F1 Driver of the Year vote: 1st

Top 10 F1 Drivers of the Year 2012:
1: Fernando Alonso

Birthplace: Oviedo, Spain
Birthdate: July 29, 1981
Team: Scuderia Ferrari
Car: Ferrari F2012
2012 starts: 20
Wins: 3
Poles: 2
Podiums: 13
Fastest laps: 0
Championship points: 278
Championship position: 2nd
Crash.net F1 Driver of 2011 position: 3rd

That Fernando Alonso even found himself in with a shot of taking the 2012 F1 world championship title at the final round of the season was something of a miracle, but helped confirm the Spaniard's status as one of the best on the grid.

Ferrari's F2012 was difficult from the start of testing and, save for a couple of races mid-season, always appeared to be trailing McLaren and Red Bull. An unexpected triumph in the wet at Sepang, however, established Alonso's 'samurai' persona as he refused to be cowed either by a poor qualifying position, the conditions or a terrier-like Sergio Perez, who dogged his wheeltracks to the very end.

That victory was joined by others in Valencia, when he again came from deep in the field to head fellow champions Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumcher on the podium, and Germany, but it was Alonso's remarkable knack for grabbing podiums and scoring points that kept him out front of the title race until Suzuka.

A start-line error there, however, allowed Sebastian Vettel to shave 25 points off his 29-point advantage – the gap having been as much as 40 during the summer break - and the writing was on the wall as Red Bull proved the team to beat as F1 traversed Asia for the second time.

Featuring in the top three in seven races around his Japanese DNF underlined Alonso's fighting qualities and it was only the smallest of margins that eventually denied him a third title. Ferrari tactics, roundly condemned by rivals at the time, saw the Spaniard handed a more beneficial grid slot, at the expense of team-mate Felipe Massa, for the USGP in Austin, and a subsequent podium finish ensured the double world champion headed to the Brazilian finale in with a shot of crown number three.

Again, Alonso did all he could, eventually finishing as runner-up to Jenson Button in changeable conditions, but Vettel did what he needed to ensure that the crown remained in his possession by just three points. Given his determination to bring glory back to Maranello, Alonso cannot be discounted next year, but is already urging Ferrari to do all it can, on track and off, to make his job a little easier….

The complete top 10 F1 Driver of the Year 2012 results:
2. Kimi Raikkonen
3. Lewis Hamilton
4. Sebastian Vettel
5. Jenson Button
6. Nico Hulkenberg
7. Mark Webber
8. Sergio Perez
9. Felipe Massa
10. Kamui Kobayashi

View the original article here

Mansell to open used-car dealership with son Leo

Former F1 champion Nigel Mansell is to open a used-car dealership in Jersey.

It will be situated in the historic Art Deco building in St Helier and will be run in partnership with his son, Leo, catering for people with budgets of £4000 and upwards.

“We want to throw our net and have the opportunity of anyone in Jersey coming and seeing if we can be of any assistance,” Mansell, who previously owned a Ferrari dealership and several franchises of Westover Motors on the South Coast, told British newspaper, The Daily Telegraph this week. “Whatever the budget the customer has, that's an important budget to them, and to us. We are going to develop a more personal way of doing business.

“We are not looking at quantity, we are looking at quality and that makes a big difference in how you trade.

“With the experience we have and with the enthusiasm that the Mansell team have, and our history in motorsport and the car industry, we are looking at doing things a little bit differently.”

The dealership will also be used to provide a home for the Mansell Collection, which be situated on the second floor. The Mansell Collection comprises all the trophies from his hugely successful career as well as four race winning cars, including the Adrian Newey-designed Williams-Renault FW14B, which took the Englishman to the title in 1992.

“In truth we've been looking for a home for the memorabilia for probably 20-plus years,” Mansell admitted.

“There are all the trophies throughout my karting career, trophies in F3, F2, IndyCar, GP Masters – the cross-section of interest in there is extraordinary. Everyone can have an opinion but as the stats stand at this time, the collection is second-to-none in the world. There's much more memorabilia in there to do with motorsport which will create great interest for people who visit and will be an incredible tourist attraction.”

“The biggest exciting thing [however] is the opportunity to bring all of our future [business] interests and current interests together so that the power base comes from here. So although we'll be trading downstairs and have the museum upstairs, there will be many other strings to the bow which people won't see.

“People come and go on this planet and very few people leave legacies behind; I'm hoping this unique building and what Leo is achieving will leave a great legacy,” he concluded.

View the original article here

Ecclestone admits case could end F1 reign

Bernie Ecclestone has admitted that the bribery case still hanging over his head could ultimately see him lose his role at the head of F1.

Ecclestone is still waiting to discover if he will face any charges related to alleged payments made to German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky during the sale of F1 to current owners CVC back in 2006.

While Gribkowsky has already been jailed, Ecclestone has always denied that any payments made were in the form of a bribe but he has now admitted that any charges from Germany could end his time in the sport.

“[It] will probably be forced to get rid of me if the Germans come after me,” he told the Telegraph. “It's pretty obvious, if I'm locked up.”

Rumours have been ongoing for some time about who could ultimately replace Ecclestone in his position, although the 82-year-old said he didn't feel it was a case of the company being out to find his successor.

“They said they had hired a head-hunter to find somebody in the event that I was not going to be there – if I was going to die or something,” he said. “It is the normal thing they do to keep people happy.”

Ecclestone comments come after Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said the case could lead to changes at the head of F1.

View the original article here

Dates for your diary: F1 2013 calendar

2013 F1 calendar:

March 17 Australia Melbourne
March 24 Malaysia Sepang
April 14 China Shanghai
April 21 Bahrain Sakhir
May 12 Spain Catalunya
May 26 Monaco Monte Carlo
June 9 Canada Montreal
June 30 Britain Silverstone
July 7 Germany Nurburgring/Hockenheim*
July 21 Additional European race*
July 28 Hungary Budapest
August 25 Belgium Spa-Francorchamps
September 8 Italy Monza
September 22 Singapore Marina Bay
October 6 Korea Yeongam
October 13 Japan Suzuka
October 27 India New Delhi
November 3 Abu Dhabi Yas Marina
November 17 United States Austin
November 24 Brazil Sao Paulo

*TBC

View the original article here

‘Unfaithful' de la Rosa not expecting favours

Pedro de la Rosa remains optimistic that he can find a new home in time for the 2013 F1 season, following the closure of the HRT team.Pedro de la Rosa hopes that his F1 career won't have ended with the closure of the HRT team at the end of the 2012 season.

The experienced Spaniard threw his lot in with the Madrid-based minnow in a bid to help raise the squad's Spanish profile, but it was unable to attract the backing it needed to survive beyond the Brazilian Grand Prix in November and, unable to find a buyer, owner Thesan Capital decided to cut its losses and shut the team down.

Although he has now started over 100 grands prix, de la Rosa is better known as one of the premier test and development drivers in F1, having been a key player in McLaren's recent success, but he does not expect to simply waltz back into a similar role now that he is back on the market.

“One must know how to move on and look forward, but it is true that I am a realist and everything that has happened has been very unpleasant for everyone who works at HRT,” he told Spain's Marca newspaper, “There are very few years in my career that I've eaten grapes knowing what I was going to do next year. So it's hard, but it's normal.

“I took a road and I live with my decision, so I'm not going to expect McLaren to throw its doors open wide, especially because I've left them twice. I've been unfaithful and so I must start from scratch. It is normal.

“However, I am confident that I will continue in F1 as a test driver or reserve. I think I will continue with a steering wheel in my hands, but there is no guarantee of anything.”

de la Rosa admits that, while he always knew that HRT was struggling financially, it was particularly sad to see the project go under. Trying to establish a Spanish team at a time of economic strife and widespread unemployment in the country, however, was not the best timing.

“I don't know [exactly what is happening],” he said of the final throes at HRT, “I'm just the driver, and there ahs been no official notification, but we all have the feeling that the project isn't going to continue.

“It was an ambitious project, and we all tried hard. I have given everything - if had doubts that I had not given 100 percent, I would not sleep well, but is not the case. However, in the end, we are all a little responsible for what has happened.”

Of particular disappointment to the veteran was that HRT could not capitalise on the popularity of F1 in Spain given the success of Fernando Alonso.

View the original article here

FIA crash test passes for Mercedes and Ferrari?

Mercedes and Ferrari have both passed the mandatory FIA crash tests with their new F1 2013 cars, it has been reported.

According to German newspaper Auto Motor und Sport, the Mercedes F1 W04 will benefit from an 'ultra small' gearbox and heavily revised sidepods, adopting similar elements seen on the championship winning, Red Bull RB8.

The rear suspension has also been tweaked so that the geometry can be altered quickly to suit the ever fickle Pirelli tyres.

Meanwhile, Ferrari's new challenger has also been given the all-clear, with Spanish daily sports, Mundo Deportivo revealing that it is 2 kilos heavier than the F2012 a result of the new minimum weight.

Thus far, only Sauber has confirmed officially that its new chassis has passed the required crash tests, with a message posted on Twitter before Christmas. The first winter tests start on February 5.

View the original article here

F1 Driver of the Year vote: 3rd

Top 10 F1 Drivers of the Year 2012:
3: Lewis Hamilton

Birthplace: Tewin, Great Britain
Birthdate: January 7, 1985
Team: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Car: McLaren-Mercedes MP4-27
2012 starts: 20
Wins: 4
Poles: 7
Podiums: 7
Fastest laps: 1
Championship points: 190
Championship position: 4th
Crash.net F1 Driver of 2011 position: 11th

After the nightmare of 2011, it remained to be seen which Lewis Hamilton would turn out for 2012 but, with his personal life more settled, the Briton was back to his irrepressible best on track.

Even when pit-stop problems appeared to cost him better results in the first half of the season, Hamilton was something close to a PR dream as he accepted that 'that's racing' on more than one occasion. Such issues limited his potential in the opening rounds where, despite twice qualifying on pole, he was limited to a trio of third-place finishes to kick-off the campaign.

Despite being the king of qualifying - with eight fastest times on a Saturday (one of which was lost to the fuel regs in Barcelona) - it was astounding that Hamilton had to wait until Montreal for his first win. After China, he twice managed only eighth place – including his fightback from the rear of the grid in Spain - before improving to fifth in Monaco, and then finally broke back onto the top of the podium at one of his favourite, and more successful, venues.

The Briton kept himself in distant touch with the title fight with further victories in Hungary and Italy as the European season ended, but could have had as many as eight wins on the year had fate not intervened.. He was denied the top step of the podium by gremlins in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi effectively settling his championship aspirations and, in the case of the former, potentially deciding his 2013 plans as well.

Twitter traffic – particularly posting set-up data from Spa – hinted at the battle of wits over a new McLaren contract, but many felt that he would still stay at Woking before news of a three-year deal at Mercedes broke prior to Suzuka. With the weight of decision off his shoulders, Hamilton shrugged off further unreliability in both Japan and Korea to add to his points tally, as he did in India, before turning in a sublime performance to hunt down Sebastian Vettel in the USGP to stand on top of the first ever Hamilton-Vettel-Alonso podium result.

He could also have won in Brazil had it not been for a Nico Hulkenberg error, but next year probably won't be so successful.

Top 10 F1 Driver of the Year 2012 results so far:
4. Sebastian Vettel
5. Jenson Button
6. Nico Hulkenberg
7. Mark Webber
8. Sergio Perez
9. Felipe Massa
10. Kamui Kobayashi

View the original article here

Russian bosses happy with progress

Organisers of the first Russian Grand Prix happy with progress being made in Sochi ahead of 2014 eventOrganisers of the inaugural Russian Grand Prix have said they are pleased with progress being made in the city of Sochi – and insist that preparations for the first race remain on target.

Russia is set to host its first F1 race in 2014, with the circuit – designed by Hermann Tilke and being intergrated into the complex that will be used for the Winter Olympics – set to be one of the longest on the calendar at more than 5.8km.

According to a statement issued by organisers Formula Sochi, work on parts of the race control complex are already in the final stage, while work on the circuit itself is also now well underway.

“Many massive Olympic venues are already built, some sport facilities have been put in commission, while the motorsport venue is in the active phase of construction,” the statement read. “Construction crews are making good progress with the preparing of groundworks and laying of asphalt coat; first layer of pavement has been laid in some areas.

“Works on the construction of the race control building, connected to the pit building, are in its final stage.”

Designer Tilke said he was pleased with the progress being made in the Russian city.

"Together with Omega and Formula Sochi we are deeply involved in the Russian Grand Prix project and we are glad that all works are going according to schedule considering the large amount of co-ordination necessary with the Olympic construction,” he said. “There is no doubt that the circuit will be meeting all the requirements for Formula One and maybe also for the Moto GP. The circuit is going to be very fast and technical and offering a number of interesting features. It is a fantastic facility with a great atmosphere and it will be outstanding as the circuit will run through the Olympic Park.

“I am very optimistic about the future of the unique race track in Sochi and am looking forward to a triumphant start of Formula 1 in Russia."

View the original article here

F1 Driver of the Year vote: 2nd

Top 10 F1 Drivers of the Year 2012:
2: Kimi Raikkonen

Birthplace: Espoo, FInland
Birthdate: October 17, 1979
Team: Lotus F1
Car: Lotus-Renault E20
2012 starts: 20
Wins: 1
Poles: 0
Podiums: 7
Fastest laps: 2
Championship points: 207
Championship position: 3rd
Crash.net F1 Driver of 2011 position: N/A

Kimi Raikkonen's return to F1 after two years pounding the forests in the World Rally Championship was the talking point of the pre-season, but 'The Iceman' still needed Lotus to bounce back from its poor second half showing in 2012 if he was to recapture former glories.

While the E20 was only randomly a match for McLaren and Red Bull, Raikkonen somehow kept himself in touch with the frontrunners until Abu Dhabi where, ironically, he finally claimed the team's only victory of the season but was still mathematically eliminated from the title race.

The year started solidly for Raikkonen, with points in both Australia and Malaysia and only extreme tyre wear in the closing stages denying another top ten in China. Indeed, the Finn had been running as high as second overall when the problems struck and he lost ten places in just two laps to eventually wind up an unrepresentative 14th overall.

He duly bounced back to shown what might have been, with back-to-back podiums in Bahrain and Spain, and featured in the leading group through most of the summer, returning to the podium with fellow champions Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher in Valencia. Germany, Hungary and Belgium all produced successive top three finishes, but predictions suggesting Raikkonen would become the season's eighth different winner kept having to be adjusted before he finally hit paydirt after Lewis Hamilton's McLaren expired in Abu Dhabi.

The Finn also had looked set to become the only driver to complete every lap of the 20 races until an Interlagos detour ended in a locked gate rather than the support race pit-lane he had been expecting, resulting in a lapped tenth place.

As deadpan as ever, Raikkonen also kept audiences amused with his radio conversations and press conference appearances, including the now infamous 'I know what I'm doing' uttered en route to victory at Yas Marina. He should be a contender for honours in 2013 if his team can keep pace with developments.

Top 10 F1 Driver of the Year 2012 results so far:
3. Lewis Hamilton 4. Sebastian Vettel 5. Jenson Button 6. Nico Hulkenberg 7. Mark Webber 8. Sergio Perez 9. Felipe Massa
10. Kamui Kobayashi

View the original article here

F1 POLL: Who will take the title in 2013?

Vote in our latest F1 poll and have your say now on who you think is most likely to win the 2013 F1 drivers' title - to submit your vote, simply CLICK HERE
Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel won the drivers' championship for the third year on the trot in 2012, but the big question now going into 2013, is can he do it again and make it four?

The German is certainly one of the favourites, even at this point, before all the teams have even unveiled their new cars, let alone begun testing them and well it is a tad premature to be asking who will succeed next season, we thought it might be interesting to get your thoughts now and we will then run the same poll again just before the season opening, Australian Grand Prix on March 17, to see if you have changed your mind...

We've included the top ten drivers in the 2012 F1 drivers' championship (shown in championship order) and we've also included an 'Other' option in case you think we've missed off someone that could pull of a shock result and take the laurels.

So do you think Vettel can do it again?

Or is your money on Fernando Alonso and Ferrari?

How about Jenson Button and McLaren? – and what about Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton?

This is your chance to let the Crash.net community know...

To submit your vote, simply CLICK HERE.

You can also share your thoughts and opinions simply by clicking on the 'Post your comments' link below.

View the original article here

German GP to be at Nürburgring after all?

The Nurburgring insists that it is ready to host the 2013 German Grand Prix as originally planned in its rotation with Hockenheim.It would appear that the 2013 German Grand Prix could take place at the Nurburgring as originally scheduled, despite the circuit's financial situation.

The policy of alternating the race between the Eifel circuit and Hockenheim, brought about by neither believing that it was capable of paying for the race on an annual basis, scheduled the 2013 event for the former, but its descent into bankruptcy, caused by unpaid rent and the failure of a planned amusement park on site, cast doubts over the viability of the arrangement – and even the grand prix itself.

With Hockenheim questioning whether it could step into the breach, there were suggestions that one of the longest-standing events on the schedule could drop off the calendar, but it now appears that the Nurburgring has found the necessary funds to ensure that it takes place as originally planned.

Despite management at the circuit previously terminating talks with F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone spokesman Karl-Heinz Steinkuehler insisted to Sport-Bild that 'the F1 world has long known that the [race on] 7 July will run at the Nürburgring'.

The date of the German Grand Prix was changed to make room for a European circuit to host the 20th race of 2013, following the postponement of the scheduled event in New Jersey.

View the original article here

Grosjean admits to wanting to win too badly

Romain Grosjean insists that he is ready to learn from his rookie errors as he prepares for a second year with the Lotus F1 team.
Romain Grosjean has explained that the mistakes he made during the 2012 F1 season stemmed from wanting to win races on his return to the top flight.

Having battled his way back from the disastrous part season he endured with the Renault team in 2009, the Frenchman returned to a plum ride with the renamed Lotus squad, but the potential it showed only helped fuel the desire he had to stand on the top step of the podium.

“I wanted to get that first win at all costs and I made beginner's mistakes by wanting to go too fast at times,” he conceded to France's Sport24 website, “These are things that I will not repeat.

“It was my first full year and, if someone had told me that I'd finish eighth in the standings, with three podiums, I would have signed immediately. There are some very good [memories], some very bad, but I'm trying to keep positive.”

Surprisingly, the Belgian Grand Prix pile-up at La Source is not the biggest regret of Grosjean's season, the French youngster preferring to single out an error he made after being made to sit out the ensuing Italian round.

“Honestly, I think the Japanese Grand Prix [is the worst memory],” he insisted, “For me, this was my biggest mistake at the start. This is 100 per cent my fault and I accept it completely. This is a lesson for the rest of my career.

On the positive side, there were many times that Grosjean says he will recall with pleasure.

“It was a long season, with 20 grands prix, but inevitably I remember my first podium in Bahrain and the second place in Canada, but also qualifying in Melbourne, when my engineer told me that I was third on the grid,” he smiled, “These are times deeper than I remember.”

Admitting that the year was harder than even he could have imagined, the 2011 GP2 Series champion can point to several areas in which he has made progress over the season.

“Frankly, in many areas,” he admitted, “In the mind, the management of the season, fatigue, the settings of the car. I had to adapt to many things.

View the original article here

F1 Driver of the Year vote: 6th

Top 10 F1 Drivers of the Year 2012:
6: Nico Hulkenberg

Birthplace: Emmerich, Germany
Birthdate: August 19, 1987
Team: Sahara Force India F1 Team
Car: Force India-Mercedes VJM05
2012 starts: 20
Wins: 0
Poles: 0
Podiums: 0
Fastest laps: 1
Championship points: 63
Championship position: 11th
Crash.net F1 Driver of 2011 position: N/A

When Adrian Sutil found himself the odd man out in a three-way battle for the Force India seats in 2012, Nico Hulkenberg was handed the opportunity to re-establish his credentials alongside Paul di Resta – and the younger German seized the opportunity with both hands.

Although he trailed the Scot early in the season, Hulkenberg came on strong in the second half, capped by fourth place in the Belgian Grand Prix. With just minor points finishes and a best of fifth from the attrition-hit European GP in Valencia to show for his early efforts, the Spa race provided something a turning point, and five points finishes in the final six races – interrupted only by a DNF in Abu Dhabi – helped lift the German to the fringe of the top ten overall and nearly 20 points clear of his team-mate, whose season kind of spiralled in the opposite direction.

Moreover, Hulkenberg's late form also propelled the former GP2 Series champion into the speculation over possible vacancies at both Ferrari and McLaren, with both apparently looking favourably on the German as a potential replacement for Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton respectively. In the end, however, Massa was retained and Sergio Perez got the nod to replace Hamilton, leaving Hulkenberg to slot into the Mexican's berth at Sauber for 2013.

Many are viewing that move as sideways from Force India, at best, and Hulkenberg's front-running form at Interlagos – where a shot at winning the Brazilian Grand Prix was ended by a clash with Hamilton while attempting to retake top spot in tricky conditions – suggested that perhaps a bigger team should have taken the opportunity to secure his services. With a rookie team-mate in 2013, there is much for the German to lose, but a decent Sauber should also allow him to again shine brightly enough to warrant consideration from the likes of Woking and Maranello.

Top 10 F1 Driver of the Year 2012 results so far:
7. Mark Webber 8. Sergio Perez 9. Felipe Massa
10. Kamui Kobayashi

View the original article here

Montezemolo: Era of the one man show cannot continue

Ferrari's Luca di Montezemolo continues to rage against the F1 rulebook and the man at the head of the sport....Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has used the team's Christmas celebration to again rail against Bernie Ecclestone control over F1 and the way the rulebook militates against Ferrari's road car business.

Despite admitting to having regrets about Ferrari's season on track, the flamboyant Italian could also not let the opportunity pass to remark on incidents off it, although he insisted that he had no wish to beat any political drum.

“During the year, there were some things I did not like,” he raged “I saw cars that did not comply with the regulations but, instead of being disqualified, their teams were told to fix it for the next race.

“As for testing, it's getting close to ridiculous. The FIA is not opposed to it, we are not and so what is the reason for [restricting] it. There are teams who have put a lot of funding into simulators, as have we, while, at the same time, we have invested heavily at Mugello, which is now one of the nicest circuits in the world. In the next few days, we will meet Ecclestone and [FIA president Jean] Todt and we will put all these perplexing points on the table. I would remind everyone that test sessions are not just for developing the cars, but are also an opportunity for sponsors and for young drivers. What possible media or commercial interest can there be in testing in a simulator?”

“Above all, I also note with regret that it is no longer possible to have a technology transfer from the track to the road because, in too many areas, development is frozen and because aerodynamics is too important, so that the cars are more and more like spacecraft and less like cars. All this is born of a desire to go for the lowest common denominator, something that needs to stop and is the result of decisions made four years ago, at the time of [former FIA president max] Mosley, when there was an urgent necessity to reduce costs.”

With the next edition of the Concorde Agreement still in limbo, despite needing to take effect from the end of the year, and a new set of rules coming in for 2014, di Montezemolo believes that the time to act is now.

“We need to start a new phase, [and] we will see which means of governance F1 will adopt, but we will put forward our ideas very forcefully,” he stressed, “For our part, a choice which I wanted to emphasise to give the greatest possible emphasis with the board of directors, is that we will do all in our power to push for a strong change, to bring F1 back to its role as a real test bed for road car research.

“We will no longer accept this principal of absolute democracy. The gap between the small teams and the big ones is still very big, but you can't always do everything at the lowest level. If they don't have the resources or the structure, then they should compete in a lower series. On this subject, I will put back on the table the idea of selling a third car to the smaller teams, a solution that would allow them to have a competitive car at relatively low cost, which would allow them to attract more sponsors.”

Inevitably, di Montezemolo could not resist picking up the thread of his opposition to Ecclestone's control over the sport, particularly in light of the Briton's comments on Ferrari seeking clarification of incidents in the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.

View the original article here

Montezemolo unmoved by rivals' criticism

Ferrari doesn't care' what its rivals have to say about the way it goes racing, claims president Luca di Montezemolo.Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has said that he 'does not care' what others in F1 may have to say about the tactics employed by the Scuderia, insisting that at least his team is open in its decisions.

Hinting that rival teams may not be quite so transparent in their activities, particularly when it comes to favouring one driver over another, the Italian admitted that he was breaking one of his cardinal rules by speaking out, but felt that it was time to respond to barbed comments from elsewhere in the paddock.

While no-one has been left in any doubt that Fernando Alonso is Ferrari's number one priority, matters came to a head when the Spaniard was gifted a more beneficial position on the USGP grid by the team's decision to break the seal on team-mate Felipe Massa's gearbox, thereby incurring a five-place penalty for the Brazilian. The ploy, within the regulations but questioned on sporting grounds by rivals, succeeded in its mission by allowing Alonso to make a better start and go on to secure third place in the race, thereby taking the title fight to the final round in Brazil.

Even after the Interlagos finale, Ferrari's motives were called into question as it decided to pursue clarification of an alleged illegal overtaking move by Alonso's sole rival, Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, that allowed the German to claim the points he needed to take a third straight championship. The move, on Toro Rosso midfielder Jean-Eric Vergne, was subsequently shown to be legal, but di Montezemolo insists that there was no wrongdoing in asking the FIA to clear the matter officially.

“[Not talking about the other teams] was one of the things I learned from Enzo Ferrari," the Italian revealed, "In Brazil, we only asked for clarification, and accepted the response of the FIA, but that's not able to be clean and honest.”

On the subject of favouring Alonso, di Montezemolo insists that the decision has never been a secret.

"Since I returned to Ferrari in 1991, I have always said that the drivers did not run for themselves, but for Ferrari,” he pointed out, “Where one can win, the other must help. Whoever does not like it, I do not care. Others are critical, but they do the same, albeit though less transparent means.

"In Austin, we interpreted the sporting rules to the limit, as others do, but we did it openly. We could have lied, but still they disliked our explanation and called it 'dirty tricks'.”

Although Ferrari's reputation for employing clear number one and number two drivers has been sullied in the past by the way in which it favoured Michael Schumacher over his team-mates, di Montezemolo maintains that it is the most sensible way to go racing if success is to be achieved, although he insists that there are some boundaries that the team would not cross.

"We have done it before, and we will do it again, but never in the first three races or first half of the year,” he noted.

Backing his president, team principal Stefano Domenicali singled out Ferrari's biggest rival when questioning discrete favouritism in other areas of the grid.

"Why does Mark Webber have so many problems with his car?” he asked of Red Bull's 'other' driver, “Because the newest parts are reserved for the driver having better results? This is normal to us, so it seems logical that we never say anything about it. We do not speak of the other teams, but they still like to talk about us.

"In Austin, we did the only thing possible. What was not fair is that condition of the track meant that Alonso, who qualified on the 'dirty' side, would lose 25 metres [at the start]. We had to do everything possible within the rules."

View the original article here

F1 QUIZ: Looking back at the events of 2012

What an amazing season - eight different winners over the course of the 2012 season, including first time wins for Nico Rosberg and Pastor Maldonado. And yet despite that early unpredictability, the season still came down to a duel between a couple of two-time world champions both competing for their third title. In the end, Sebastian Vettel clinched it over Fernando Alonso after surviving an early scare in Sao Paulo, but it was a much closer-run affair than his championship victory of the previous year.

The facts and figures in our 2012 season review quiz sum up just what a different season it was from the Red Bull-dominated 2011 season. So can you remember the first driver out on track this season? The longest and shortest races, the slowest and fastest circuits, the youngest and the oldest drivers, who took pole position and which driver led the most laps? What about the total number of drivers who took part in 2012 and the overall number of pit stops that took place throughout all 20 Grand Prix races this year?

If you know this sort of detail then you'll be in racing hog heaven and surely come out with top marks; and even if you don't, a true F1 fan should still be able to work out the likely answers in our ten-part multiple choice quiz. If you do come out scratching your head at the end, don't worry - in that case, we think you'll come out of the experience enriched by some interesting and surprising trivia about the 2012 season as a whole.

As ever, try the quiz first time through without looking up the answers using Google or Wikipedia - and try to leave looking back through Crash.net's news archive until after your memory has been jogged by going through all the questions at least once. It's much more fun that way.

Ready to start? Then CLICK HERE to take the quiz and let us know how you did by posting your score and feedback in the comments section below. The best of luck to you all, together with season's greetings from all at Crash.net.

View the original article here

F1 Driver of the Year vote: 8th

Top 10 F1 Drivers of the Year 2012:
8: Sergio Perez

Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico
Birthdate: January 29, 1990
Team: Sauber F1
Car: Sauber-Ferrari C31
2012 starts: 20
Wins: 0
Poles: 0
Podiums: 3
Fastest laps: 1
Championship points:66
Championship position: 10th
Crash.net F1 Driver of 2011 position: 12th

Coming off a solid, if unspectacular, rookie season in 2011, Sergio Perez thrust himself on the F1 consciousness by chasing Fernando Alonso home at the Malaysian Grand Prix in March.

The Mexican could feasibly have won the race had it not been for a minor mistake in the closing laps that forced him to race back onto Alonso's tail, and he instantly became the favourite to partner the Spaniard at Maranello in 2013.

Similar performances in Canada and Italy confirmed Perez's potential, but were ranged amongst other results limited by Sauber's performance. Immediately after his Sepang high, the Mexican recorded three eleventh place finishes, interrupted by a DNF in Barcelona. That streak was ended by third place in Montreal that was built on another signature tyre-preserving run.

Minor points followed through the summer before the Sauber proved effective at Monza, allowing Perez to carve his way through the field. Having upset the tifosi by demoting both Ferraris, another few laps could have presented the chance to take a maiden victory, with Lewis Hamilton having to respond to the Mexican's pace in the closing stages before securing the win.

By Singapore, Perez was confirmed as on the move for 2013, but it wasn't to Ferrari as many had expected, following comments from president Luca di Montezemolo that he didn't consider the second-year driver mature enough to drive for the Scuderia at that point in his career.

McLaren didn't have the same qualms and, with Ferrari prevaricating over Felipe Massa's replacement, wasted little time in spiriting the Mexican away as replacement for the Mercedes-bound Hamilton. Ironically, having signed, Perez's season went into something of a tailspin, as if he was trying to hard to justify the move, and he failed to add to his tally over the last six races, just holding onto a top ten spot in the standings.

Nevertheless, he is already making positive noises about next season, insisting that he has a legitimate chance of fighting for the title having joined a 'top team'.

Top 10 F1 Driver of the Year 2012 results so far:
9. Felipe Massa
10. Kamui Kobayashi

View the original article here

Petrov future 'in Caterham's hands'

Vitaly Petrov's hopes of remaining in F1 for 2013 rest entirely with the new management team at Caterham F1, the Russian having put all his eggs in a single basket after missing out elsewhere.Caterham's apparent indecision over who should partner Charles Pic in its F1 line-up next year is keeping several drivers in limbo as they hope to secure a place on the 2013 grid.

Erstwhile Caterham racer Vitaly Petrov and former Toro Rosso pilot Jaime Alguersuari are both reportedly under consideration by the Leafield equipe, as are 2012 reserve Giedo van der Garde and Williams outcast Bruno Senna, but neither has heard any more about their chances of partnering Marussia convert Pic.

Caterham is Petrov's only hope of remaining a part of the F1 firmament next season, and even that appeared unlikely mid-season as his manager, Oksana Kosachenko, claimed that the lack of interest from his native Russia was set to send her charge off in another direction. Since then, and following his pass on Pic at Interlagos that secured tenth place in the constructors' standings and the prize money that brings, Petrov now appears back in the running for the second seat.

“At the moment, all the necessary work on our part is done — and it's for Caterham to decide,” Kosachenko told sportbox.ru, before admitting that the 28-year old had as many as five rivals for the seat.

“Last Thursday, I returned from the UK having talked for a long time [with Caterham] and changed the conditions [of a deal] to come to some conclusions. Now we are waiting for a response. There are a number of things that need to come together. The team management has changed and, therefore, so has the general attitude towards the project, as well as goals and objectives. The new leadership team needed more time to make a decision, but I assume two types of outcome – 'yes' or 'no', there can be no intermediate option.

“In terms of the exact timing of the resolution of questions, no-one has told me anything, but it is clear that it will be before pre-season testing begins. Who it will be, I cannot say and, next week, they will not deal with this issue, because Christmas Day is coming. Whether the decision was made right after it, it's difficult to say.”

Kosachenko also revealed that it was 'Caterham or bust' for Petrov, despite there also being a seat up for grabs at Force India.

“I am not talking to anyone at the other teams,” she confirmed, “We completed negotiations with one team two weeks ago, and they recently announced another driver. We have been negotiating with another team, but they to have announced a driver that it's not Petrov. So, for a variety of reasons, [we are only looking at Caterham]. You have to understand that, ultimately, we do not choose the team - the team selects a driver. It is all in the hands of Caterham now….”

View the original article here

F1 Driver of the Year vote: 5th

Top 10 F1 Drivers of the Year 2012:
5: Jenson Button

Birthplace: Frome, Great Britain
Birthdate: January 19, 1980
Team: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Car: McLaren-Mercedes MP4-27
2012 starts: 20
Wins: 3
Poles: 1
Podiums: 6
Fastest laps: 2
Championship points: 188
Championship position: 5th
Crash.net F1 Driver of 2011 position: 1st

Jenson Button began the year in fine fashion, returning to the top of the podium in Australia, but a frustrating sequence of results through the first half of the season would ultimately put paid to his title ambitions.

Although he chased Nico Rosberg home in China, the Briton would not return to the podium until Germany as technical gremlins and pit-lane problems limited his ability to score good points. Qualifying also left Button playing catch-up on occasion, particularly as he struggled to get his head around the latest Pirelli rubber, and the 2009 world champion was seldom able to match McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Saturday's session. Despite losing out 16-4 over the course of the season, however, his ability to race continued to pay dividends as he made up places on Sunday afternoon.

Late season DNFs in Italy and Korea finally ruled Button out of championship contention, but the second half of the campaign was generally better than the first, with wins coming in Belgium – from his maiden McLaren pole - and Brazil to leave Button fifth overall, and just two points adrift of his team-mate in the final standings.

With Hamilton leaving for Mercedes next year, Button will assume the leading role at McLaren that many felt he had taken over in 2011, as Sergio Perez arrives from Sauber to provide a new challenge.

Top 10 F1 Driver of the Year 2012 results so far:
6. Nico Hulkenberg 7. Mark Webber 8. Sergio Perez 9. Felipe Massa
10. Kamui Kobayashi

View the original article here

F1 Driver of the Year vote: 9th

Top 10 F1 Drivers of the Year 2012:
9: Felipe Massa

Birthplace: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Birthdate: April 25, 1981
Team: Scuderia Ferrari
Car: Ferrari F2012
2012 starts: 20
Wins: 0
Poles: 0
Podiums: 2
Fastest laps: 0
Championship points: 122
Championship position: 7th
Crash.net F1 Driver of 2011 position: 20th
For much of 2012, it appeared that Felipe Massa was, again, in his last year with Ferrari. As in previous seasons, however, the Brazilian produced just enough of an upturn in form late on to preserve his position for another season.

A decidedly lacklustre start to the campaign saw him fail to score until Bahrain and just four times in the opening ten rounds, albeit with a best of fourth at Silverstone, as Fernando Alonso shouldered the burden for the Scuderia in its efforts to keep pace with Red Bull and McLaren in the constructors' standings.

Narrowly missing the podium in the British round appeared to be a minor turning point for Massa, who was already being talked of as 'yesterday's man' at Maranello, particularly following Sergio Perez's strong opposition to Alonso in Malaysia. With the condemnation of Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo once again ringing in his ears, the Brazilian's form took a welcome upswing from Hungary onwards, the #6 car finishing in the points at every race, and finally returning to the podium for the first time in almost two years with second place in Japan.

Despite the rumours of possible replacements – and a list that expanded from including just Perez to also cover the likes of Heikki Kovalainen and both Force India drivers – Massa was offered a one-year extension to his current deal in mid-October, and almost immediately showed why he is the ideal foil for Alonso by sacrificing a superior grid position at the USGP in order to improve his team-mate's championship chances.

His reward was not only the chance to come back through the field to finish fourth in Texas, but, one week later, taking an emotional third in front of his home crowd at Interlagos, where he joined Alonso in the top three.

From the depths of the drivers' table, he rose to an eventual seventh overall, and his late season form, particularly from Suzuka onwards, could give Ferrari something of a headache if he is able to carry the momentum into 2013.

Top 10 F1 Driver of the Year 2012 results so far:
10. Kamui Kobayashi

View the original article here

BBC names new F1 presenter, live races

Suzi Perry will front the ten races that the BBC shows live during the 2013 F1 season, having been selected to replace Jake Humphrey.The BBC has confirmed that former MotoGP presenter Suzi Perry will replace football-bound Jake Humphrey as its F1 figurehead in 2013.

A motorsport enthusiast, Perry fronted the broadcaster's motorcycle racing coverage for 13 years prior to stepping down in 2010, and will join 'expert analysts' David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan in presenting the terrestrial alternative to Sky Sports' F1 offering next season.

"We're delighted to welcome Suzi to the team. She'll bring real energy and years of experience to one of the biggest jobs in sports broadcasting, "said the BBC's head of F1, Ben Gallop. "Her presenting ability coupled with her love and knowledge ofmotorsport make her an excellent addition to our line up.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Jake Humphrey for his enormous contribution to the coverage over the last four years and we all wish him the best for the future."

Perry, who also presented The Gadget Show on Channel 5 in the UK, will have ten races to introduce live next season – provided the currently undisclosed event goes ahead in June – after the BBC revealed its picks.

As well as the traditional British GP coverage, the channel will also show the races from China, Spain, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Japan, India and Brazil in their entirety, with extended highlights covering the remaining ten events. All 20 races will be carried live on BBC Radio 5 Live or 5 Live Sports Extra and online.

"Motorsport is my life and I've really missed being away from the grid," Perry added. "I am so excited to be joining the BBC. Working alongside such an eminent team and the F1 world is a huge honour and I can't wait to get started."

26.6m million people watched F1 on the BBC in 2012, with highs of 6.6million for the live race in Brazil and 4.1 million for the highlights of the Bahrain GP.

Full details of the BBC presentation line up for 2013 will be confirmed in due course.

View the original article here

di Grassi makes sportscar switch

Lucas di Grassi will make a full-time switch to sportscars after joining Audi for the 2013 WEC.
F1 refugee Lucas di Grassi will compete in next year's FIA World Endurance Championship, having inked a deal with the crack factory Audi squad.

The Brazilian raced with the marque at Interlagos towards the end of the 2012 campaign and impressed enough in finishing third alongside Audi stalwarts Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen to be offered a full-time ride for 2013.

di Grassi only got one year in F1, racing with Virgin in its debut campaign back in 2010 but being replaced with Jerome d'Ambrosio the season after. Unable to land an alternative, he took up the reins as one of Pirelli's development drivers, working alongside Jaime Alguersuari in 2012, as well as fronting the new Formula E initiative, but jumped at the chance to drive one of the world's leading sports prototypes.

Audi will be defending its WEC title in 2013, with Audi Sport Team Joest fielding two updated Audi R18 e-tron quattros for much of the year, and adding a third at both the Le Mans 24 Hours and the WEC race at Spa-Francorchamps.

As a result, Audi will be banking exclusively on hybrid technology in 2013, having successfully introduced the concept this year, although the flywheel energy storage system is becoming even more powerful without any substantial increase in weight and size. In terms of its exterior, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro will hardly differ from this year's race-winning car, although numerous technical innovations are again assembled under the vehicle's ultra-light carbon fibre skin. Audi Sport, meanwhile, is already working on the R18's successor for the new LMP1 regulations that will come into effect in 2014.

The full line-up for the WEC and Le Mans in 2013 consists of the current world champions Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer, with Loïc Duval, Marc Gené, Oliver Jarvis, Kristensen and McNish also joining di Grassi in the squad.

View the original article here

Ferrari reshuffles to work on 2013, 2014 projects

Ferrari has reorganised its technical department to cope with the demands of producing its car for the new 2014 regulations alongside next year's challenger.After missing out on F1 honours in 2012, Ferrari has decided to revise its working methods in a bid to beat Red Bull and McLaren in coming years.

Although Fernando Alonso remained in championship contention until the final round of the 20-race schedule, and Ferrari eventually beat McLaren to second spot in the constructors' table, the Scuderia's F2012 was seldom the best car in the field and, with a change in the regulations looming for 2014, decided that a new way of thinking was needed to ensure that it was setting the pace rather than chasing it.

“For a few months now, we have been working on a programme of reorganisation along with the introduction of new methodologies, especially concerning the wind tunnel,” team principal Stefano Domenicali explained, “As you know, we are rebuilding the Maranello facility, which will be closed until August. Until then, we will use the Toyota wind tunnel in Cologne.

“We have also adopted a better method of splitting up the work between those who run the wind tunnel and those who should concentrate more on the creative side of the job. This year, we saw that when we do too many things at the same time, maybe we are not efficient enough.

“As regards the design, we have decided, particularly in light of the unusual demands we will face in 2013, when we will have a completely new project to work on for the future, to have two coordinators. Simone Resta, an engineer who has developed his career in Maranello and is very effective, will work on the 2013 car, while Fabio Montecchi will deal with the one for the following year. Nikolas Tombazis continues as chief designer.

“We are well aware that we must start off with a more competitive car, as our president has demanded. Clearly, we have only been concentrating all our efforts on the new one from a few weeks before the final race, given we pushed right to the end on this year's.”

Whilst the new Ferrari could be one of the first to launch, Domenicali admitted that, as is usual, the car seen on track in Jerez and Barcelona will not be the one that faces up to the opposition in Melbourne.

“The 2013 car will be launched at the very end of January or the early days of February,” he confirmed, “As usual, the first one will be just a launch version, while the complete one will be seen in the final days of testing or in Australia, so as to make the most of all the time available.”

View the original article here

Ricciardo: Key can help Toro Rosso bounce back

Daniel Ricciardo: From what I've seen at the track [so far] he [Key] is quite an optimistic guy, quietly spoken but you can tell he gets the word across. He's definitely got high aims and he's very ambitious
Daniel Ricciardo has said he has 'high hopes' Toro Rosso will be able to move up the grid next season, and that the appointment of James Key as technical director will prove a smart decision.

Toro Rosso struggled in 2012, with the squad scoring just 26 points. However, with Key's arrival back in September, Ricciardo reckons F1 2013 could be a lot more fruitful and he pointed out that his impact this year was always going to be limited given he joined so late on.

“There was only so much James and the guys could have done for this year,” Ricciardo told ESPNF1.com. “Once the car is there, it's there and you can bring some updates that can help, but a lot is in the chassis and in the mould.

“There are a few things that came through in the last few races, but in terms of revamping the car it was always going to be pretty difficult after the summer break and that's why it was best to spend most of our time looking forward to next year.

“From what I've seen at the track [so far] he [Key] is quite an optimistic guy, quietly spoken but you can tell he gets the word across. He's definitely got high aims and he's very ambitious.

“I haven't seen it with my own eyes in the factory, but I can visualise what's happening and I think it's good.

“I don't want to get too carried away, but we have high hopes that we will move up the grid. But until it happens we won't get too excited, but it looks promising for now,” the Aussie concluded.

View the original article here

Whitmarsh: Level of competitiveness in F1 stronger than ever

Martin Whitmarsh: It's [now] more difficult to go out there week after week winning and being dominant...
McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh reckons the strength and depth of the F1 grid now is one of the strongest it has ever been.

McLaren were again one of the top teams in 2012, however, despite starting the year strongly, and ending with a win in Brazil, the squad's seventh of the season, the Woking-based outfit had to settle for third spot in the Constructors' championship, while its drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were only fourth and fifth in the Drivers' classification.

“The strength and depth of the grid in terms of drivers and teams in my view, casting back over 24 years personally, is stronger than it's ever been,” Whitmarsh told ESPNF1.com.

“It's more difficult to go out there week after week winning and being dominant, and that's good.

“It's been great that these last two or three years have been really good F1 seasons.”

So why has it been like that?

“You've got well-funded teams, a period of comparative rule stability and I think the tyres have been quite tricky. For a good first half of this year they were a baffling ingredient in the performance package. So I think all those things mean it's close,” he explained.

View the original article here

Ferrari still eyeing Vettel

Luca di Montezemolo has admitted that Sebastian Vettel would be the ideal replacement for Fernando Alonso.Ferrari would jump at the chance to sign Sebastian Vettel, admits president Luca di Montezemolo – but only as a replacement for Fernando Alonso.

Speaking at the Scuderia's annual Christmas celebration, di Montezemolo praised the German for his third world title and conceded that he would be the ideal replacement for Alonso as and when the Spaniard decides to hang up his helmet.

“If for whatever reason, Alonso was to retire, then I'd like Vettel, a driver who has his feet on the ground and a great will to win,” Montezemolo revealed, “It was [Michael] Schumacher who pointed him out to me a few years ago, as he knew him from the time when Sebastian was still racing karts. I have to admit Michael was right but, having said that, I am immensely happy to have Alonso in our team!”

Vettel and Alonso duelled over the 2012 championship to the very end, with Vettel overcoming a 40-point deficit in the second half of the season, but the manner of the outcome – which saw Ferrari protesting the result of the Brazilian finale – may sway the German's opinion of his suitor.

Having secured the sixth place he needed to better Alonso's points tally when the Spaniard crossed the line in second spot, Vettel's crown was thrown into doubt when the Scuderia questioned the legality of one of his passing moves. Having been linked to Maranello throughout the middle of the season – and having previously admitted a desire to one day drive for Ferrari – the objections to his success may make di Montezemolo's wish a little less likely.

View the original article here

Formula One back on the Mac with F1 2012

F1 2012, the official game of the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship, roars onto Macs today.

The first Formula One game to appear on the Mac in over ten years, F1 2012 was originally developed and published by Codemasters for PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles as well as PC and is developed and distributed for the Mac by Feral Interactive.

F1 2012 features all the cars, drivers and circuits from the 2012 season, and offers you the chance to pursue a Formula One career and challenge Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton et al for the 2012 FIA Formula One Drivers' World Championship.

All 20 tracks from the 2012 season are recreated in meticulous detail, and a dynamic weather system keeps things interesting as conditions can change from one minute to the next. You'll work with your race engineer, fine-tuning your car set-up according to the circuit, weather conditions and your own handling preferences.

Alongside an extensive Career mode, F1 2012 features the fast, focused battle of Time Attack mode as well as Champions mode, where you'll pit your skills against each of the six former FIA Formula One Driver's World Champions competing in the 2012 season in challenges that showcase those drivers' exceptional talents.

F1 2012 includes split-screen, LAN and online multiplayer, and supports a variety of steering wheels and gamepads.

The game is available online for direct download from the Feral Store and, further details can be found on Feral Interactive's news feed, Facebook page and Twitter feed.

A minisite dedicated to the game with game information, screenshots and system requirements is available now.

This is a sponsored editorial

View the original article here

Montezemolo: Few drivers as quick as Massa

Luca di Montezemolo has said that Ferrari was right to keep Felipe Massa for 2013, despite the Brazilian's slow start to the season.Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has admitted that the Scuderia made the right decision in re-signing Felipe Massa, despite fears that the Brazilian had again lost his mojo during the 2012 F1 season.

As in both previous seasons following his horrific 2009 accident at the Hungaroring, Massa made a sluggish start to 2012, sparking rumours that he would be replaced, and maybe even before the season was out. Sergio Perez's performance in chasing Fernando Alonso home in the Malaysian Grand Prix – allied to the Mexican's position on Ferrari's development programme – immediately put the Sauber driver at the top of the list, but he was joined at various points during the campaign by the likes of Heikki Kovalainen, Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg, while Sebastian Vettel also made his annual appearance in the speculation before Ferrari finally extended Massa's contract by a year in mid-October.

The Brazilian's form took an upswing after he claimed fourth place in the British Grand Prix, and was sustained through to the end of the season, with podiums – his first for almost two years – coming in both Japan and Brazil as he hauled himself up to seventh in the standings, and confirmed Ferrari in second spot in the constructors' table.

“[Massa] improved a great deal in the second half [but], in the first part, it seemed he'd gone on a round the world holiday!” Montezemolo told journalists at Ferrari annual Christmas party, “Joking apart, I think the decision to reconfirm his position was the right one: if we had changed, then one would need to take on someone who would make a difference and I can't say I noticed many drivers around who would be quicker than Felipe.

“Also, we did not want to change the balance and the good atmosphere within the team. [Team principal Stefano] Domenicali and I told ourselves it was best to wait and I think that the facts proved us right. Towards the end, when Felipe was even faster than Fernando a couple of times, the points he scored played a vital part in securing our place in the constructors' championship.”

Even without Massa's contribution at the start of the year, Ferrari had much to celebrate, as Alonso won in Malaysia before further victories in Valencia and Germany propelled him to a 40+ point lead in the championship, despite the F2012 being far from the best car.

“Once again, this season we were contenders,” Montezemolo agreed, “But we must start from this positive point. If we succeed and improve our performance, then we can be winners.

“You can see the glass as half full or half empty, but clearly there is great regret because the outcome went down to the wire. After that first lap in Brazil, maybe things could have turned out differently, because Fernando went on holiday at the start of the summer break with a 40-point lead over his closest challenger and because, when it came to collisions, we were forced to retire, while others kept going as if nothing had happened. However, the biggest regret is that we did not have a car that was quick enough to win the world championship.

“On the glass half full side, we had amazing reliability which allowed us to come second in the constructors' championship despite the fact McLaren was quicker than us and despite the fact that, in the first half of the season, we pretty much only had Alonso's points to count on.

“There were those great starts and pit-stops and the fact Fernando had an extraordinary season, the best since he has been in F1. The Spaniard is a mix of Lauda and Schumacher: like the former, he has the ability to drive every race lap as though it was qualifying, like the latter, he has the intelligence to know when it's time to push and when it's time to look after the car.

“Next year, let's hope we can say it was our best season, given that we want to give him and Felipe a car that's competitive right from the start.”

View the original article here

Nielsen to leave Caterham fold

Caterham sporting director Steve Nielsen is to leave the team at the end of this month, it has been announced.

The former Renault man joined the outfit at the end of 2011 having worked his way up through the ranks in a number of teams including Team Lotus, Tyrrell, Benetton and Arrows.

"Caterham F1 Team has today confirmed that Steve Nielsen is leaving his post of Sporting Director in January," said a spokesperson for the team.

"The team is currently assessing the best options for his replacement and will make an announcement in due course."

View the original article here

McLaren sets launch date for F1 2013 car

McLaren has announced that it will launch its 2013 F1 car, the MP4-28, on 31 January.

The successor to the MP4-27 will be shown off at a location in the UK still to be revealed with the opening pre-season test at Jerez in Spain then getting underway the following week.

McLaren, which will field cars for Jenson Button and Sergio Perez in 2013, is second team to announce a launch date for the new season, with Force India launching a day later.

F1 2013 Launch Dates:

McLaren 31 January TBC
Force India 1 February Silverstone

F1 2013 Winter tests:

Jerez test 5-8 February
Barcelona test 1 19-22 February
Barcelona test 2 28 February-3 March

View the original article here

Bianchi in with 'real chance' with Force India

Jules Bianchi has a 'real chance' of securing a race drive with Force India in F1 2013, his manager has said.

Bianchi has been test and reserve driver for the Silverstone-based team this year alongside his work as part of Ferrari's Young Driver Programme and a racing programme in the World Series by Renault, and is one of a number of drivers said to be in consideration for the seat alongside Paul di Resta.

“The decision is in the hands of two or three people at the Force India F1 team,” his manager, Nicolas Todt told RMC Sport. “I think Jules has a real chance but nothing is done. As of today I do not think anyone has signed.

“There are many drivers knocking on the door at Force India. Jules is one of those in contention and the aim is to get a race seat for 2013.”

Others being evaluated include former Force India driver Adrian Sutil, ex-Toro Rosso man Jaime Alguersuari, as well as possibly Bruno Senna and Heikki Kovalainen.

View the original article here

Pic: There is 'big potential' at Caterham

Charles Pic believes Caterham has 'big potential' for the future and he is confident the team can do well in F1 2013.

Pic signed for the Leafield-based team at the end of November, just prior to the season ending Brazilian Grand Prix, and the Frenchman has been impressed by his first few visits to the team's base.

“First of all I met everybody and had a look around the factory. Then I spoke with the people that I will work with next year,” the 22-year-old told the official F1 site. “The most important thing now is that I spend time with the team so that I know them better, and they know me better. It's very important that we know each other before we start testing.

“For me the Caterham factory is great. We're doing everything we can to make a good car so now we have to work and start to prepare for next year. I think Caterham has big potential - I'm 100 percent confident of that.

“We just have to work very hard to improve ourselves to be better next year and to take a step forward.”

Pic also rejected suggestions there is any pressure on the team to score its first points in 2013.

“I don't feel it like that,” he added. “Caterham have always been the first of the three 'new' teams so I think what they've produced so far has been good. But for sure we can do better and our target is to do better next year.

“But I don't think we are under pressure. We know where we want to go and that is the most important thing for the team.”

2012 marked Pic's first year at the pinnacle of the sport and while he was pleased with how he did, he knows next year will still be tough.

“I'm very happy about my first season in F1 but I also know that my second season will not be easier because it's never easier, it's just different. My main target is to continue to improve,” explained the former Marussia man.

“Last year it was very good for me to have Timo [Glock] as my team mate because it was my first year and I had a lot to learn. It was really good to be able to have a benchmark. I know I'll have plenty of things to learn in 2013 because I'm convinced that you can't learn everything in one year.

“I would like to adapt faster in different situations. Timo was really good at that, but then he has a lot of experience and I'm sure that helped.

“But I had so many situations in 2012 that were completely new for me - new tracks, new problems that I had to solve that I'd never faced before. In all these new situations I always gave my best, but when I face them again I know I'll be able to do a little bit better.”

View the original article here

Latest F1 2013 driver line-up

The latest F1 2013 line-up following confirmation earlier this week that Max Chilton will join Timo Glock at Marussia
19 drivers so far announced for F1 2013, leaving just 3 seats still to be officially confirmed...

Confirmed 2013 F1 drivers:

Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault
(Confirmed for 2013 and 2014, but there are performance clauses)
Mark Webber Australia Red Bull-Renault
(Deal expires at end of 2013)

Fernando Alonso Spain Ferrari-Ferrari
(Confirmed for 2013, with options for 2014 and beyond?)
Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari-Ferrari
(Deal expires at end of 2013)

Jenson Button Britain McLaren-Mercedes
(Signed 'multi-year deal' in October 2011)
Sergio Perez Mexico McLaren-Mercedes
(Signed 'multi-year deal' in October 2012)

Kimi Raikkonen Finland Lotus-Renault
(Signed two year deal in November 2011, second year was an option)
Romain Grosjean French Lotus-Renault
(Signed deal for 2013, contract length not announced)

Lewis Hamilton Britain Mercedes-Mercedes
(Deal expires at end of 2015)
Nico Rosberg Germany Mercedes-Mercedes
(Signed 'multi-year deal' in November 2011)

Nico Hulkenberg Germany Sauber-Ferrari
(Signed deal for 2013, contract length not announced)
Esteban Gutierrez Mexico Sauber-Ferrari
(Signed deal for 2013, contract length not announced)
Robin Frijns Netherlands Sauber-Ferrari
(Signed test and reserve driver deal for 2013)

Pastor Maldonado Venezuela Williams-Renault
(Signed deal for 2013, contract length not announced)
Valtteri Bottas Finland Williams-Renault
(Signed deal for 2013, contract length not announced)

Daniel Ricciardo Australia Toro Rosso-Ferrari
(Signed deal for 2013, contract length not announced)
Jean-Eric Vergne France Toro Rosso-Ferrari
(Signed deal for 2013, contract length not announced)

Charles Pic French Caterham-Renault
(Signed 'multi-year deal' in November 2012)

Timo Glock Germany Marussia-Cosworth
(Signed new 'long term deal' in July 2011)
Max Chilton Britain Marussia-Cosworth
(Signed deal for 2013, contract length not announced)

Likely candidates for remaining seats...

Paul di Resta Britain Force India-Mercedes

Jules Bianchi French Force India-Mercedes
Adrian Sutil German Force India-Mercedes
Jaime Alguersuari Spain Force India-Mercedes
Bruno Senna Brazil Force India-Mercedes

Heikki Kovalainen Finland Caterham-Renault
Vitaly Petrov Russia Caterham-Renault
Rubens Barrichello Brazil Caterham-Renault
Giedo van der Garde Netherlands Caterham-Renault

Kamui Kobayashi Japan Pirelli test driver?

View the original article here

Barcelona determined to go it alone

The Circuit de Catalunya has sent out the strongest message yet that it no longer wants to consider alternating hosting the Spanish GP with Valencia.The Circuit de Catalunya has again played down suggestions that it should alternate the hosting of the Spanish Grand Prix with Valencia's street track.

The latter was axed from the schedule to make way for the second US race, to have taken place on the streets of New Jersey next June, but has not given up on returning to the calendar in future seasons, despite the cost of hosting a grand prix causing headaches since it first appeared.

The prospect of alternating with Barcelona was first proposed around the time of last year's Spanish Grand Prix, with both sides apparently interested in taking the matter further based on the model currently being used by Hockenheim and the Nurburgring to host the German round. However, when the Circuit de Catalunya landed a deal with the city council, which would provide it with €1m extra funding, it suddenly lost interest in sharing one of its prized assets.

"We have a contract to host the GP of Spain until 2016 and we want to keep it,” Vincente Aguilera, president of the Consortium of the Circuit de Catalunya, told El Mundo Deportivo during the signing ceremony, “Indeed, we are open to negotiating an extension until 2020."

In a separate interview with AS, Aguilera confirmed that Barcelona was determined to go it alone, and was not prepared to comment on suggestions that its rival had made a play to become the sole host of the Spanish round.

“We have no desire to alternate, [but] we cannot speak for Valencia, who have agreements with [Bernie] Ecclestone about which we have nothing to say,” he stressed.

"The circuit has a direct economic impact of more than €160m - we are an economic engine and any activities that we can do to best manage this Catalonian venue is positive.”

Council vice-president Díaz Fernández confirmed that the massive investment being made by the city was due to that wider economic impact.

"Circuit activity goes beyond the world of motoring,” he emphasized, “It has a continuing impact on year-round occupancy in the wider tourist resort, catering, hotel, etc.

“In this sense, this million is for us not an expense, but an investment. It serves to promote tourism in the province of Barcelona, and especially the brand new Costa Barcelona. The F1 and MotoGP events are emblems of this.”

View the original article here

da Costa: You have to deliver for Red Bull

Red Bull prospect Antonio Felix da Costa knows that only his best will do when it comes to keeping on the right side of the F1-obsessed drinks brand.Rising star Antonio Felix da Costa is under no illusion that his popularity at Red Bull comes at a price, but he is determined not buckle under the pressure

The Portuguese driver capped a stellar campaign, in which he finished third in GP3 and fourth in the World Series by Renault, by being added to the Red Bull development programme and testing with world champions RBR at the end-of-season session in Abu Dhabi, but he knows that he now has to perform to an even higher level to justify possible promotion to F1 in the next year or so.

Looking set to return to the WSbR as Red Bull continues to shun GP2 in its bid to bring young drivers to the fringe of the top flight, da Costa is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

"We will have to see - I don't know what is going on really,” he confessed to Sky Sports when asked what might be on the horizon, “I have heard nothing so far and am just enjoying some holidays and waiting on a phone call from the big guys. At the moment there is not much I can say, but if it is World Series, if it is F1, if it is on the simulator, I will just give it my best."

With fellow Iberian Jaime Alguersuari still looking for a way back into F1 after being dropped by the Red Bull programme, da Costa knows that whatever he ends up doing in 2013, he has to perform to the height of his ability.

"You have pressure every time - it is not just being at Red Bull,” the 21-year old claimed, “People talk about the Red Bull programme being very tough on a driver but, at the end of the day, they are paying for you to drive and you become an employee for them.

"At the end of the day, if they are paying for you to race, then they want you to win and you have to deliver. If not, then you go home - that is the policy. If you are quick, they take good care of you; if you are not, they send you home and I think that is fair enough. Some drivers might get a second chance but that doesn't happen often with Red Bull and I hope I won't need one."

There was pressure even when da Costa turned out with Red Bull at Yas Marina, but the Portuguese believes that he created a good impression.

"It was as if my Christmas had come early to be confirmed to drive for two days with a world championship-winning car and team,” he admitted, “At the time, they were not yet [champions], so the test was really about getting the car going and trying to find the last tweaks for the last two races as well as running some new parts for 2013.

"I was very excited by the chance, but they needed me to deliver straightaway, so I was really focused and had really good preparation back at home in the simulator and it turned out to be good."

View the original article here

Thailand set for 2015 F1 debut

Bernie Ecclestone claims that a night race on the streets of Bangkok will be a reality in time for the 2015 F1 seasonThe proposed F1 night race in Bangkok looks set to make its first appearance on the calendar a year later than originally proposed, according to reports.

Thai sports authority governor Kanokphand Chulakasem - an advisor to Red Bull owner Chalerm Yoovidhya – met F1 ringmaster Ecclestone during the Singapore Grand Prix to hammer out details of an agreement, which initially appeared to place the event on the 2014 schedule. Question marks surrounded the hosting fee, with Thailand thought to be pursuing a favourable figure close to that agreed by Singapore for its new contract, but the government looked set to fund up to 60 per cent of any fee, with the rest hopefully coming from the likes of Red Bull and beer brand Singha.

Now, Ecclestone has revealed that it is the 2015 calendar, and not 2014, that will feature a night race on the streets of Bangkok.

"They say 2014 and I say 2015, but it is serious and it is good," he was quoted as telling the Wall Street Journal

Although the 2013 schedule looks set to revert to 19 races unless a replacement for the postponed New Jersey street race can be found, Thailand is likely to be a part of a 20-event calendar in 2015, with Russia's arrival in 2014 also looking to put pressure on existing venues. France, Turkey and South Africa are also looking for a way back into the line-up, while New Jersey is expected to be ready to join the fray in 2014.

View the original article here

Branson to finally honour F1 bet

Richard Branson and Tony Fernandes have set a new date for the Briton to serve as an AirAsia stewardess following their bet from the 2010 F1 season.Despite his world-famous Virgin brand no longer being associated with F1, Richard Branson has finally decided it is time to 'pay up' on a wager he took with fellow 2010 debutant Tony Fernandes.

With both owning airlines at the time of their entry into the world of grand prix racing – Branson with Virgin and Fernandes with AirAsia – the pair struck a deal that would result in the loser having to serve as a stewardess for his rival. With Team Lotus – as the current Caterham operation was then called – coming out on top, Branson was the one to forfeit, but appeared to have welched on the bet….. until now.

With two full seasons having passed, and both teams having changed identity even though their respective positions in the F1 pecking order have altered little, Fernandes announced that the bearded British entrepreneur had contacted him out of the blue to pick up on the deal, which had had to be postponed first time around in 2011.

"Now here is a man with honor @richardbranson who just contacted me to honor his bet," Fernandes wrote on his Twitter feed, "He will be an airasia stewardess in may on Airasia. 2 years late but main point he hasn't forgotten."

The contact has resulted in Branson agreeing to don AirAsia colours for a flight in May 2013, with tickets for the trip again set to be auctioned off for charity.

Should the deal fall through, however, F1 pit-lane reporter Will Buxton has come up with another suggestion, replying to Fernandes' tweet by proposing that 'given Virgin Money sponsors NUFC you should make @richardbranson stand in centre circle in Air Asia dress at QPR game'.

View the original article here

Razia caught out by Marussia move

Luiz Razia claims to have been in negotiation with the Marussia F1 team right up to the point where it announced Max Chilton as its second driver for 2013.Luiz Razia has admitted to being taken aback by Marussia's decision to announce Max Chilton as its second driver for 2013, having been in talks with the team himself.

The Brazilian had earmarked John Booth's squad among a number of possibilities – also including Lotus, Caterham and Force India - for his F1 graduation after finishing as runner-up to Davide Valsecchi in the 2012 GP2 Series, and believed that he still had a chance of lining up alongside veteran Timo Glock right up to the point where Chilton was unveiled as the newest member of the F1 grid.

Razia's confidence came despite the Briton being named as Marussia's official reserve at this season's Japanese Grand Prix and being tipped for promotion after a handful of impressive test and demo outings with the team during 2012. Having seen the door closed at Lotus just 24 hours earlier, the announcement that Chilton had been selected came as a particularly heavy blow.

“In truth, at Lotus, we did not have much chance but, with Marussia, we were caught by surprise,” the 23-year old revealed to Brazil's globoesporte.com, “Until yesterday we were still talking to them, and the team appeared quite open to the idea of our entry. Even today, they said 'we're still deciding' – and then they closed [a deal] with Max….”

While disappointed, Razia has not conceded his hopes of graduating to the top flight in 2013, believing that he still has a chance of landing the vacant seats at either Caterham or Force India. Both are being heavily contested, with fellow Brazilian Bruno Senna among those supposedly in negotiation, but Razia remains confident despite the shared struggle of finding a backer to help him stand out from the crowd.

“We've been talking to both teams for some time,” he noted, “so, yes, we still have chances. I'm doing my job, [but] there is a limitation of what I can do. I can talk to the teams, show what I can bring, but, but some teams prefer drivers with money, which is a reality that I cannot fight against. We have sponsors, but we have limits. We are not a bottomless pit.”

After four years knocking on the door of the top flight, Razia admits that returning to GP2 is not an option for 2013, even though others – including Caterham rival Giedo van der Garde – have performed U-turns in similar circumstances.

“I have always dreamed of getting to F1, so I can not give up something I have been pursuing for ten years,” he insisted, “I have invested not only time, but money too, so I must believe there is always a chance.

“GP2 is not my intention. Some teams called me this week and I dismissed the opportunity. I have shown what I needed [to show] there. As for other categories, I haven't even thought about them. When I have a goal, I usually just focus on that, and the goal is F1. If that doesn't happen, I'll need to review the plans for my life, see what my priorities are.”

View the original article here

Vettel ‘never wasted thought' on Brazil controversy

Sebastian Vettel claims that he was unmoved by the suggestion he had made a mistake in the Brazilian GP that could have resulted in his third world title going elsewhere.Sebastian Vettel insists that he never questioned whether he may have made a mistake in the Brazilian Grand Prix, even though the destiny of the F1 world title could have been at stake.

Days after he had been crowned world champion for the third time in as many years, main rival Ferrari raised the question that the German may have made a crucial pass under yellow flag conditions. Although the clarification the Scuderia sought confirmed that that had not been the case, an error of judgement could have seen Vettel demoted a couple of places in the results, which would have been enough to hand Fernando Alonso the crown.

In the end, however, onboard footage from the Red Bull showed, albeit murkily, that a green flag had been shown fractionally before Vettel passed Jean-Eric Vergne, putting the German in the clear.

Not that he was too concerned.

“To be honest, I never wasted one single thought that an irregularity was involved from my side,” he told the official F1 website, “Even if it was an eventful race, I definitely saw all the flags - and their colours!

“I only got information that Ferrari was up to something after [Red Bull team principal] Christian [Horner] called me saying that obviously Ferrari was not too happy with the outcome of the race. After the FIA had checked every single inch of the recording of the situation in question - and confirmed that everything was according to rules - Ferrari renounced any protests. But, believe it or not, I knew since the chequered flag that there was not a single movement wrong from my side.”

The entire Interlagos race had been one of incident for Vettel, who survived being spun around on the opening lap to battle back through the field and claim the points he needed to ensure the trophy returned to Milton Keynes. For someone usually effusive when he takes victory, Vettel admitted that he had struggled with the emotion of the moment in Brazil.

“I remember that I had difficulties finding the right words,” he confirmed, “Such a moment takes some time to sink in. It was such a crazy race with unforeseen situations looming almost around every corner - you could rightfully use the word chaotic - and that it ended for us the way it did was due to the fact that we never lost sight of the bigger picture. You start to understand how many small steps it takes to achieve such a result - steps that, when they happen, probably have no big significance for you in that very moment, but that can have quite an impact on the final result. I think that 2012 - and especially that Brazilian race - has taught us that success lies in the detail.

“The moment I crossed the finish line, I was very quiet - somewhat empty. I guess that's what happens when a huge burden comes off your chest. All year long, we've been so focused on that one and only goal - and then suddenly you have reached it. That makes you quiet - and probably a bit helpless - for a short instant. Then, after two weeks, you start to exhale and pick up your life where you left it many months ago.”

View the original article here

Vettel: Killer instinct? That's not me

Sebastian Vettel admits that he is still moved by seeing his name on the F1 world championship trophy, and insists he will be out to add a fourth such etching in 2013.Despite adding his names to the F1 world championship trophy for a third time this year, Sebastian Vettel has warned his rivals that he will be looking to provide Red Bull with another double success in 2013.

The German, fresh from a sixth straight victory in the Race of Champions' Nations Cup competition, claimed that he never needed to motivate himself to get up for the fight on track, even if he isn't quite as driven as some would believe.

“Killer instinct? That's not me,” he told the official F1 website, “I know that I have a special position in the team, yes, but I definitely do consider myself as a team member. And, as a team member, I want us to be as successful in 2013 as we have been this year and the two previous years.

“Personally, I never had to simulate motivation - that is part of my nature. Sure, right now, it is nice to savour the title win and everything that goes with it, but what stays in your memory much more than anything else are the steps that got you there: the nervousness on the grid at the first race, the stress when it didn't work out as planned, the podiums… All these moments stay in your head forever.”

The 2012 championship, in direct contrast to the previous year, was punctuated by moments where it clearly 'didn't work out as planned' for Vettel, but the German insists that he never gave up on the pursuit of his hat-trick.

“What was key this year was that we never stopped believing. And, believe me, that is easier said than done. There are so many 'experts' out there making throwaway remarks about who will be the champion and who the loser, and you don't have to let that get to you - not the positive and not the negative. You have to focus completely on your own business and never worry about what other people do or don't do.

“What some of my competitors might have underestimated - but which probably was a huge cornerstone of the success - is the understanding that every single point counts. Only three points - nearly even less - stood between first and second in the end, between having your name on the trophy again or not.”

Vettel's success in 2012 saw him set more records, including becoming the youngest-ever triple champion, replacing Ayrton Senna, but it appears that he is still amazed by his achievements.

“Of course, you hope that [the championship trophy] will return to you, but you also understand, when you read all the engraved names on it, that it has a very distinct life of its own,” he reflected, “Now it is back in my kitchen, on the kitchen table, to prod me to go out and fight for it in 2013.

View the original article here