flag was immediatly brought out, due to the possibility of a puncture or floor damage to a car. After a great rise in recent performances, Toro Rosso were not looking as competitive. They had the fastest car in a straight line, but that could not help them get though into Q3, as both cars dropped out. They were both beaten by Petrov & Perez. However, they were also beaten by both Force India cars, as Di Resta & Sutil made it into Q3. They joined Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull & McLaren in having their 2 drivers in the final stage of qualifying.
Q3 was one of the closest battles for pole this season, and for some time. It seemed that it would be a battle between Red Bull & McLaren, with Alonso possibly up there as well. After the front runners had set their first time, it was Hamilton who led from Vettel, Webber & Button. Lewis and Sebastian were seperated by the smallest of margins, while a mistake by Button on the final corner has cost him at least one position. With 1 minute left, all ten cars were out on the track. As the sector times came in, it was Button who was the fastest. He was setting the fastest sector times, and he looked like the favourite to take pole. He crossed the line to take first place. However, he was followed by Hamilton, who took pole by 0.009 seconds. But, McLarens joy was short lived, when Sebastian Vettel went across the line to seal another pole position.
Tomorrows Grid
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
2 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
3 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
4 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
8 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
9 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
10 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
11 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
12 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
13 - Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
14 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
15 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
16 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
21 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
22 - Jerome D'Amborosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
24 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Free Practice
Lewis Hamilton set some storming laps to set the fastest time after two days at Abu Dhabi. He was fastest by 0.5 seconds in 3rd practice.
First Practice
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
2 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - Red Bull - 3
4 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
10 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
11 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso - NR
12 - Romain Grosjean - Renault - 38
13 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
14 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
15 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
17 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
21 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
22 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
23 - Robert Wickens - Virgin - NR
24 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
NR - No Ranking
Second Practice
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
4 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
10 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
11 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
12 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
13 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
14 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
15 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
16 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
24 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
Third Practice
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 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
10 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
11 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
12 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
14 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
15 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
16 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Heikki Kovalinen - Lotus - 19
19 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
21 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
24 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
First Practice
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
2 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
3 - Lewis Hamilton - Red Bull - 3
4 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
5 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
7 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
8 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
10 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
11 - Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso - NR
12 - Romain Grosjean - Renault - 38
13 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
14 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
15 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
16 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
17 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
21 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
22 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
23 - Robert Wickens - Virgin - NR
24 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
NR - No Ranking
Second Practice
Pos - Driver - Team - Rank
1 - Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 3
2 - Jenson Button - McLaren - 4
3 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
4 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
5 - Mark Webber - Red Bull - 2
6 - Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - 1
7 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
10 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
11 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
12 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
13 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
14 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
15 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
16 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Heikki Kovalainen - Lotus - 19
19 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
20 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
21 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
24 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
Third Practice
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 - Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 5
6 - Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 7
7 - Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 6
8 - Adrian Sutil - Force India - 9
9 - Paul Di Resta - Force India - 18
10 - Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - 10
11 - Bruno Senna - Renault - 26
12 - Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - 15
13 - Sergio Perez - Sauber - 22
14 - Vitaly Petrov - Renault - 11
15 - Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - 12
16 - Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 13
17 - Pastor Maldonado - Williams - 25
18 - Heikki Kovalinen - Lotus - 19
19 - Rubens Barrichello - Williams - 8
20 - Timo Glock - Virgin - 20
21 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - HRT - 24
22 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - 29
23 - Daniel Ricciardo - HRT - 36
24 - Jarno Trulli - Lotus - 17
Saturday 5 November 2011
Latest F1 News
Razia & Rossi To Drive For Lotus
Luiz Razia and Alexander Rossi will both driver for Lotus at the Abu Dhabi Young Drivers Test. Brazilian Razia has been racing in GP2 this year. His best performance being second place at Valencia. American Rossi has just finished racing in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. He finished third in the championship, with 2 race wins.
Robert Wickens To Pratice For Vigin
Canadian driver Robert Wickens will get to test drive for the Virgin team at next weekends Abu Dhabi grand prix. He will replace Jerome D'Amborosio for the first free practice on the Friday. A good performance could really help Robert's push to get a race seat next year.
Name Changes
3 teams will get a change of name for next season. As mentioned here before, the Lotus Renault battle will be over. Renault will take the name Lotus, while Tony Fernandes' Lotus will instead be called Caterham. Also, Virgin will be changed to main sponsor Marussia. The changes have to be approved by the International Automobile Federation, but there should be little quibbles.
Luiz Razia and Alexander Rossi will both driver for Lotus at the Abu Dhabi Young Drivers Test. Brazilian Razia has been racing in GP2 this year. His best performance being second place at Valencia. American Rossi has just finished racing in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. He finished third in the championship, with 2 race wins.
Robert Wickens To Pratice For Vigin
Canadian driver Robert Wickens will get to test drive for the Virgin team at next weekends Abu Dhabi grand prix. He will replace Jerome D'Amborosio for the first free practice on the Friday. A good performance could really help Robert's push to get a race seat next year.
Name Changes
3 teams will get a change of name for next season. As mentioned here before, the Lotus Renault battle will be over. Renault will take the name Lotus, while Tony Fernandes' Lotus will instead be called Caterham. Also, Virgin will be changed to main sponsor Marussia. The changes have to be approved by the International Automobile Federation, but there should be little quibbles.
Thursday 3 November 2011
Driver Of The Month - Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel took his 5th Driver Of The Month, after a great October.
His month started with a title decider at Suzuka, Japan. He just had to get a point to ensure he won back-to-back titles. Pole Position seemed to suggest that Sebastian would just run away with the race. However, he poor tyre degradation on the Red Bull, the team chose a very safe pit strategy. The result of which was that Vettel could only come third, but more importantly, it sealed a second Driver's World Championship. At Korea, Sebastian wanted to show that he was number one. However, for the first time this year, a none-Red Bull was on pole, and Seb had to start in second. However, he put all that behind him to drive champions race, and he took the victory, comfortably. At India, this time, he wanted to continue his dominance, especially on the Saturday. This time, he ensured that he would be the man who started on pole at the inaugural race. He then drove a perfect race. He led every single lap, and took the fastest lap, as he asserted himself as 2011's best driver.
October's Best Drivers
Pos - Driver - Points Gained
1 - Sebstian Vettel - +235.5
2 - Jenson Button - +210.5
3 - Sergio Perez - +58
4 - Paul Di Resta - +56
5 - Adrian Sutil - +40.5
His month started with a title decider at Suzuka, Japan. He just had to get a point to ensure he won back-to-back titles. Pole Position seemed to suggest that Sebastian would just run away with the race. However, he poor tyre degradation on the Red Bull, the team chose a very safe pit strategy. The result of which was that Vettel could only come third, but more importantly, it sealed a second Driver's World Championship. At Korea, Sebastian wanted to show that he was number one. However, for the first time this year, a none-Red Bull was on pole, and Seb had to start in second. However, he put all that behind him to drive champions race, and he took the victory, comfortably. At India, this time, he wanted to continue his dominance, especially on the Saturday. This time, he ensured that he would be the man who started on pole at the inaugural race. He then drove a perfect race. He led every single lap, and took the fastest lap, as he asserted himself as 2011's best driver.
October's Best Drivers
Pos - Driver - Points Gained
1 - Sebstian Vettel - +235.5
2 - Jenson Button - +210.5
3 - Sergio Perez - +58
4 - Paul Di Resta - +56
5 - Adrian Sutil - +40.5
Climbers Of The Month - Jaime Alguersuari and Sergio Perez
This months Climber Of The Month award is shared between Jaime Alguersuari and Sergio Perez. It is Sergio's 3rd COTM award, but Jaime's first since 2010.
Jaime Alguersuari has had a solid October. With pressure being put on him by Toro Rosso, he has started to develop as a driver. On his current form, it would be harsh to drop him. October; however, did not start perfectly. A 15th place at Suzuka, Japan was not brilliant, but he was only 4 seconds of 12th, and only 20 seconds of of 10th and points. After the close Japanese GP, we entered Korea, and Alguersuari drove a brilliant race. After missing out, just, on Q3 on Saturday, Jaime drove a great race on the Sunday, racing to seventh. The highlight being an overtake on Nico Rosberg's Mercedes. A 7th place equalled with Italy, as his highest race finish this year. So, how could he improve in India. Unfortunately, he couldn't produce a scalp this weekend. Instead he had to settle with being the "best of the rest" with an 8th place. Overall, a very solid month for Jaime. A month that has seem him jump 3 places up the F1 Rankings, climbing from 16th to 13th.
Sharing this months award with Alguersuari is Sergio Perez. The Mexican has had a similar month to the Spaniard, with 3 finishes, 2 being in the points. Sergio's first points finish in October was at the first race in Suzuka, Japan. Sergio started off the weekend poorly, with a qualifying position of 17th. However, with the tyres he has then saved, he managed to produced a great display on Sunday, ending up with an 8th place finish. However, two weeks later in Korea, it seemed that Sergio's luck had run out a bit. Again, he had a poor Saturday, with 17th place on the grid. On race day, luck was not on his side. He had to settle for 16th, behind the Lotus of Kovalainen, and his team mate Kobayashi. At India, Sergio's poor qualifying pace showed again. He qualified 17th, again, but after a 3-place penalty for ignoring yellow flags on the Friday, he pushed forced to start 20th. However, like at Suzuka, he used his good race pace to force his way up the grid to a 10th place, and World Championship Points. These good race day performances gave also seem him climb three places in the F1 Rankings as well. He now lies in 22nd place, after starting October in 25th.
Climbers Of The Month
Pos - Driver - Gained
1 - Jaime Alguersuari - +3
1 - Sergio Perez - +3
3 - Daniel Ricciardo - +2
3 - Paul Di Resta - +2
3 - Vitaly Petrov - +2
Jaime Alguersuari has had a solid October. With pressure being put on him by Toro Rosso, he has started to develop as a driver. On his current form, it would be harsh to drop him. October; however, did not start perfectly. A 15th place at Suzuka, Japan was not brilliant, but he was only 4 seconds of 12th, and only 20 seconds of of 10th and points. After the close Japanese GP, we entered Korea, and Alguersuari drove a brilliant race. After missing out, just, on Q3 on Saturday, Jaime drove a great race on the Sunday, racing to seventh. The highlight being an overtake on Nico Rosberg's Mercedes. A 7th place equalled with Italy, as his highest race finish this year. So, how could he improve in India. Unfortunately, he couldn't produce a scalp this weekend. Instead he had to settle with being the "best of the rest" with an 8th place. Overall, a very solid month for Jaime. A month that has seem him jump 3 places up the F1 Rankings, climbing from 16th to 13th.
Sharing this months award with Alguersuari is Sergio Perez. The Mexican has had a similar month to the Spaniard, with 3 finishes, 2 being in the points. Sergio's first points finish in October was at the first race in Suzuka, Japan. Sergio started off the weekend poorly, with a qualifying position of 17th. However, with the tyres he has then saved, he managed to produced a great display on Sunday, ending up with an 8th place finish. However, two weeks later in Korea, it seemed that Sergio's luck had run out a bit. Again, he had a poor Saturday, with 17th place on the grid. On race day, luck was not on his side. He had to settle for 16th, behind the Lotus of Kovalainen, and his team mate Kobayashi. At India, Sergio's poor qualifying pace showed again. He qualified 17th, again, but after a 3-place penalty for ignoring yellow flags on the Friday, he pushed forced to start 20th. However, like at Suzuka, he used his good race pace to force his way up the grid to a 10th place, and World Championship Points. These good race day performances gave also seem him climb three places in the F1 Rankings as well. He now lies in 22nd place, after starting October in 25th.
Climbers Of The Month
Pos - Driver - Gained
1 - Jaime Alguersuari - +3
1 - Sergio Perez - +3
3 - Daniel Ricciardo - +2
3 - Paul Di Resta - +2
3 - Vitaly Petrov - +2
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