Sutil to Ferrari?
After being dumped by Force India, could Adrian Sutil be about to move up in the world. After solid drives for the Indian team this year, he may have caught the attention of Ferrari. At the moment, it looks like a long shot, but Adrian Sutil could be Ferrari driver in the near future. Now, Felipe Massa has a contract for next year, but it runs out by the end of 2012. So, Adrian may replace Massa, meaning the Brazilian will be due compensation for his contract. Or, more likely, Adrian will be their third driver this year, and then replace Massa for the start of 2013. Again, this is highly unlikely at the moment, but stranger things have happened in F1.
Bruno Senna to Sign For Williams
In the race for that second Williams seat, Bruno Senna seems to have stole a lead. It would seem, that with the sponsorships he brings, and the speed he has, he could be the right guy for the job. It would mean that Rubens Barrichello would be without a seat for next year, and probably see him out of F1 forever. In a very sad move for Rubens and Brazilian F1, it would be a move which has been coming for some time. Rubens only just beat Pastor Maldonado this year. Though many fans would prefer to see him retire, rather than to just loose his seat.
Petrov To Caterham?
Martin Brundle has fuelled a cracker of an F1-rumour, with the suggestion that Vitaly Petrov may move to Caterham. After being dropped by Lotus Renault, the Russian is looking for a seat. He seems to be out of the picture for the Williams seat, but he may be about to move to another team - Caterham. He could be about to displace Jarno Trulli in the Malaysian team. Jarno has a contract for next season, though it doesn't not confirm him a race seat. He may take the test driver role, while Petrov takes his seat. Vitaly would bring sponsorship to Caterham, and would bring more competition to Heikki Kovalainen. It would just leave a question mark over Trulli, who may not be too happy with this move, and may want more than a test driver role.
Saturday 31 December 2011
Sunday 18 December 2011
Race Of The Year - Winner
For the final award, we have Race Of The Year. With the winner being the Canadian GP.
The race at Montreal, Canada was one of the best for years. We had a great battles for first, second and down to tenth. A wet track, a dry track, a safety car, a red flag. There was surprise drives, with Kobayashi & Schumacher coming alive in the wet. We had battles between Webber & Hamilton, Alonso & Button, Schumacher, Massa & Kobayashi. There was also the unforgettable last lap, where a Vettel blunder gave Jenson Button a deserved race win. Added to that, we had a sprint to the line between Kobayashi & Massa, with Felipe producing a last second move. For all these, the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix has to be awarded the Race Of The Year award.
You can read the race report HERE.
The race at Montreal, Canada was one of the best for years. We had a great battles for first, second and down to tenth. A wet track, a dry track, a safety car, a red flag. There was surprise drives, with Kobayashi & Schumacher coming alive in the wet. We had battles between Webber & Hamilton, Alonso & Button, Schumacher, Massa & Kobayashi. There was also the unforgettable last lap, where a Vettel blunder gave Jenson Button a deserved race win. Added to that, we had a sprint to the line between Kobayashi & Massa, with Felipe producing a last second move. For all these, the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix has to be awarded the Race Of The Year award.
You can read the race report HERE.
Drive Of The Year - Winner
The winner of Drive Of The Year for 2011 is Jenson Button, for his drive to victory at the Canadian GP.
Jenson Button produced a great display to take victory at the Canadian GP. At a safety car, a drive through penalty, and a couple of pit stops, Brit Jenson found himself in last place. However, this did not deter him, as he fought his way through the field on a drying track. As the DRS got activated, he got further ahead. He was soon in a great battle for second between Schumacher & Webber. Eventually taking the both of them, he set about on the leader Vettel. Coming to the last lap, Jenon was second. But after putting so much pressure on the German, he cracked, went wide at a corner, and Jenson took a well deserved win.
You can read the whole race review HERE.
Jenson Button produced a great display to take victory at the Canadian GP. At a safety car, a drive through penalty, and a couple of pit stops, Brit Jenson found himself in last place. However, this did not deter him, as he fought his way through the field on a drying track. As the DRS got activated, he got further ahead. He was soon in a great battle for second between Schumacher & Webber. Eventually taking the both of them, he set about on the leader Vettel. Coming to the last lap, Jenon was second. But after putting so much pressure on the German, he cracked, went wide at a corner, and Jenson took a well deserved win.
You can read the whole race review HERE.
Overtake Of The Year - Winner
The winner of F1Rankings Overtake Of The Year is Mark Webber for his move on Fernando Alonso at the Belgium GP.
Mark Webber produced a sublime move at the historic Eau Rouge, a move that will go down in history as one of the best ever. Going around the first corner, Mark was greeted by an Alonso who was coming out of the pits. Mark activated his KERS, and going around the inside of the Spaniard, Mark took him at the bottom of Eau Rouge. Watch the video above if you do not believe me.
Mark Webber produced a sublime move at the historic Eau Rouge, a move that will go down in history as one of the best ever. Going around the first corner, Mark was greeted by an Alonso who was coming out of the pits. Mark activated his KERS, and going around the inside of the Spaniard, Mark took him at the bottom of Eau Rouge. Watch the video above if you do not believe me.
Saturday 17 December 2011
Latest F1 News
Di Resta & Hulkenberg for Force India
Force India have confirmed that Paul Di Resta & Nico Hulkenberg will be their race drivers next year. It was the announcement that was expected, but it is still a suprise move. Youngster Hulkenberg comes in for the experienced Adrian Sutil, who has been with Force India since its creation. However, Force India's new line-up is still seen as a strong one. The only question is who long they can keep them. Both have been rumoured to have caught the eyes of larger teams such as Mercedes and Ferrari, both of which could be looking for a new driver next year. At the moment however, Force India could have a very promising 2012.
For Adrian Sutil, time is now running out. There are now two seats left, one at Williams and HRT. His best option is at Williams; however, he is facing competition for that seat from Adrian Sutil, Rubens Barrichello, Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna. As for HRT, they seems to be setting their sights elsewhere. Specifically, they could be going with a Spanish driver. Either ex-Toro Rosso driver Jamie Alguersuari, or youngster Dani Clos. Whatever decisions are made, there are going to be some drivers who could be saying good-bye to the sport forever.
Possible Future GPs
After bringing F1 to new corners of the world, such as India, Korea and America, Bernie is still looking for new circuits to go to. Russia is already lined up for a slot on the 2014 calendar. There is also a likely chance that South Africa will be an F1 host in the next five or so years. But Bernie is not done there. Currently rumoured to be new hosts are Mexico, Argentina, France, Austria, Lebanon and many others. However, new races mean that old races have to go, and recently those race have been from Europe. If more have to go, it will be a huge shame, with the majority of F1 teams, drivers, fans, and team members from Europe. It is the home of F1, and should surely always be the heart of the F1 calendar.
Force India have confirmed that Paul Di Resta & Nico Hulkenberg will be their race drivers next year. It was the announcement that was expected, but it is still a suprise move. Youngster Hulkenberg comes in for the experienced Adrian Sutil, who has been with Force India since its creation. However, Force India's new line-up is still seen as a strong one. The only question is who long they can keep them. Both have been rumoured to have caught the eyes of larger teams such as Mercedes and Ferrari, both of which could be looking for a new driver next year. At the moment however, Force India could have a very promising 2012.
For Adrian Sutil, time is now running out. There are now two seats left, one at Williams and HRT. His best option is at Williams; however, he is facing competition for that seat from Adrian Sutil, Rubens Barrichello, Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna. As for HRT, they seems to be setting their sights elsewhere. Specifically, they could be going with a Spanish driver. Either ex-Toro Rosso driver Jamie Alguersuari, or youngster Dani Clos. Whatever decisions are made, there are going to be some drivers who could be saying good-bye to the sport forever.
Possible Future GPs
After bringing F1 to new corners of the world, such as India, Korea and America, Bernie is still looking for new circuits to go to. Russia is already lined up for a slot on the 2014 calendar. There is also a likely chance that South Africa will be an F1 host in the next five or so years. But Bernie is not done there. Currently rumoured to be new hosts are Mexico, Argentina, France, Austria, Lebanon and many others. However, new races mean that old races have to go, and recently those race have been from Europe. If more have to go, it will be a huge shame, with the majority of F1 teams, drivers, fans, and team members from Europe. It is the home of F1, and should surely always be the heart of the F1 calendar.
Race Of The Year - Nominations
The nominations for Race Of The Year are -
Canadian GP
A great wet/dry race which lasted for hours. Highlights include a great drive from Jenson Button to take victory, Kobayashi & Schumacher in with the chance of the podium, and Vettel making a mistake.
Hungarian GP
Another wet/dry race in which Button took full advantage. Race though, could have been won by any number of drivers from Vettel to Alonso.
Japanese GP
A race brought to life by poor tyres. Tyre degradation brought more pitstops. There was also tight battles between Button & Vettel, and Hamilton & Massa.
German GP
A near career-best drive from Lewis Hamilton, as he beat both Red Bull's and Alonso in a great drive from the Brit. He also produced a great pass on the Spaniard during the race.
Monaco GP
An extremely close battle between Vettel, Alonso & Button was race long. There were also safety cars, huge accidents, and the continuation of the Hamilton & Massa battle.
Canadian GP
A great wet/dry race which lasted for hours. Highlights include a great drive from Jenson Button to take victory, Kobayashi & Schumacher in with the chance of the podium, and Vettel making a mistake.
Hungarian GP
Another wet/dry race in which Button took full advantage. Race though, could have been won by any number of drivers from Vettel to Alonso.
Japanese GP
A race brought to life by poor tyres. Tyre degradation brought more pitstops. There was also tight battles between Button & Vettel, and Hamilton & Massa.
German GP
A near career-best drive from Lewis Hamilton, as he beat both Red Bull's and Alonso in a great drive from the Brit. He also produced a great pass on the Spaniard during the race.
Monaco GP
An extremely close battle between Vettel, Alonso & Button was race long. There were also safety cars, huge accidents, and the continuation of the Hamilton & Massa battle.
Drive Of The Year - Nominations
The nominations for Drive Of The Year are -
Sebastian Vettel - Indian GP
He totally dominated the race weekend, with pole, fastest lap and race win. He also showed his quite adaptability skills at a new race.
Jenson Button - Canadian GP
Jenson came from last place, to take the win of Sebastian Vettel on the final lap. Drive also included several pit stops, a drive through and some great overtakes.
Vitaly Petrov - Australian GP
Vitaly's shock third place finish at Australia was great. The first race of the season always throws up a shock, and Petrov got his first ever podium.
Sebastian Vettel - European GP
Totally dominated the weekend again. Pole, fastest lap and complete race domination should have warned us of the season we were set to have.
Adrian Sutil - Brazilian GP
A great drive for Adrian to sixth place in his Force India. Beating Rosberg's Mercedes, in what was his final race for the Indian team.
Sebastian Vettel - Indian GP
He totally dominated the race weekend, with pole, fastest lap and race win. He also showed his quite adaptability skills at a new race.
Jenson Button - Canadian GP
Jenson came from last place, to take the win of Sebastian Vettel on the final lap. Drive also included several pit stops, a drive through and some great overtakes.
Vitaly Petrov - Australian GP
Vitaly's shock third place finish at Australia was great. The first race of the season always throws up a shock, and Petrov got his first ever podium.
Sebastian Vettel - European GP
Totally dominated the weekend again. Pole, fastest lap and complete race domination should have warned us of the season we were set to have.
Adrian Sutil - Brazilian GP
A great drive for Adrian to sixth place in his Force India. Beating Rosberg's Mercedes, in what was his final race for the Indian team.
Overtake Of The Year - Nominations
Today's is the starts the end of the 2011 F1 Ranking Awards. We have three cracking awards today, with the winners being announced tomorrow. So, to start with, we have Overtake Of The Year. And the nominations are -
Lewis Hamilton on Fernando Alonso - German GP
In an action packed German GP, Lewis produced a great overtake around the outside of Alonso at the first few corners.
Mark Webber on Fernando Alonso - Belgium GP
As Fernando came out of the pits, Mark activates his KERS to produce a sublime overtake on Fernando at the bottom of Eau Rouge.
Fernando Alonso on Vettel, Webber & Hamilton - Spanish GP
In one of the greatest starts to race ever, Fernando Alonso KERSed his way from fourth to first before he reached the first corner.
Lewis Hamilton on Jenson Button - Chinese GP
In an overtake that probably won him the race, Lewis takes Jenson on the short pit straight, just edging him out before the first corner.
Michael Schumacher on Kobayashi & Massa - Canadian GP
In wet conditions, Michael came alive, and managed to pass the squabbling Kobayashi & Massa in one manoeuvre.
Lewis Hamilton on Fernando Alonso - German GP
In an action packed German GP, Lewis produced a great overtake around the outside of Alonso at the first few corners.
Mark Webber on Fernando Alonso - Belgium GP
As Fernando came out of the pits, Mark activates his KERS to produce a sublime overtake on Fernando at the bottom of Eau Rouge.
Fernando Alonso on Vettel, Webber & Hamilton - Spanish GP
In one of the greatest starts to race ever, Fernando Alonso KERSed his way from fourth to first before he reached the first corner.
Lewis Hamilton on Jenson Button - Chinese GP
In an overtake that probably won him the race, Lewis takes Jenson on the short pit straight, just edging him out before the first corner.
Michael Schumacher on Kobayashi & Massa - Canadian GP
In wet conditions, Michael came alive, and managed to pass the squabbling Kobayashi & Massa in one manoeuvre.
Friday 16 December 2011
Overachieving Driver Of The Year - Winner
The winner of the Overachieving Driver Of The Year in 2011 is Kamui Kobayashi.
The Japanese driver has had a terrific season. The highlight of which he got seven consecutive top 10 finishes. These results helped him finish ahead of drivers like Barrichello, Alguersuari and DiResta in the Drivers Championships. All this was done with the seventh fastest car on the grid. Kamui has also taken the role as lead driver in his stride. He showed who much he had grown at Canada. With a great driver, he beat last years team mate De La Rosa easily, proving that 2011 was Kamui's year where he came of age as a F1 driver.
The Japanese driver has had a terrific season. The highlight of which he got seven consecutive top 10 finishes. These results helped him finish ahead of drivers like Barrichello, Alguersuari and DiResta in the Drivers Championships. All this was done with the seventh fastest car on the grid. Kamui has also taken the role as lead driver in his stride. He showed who much he had grown at Canada. With a great driver, he beat last years team mate De La Rosa easily, proving that 2011 was Kamui's year where he came of age as a F1 driver.
Team Of The Year - Winner
2011's award for Team Of The Year goes to Red Bull
Red Bull's dominance in F1 this year will go down in history. Agreed, it was only dominance by one car, but the car still has to be there. Adrian Newey and the rest of the Red Bull team built a World Championship winning car from day 1, and though the whole season they have been the team to beat. This shows that they are a team that when they get a lead, it is very hard to peg them back. The Austrian team did lose a little bit of pace to McLaren, and had some tyre issues at Belgium and Japan, but at both races they got Pole Position and at least 1 podium. They also made a car suitable for several different types of track, winning at Spa, Singapore and India. Red Bull have also been near perfect in the races as well. Great strategies, perfect pit-stops, and only 2 retirements prove that they are an all-round great team.
Red Bull's dominance in F1 this year will go down in history. Agreed, it was only dominance by one car, but the car still has to be there. Adrian Newey and the rest of the Red Bull team built a World Championship winning car from day 1, and though the whole season they have been the team to beat. This shows that they are a team that when they get a lead, it is very hard to peg them back. The Austrian team did lose a little bit of pace to McLaren, and had some tyre issues at Belgium and Japan, but at both races they got Pole Position and at least 1 podium. They also made a car suitable for several different types of track, winning at Spa, Singapore and India. Red Bull have also been near perfect in the races as well. Great strategies, perfect pit-stops, and only 2 retirements prove that they are an all-round great team.
Thursday 15 December 2011
Overachieving Driver Of The Year - Nominations
The nominations for Overachieving Driver Of The Year are -
Jerome D'Ambrosio
On his debut season, Jerome did not totally disappoint. On several occasions he was faster than his more experienced team mate Timo Glock.
Sergio Perez
Another debutant who impressed. Also showed overtaking skills, and solid speed which he showed off on several Saturdays.
Jaime Alguersuari
The Spaniards season has been hard off-track, but he started to prove himself on the track with great drives, beating Nico Rosberg in Korea.
Kamui Kobayashi
Maturing a lot this year, Kamui became very consistent, with six consecutive points finishes for his small Sauber team.
Adrian Sutil
Adrian managed to get his Force India into very high positions, proving that he is a very competent race driver.
The winner will be announced tomorrow.
Jerome D'Ambrosio
On his debut season, Jerome did not totally disappoint. On several occasions he was faster than his more experienced team mate Timo Glock.
Sergio Perez
Another debutant who impressed. Also showed overtaking skills, and solid speed which he showed off on several Saturdays.
Jaime Alguersuari
The Spaniards season has been hard off-track, but he started to prove himself on the track with great drives, beating Nico Rosberg in Korea.
Kamui Kobayashi
Maturing a lot this year, Kamui became very consistent, with six consecutive points finishes for his small Sauber team.
Adrian Sutil
Adrian managed to get his Force India into very high positions, proving that he is a very competent race driver.
The winner will be announced tomorrow.
Latest F1 News
Toro Rosso Announce Driver Line-Up
Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will be Toro Rosso's two drivers next year. In a surprise move, the small Italian team has set up a completely new driver line-up. This move now leaves Jamie Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi without a seat next year. Time is also running out for these two, now with just 4 seats left, and really they will only have a chance at 2 of them - Williams & HRT. Ricciardo joins the team after a successful stint at HRT, while Jean-Eric impressed during the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Tests. It will be interesting to see their battle next year, as the winner may well be driving in a Red Bull next year.
HRT Have A New Boss
Luis Perez-Sala has been announced as the new boss of HRT. The 52 year old Spaniard, and former F1 race driver, replaces Colin Kolles. Luis raced for Minardi in the 1980s, but this is his first move in F1 management. His first real decision will be his driver line-up, with HRT yet to name a second driver to partner Pedro De La Rosa. After that, he must help build this small team, as they aim to catch Caterham.
Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will be Toro Rosso's two drivers next year. In a surprise move, the small Italian team has set up a completely new driver line-up. This move now leaves Jamie Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi without a seat next year. Time is also running out for these two, now with just 4 seats left, and really they will only have a chance at 2 of them - Williams & HRT. Ricciardo joins the team after a successful stint at HRT, while Jean-Eric impressed during the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Tests. It will be interesting to see their battle next year, as the winner may well be driving in a Red Bull next year.
HRT Have A New Boss
Luis Perez-Sala has been announced as the new boss of HRT. The 52 year old Spaniard, and former F1 race driver, replaces Colin Kolles. Luis raced for Minardi in the 1980s, but this is his first move in F1 management. His first real decision will be his driver line-up, with HRT yet to name a second driver to partner Pedro De La Rosa. After that, he must help build this small team, as they aim to catch Caterham.
Team Of The Year - Nominations
The nominations for Team Of The Year are -
Red Bull
Dominated the drivers championship due to Vettel, but Webber struggled. Car was number 1 through whole year, but the gap did shrink from March to November.
Lotus
For the second year in a row, they were the best of the "new team". They got closer to the "midfield teams", but are still a small margin off.
Force India
The best "midfield team" this year, after trashing Toro Rosso and Sauber at the final races. However, struggled a bit in the first half of the season.
McLaren
Six wins show they were competitive, and they were also the best at closing the gap to Red Bull. However, there was still a large gulp to the Austrian team.
Mercedes
Car was nearly always faster than Renault, and in the Pits, Mercedes were the fastest. Wasn't enough to get any podiums though.
The winner will be announced tomorrow.
Red Bull
Dominated the drivers championship due to Vettel, but Webber struggled. Car was number 1 through whole year, but the gap did shrink from March to November.
Lotus
For the second year in a row, they were the best of the "new team". They got closer to the "midfield teams", but are still a small margin off.
Force India
The best "midfield team" this year, after trashing Toro Rosso and Sauber at the final races. However, struggled a bit in the first half of the season.
McLaren
Six wins show they were competitive, and they were also the best at closing the gap to Red Bull. However, there was still a large gulp to the Austrian team.
Mercedes
Car was nearly always faster than Renault, and in the Pits, Mercedes were the fastest. Wasn't enough to get any podiums though.
The winner will be announced tomorrow.
Funniest Moment Of The Year - Winner
The award for Funniest Moment Of The Year goes to Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso, for Fernando's taxi ride from Mark at the end of the race.
After a full race of action at the German GP, Alonso' Ferrari had run out of fuel. Pulling up on the side of the track, a passing Mark Webber stopped to give Fernando a lift back to the pits. Watch the video above to see for yourself.
After a full race of action at the German GP, Alonso' Ferrari had run out of fuel. Pulling up on the side of the track, a passing Mark Webber stopped to give Fernando a lift back to the pits. Watch the video above to see for yourself.
Crash Of The Year - Winner
This years winner of Crash Of The Year is Vitaly Petrov, who crashed at the Malasyian GP.
Vitaly's crash at Malaysia was just a silly mistake to make. Going too fast, he goes of track, then instead of slowing down, he keeps at the same speed. The Russian is then catapulted into the air as he tries to rejoin. Watch the YouTube video above to just see what a silly mistake it was.
Vitaly's crash at Malaysia was just a silly mistake to make. Going too fast, he goes of track, then instead of slowing down, he keeps at the same speed. The Russian is then catapulted into the air as he tries to rejoin. Watch the YouTube video above to just see what a silly mistake it was.
Wednesday 14 December 2011
Funniest Moment Of The Year - Nominations
The nominations for Funniest Moment Of The Year are -
Vitaly Petrov's Crash At Malaysia
Already nominated for Crash Of The Year, but worth 2 mentions. It may have meant the end of his race, but what a way to go.
Jenson Button Entering Red Bull's Pits At Chinese GP
JB mistakes the Red Bull pit garage as the McLaren pit garage. Hilarious at the time, but looking back, it could have cost him the win.
Mark Webber Gives Fernando Alonso A Lift At German GP
Similar to Senna & Mansell, Mark Webber gave Fernando Alonso a lift back to the garages after the end of the German GP.
Steward Falling Over At Canadian GP
While trying to clear up Nick Heidfeld's mess, a steward is startled by an oncoming F1 car, and trying to get out of the way falls over. Luckily, he got out of the way in the end.
Eddie Jordan & Red Bull's Pool At Monaco GP
Eddie Jordan got soaked at the end of the Monaco GP, after he got thrown into Red Bull's pool. He was soon joined by David Coulthard and many of Red Bull's mechanics.
The Winner will be announced tomorrow.
Vitaly Petrov's Crash At Malaysia
Already nominated for Crash Of The Year, but worth 2 mentions. It may have meant the end of his race, but what a way to go.
Jenson Button Entering Red Bull's Pits At Chinese GP
JB mistakes the Red Bull pit garage as the McLaren pit garage. Hilarious at the time, but looking back, it could have cost him the win.
Mark Webber Gives Fernando Alonso A Lift At German GP
Similar to Senna & Mansell, Mark Webber gave Fernando Alonso a lift back to the garages after the end of the German GP.
Steward Falling Over At Canadian GP
While trying to clear up Nick Heidfeld's mess, a steward is startled by an oncoming F1 car, and trying to get out of the way falls over. Luckily, he got out of the way in the end.
Eddie Jordan & Red Bull's Pool At Monaco GP
Eddie Jordan got soaked at the end of the Monaco GP, after he got thrown into Red Bull's pool. He was soon joined by David Coulthard and many of Red Bull's mechanics.
The Winner will be announced tomorrow.
Crash Of The Year - Nominations
The Nominations for Crash Of The Year in 2011 are -
Michael Schumacher & Sergio Perez at Singapore GP
While trying to undertake him, Sergio Perez miss times his manoeuvre, and ends up flying over the German at the twisty Marina Bay Circuit.
Lewis Hamilton & Felipe Massa at Monaco GP
This crash lasted several corners. First they touch at the tight Grand Hotel Hairpin. They then go side-by-side through the tunnel, until Massa, on the marbles, loses control of the car and crashes.
Vitaly Petrov at Malasyian GP
Going wide, Petrov goes full pelt to get back on the track. However, he goes too fast, clips the curb, and flies over the track.
Jenson Buton & Lewis Hamilton at Canadian GP
Hamilton tries to take team mate Button down the starting grid, but they get too close to each other and the pit wall. They collide, and an aggravated Button says "What was he doing!"
Sergio Perez at Monaco GP
Coming out of the tunnel during Q3, the Mexican losses control of his Sauber, and heads straight into the tyre barriers.
Michael Schumacher & Sergio Perez at Singapore GP
While trying to undertake him, Sergio Perez miss times his manoeuvre, and ends up flying over the German at the twisty Marina Bay Circuit.
Lewis Hamilton & Felipe Massa at Monaco GP
This crash lasted several corners. First they touch at the tight Grand Hotel Hairpin. They then go side-by-side through the tunnel, until Massa, on the marbles, loses control of the car and crashes.
Vitaly Petrov at Malasyian GP
Going wide, Petrov goes full pelt to get back on the track. However, he goes too fast, clips the curb, and flies over the track.
Jenson Buton & Lewis Hamilton at Canadian GP
Hamilton tries to take team mate Button down the starting grid, but they get too close to each other and the pit wall. They collide, and an aggravated Button says "What was he doing!"
Sergio Perez at Monaco GP
Coming out of the tunnel during Q3, the Mexican losses control of his Sauber, and heads straight into the tyre barriers.
Test Driver Of The Year - Winner
2011's award for Test Driver Of The Year goes to Jean-Eric Vergne.
Jean-Eric has been by far the best test driver in F1 this year. When filling in for either Jamie Alguersuari, or Sebastien Buemi, the Frenchman has not disappointed. He has constantly pushed his team mate, and pushed his rival teams. His ability was seen at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Tests. Here, he dominated all three days, setting the fastest times in his Red Bull. These kind of performances have all but confirmed that he will, one day, become an F1 driver. The question is when? He is currently in contention for a seat at Toro Rosso, and has been seen a future successor of Mark Webber at Toro Rosso. Only time will tell.
Jean-Eric has been by far the best test driver in F1 this year. When filling in for either Jamie Alguersuari, or Sebastien Buemi, the Frenchman has not disappointed. He has constantly pushed his team mate, and pushed his rival teams. His ability was seen at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Tests. Here, he dominated all three days, setting the fastest times in his Red Bull. These kind of performances have all but confirmed that he will, one day, become an F1 driver. The question is when? He is currently in contention for a seat at Toro Rosso, and has been seen a future successor of Mark Webber at Toro Rosso. Only time will tell.
Car Of The Year - Winner
The award for Car Of The Year in 2011 goes to the Red Bull RB7.
This years Red Bull has been near flawless. Easily the fastest on one lap, with all but one pole position this year. They also dominated in the races, taking three 1-2s, and winning the majority of the races. They have also had a huge improvement on last year. In 2010, retirements were a huge problem for Red Bull, but this year, they have had just the one each from Webber and Vettel. This important improvement has meant that they have eased to both Constructors and Drivers Championship.
This years Red Bull has been near flawless. Easily the fastest on one lap, with all but one pole position this year. They also dominated in the races, taking three 1-2s, and winning the majority of the races. They have also had a huge improvement on last year. In 2010, retirements were a huge problem for Red Bull, but this year, they have had just the one each from Webber and Vettel. This important improvement has meant that they have eased to both Constructors and Drivers Championship.
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Test Driver Of The Year - Nominations
Nominations for 2011's Test Driver Of The Year are -
Romain Grosjean
Drove for Renault. Did enough to get race seat next year, and pushed both Petrov & Senna.
Jean-Eric Vergne
Was the fastest man at Abu Dhabi, and when testing for Toro Rosso, did very well when compared to Alguersuari & Buemi.
Karun Chandhok
Came in for Lotus, and did OK. Had trouble with a slow car, but did enough to gain 1 race drive.
Jan Charouz
Drove for Virgin at Abu Dhabi, and he should be a star of the future.
Nico Hulkenberg
Force India's young German did well when filling in for DiResta or Sutil. Should have done enough to earn himself a race seat next year.
Romain Grosjean
Drove for Renault. Did enough to get race seat next year, and pushed both Petrov & Senna.
Jean-Eric Vergne
Was the fastest man at Abu Dhabi, and when testing for Toro Rosso, did very well when compared to Alguersuari & Buemi.
Karun Chandhok
Came in for Lotus, and did OK. Had trouble with a slow car, but did enough to gain 1 race drive.
Jan Charouz
Drove for Virgin at Abu Dhabi, and he should be a star of the future.
Nico Hulkenberg
Force India's young German did well when filling in for DiResta or Sutil. Should have done enough to earn himself a race seat next year.
Car Of The Year - Nominations
The nominations for Car Of The Year 2011 are -
Red Bull RB7
18 poles, 12 race wins, and just 2 retirements.
McLaren MP4-26
Was the closest to the Red Bull's, and was the best team at improving their car through 2011.
Force India VJM04
Only three retirements through the whole year, and best the best "third tier" car.
Lotus T128
Was the best of the "new teams" and was constantly pushing the midfield teams on Saturdays and Sundays
Ferrari 150 Italia
Was always in the hunt for race wins, and just the four retirements.
The Winner will be announced tomorrow.
Red Bull RB7
18 poles, 12 race wins, and just 2 retirements.
McLaren MP4-26
Was the closest to the Red Bull's, and was the best team at improving their car through 2011.
Force India VJM04
Only three retirements through the whole year, and best the best "third tier" car.
Lotus T128
Was the best of the "new teams" and was constantly pushing the midfield teams on Saturdays and Sundays
Ferrari 150 Italia
Was always in the hunt for race wins, and just the four retirements.
The Winner will be announced tomorrow.
Overachieving Team Of The Year - Winner
The award for Overachieving Team Of The Year in 2011 goes to Force India.
Force India have easily had their greatest year in Formula One. With two great drivers in Adrian Sutil and Paul DiResta, the team has grown so much in the last few years, that they are starting to close in on their very high goals. This year, they easily beat Sauber and Toro Rosso in the battle for sixth. They also get very close to taking fifth in the Constructors from Renault. However, sixth will never be enough for such a team. Next year, they will want to beat on of the Big 5. and gain more podiums in the search for the teams first victory.
Force India have easily had their greatest year in Formula One. With two great drivers in Adrian Sutil and Paul DiResta, the team has grown so much in the last few years, that they are starting to close in on their very high goals. This year, they easily beat Sauber and Toro Rosso in the battle for sixth. They also get very close to taking fifth in the Constructors from Renault. However, sixth will never be enough for such a team. Next year, they will want to beat on of the Big 5. and gain more podiums in the search for the teams first victory.
Venue Of The Year - Winner
This years winner of the Venue Of The Year award is Suzuka Circuit, Japan.
The Suzuka Circuit alway brings classic races, and it gave us a cracker this year. Jenson Button won, but it will be remembered for Vettel winning the Drivers Championships. This race will also live long in the memory for the fans. With full grandstands just a short while after the terrible natural disasters that Japan had in the beginning of the year, showed just how much F1 means to Japan, and Japan means to F1. There was also alot of support for home favourite - Kamui Kobayashi. Taking his career best qualifying results would have been the icing on the cake for the Japanese crowd. With a track drapped in history, it is very nice to still have it on the calendar, and one which should be in F1 for many years to come.
The Suzuka Circuit alway brings classic races, and it gave us a cracker this year. Jenson Button won, but it will be remembered for Vettel winning the Drivers Championships. This race will also live long in the memory for the fans. With full grandstands just a short while after the terrible natural disasters that Japan had in the beginning of the year, showed just how much F1 means to Japan, and Japan means to F1. There was also alot of support for home favourite - Kamui Kobayashi. Taking his career best qualifying results would have been the icing on the cake for the Japanese crowd. With a track drapped in history, it is very nice to still have it on the calendar, and one which should be in F1 for many years to come.
Monday 12 December 2011
Overachieving Team Of The Year - Nominations
The nominations for Overachieving Team Of The Year Award are -
Red Bull
They dominated both the Drivers and Constructors Championships, taking both for the second year running. This all from a very young team.
Force India
Managed to punch above their weight in several races. Easily beat Sauber and Toro Rosso, and got close to beating Renault in the Constructors.
Sauber
Helped by two very competent drivers, Sauber beat close rivals Toro Rosso. They also developed their car well over the winter months.
HRT
With little money, HRT have managed to beat Virgin in the Constructors Championship for a second year.
Toro Rosso
They managed to be constantly battling for top 10 finishes. Easily beat Williams, and have ensured that they are now a midfield team.
The winner will be announced tomorrow.
Red Bull
They dominated both the Drivers and Constructors Championships, taking both for the second year running. This all from a very young team.
Force India
Managed to punch above their weight in several races. Easily beat Sauber and Toro Rosso, and got close to beating Renault in the Constructors.
Sauber
Helped by two very competent drivers, Sauber beat close rivals Toro Rosso. They also developed their car well over the winter months.
HRT
With little money, HRT have managed to beat Virgin in the Constructors Championship for a second year.
Toro Rosso
They managed to be constantly battling for top 10 finishes. Easily beat Williams, and have ensured that they are now a midfield team.
The winner will be announced tomorrow.
Venue Of The Year - Nominations
Through this week, we will be doing the F1 Ranking Awards for 2011. There are 11 awards and winners that will be announced this week. Starting off, we have the Venue Of The Year. This is the award for the circuit which all together has given us a great race, had full stands, the best grid, and overall, a place F1 should continue to go to.
The Nominations are -
Yas Marina Circuit, UAE
This circuit has a beautiful back-drop for a F1 race. The track and pits are stunning, with highlights including Ferrari world, and the hotel over the track.
Buddh International Circuit, India
For its first race, India didn't disappoint. A great track, with near full capacity producing a great atmosphere.
Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Monaco also produces spectacular results. A proper drivers track, and there place is always full of people, celebrities and fans.
Silverstone, Britain
With a new contract under its belt, the British GP has spent some money, and spent it well. A new track layout and new pit complex has changed the face of Silverstone.
Suzuka Circuit, Japan
Suzuka is a track that is engraved with history. And with a brilliant track with a brilliant fan base makes it a near perfect race weekend.
The winner will be announced some time tomorrow, along with more awards.
The Nominations are -
Yas Marina Circuit, UAE
This circuit has a beautiful back-drop for a F1 race. The track and pits are stunning, with highlights including Ferrari world, and the hotel over the track.
Buddh International Circuit, India
For its first race, India didn't disappoint. A great track, with near full capacity producing a great atmosphere.
Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Monaco also produces spectacular results. A proper drivers track, and there place is always full of people, celebrities and fans.
Silverstone, Britain
With a new contract under its belt, the British GP has spent some money, and spent it well. A new track layout and new pit complex has changed the face of Silverstone.
Suzuka Circuit, Japan
Suzuka is a track that is engraved with history. And with a brilliant track with a brilliant fan base makes it a near perfect race weekend.
The winner will be announced some time tomorrow, along with more awards.
Sunday 11 December 2011
Newbie Of The Year
This years winner of the Newie Of The Year Award for 2011 is Paul Di Resta. Paul has had a perfect debut season. A year which has seen make a lot of fans. He has pushed experienced team mate Adrian Sutil, and he has punched above his weight, and beaten both Mercedes and Renault in some races. Paul's best performance of the year was a great drive to sixth at Singapore. Other drivers similar to this seems to have secured his driver for next year, with Force India set to extended the Scot's stay at the Indian team. He also has a very bright future, with Mercedes supposed to be interested in the youngster. Paul's current ranking of 16th not only means he is ahead of Sergio Perez. But he currently sits ahead of names like Heidfeld, Kovalainen & Liuzzi.
Newbie Of The Year
Pos - Driver - Current Rank
1 - Paul Di Resta - 16
2 - Sergio Perez - 20
3 - Pastor Maldonado - 23
4 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 29
5 - Daniel Ricciardo - 33
Newbie Of The Year
Pos - Driver - Current Rank
1 - Paul Di Resta - 16
2 - Sergio Perez - 20
3 - Pastor Maldonado - 23
4 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - 29
5 - Daniel Ricciardo - 33
Climber Of The Year
F1 Rankings Climber Of The Year Award in 2011 goes to Vitaly Petrov. Petrov has had a competitive year in the F1 Rankings. He started the year in 20th place, and now he currently sits in 11th place. With a nine place jump, he has beaten some tough drivers. Petrov's highlight in the track was the very first race, with a podium at Australia. That helped him take the Climber Of The Month Award for March/April. Petrov was very consistant in climbing, improving two places in both June, July & October. These have ensured that he easily beat Alguersuai & Kobayashi to this years award.
Climbers Of The Year
Pos - Driver - Positions Gained
1 - Vitaly Petrov - +9
2 - Jaime Alguersuari - +7
2 - Kamui Kobayashi - +7
4 - Michael Schumacher - +5
5 - Bruno Senna - +4
Note - Drivers in their first year in F1 are excluded from this award.
Climbers Of The Year
Pos - Driver - Positions Gained
1 - Vitaly Petrov - +9
2 - Jaime Alguersuari - +7
2 - Kamui Kobayashi - +7
4 - Michael Schumacher - +5
5 - Bruno Senna - +4
Note - Drivers in their first year in F1 are excluded from this award.
Driver Of The Year - 1st
We have now come to First Place in our Driver Of The Year Award. The winner is .......
1st - Sebastian Vettel
Team - Red Bull Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (x11)
11 race wins, 17 podiums, 15 pole positions, 3 fastest laps. These are the statistics of Sebastian Vettel, the man who has run away with this years Drivers World Championship.
He now holds the F1 records of
- Most points collected, in a single season.
- Most starts from the front row, in a single season.
- Most pole positions, in a single season.
- Most laps lead, in a single season.
- Most wins from Pole Position, in a single season.
These really do highlight that Sebastian has had a special year in F1. Never has a driver dominated F1 so much, not since another German went on a long stretch of World Championships. The question is, how close can Vettel get to those Schumacher records. He, arguably, has a harder field to face. Next year there will be six former World Champions, all who will be keen to add to their trophy room. The key to any future success for Sebastian has to be his qualifying 15 pole positions show that he is the fastest man in one lap. His speed isn't affected by track style either, with poles and victories at Monaco, Italy and India. Many believe he has the ability to battle for maybe the next 10 or so World Championships. At 24 years old though, surely he could go on for 15, or 20 years? If so, his competitors have to be worried, for we may see this guy winning for some time.
1st - Sebastian Vettel
Team - Red Bull Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (x11)
11 race wins, 17 podiums, 15 pole positions, 3 fastest laps. These are the statistics of Sebastian Vettel, the man who has run away with this years Drivers World Championship.
He now holds the F1 records of
- Most points collected, in a single season.
- Most starts from the front row, in a single season.
- Most pole positions, in a single season.
- Most laps lead, in a single season.
- Most wins from Pole Position, in a single season.
These really do highlight that Sebastian has had a special year in F1. Never has a driver dominated F1 so much, not since another German went on a long stretch of World Championships. The question is, how close can Vettel get to those Schumacher records. He, arguably, has a harder field to face. Next year there will be six former World Champions, all who will be keen to add to their trophy room. The key to any future success for Sebastian has to be his qualifying 15 pole positions show that he is the fastest man in one lap. His speed isn't affected by track style either, with poles and victories at Monaco, Italy and India. Many believe he has the ability to battle for maybe the next 10 or so World Championships. At 24 years old though, surely he could go on for 15, or 20 years? If so, his competitors have to be worried, for we may see this guy winning for some time.
Saturday 10 December 2011
Driver Of The Year - 2nd to 5th
We are now getting to the very best drivers of 2011. The 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd best drivers of the year will now be examined.
5th - Fernando Alonso
Team - Ferrari Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (British GP)
By Ferrari's and Fernando's very high standards, 2011 was a poor year. Just one race win, and only fourth in the Drivers Championships was not what they expected at the start. Alonso's biggest trophy this year was from the British GP. A great driver at Silverstone, was slightly tinged by the ban on the Blown Exhausts. The closest the Spaniard got to a second win was at Suzuka, where he was pushing a Jenson Button who was running out on fuel. It can also be said though, that the Ferrari's pace was the only thing that let Fernando down. Only one retirement this year, which was due to a collision with Button at the Canadian GP. For next, Alonso must demand better. A chance at both titles is a must, and so is more race wins. If they do not, then it would be three winless years for the Ferrari-Fernando combination. Not something that was expected at the start of their relationship.
4th - Jenson Button
Team - McLaren Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (Canadian, Hungarian & Japanese GP)
This was the year that Jenson Button became a future Drivers Championship contender. After winning it 2009, there was still some doubters. Some saying that it was the car that won him the title. However, this year, Jenson proved that he could win a second Drivers Championship. He produced a great comback at Canada and Hungary. Then drove a also dominating drive at Suzuka, Japan. These three wins ensured that he was the closest drive, in therms of points, to Sebastian Vettel. However, he does still have a few week points. His qualifying is not his strongest point. He is still looking for his first Pole Position for McLaren. That will be the thing he will be trying to improve on for next year. If he became a solid qualifier, then he would really be in with a chance of knocking Sebastian Vettel off his crown.
3rd - Lewis Hamilton
Team - McLaren Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (Chinese, German & Abu Dhabi GP)
Lewis has had a hard year both on and off the track. Or has he. I'm not going to deny he has had troubles off the track, but on it, it hasn't been that bad. He gained three wins in 2010, and three this year. We was the only non-Red Bull driver to take a Pole Position. He had only three retirements, with one of them being down to the car. He also stayed in the battle for second in the Drivers Championships. Yes, there were his infamous battles with Felipe Massa, and then his poor performance in Monaco. However, his key this year was how his best performances seemed to come straight after the poor ones. His Chinese win came after an eight in Malaysia. Lewis' victory at Germany was after his dreadful containing Canada & Slverstone. Then he won at Abu Dhabi after another collision with Felipe Massa at India. It was these performances that reminded the F1 circus of his quality. Going into 2012, this quality will still be there, and should be on show a lot more often.
2nd - Mark Webber
Team - Red Bull Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (Brazilian GP)
2011 has been a very difficult season for Aussie Mark Webber. With a team mate who has dominated the entire year, it is hard to shed some good light on Mark's 2011. But, there were some good things. Easy to pick out is his win at Sao Paulo, Brazil. Even though he "gained" the victory from Vettel's gearbox issue, but he still had to work for it. He couldn't have sat back, or Vettel would have been on his tail. Also, there was the fact that he was already miles ahead of Alonso, Button & Hamilton when the issue started up. He was there to take the spoils, when others were fighting with themselves way back. Qualifying has also been a strong part of Mark's year. 3 Pole Positions at Spain, Britain & Germany shows his raw pace. That stat is also highlighted with the stat that he had the most fastest laps in 2011 - 7. This, like Hamilton, shows that Mark still has quality, and he will determined to show that quality straight from the off next season.
5th - Fernando Alonso
Team - Ferrari Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (British GP)
By Ferrari's and Fernando's very high standards, 2011 was a poor year. Just one race win, and only fourth in the Drivers Championships was not what they expected at the start. Alonso's biggest trophy this year was from the British GP. A great driver at Silverstone, was slightly tinged by the ban on the Blown Exhausts. The closest the Spaniard got to a second win was at Suzuka, where he was pushing a Jenson Button who was running out on fuel. It can also be said though, that the Ferrari's pace was the only thing that let Fernando down. Only one retirement this year, which was due to a collision with Button at the Canadian GP. For next, Alonso must demand better. A chance at both titles is a must, and so is more race wins. If they do not, then it would be three winless years for the Ferrari-Fernando combination. Not something that was expected at the start of their relationship.
4th - Jenson Button
Team - McLaren Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (Canadian, Hungarian & Japanese GP)
This was the year that Jenson Button became a future Drivers Championship contender. After winning it 2009, there was still some doubters. Some saying that it was the car that won him the title. However, this year, Jenson proved that he could win a second Drivers Championship. He produced a great comback at Canada and Hungary. Then drove a also dominating drive at Suzuka, Japan. These three wins ensured that he was the closest drive, in therms of points, to Sebastian Vettel. However, he does still have a few week points. His qualifying is not his strongest point. He is still looking for his first Pole Position for McLaren. That will be the thing he will be trying to improve on for next year. If he became a solid qualifier, then he would really be in with a chance of knocking Sebastian Vettel off his crown.
3rd - Lewis Hamilton
Team - McLaren Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (Chinese, German & Abu Dhabi GP)
Lewis has had a hard year both on and off the track. Or has he. I'm not going to deny he has had troubles off the track, but on it, it hasn't been that bad. He gained three wins in 2010, and three this year. We was the only non-Red Bull driver to take a Pole Position. He had only three retirements, with one of them being down to the car. He also stayed in the battle for second in the Drivers Championships. Yes, there were his infamous battles with Felipe Massa, and then his poor performance in Monaco. However, his key this year was how his best performances seemed to come straight after the poor ones. His Chinese win came after an eight in Malaysia. Lewis' victory at Germany was after his dreadful containing Canada & Slverstone. Then he won at Abu Dhabi after another collision with Felipe Massa at India. It was these performances that reminded the F1 circus of his quality. Going into 2012, this quality will still be there, and should be on show a lot more often.
2nd - Mark Webber
Team - Red Bull Races - 19 Best Finish - 1st (Brazilian GP)
2011 has been a very difficult season for Aussie Mark Webber. With a team mate who has dominated the entire year, it is hard to shed some good light on Mark's 2011. But, there were some good things. Easy to pick out is his win at Sao Paulo, Brazil. Even though he "gained" the victory from Vettel's gearbox issue, but he still had to work for it. He couldn't have sat back, or Vettel would have been on his tail. Also, there was the fact that he was already miles ahead of Alonso, Button & Hamilton when the issue started up. He was there to take the spoils, when others were fighting with themselves way back. Qualifying has also been a strong part of Mark's year. 3 Pole Positions at Spain, Britain & Germany shows his raw pace. That stat is also highlighted with the stat that he had the most fastest laps in 2011 - 7. This, like Hamilton, shows that Mark still has quality, and he will determined to show that quality straight from the off next season.
Friday 9 December 2011
Driver Of The Year - 6th to 10th
We have now entered the top 10 for the Driver Of The Year Awad. Here, we have 10th, 9th, 8th, 7th & 6th.
10th - Paul Di Resta
Team - Force India Races - 19 Best Finish - 6th (Singapore GP)
Paul has easily been the best rookie this year. He has also produced performances where he has not only beaten team mate Sutil, but also fastest cars like Renault and Mercedes. The highlight of his first year has to be his 6th placed finish at Marina Bay, Singapore. Sixth put him one place behnid Lewis Hamilton, and ahead of Felipe Massa, Nico Rosberg and Vitaly Petrov. This teamed with other results has given the young Scot some attention. Rumours are still circulating that he could be Schumacher's replacement at Mercedes. Not next year however, as he looks set to stay with Force India, and continue to help them grow.
9th - Michael Schumacher
Team - Mercedes Races - 19 Best Finish - 4th (Canadian GP)
Schumacher's 2011 has certainly been a step-up to 2010. However, there still seems to be a question over his overall raw pace. There were many times he failed to make it into the final stage of qualifying. These poor Saturdays often leave him with a lot to do on the Sunday. Though, he has produced some great drives on these Sundays. The first one that comes to mind was at Canada. A fourth place that could have been so much more. Actually that fourth place as the closest that even Mercedes got to a podium, showing that Michael hasn't done too bad. A bit of consistency has started to come back to the Seven time World Champion. But, 12th at Turkey, 15th at Brazil and 17th at Valencia was surely not good enough for the fourth fastest car on the grid. Hopefully, Michael and Mercedes can improve next year. It is possible that 2012 could be Michael's last ever year in F1, but is also possible that we see him sign another contract, and race on into his forties.
8th - Adrian Sutil
Team - Force India Races - 19 Best Finish - 6th (Germany & Brazil GP)
2011 has been the year that Adrian has grown up. He took the title of Force India's lead driver, and nearly pushed them to fifth in he Constructors Championships. Adrian's highlight of the year was at the final race of the year. A sixth place was a brilliant drive, and one that could have a massive affect on his future. At the moment, it looks unlikely that he will stay with Force India next year, with Mallya looking to go with Di Resta-Hulkenberg. If that is the case, then Adrian's options are either Williams or Lotus (Renault). Lotus has to be his best option, but there is a chance that he has already lost that battle to either Grosjean or Petrov. That leaves Sutil with just Williams, and on current standings, he is going wrong way. Williams finished ninth in the Constructors, and Adrian must have ambitions of podiums and race wins. It will be a very important winter break for Adrian, with many teams and fans keeping an eye on his moves.
7th - Nico Rosberg
Team - Mercedes Races - 19 Best Finish - 5th (China & Turkey GP)
Unfortunately for Nico, 2011 wasn't what he hoped it would be. Mercedes were constantly the fourth fastest car, and they were never really close to either a race win, or podium. Nico has to turn to consistency then, to try and cast away any doubters. In the final 12 races, there was only one retirement, and 11 top 10 finishes. That was a better rate that Button, Hamilton or Schumacher. When compared to his team mate, the gap has shrunk. However, Nico still came out on top. That consistency really helped beat Michael. Also on his side was his qualifying pace, as he was often appearing in the Q3. Next year, Nico will again have high hopes. He will be very determined to get at least podiums, and will also be hoping for his very first win.
6th - Felipe Massa
Team - Ferrari Races - 19 Best Finish - 5th (x6)
For the second year running, Felipe Massa takes the "Best Of The Rest" award. With his highest finish being 5th, Felipe must be very disappointed in 2011. His season hasn't been far off a Carbon Copy of last year. He was soundly beaten by Alonso, and he was never within touching distance of a podium. His year has also been surrounded by controversy. Mostly, his many battles with Lewis Hamilton. Clashes at Monaco, Singapore, and India were just a few. However, these still don't cast a shadow over a poor season. Felipe, and many fans, will be hoping for a huge improvement. It has now been three years since a race win, and if he does not improve, will he ever get another win. He is also under pressure from he team. 2012 could be Felipe's last year at Ferrari.
10th - Paul Di Resta
Team - Force India Races - 19 Best Finish - 6th (Singapore GP)
Paul has easily been the best rookie this year. He has also produced performances where he has not only beaten team mate Sutil, but also fastest cars like Renault and Mercedes. The highlight of his first year has to be his 6th placed finish at Marina Bay, Singapore. Sixth put him one place behnid Lewis Hamilton, and ahead of Felipe Massa, Nico Rosberg and Vitaly Petrov. This teamed with other results has given the young Scot some attention. Rumours are still circulating that he could be Schumacher's replacement at Mercedes. Not next year however, as he looks set to stay with Force India, and continue to help them grow.
9th - Michael Schumacher
Team - Mercedes Races - 19 Best Finish - 4th (Canadian GP)
Schumacher's 2011 has certainly been a step-up to 2010. However, there still seems to be a question over his overall raw pace. There were many times he failed to make it into the final stage of qualifying. These poor Saturdays often leave him with a lot to do on the Sunday. Though, he has produced some great drives on these Sundays. The first one that comes to mind was at Canada. A fourth place that could have been so much more. Actually that fourth place as the closest that even Mercedes got to a podium, showing that Michael hasn't done too bad. A bit of consistency has started to come back to the Seven time World Champion. But, 12th at Turkey, 15th at Brazil and 17th at Valencia was surely not good enough for the fourth fastest car on the grid. Hopefully, Michael and Mercedes can improve next year. It is possible that 2012 could be Michael's last ever year in F1, but is also possible that we see him sign another contract, and race on into his forties.
8th - Adrian Sutil
Team - Force India Races - 19 Best Finish - 6th (Germany & Brazil GP)
2011 has been the year that Adrian has grown up. He took the title of Force India's lead driver, and nearly pushed them to fifth in he Constructors Championships. Adrian's highlight of the year was at the final race of the year. A sixth place was a brilliant drive, and one that could have a massive affect on his future. At the moment, it looks unlikely that he will stay with Force India next year, with Mallya looking to go with Di Resta-Hulkenberg. If that is the case, then Adrian's options are either Williams or Lotus (Renault). Lotus has to be his best option, but there is a chance that he has already lost that battle to either Grosjean or Petrov. That leaves Sutil with just Williams, and on current standings, he is going wrong way. Williams finished ninth in the Constructors, and Adrian must have ambitions of podiums and race wins. It will be a very important winter break for Adrian, with many teams and fans keeping an eye on his moves.
7th - Nico Rosberg
Team - Mercedes Races - 19 Best Finish - 5th (China & Turkey GP)
Unfortunately for Nico, 2011 wasn't what he hoped it would be. Mercedes were constantly the fourth fastest car, and they were never really close to either a race win, or podium. Nico has to turn to consistency then, to try and cast away any doubters. In the final 12 races, there was only one retirement, and 11 top 10 finishes. That was a better rate that Button, Hamilton or Schumacher. When compared to his team mate, the gap has shrunk. However, Nico still came out on top. That consistency really helped beat Michael. Also on his side was his qualifying pace, as he was often appearing in the Q3. Next year, Nico will again have high hopes. He will be very determined to get at least podiums, and will also be hoping for his very first win.
6th - Felipe Massa
Team - Ferrari Races - 19 Best Finish - 5th (x6)
For the second year running, Felipe Massa takes the "Best Of The Rest" award. With his highest finish being 5th, Felipe must be very disappointed in 2011. His season hasn't been far off a Carbon Copy of last year. He was soundly beaten by Alonso, and he was never within touching distance of a podium. His year has also been surrounded by controversy. Mostly, his many battles with Lewis Hamilton. Clashes at Monaco, Singapore, and India were just a few. However, these still don't cast a shadow over a poor season. Felipe, and many fans, will be hoping for a huge improvement. It has now been three years since a race win, and if he does not improve, will he ever get another win. He is also under pressure from he team. 2012 could be Felipe's last year at Ferrari.
Latest F1 News
Grosjean Signs For Lotus
Romain Grosjean will join Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus GP next year. The Swiss driver was chosen ahead of Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna. Romain has raced in F1 before, competing in seven races for Renault in 2009. After one year away from F1, it will be interesting what he has learnt. This news through, may course disruptions further down the grid. News is that Vitaly Petrov may now sign for Marussia F1, replacing Timo Glock. Glock has a contract with Virgin/Marussia, but he may be aloud to move to a big team. Williams, Toro Rosso, HRT and Force India are the only teams with spaces, but do any of them count as a big team? There is now a question mark over Bruno Senna as well. Their was not been much talk about his future, and it looks possible that he may have to settle for a test driver role, or a seat in a lower formula?
Maldonado Stays At Williams
Pastor Maldonado will get a second year in F1, after Williams confirmed that he would be racing for them next year. There is now news on who will partner the Venezuelan, only the fact that Valtteri Bottas will remain as their test driver for next year as well. A whole flurry of drivers have been rumoured with a Williams seat. Names include Adrian Sutil, Rubens Barrichello, Timo Glock, Kimi Raikkonen and really, anyone who is, or was, looking for a seat in F1. However, those seats are filling up. There are now only six seats left -
2 Seats at Force India
- Either Adrian Sutil, Paul Di Resta, or Nico Hulkenberg
2 Seats at Toro Rosso
- Either Jaime Alguersuari, Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastien Buemi & Jean-Eric Vergne
1 Seat at Williams
- Either Rubens Barrichello, Adrian Sutil, Bruno Senna, Vitaly Petrov or Timo Glock
1 Seat at HRT
- Either Dani Clos, Jaime Alguersuari or Narain Karthikeyan.
In the coming months, we are expecting definite news from both Force India and Toro Rosso. When their decision are made, there are bound to be some unhappy drivers, and hopefully, one or two surprises as well.
Romain Grosjean will join Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus GP next year. The Swiss driver was chosen ahead of Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna. Romain has raced in F1 before, competing in seven races for Renault in 2009. After one year away from F1, it will be interesting what he has learnt. This news through, may course disruptions further down the grid. News is that Vitaly Petrov may now sign for Marussia F1, replacing Timo Glock. Glock has a contract with Virgin/Marussia, but he may be aloud to move to a big team. Williams, Toro Rosso, HRT and Force India are the only teams with spaces, but do any of them count as a big team? There is now a question mark over Bruno Senna as well. Their was not been much talk about his future, and it looks possible that he may have to settle for a test driver role, or a seat in a lower formula?
Maldonado Stays At Williams
Pastor Maldonado will get a second year in F1, after Williams confirmed that he would be racing for them next year. There is now news on who will partner the Venezuelan, only the fact that Valtteri Bottas will remain as their test driver for next year as well. A whole flurry of drivers have been rumoured with a Williams seat. Names include Adrian Sutil, Rubens Barrichello, Timo Glock, Kimi Raikkonen and really, anyone who is, or was, looking for a seat in F1. However, those seats are filling up. There are now only six seats left -
2 Seats at Force India
- Either Adrian Sutil, Paul Di Resta, or Nico Hulkenberg
2 Seats at Toro Rosso
- Either Jaime Alguersuari, Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastien Buemi & Jean-Eric Vergne
1 Seat at Williams
- Either Rubens Barrichello, Adrian Sutil, Bruno Senna, Vitaly Petrov or Timo Glock
1 Seat at HRT
- Either Dani Clos, Jaime Alguersuari or Narain Karthikeyan.
In the coming months, we are expecting definite news from both Force India and Toro Rosso. When their decision are made, there are bound to be some unhappy drivers, and hopefully, one or two surprises as well.
Thursday 8 December 2011
Driver Of The Year - 11th to 15th
We will now take a look at the 15th, 14th, 13th, 12th and 11th best drivers of 2011.
15th - Rubens Barrichello
Team - Williams Races - 19 Best Finish - 9th (Monaco & Canadian GP)
Rubens has had a troubled season. With Williams giving him a poor car, the only time the Brazilian managed to get a top 10 finish was at Monaco & Canada. Even these results were not the car's doing, with retirements ahead of him helping him up the grid. He has also had troubled with his team mate Maldonado. In the first half of the season, the veteran seemed to have a handle on the rookie. However, looking at the results in the final half of the year, Pastor managed to close the gap, and also managed to beat his more experienced team mate. This comparison has cast doubt on Rubens' career. Many will hope he will continue on in F1, however, seats and time are running out. His only real options at the moment are Lotus and Williams, however, the two teams seem keen on other younger drivers. It will be a shame if Rubens does leave the spot, but all good things must end.
14th - Sebastien Buemi
Team - Toro Rosso Races - 19 Best Finish - 8th (Australian & Hungarian GP)
Sebastien has had a mixed year, both on and off the track. At the beginning of the season, he was performing well. Outscoring team mate Alguersuari, and looking strong in his Toro Rosso. These performances put the pressure on Jaime. With doubts on his future, he started putting in the results. This paired with the fact Sebastiens year taking a nose-drive, didn't do the Swiss driver good. In the final 8 races, he only finished 4 of them, and only got 2 top ten finishes. This has left Sebastien with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. It is now up to Toro Rosso's owners whether to keep him, or replace him with a possible future star.
13th - Jaime Alguersuari
Team - Toro Rosso Races - 19 Best Finish - 7th (Italian & Korean GP)
Jaime almost had the complete opposite year to team mate Buemi. The Spaniard had to wait until June before a points finish. This drag of poor performances had put huge pressure on the youngster. Rumour was that he was going to be replaced by Aussie, Daniel Ricciardo. However, a huge turn-around in performances relieved the pressure. In the second half of the season, Jaime was racing brilliantly. He got a great seventh place at Italy, before putting in a great drive at Korea, again taking seventh. This drives, and consitant performances has started to point to a bright future. But, it still may not be enough. It is still undecided if he will race for Toro Rosso in 2012, or he could take a possible move to Hispania.
12th - Kamui Kobayashi
Team - Sauber Races - 19 Best Finish - 5th (Monaco GP)
In 2011, Kamui Kobayashi has really grown as a driver. He has teamed his supreme over-taking skills, with consistency and calmness. In the first seven races, he got seven top 10 finishes (excluding his DSQ). Included in these results was a career best fifth place at Monaco. He also gave a brilliant drive at Canada, where he spent most of the race in second place, only for his car to let him down on the drier track. A poorer final half of the season has put a few doubters on Kobayashi. But, he ended the season with a 10th and a 9th, to remind people that he was still as good as ever. Kamui's performances have also caught a few teams eyes. He is secured with Sauber next year, but he could be racing elsewhere in 2013. A possible drive at Ferrari, but he may have competition with team mate Sergio Perez for that seat.
11th - Vitaly Petrov
Team - Renault Races - 19 Best Finish - 3rd (Australian GP)
After very high hopes at the beginning of the year, Vitaly Petrov and Renault have had a poor season. Actually, their season started brilliantly, helped by Petrov's third place at Australia. However, things started to slip almost immediately. Taking away his podium, his best finish was fifth at the rainy Canada, then an eighth place at Turkey. In the final ten races, the Russian only got four top ten finishes, 2 ninth places, and 2 tenth places. These aren't the perfect results for arguably the fifth fastest car on the grid. This poor end to the season left Renault fighting with Force India and Toro Rosso, instead of Mercedes.Petrov's future now could be in doubt. With only one seat left at Lotus (Renault), he is now battling with Bruno Senna & Romain Grosjean for that second seat. If he losses that battle, then he is short of options, with seats only available at Williams, Toro Rosso and HRT. So this mid-season break could be very tense for Vitaly Petrov.
15th - Rubens Barrichello
Team - Williams Races - 19 Best Finish - 9th (Monaco & Canadian GP)
Rubens has had a troubled season. With Williams giving him a poor car, the only time the Brazilian managed to get a top 10 finish was at Monaco & Canada. Even these results were not the car's doing, with retirements ahead of him helping him up the grid. He has also had troubled with his team mate Maldonado. In the first half of the season, the veteran seemed to have a handle on the rookie. However, looking at the results in the final half of the year, Pastor managed to close the gap, and also managed to beat his more experienced team mate. This comparison has cast doubt on Rubens' career. Many will hope he will continue on in F1, however, seats and time are running out. His only real options at the moment are Lotus and Williams, however, the two teams seem keen on other younger drivers. It will be a shame if Rubens does leave the spot, but all good things must end.
14th - Sebastien Buemi
Team - Toro Rosso Races - 19 Best Finish - 8th (Australian & Hungarian GP)
Sebastien has had a mixed year, both on and off the track. At the beginning of the season, he was performing well. Outscoring team mate Alguersuari, and looking strong in his Toro Rosso. These performances put the pressure on Jaime. With doubts on his future, he started putting in the results. This paired with the fact Sebastiens year taking a nose-drive, didn't do the Swiss driver good. In the final 8 races, he only finished 4 of them, and only got 2 top ten finishes. This has left Sebastien with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. It is now up to Toro Rosso's owners whether to keep him, or replace him with a possible future star.
13th - Jaime Alguersuari
Team - Toro Rosso Races - 19 Best Finish - 7th (Italian & Korean GP)
Jaime almost had the complete opposite year to team mate Buemi. The Spaniard had to wait until June before a points finish. This drag of poor performances had put huge pressure on the youngster. Rumour was that he was going to be replaced by Aussie, Daniel Ricciardo. However, a huge turn-around in performances relieved the pressure. In the second half of the season, Jaime was racing brilliantly. He got a great seventh place at Italy, before putting in a great drive at Korea, again taking seventh. This drives, and consitant performances has started to point to a bright future. But, it still may not be enough. It is still undecided if he will race for Toro Rosso in 2012, or he could take a possible move to Hispania.
12th - Kamui Kobayashi
Team - Sauber Races - 19 Best Finish - 5th (Monaco GP)
In 2011, Kamui Kobayashi has really grown as a driver. He has teamed his supreme over-taking skills, with consistency and calmness. In the first seven races, he got seven top 10 finishes (excluding his DSQ). Included in these results was a career best fifth place at Monaco. He also gave a brilliant drive at Canada, where he spent most of the race in second place, only for his car to let him down on the drier track. A poorer final half of the season has put a few doubters on Kobayashi. But, he ended the season with a 10th and a 9th, to remind people that he was still as good as ever. Kamui's performances have also caught a few teams eyes. He is secured with Sauber next year, but he could be racing elsewhere in 2013. A possible drive at Ferrari, but he may have competition with team mate Sergio Perez for that seat.
11th - Vitaly Petrov
Team - Renault Races - 19 Best Finish - 3rd (Australian GP)
After very high hopes at the beginning of the year, Vitaly Petrov and Renault have had a poor season. Actually, their season started brilliantly, helped by Petrov's third place at Australia. However, things started to slip almost immediately. Taking away his podium, his best finish was fifth at the rainy Canada, then an eighth place at Turkey. In the final ten races, the Russian only got four top ten finishes, 2 ninth places, and 2 tenth places. These aren't the perfect results for arguably the fifth fastest car on the grid. This poor end to the season left Renault fighting with Force India and Toro Rosso, instead of Mercedes.Petrov's future now could be in doubt. With only one seat left at Lotus (Renault), he is now battling with Bruno Senna & Romain Grosjean for that second seat. If he losses that battle, then he is short of options, with seats only available at Williams, Toro Rosso and HRT. So this mid-season break could be very tense for Vitaly Petrov.
Wednesday 7 December 2011
Driver Of The Year - 16th - 20th
We are now looking at the drivers in 20th, 19th, 18th, 17th, & 16th place for the Driver Of The Year Award.
20th - Jarno Trulli
Team - Lotus Races - 18 Best Finish - 13th (Australian & Monaco GP)
Jarno has had an indifferent year. His two 13th placed finished meant he finished as "Best Of The Rest", beating team mate Kovalainen. However, Jarno's 2011 has also had downsides. When both Kovalainen & Trulli have finished, Jarno has only beaten Heikki twice. He has also had four retirements, and at the German GP he was replaced by test driver Karun Chandhok. Results on the track has also had a knock-on affect to off-the-track. In mid-season, there were rumours that Jarno could call time on his F1 career. However, these were rejected by Jarno, as he signed a one-year extension to his contract that should see him race for Caterham next year. Surely though, 2012 could be Jarno's swan-song. Yes, he will be desperate to get Caterham's first points in F1, but on paper, Heikki looks the more likely to gain it.
19th - Heikki Kovalainen
Team - Lotus Races - 19 Best Finish - 13th (Italian GP)
2011 has seen Heikki take the number one status at Lotus. His performances have helped maintain Lotus as the "Best Of The New Teams", and his experience has helped him close the gap on the licks of Williams and Toro Rosso. Indeed, three times this year, Kovalainen has got his Lotus into the second round of qualifying. In races too, Heikki has found himself well in the midfield. Even at the end of races, for example, he beat Maldonado at China, Barrichello at Williams and Perez at Korea. Heikki will surely be hoping for an improvement next year. After two years in F1, they have little to show for it, and it cannot be long before Heikki gets fed up. Points has to be a target next year. If they do not get a top 10 finish, then we could see a completely new driver line-up at Caterham next year.
18th - Pastor Maldonado
Team - Williams Races - 19 Best Finish - 10th (Belgium GP)
Venezuelan Maldonado has had an up-and-down 2011. He had a poor start to the season, with two early retirements at Australia and Malaysia. A 15th place at Spain did mean he finished ahead of team mate Barrichello. Then, his season started to pick up a bit. At Monaco, he started to make a name for himself. He was racing in the points for most of the race, until a tangle with Hamilton meant he did not finish. His mini-hot streak continued with two 14th places at Silverstone & Nurburgring. Then at Spa, Belgium Pastor got his first World Championship Point with tenth place. It was a point well deserved, and it was extra nice as Barrichello could only manage a 16th place finish. Pastor's form continued with two consecutive elevenths. However, in the last five races, he lost his form. He had three retirements, and two fourteenth places. Pastor has done OK in his rookie season. He beat Rubens on five occasions, but in a slow car, his expectations were not very high. A new engine supplier for Williams - Renault - could see an improvement in results. Pastor will be hoping so, as it was confirmed that he would keep his racing seat for 2012.
17th - Nick Heidfeld
Team - Renault Races - 11 Best Finish - 13rd (Malaysian GP)
"Quick Nicks" season got off to a great start. A podium finish in the second race of the year (Renault's second) showed that they could be a possible threat throughout the year. However, it appeared that that was a small blip. In Nick's remaining 9 races, the highest race finish he got was seventh at Istanbul. Nick's season turned for the worse however, when he was sacked by his team. Renault said that he had underperformed, and he was to be replaced by Bruno Senna. It was very unfair for the veteran German, who is a fans favourite. Nick had to say goodbye to Renault, and had to settle with watching F1 on the TV, with no other seat available. That decision by Renault seems to have ensured that we will not see Nick in a F1 car again. He is not currently rumoured to be in discussions with anyone, instead he may go to the German Touring Car Championships - DTM. It will be a huge shame for F1 if this happens. Nick has to ability to do some great things in a Formula One car.
16th - Sergio Perez
Team - Sauber Races - 18 Best Finish - 7th (British GP)
Sergio Perez has made a real impact on his first season in F1. On his debut, he suprised the whole field with one of the drives of the year. With just the one pitstop, he got his Sauber upto seventh, only for both Sauber's to be disqualified for an illegal car. This set back cost Sergio little. He soon got his first F1 points, with ninth at Barcelona. His form seemed to be continuing into the Monaco GP, but a huge accident in the last session of qualifying ended his race weekend. Injuries sustained from the crash also meant that he could not race at Canada, and De La Rosa took his place.On his return, Sergio soon got back up to pace. On his second race back, Sergio took a year-best seventh place at Silverstone, beating veterans Heidfeld and Schumacher. The young Mexican continued this way right to the end of the season. In the final six races, he got three top ten finishes, including an eighth place at Japan. Sergio's future seems very bright. He has a contract with Sauber for next year. After that, he looks like a possible replacement for Felipe Massa at Ferrari. Lest wait and see...
20th - Jarno Trulli
Team - Lotus Races - 18 Best Finish - 13th (Australian & Monaco GP)
Jarno has had an indifferent year. His two 13th placed finished meant he finished as "Best Of The Rest", beating team mate Kovalainen. However, Jarno's 2011 has also had downsides. When both Kovalainen & Trulli have finished, Jarno has only beaten Heikki twice. He has also had four retirements, and at the German GP he was replaced by test driver Karun Chandhok. Results on the track has also had a knock-on affect to off-the-track. In mid-season, there were rumours that Jarno could call time on his F1 career. However, these were rejected by Jarno, as he signed a one-year extension to his contract that should see him race for Caterham next year. Surely though, 2012 could be Jarno's swan-song. Yes, he will be desperate to get Caterham's first points in F1, but on paper, Heikki looks the more likely to gain it.
19th - Heikki Kovalainen
Team - Lotus Races - 19 Best Finish - 13th (Italian GP)
2011 has seen Heikki take the number one status at Lotus. His performances have helped maintain Lotus as the "Best Of The New Teams", and his experience has helped him close the gap on the licks of Williams and Toro Rosso. Indeed, three times this year, Kovalainen has got his Lotus into the second round of qualifying. In races too, Heikki has found himself well in the midfield. Even at the end of races, for example, he beat Maldonado at China, Barrichello at Williams and Perez at Korea. Heikki will surely be hoping for an improvement next year. After two years in F1, they have little to show for it, and it cannot be long before Heikki gets fed up. Points has to be a target next year. If they do not get a top 10 finish, then we could see a completely new driver line-up at Caterham next year.
18th - Pastor Maldonado
Team - Williams Races - 19 Best Finish - 10th (Belgium GP)
Venezuelan Maldonado has had an up-and-down 2011. He had a poor start to the season, with two early retirements at Australia and Malaysia. A 15th place at Spain did mean he finished ahead of team mate Barrichello. Then, his season started to pick up a bit. At Monaco, he started to make a name for himself. He was racing in the points for most of the race, until a tangle with Hamilton meant he did not finish. His mini-hot streak continued with two 14th places at Silverstone & Nurburgring. Then at Spa, Belgium Pastor got his first World Championship Point with tenth place. It was a point well deserved, and it was extra nice as Barrichello could only manage a 16th place finish. Pastor's form continued with two consecutive elevenths. However, in the last five races, he lost his form. He had three retirements, and two fourteenth places. Pastor has done OK in his rookie season. He beat Rubens on five occasions, but in a slow car, his expectations were not very high. A new engine supplier for Williams - Renault - could see an improvement in results. Pastor will be hoping so, as it was confirmed that he would keep his racing seat for 2012.
17th - Nick Heidfeld
Team - Renault Races - 11 Best Finish - 13rd (Malaysian GP)
"Quick Nicks" season got off to a great start. A podium finish in the second race of the year (Renault's second) showed that they could be a possible threat throughout the year. However, it appeared that that was a small blip. In Nick's remaining 9 races, the highest race finish he got was seventh at Istanbul. Nick's season turned for the worse however, when he was sacked by his team. Renault said that he had underperformed, and he was to be replaced by Bruno Senna. It was very unfair for the veteran German, who is a fans favourite. Nick had to say goodbye to Renault, and had to settle with watching F1 on the TV, with no other seat available. That decision by Renault seems to have ensured that we will not see Nick in a F1 car again. He is not currently rumoured to be in discussions with anyone, instead he may go to the German Touring Car Championships - DTM. It will be a huge shame for F1 if this happens. Nick has to ability to do some great things in a Formula One car.
16th - Sergio Perez
Team - Sauber Races - 18 Best Finish - 7th (British GP)
Sergio Perez has made a real impact on his first season in F1. On his debut, he suprised the whole field with one of the drives of the year. With just the one pitstop, he got his Sauber upto seventh, only for both Sauber's to be disqualified for an illegal car. This set back cost Sergio little. He soon got his first F1 points, with ninth at Barcelona. His form seemed to be continuing into the Monaco GP, but a huge accident in the last session of qualifying ended his race weekend. Injuries sustained from the crash also meant that he could not race at Canada, and De La Rosa took his place.On his return, Sergio soon got back up to pace. On his second race back, Sergio took a year-best seventh place at Silverstone, beating veterans Heidfeld and Schumacher. The young Mexican continued this way right to the end of the season. In the final six races, he got three top ten finishes, including an eighth place at Japan. Sergio's future seems very bright. He has a contract with Sauber for next year. After that, he looks like a possible replacement for Felipe Massa at Ferrari. Lest wait and see...
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Driver Of The Year - 21st to 24th
Continuing our Driver Of The Year, we now have the 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th Best Drivers of 2011.
24th -Vitantonio Liuzzi
Team - HRT Races - 18 Best Finish - 13th (Canadian GP)
Vitantonio Liuzzi has had a fairly solid 2011. HRT signed the Italian to bring experience and a calm head to a small team, and that is exactly what he has given them. Tonio's 13th at Canada was the result that meant HRT beat Virgin in the constructors championships. His former years in F1, has also helped Hispania grow as a team, as they look to close in on the gap to Lotus. However, 2011 hasn't all been plain sailing for Liuzzi. 13th was his best finish, but after that he finished 16th at Monaco, 18th at Britain and 19th at Belgium. Those four results where the onlyb time he managed to get his car to finish in the top 20. This teamed with the fact that he did not set a time within the 107% rule at Australia, shows that the pace wasn't always there. Luizzi's 2012 looks in doubt at the moment. With just one HRT seat left, it is a possibility that we will not be seeing him in a F1 race seat again.
23rd - Timo Glock
Team - Virgin Races - 19 Best Finish - 15th (Canadian & Italian GP)
Timo has had a troubled season. Coming into 2011, the experienced German had high hopes, but his season ended miserably as he lost his tyre at the Brazilian GP. Timo's 2 15th placed finishes meant little, bar the fact that team mate D'Ambrosio actually beat him in the Driver's Standings. Hopefully 2012 will be brighter for Timo, through honestly, they can't get much worse. New sponsership on the Marussia team should result in a better car, which could see them challenge Caterham. However, that could still be a long shot.
22nd - Jerome D'Ambrosio
Team - Virgin Races - 19 Best Finish - 14th (Australian & Canadian GP)
For a debut season, in a small team, Jerome has done fairly well. When compared to team mate Glock, D'Ambrosio can stand proud. Two 14th placed finishes at Australia (his debut race) and Canada showed that Jerome could have a future in F1. Indeed, at Canada, he managed to beat both Lotus' to the chequered flag. The young Belgium driver hasn't really had a poor race. He has never finished last, with his lowest finish being 22nd at Valencia, where he finished ahead of both Hispanias. It seems a shame then, that we may not see Jerome again. He has lost his seat at Virgin/Marussia, and his only option is to get a test driver role somewhere. Whatever happens, Jerome can look back at 2011 with a smile on his face.
21st - Bruno Senna
Team - Renault Races - 8 Best Finish - 9th (Italian GP)
Senna's start to 2011 came with a bit of doubt. It was announced by Renault that he would replace F1 veteran Nick Heidfeld for the Belgium GP and the subsequent races. People were very sceptical on the move, however all the doubters where put in the place after the first qualifying session at Spa. Brazilian Bruno managed to get his Renault to seventh on the grid. However, a first lap incident spoilt his Renault debut, and he came home 13th. The rest of Senna's season is very similar. He did get a top 10 finish at Monza, taking ninth. However, he failed to gain another one in the remaining 6 races. Bruno's qualifying seems to be a very strong point, but come race day, Bruno is often going the wrong way. When compared to team mate Petrov, Senna's statistics is OK. For a relative rookie, his has out-performed Vitaly only once in the 8 races. However, this doesn't seem to have put many people off. He is in the running for the second Lotus (Renault) seat for next year. Williams are also rumoured to be interested in the young Brazilian. It looks likely that Bruno will have a future in F1, but chances are that we may not see him in a driver seat next year.
24th -Vitantonio Liuzzi
Team - HRT Races - 18 Best Finish - 13th (Canadian GP)
Vitantonio Liuzzi has had a fairly solid 2011. HRT signed the Italian to bring experience and a calm head to a small team, and that is exactly what he has given them. Tonio's 13th at Canada was the result that meant HRT beat Virgin in the constructors championships. His former years in F1, has also helped Hispania grow as a team, as they look to close in on the gap to Lotus. However, 2011 hasn't all been plain sailing for Liuzzi. 13th was his best finish, but after that he finished 16th at Monaco, 18th at Britain and 19th at Belgium. Those four results where the onlyb time he managed to get his car to finish in the top 20. This teamed with the fact that he did not set a time within the 107% rule at Australia, shows that the pace wasn't always there. Luizzi's 2012 looks in doubt at the moment. With just one HRT seat left, it is a possibility that we will not be seeing him in a F1 race seat again.
23rd - Timo Glock
Team - Virgin Races - 19 Best Finish - 15th (Canadian & Italian GP)
Timo has had a troubled season. Coming into 2011, the experienced German had high hopes, but his season ended miserably as he lost his tyre at the Brazilian GP. Timo's 2 15th placed finishes meant little, bar the fact that team mate D'Ambrosio actually beat him in the Driver's Standings. Hopefully 2012 will be brighter for Timo, through honestly, they can't get much worse. New sponsership on the Marussia team should result in a better car, which could see them challenge Caterham. However, that could still be a long shot.
22nd - Jerome D'Ambrosio
Team - Virgin Races - 19 Best Finish - 14th (Australian & Canadian GP)
For a debut season, in a small team, Jerome has done fairly well. When compared to team mate Glock, D'Ambrosio can stand proud. Two 14th placed finishes at Australia (his debut race) and Canada showed that Jerome could have a future in F1. Indeed, at Canada, he managed to beat both Lotus' to the chequered flag. The young Belgium driver hasn't really had a poor race. He has never finished last, with his lowest finish being 22nd at Valencia, where he finished ahead of both Hispanias. It seems a shame then, that we may not see Jerome again. He has lost his seat at Virgin/Marussia, and his only option is to get a test driver role somewhere. Whatever happens, Jerome can look back at 2011 with a smile on his face.
21st - Bruno Senna
Team - Renault Races - 8 Best Finish - 9th (Italian GP)
Senna's start to 2011 came with a bit of doubt. It was announced by Renault that he would replace F1 veteran Nick Heidfeld for the Belgium GP and the subsequent races. People were very sceptical on the move, however all the doubters where put in the place after the first qualifying session at Spa. Brazilian Bruno managed to get his Renault to seventh on the grid. However, a first lap incident spoilt his Renault debut, and he came home 13th. The rest of Senna's season is very similar. He did get a top 10 finish at Monza, taking ninth. However, he failed to gain another one in the remaining 6 races. Bruno's qualifying seems to be a very strong point, but come race day, Bruno is often going the wrong way. When compared to team mate Petrov, Senna's statistics is OK. For a relative rookie, his has out-performed Vitaly only once in the 8 races. However, this doesn't seem to have put many people off. He is in the running for the second Lotus (Renault) seat for next year. Williams are also rumoured to be interested in the young Brazilian. It looks likely that Bruno will have a future in F1, but chances are that we may not see him in a driver seat next year.
Peter Gethin - 1940-2011
Former F1 driver Peter Gethin has died at the age of 71. The British driver competed in the seventies for McLaren, BRM and Hill. Throughout his 31 races, he greatest moment was winning the 1971 Italian Grand Prix.
Peter's F1 career started in 1970, at the Netherlands' GP. His debut was short lived, after an accident on lap 18 resulted in a retirement. However, the results did not put off his team - Bruce McLaren Motor Racing. Peter returned to race the final 6 races of the season. He got his first race finish at Austria, then he got his first F1 points with a sixth placed finish at the Canadian GP. The results came with a bit of luck, as retirements meant he got his point, even though he finished 2 laps down on the winner - Jacky Ickx.
After a good debut season, Peter Gethin went into his second year with Bruce McLaren Motor Racing on high hopes. However, his season didn't start as he would have wanted. After seven races, his best performance was an eighth at the Spanish GP. These results prompted a move to Yardley Team BRM. A 10th on his debut showed promise, but it is the Italian GP that followed that will be the reason Peter will be remembered in F1.
In qualifying, Peter did not do brilliantly. Starting from 11th place, he could not have had a lot of high hopes, he certainly wouldn't have expected to win. However, during the race, Peter managed to stay in with a rather large leading group. He was fighting with drivers such as Chris Amon, Mike Hailwood, Francous Cevert & Jackie Oliver. At 55 very close laps, 5 drivers crossed just 0.61 seconds apart. An F1 record that will probably always stand. The victor of this legendary race was Peter Gethin.
1971 Italian GP
Pos - Driver - Team - Gap
1 - Peter Gethin - BRM
2 - Ronnie Peterson - March-Ford - +0.01
3 - Francois Cevert - Tyrell-Ford - +0.09
4 - Mike Hailwood - Surtees - Ford - +0.018
5 - Howden Ganley - BRM - +0.61
6 - Chris Amon - Matra - +32.36
Unfortunately, that was the highlight of Peter's F1 career. In the rest of 1971, he could only get a 14th place at Canada, and a 9th place at America. In 1972 things didn't improve. His best finish that year was a sixth place at Italy. This was his final points finish. After 72, Peter only raced in 2 races in 2 years. It was a sad end to a racing career. Peter's race win will be one the races that will always be remembered. Peter did stay in F1 though. He was team manager of Toleman F1 for a short while. He then set up Peter Gethin Racing, racing in the F3000 series. Peter died at the age of 71, on the 5th December 2011 after a long illness.
Peter's F1 career started in 1970, at the Netherlands' GP. His debut was short lived, after an accident on lap 18 resulted in a retirement. However, the results did not put off his team - Bruce McLaren Motor Racing. Peter returned to race the final 6 races of the season. He got his first race finish at Austria, then he got his first F1 points with a sixth placed finish at the Canadian GP. The results came with a bit of luck, as retirements meant he got his point, even though he finished 2 laps down on the winner - Jacky Ickx.
After a good debut season, Peter Gethin went into his second year with Bruce McLaren Motor Racing on high hopes. However, his season didn't start as he would have wanted. After seven races, his best performance was an eighth at the Spanish GP. These results prompted a move to Yardley Team BRM. A 10th on his debut showed promise, but it is the Italian GP that followed that will be the reason Peter will be remembered in F1.
In qualifying, Peter did not do brilliantly. Starting from 11th place, he could not have had a lot of high hopes, he certainly wouldn't have expected to win. However, during the race, Peter managed to stay in with a rather large leading group. He was fighting with drivers such as Chris Amon, Mike Hailwood, Francous Cevert & Jackie Oliver. At 55 very close laps, 5 drivers crossed just 0.61 seconds apart. An F1 record that will probably always stand. The victor of this legendary race was Peter Gethin.
1971 Italian GP
Pos - Driver - Team - Gap
1 - Peter Gethin - BRM
2 - Ronnie Peterson - March-Ford - +0.01
3 - Francois Cevert - Tyrell-Ford - +0.09
4 - Mike Hailwood - Surtees - Ford - +0.018
5 - Howden Ganley - BRM - +0.61
6 - Chris Amon - Matra - +32.36
Unfortunately, that was the highlight of Peter's F1 career. In the rest of 1971, he could only get a 14th place at Canada, and a 9th place at America. In 1972 things didn't improve. His best finish that year was a sixth place at Italy. This was his final points finish. After 72, Peter only raced in 2 races in 2 years. It was a sad end to a racing career. Peter's race win will be one the races that will always be remembered. Peter did stay in F1 though. He was team manager of Toleman F1 for a short while. He then set up Peter Gethin Racing, racing in the F3000 series. Peter died at the age of 71, on the 5th December 2011 after a long illness.
Saturday 3 December 2011
Driver Of The Year - 25th to 28th
For the next week, we will be looking at all the drivers who competed this year. First off, we have the run up to the Driver Of The Year Award. To decide who has won, we have compiled this list which we we slowly unveil throughout this week. So, we start at the very bottom with the 28th, 27th, 26th and 25th best drivers of 2011.
28th - Karun Chandhok
Team - Lotus Races - 1 Best Finish - 20th (German GP)
With just the one race, Karun had little chance to shine. Plus, with the one chance he did get, he failed to shine brightly. He finished 20th and last at the German GP. There were constant rumours that he would get his chance at the Indian GP, but he never got another chance. It looks unlikely that Karun will get a chance next year, as it seems likely that he will carry on as the main test driver for Caterham.
27th - Pedro De La Rosa
Team - Sauber Races - 1 Best Finish - 12th (Canadian GP)
Again, Spaniard De La Rosa only competed in the 1 race. He replaced the injured Sergio Perez for the Canadian GP. He did OK on his return. He was soundly beaten by team mate Kobayashi, but finished as the "best of the rest" with a 12th place finish. We will be seeing more of Pedro next year, after he signed for minnows HRT. His experience could just be what that Spanish team need.
26th - Daniel Ricciardo
Team - HRT Races - 11 Best Finish - 18th (India GP & Hungary GP)
In Daniel's debut season, he has not disappointed. In a poor car, he has gained a few plaudits. When compared to his teammate Liuzzi, Ricciardo's stats do not disappoint. When they both finished, DR beat VL to the chequered flag on four occasions. He has also done well when compared to his rivals, with his results helping HRT finish ahead of Virgin in the Constructors Title. With a good start, his future looks bright. He seems to be set to be on the grid for next year, but he could be driving for any of three teams - HRT, Toro Rosso or Caterham.
25th - Narain Karthikeyan
Team - HRT Races - 9 Best Finish - 17th (India GP, Monaco GP & Canada GP)
After a six year absence from F1, Narain's returning season was not poor. Two good 17th placed finished in the first half of the season showed that he wasn't that bad. However, the last-placed finishes at China and Europe did not do Narain good. Half-way through the year, he was replaced by youngster Ricciardo. But, Karthikeyan did return for his home grand prix, at India. On his return, he did fairly well, finishing 17th, and beating team mate Ricciardo. It looks unlikely that we will see Narain next year. His only hope at getting a seat is either taking a test-driver role, or finding more sponsors
28th - Karun Chandhok
Team - Lotus Races - 1 Best Finish - 20th (German GP)
With just the one race, Karun had little chance to shine. Plus, with the one chance he did get, he failed to shine brightly. He finished 20th and last at the German GP. There were constant rumours that he would get his chance at the Indian GP, but he never got another chance. It looks unlikely that Karun will get a chance next year, as it seems likely that he will carry on as the main test driver for Caterham.
27th - Pedro De La Rosa
Team - Sauber Races - 1 Best Finish - 12th (Canadian GP)
Again, Spaniard De La Rosa only competed in the 1 race. He replaced the injured Sergio Perez for the Canadian GP. He did OK on his return. He was soundly beaten by team mate Kobayashi, but finished as the "best of the rest" with a 12th place finish. We will be seeing more of Pedro next year, after he signed for minnows HRT. His experience could just be what that Spanish team need.
26th - Daniel Ricciardo
Team - HRT Races - 11 Best Finish - 18th (India GP & Hungary GP)
In Daniel's debut season, he has not disappointed. In a poor car, he has gained a few plaudits. When compared to his teammate Liuzzi, Ricciardo's stats do not disappoint. When they both finished, DR beat VL to the chequered flag on four occasions. He has also done well when compared to his rivals, with his results helping HRT finish ahead of Virgin in the Constructors Title. With a good start, his future looks bright. He seems to be set to be on the grid for next year, but he could be driving for any of three teams - HRT, Toro Rosso or Caterham.
25th - Narain Karthikeyan
Team - HRT Races - 9 Best Finish - 17th (India GP, Monaco GP & Canada GP)
After a six year absence from F1, Narain's returning season was not poor. Two good 17th placed finished in the first half of the season showed that he wasn't that bad. However, the last-placed finishes at China and Europe did not do Narain good. Half-way through the year, he was replaced by youngster Ricciardo. But, Karthikeyan did return for his home grand prix, at India. On his return, he did fairly well, finishing 17th, and beating team mate Ricciardo. It looks unlikely that we will see Narain next year. His only hope at getting a seat is either taking a test-driver role, or finding more sponsors
Driver Of The Month - Mark Webber
Mark Webber wins the Driver Of The Month award for November. After his first win of 2011, he ensures that the 2 Australians on the grid win both F1Rankings awards for November.
Mark's November started with a solid drive at Yas Marina. He started and finished in fourth, and through the race he had a race-long battle with Jenson Button. A fastest lap, however, could not help him gain that one place he needed for a podium finish. After a weekend where things didn't quite go his war, his race at Brazil could not have gone better. He produced a near-perfect qualifying time, only to be just pipped to first by team mate Vettel. But, the race went the Aussies way. A gearbox problem for Vettel gifted Webber the lead on lap 17. This left Mark with the easy challenge of maintaining a lead. He easily passed his challenge, and for the doubters, he pushed in three fastest lap times in the final three laps.
His win was enough to boost his ranking points, but not his position. He is still second, but he has gained on third places Lewis Hamilton.
Drivers Of November
Pos - Driver - Points Gained
1 - Mark Webber - +181
2 - Jaime Alguersuari - +120
3 - Jenson Button - +71.5
Mark's November started with a solid drive at Yas Marina. He started and finished in fourth, and through the race he had a race-long battle with Jenson Button. A fastest lap, however, could not help him gain that one place he needed for a podium finish. After a weekend where things didn't quite go his war, his race at Brazil could not have gone better. He produced a near-perfect qualifying time, only to be just pipped to first by team mate Vettel. But, the race went the Aussies way. A gearbox problem for Vettel gifted Webber the lead on lap 17. This left Mark with the easy challenge of maintaining a lead. He easily passed his challenge, and for the doubters, he pushed in three fastest lap times in the final three laps.
His win was enough to boost his ranking points, but not his position. He is still second, but he has gained on third places Lewis Hamilton.
Drivers Of November
Pos - Driver - Points Gained
1 - Mark Webber - +181
2 - Jaime Alguersuari - +120
3 - Jenson Button - +71.5
Climber Of The Month - Daniel Ricciardo
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo wins the final Climber Of The Month award for 2011. He was the only driver to jump up three places throughout December.
On the track Daniel hasn't had the perfect month. At Abu Dhabi, he failed to finish, as he retired on the 47th lap. It was only his second retirement of his short career. However, it was all doom and gloom for the youngster at UAE. On the Saturday, he easily out-qualified his teammate Liuzzi. His weekend was slightly better at Sao Paulo, Brazil. He was out-qualified by Tonio, but in the race he did finish in 20th.
Throughout December, Daniel has jumped from 36th to 33rd. His gain is partly due to his performances, and partly due to the tightness at the bottom of the rankings. These few months are going to be important for DR. He looks set to still be driving next year, but it a question of whether he will be driving for Toro Rosso, Caterham or HRT?
Climbers Of The Month
Pos - Driver - Pos. Gained
1 - Daniel Ricciardo - +3
2 - Sergio Perez - +2
2 - Paul Di Resta - +2
2 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - +2
2 - Pastor Maldonado - +2
On the track Daniel hasn't had the perfect month. At Abu Dhabi, he failed to finish, as he retired on the 47th lap. It was only his second retirement of his short career. However, it was all doom and gloom for the youngster at UAE. On the Saturday, he easily out-qualified his teammate Liuzzi. His weekend was slightly better at Sao Paulo, Brazil. He was out-qualified by Tonio, but in the race he did finish in 20th.
Throughout December, Daniel has jumped from 36th to 33rd. His gain is partly due to his performances, and partly due to the tightness at the bottom of the rankings. These few months are going to be important for DR. He looks set to still be driving next year, but it a question of whether he will be driving for Toro Rosso, Caterham or HRT?
Climbers Of The Month
Pos - Driver - Pos. Gained
1 - Daniel Ricciardo - +3
2 - Sergio Perez - +2
2 - Paul Di Resta - +2
2 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - +2
2 - Pastor Maldonado - +2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)