Liuzzi: HRT will be faster in Malaysia!!

26/3/11,
Tonio Liuzzi (HRT driver) appeared optimistic for their car performance in the next race although the bad results today in the qualifying tests!!

The driver of HRT, Vitantonio Liuzzi believes that the qualifying failure today will make them even faster in Malaysia. The driver who did not managed to beat the 107% rule which will not allow to him and to his team mate Narain Kartikeyan to race tomorrow said: Everybody did an amazing job. We have to be proud because everyone worked well and I think we have to be positive for the future.

Huge step for McLaren!!

26/3/11,
Hamilton talked about the improvement of McLaren!!

Lewis Hamilton said that the team of McLaren, his team has made a huge step on the car's improvement proving it in the qualifying testing today.

Lewis Hamilton said: “I’m thrilled to be here today. “The guys at the factory have done an unbelievable job. A massive step this weekend, the car’s feeling fantastic and of course we still have a lot of work to do be we’ve really got ourselves on the right track and a great foundation for us to build upon. “I know the guys back in the factory will keep trying but a big thank-you to everyone at home, keep pushing!”

Schumacher: Mercedes face major job!!

26/3/11,
The German driver talks about the unexpected moderate performance today in the qualifying test!!

The German driver of Mercedes GP, Michael Schumacher said that Mercedes face a major job to improve the car's performance after failing reaching the top ten in qualifying.

After the qualifying test Schumacher said: “After winter testing, coming to the first race we had expected different performance so, naturally, there is some disappointment.

Without HRT in the Australian GP!!

26/3/11,

The drivers of the team will not take part in the Sunday race!!

The return of the 107% rule has had its first victim..the team of HRT. In the qualifying tests in Australia the two drivers of HRT Tonio Liuzzi and Narain Kartikeyan did not manage to have the lap time which should be in the 107% of the fastest in the Q1 and as the rules say they will not take part in the race. The times of HRT are not a surprise as the team of HRT has come to Melbourne without doing even a kilometer.

Australian GP QP-Vettel blows away the clock!!

26/3/11,

The German driver with his Red Bull took an amazing pole position in Melbourne!!

Q1.

Sebastian Vettel was the fastest driver in the three parts of the qualifying season with 1.23.090 taking for the second year in a row the pole position in Melbourne. He will share the the front part of the grid with Lewis Hamilton who beat Mark Webber despite (Hamilton) losing the KERS during the race.

Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa used the soft type of tire so they could be able to continue through the Q2. Massa was positioned from the 18th to the 11th position.

Australian GP Practise 3-Vettel beats the clock!!

26/3/11,

With an amazing lap time Vettel got the first position in the 3rd Australian testing.

Sebastian Vettel passed through the track like a giant storm through the third period of the free testing of the Australian GP,  taking the first position with 1.24.507 ahead of Mark Webber in second with 1.25.364. Behind them were found the two McLarens with Lewis Hamilton in third 1.25.553 and Jenson Button in fourth with 1.25.567, proving that the team of Mc Laren might be quite competitive.

McLaren surprises in the 2nd testing in Melbourne!!

25/3/11,

The new upgraded McLaren made the difference and proved that they might surprise us!!

The second testing was accompanied with the treat of rain. Although that this season proved that the team of McLaren has made impressive changes in the car with Jenson Button in 1st and Lewis Hamilton in 2nd with 1:25.854 (Button) and 1:25.986(Hamilton). After them in third was Alonso with  1:26.001 and behind him Vettel with 1.26.014. Webber was in 5th with 1:26.283.

Red Bull does the one-two in the 1st Australian test!!

25/3/11,

The awaited 2011 season has finally begun this morning in Australia in Melbourne's Albert Park. Karun Chandhok got as far as turn four before losing grip and crashing to the wall. After that an our later Pastor Maldonado with Williams set the fastest lap time. However very soon, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel moved to the top of the positions with 1m 26.831s(Mark Webber) and 1m 27.158s(Sebastian Vettel).

The Australian GP with a blink of the eye!!

25/3/11,

Something about the Australian F1 GP (Albert Park)!!

The Australian Grand Prix is a motor race held annually and is held to be the pinnacle of motor racing in Australia. The Grand Prix is the oldest surviving motor racing competition held in Australia having been held 75 times since it was first run at Phillip Island in 1928. Since 1985 the race has been a round of the FIAFormula One World Championship. It is presently held at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit at Albert Park in Melbourne. Prior to its inclusion in the World Championship it was held at a multitude of venues in every state of Australia. It was a centrepiece of the Tasman Series between 1964 and 1972 and was a round of the Australian Drivers' Championship on many occasions between 1957 and 1983. It became part of the Formula One World Championship in 1985 and was held at the Adelaide Street Circuit in Adelaide, South Australia from that year to 1995, before moving to Melbourne in 1996.

Schumacher: We will chase Red Bull!!

24/3/11,

Michael Schumacher is confident about the race in Australia!!

The performance of Mercedes GP was one of the many surprises in the winter testing of Formula 1. Although they didn't started as well as they expected to, the upgraded pack which was presented in Barcelona changed amazingly the performance of the W02 with Michael Schumacher doing the fastest lap time of all the previous days in Barcelona. The German driver from Australia (where the first race of the season will be held, in Albert Park) expressed his confidence and believes that Mercedes GP will be the nearest competitor against Red Bull. 

Australian GP (Thursday) in pictures!!

24/3/11,

The last pre season day in Melbourne. Here are some pictures of the drivers' activities today!!  

Australian GP (Wednesday) in pictures!!

24/3/11,
Some pictures before the official start of the new F1 season!!

The teams have traveled to Melbourne for the first race of the season after the cancellation of the Bahrain GP!!

Here are some pictures from the drivers on Wednesday before the start of the new season.

Sebastian Vettel visited a farm while Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardio served barbecue breakfast to journalists. The 2 drivers of Renault, Nick Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov met some rules footballers. 

Ecclestone: Jean Todt is a poor man's Max Mosley!!

23/3/11,
Bernie Ecclestone has strongly criticized KERS and Jean Todt!! 

Bernie Ecclestone has criticized the president of FIA Jean Todt caling him as a ''poor man's Max Mosley''. He said: “He has been travelling around the world doing what Max didn’t do too much – kissing the babies and shaking the hands. It is probably good for the FIA but we don’t need it in Formula 1.” ''He did't have any positive effect on F1 in 2009''

Webber: DRS should only be an overtaking aid!!

23/3/11,
Webber talked about the help of DRS in the car's performance!!

Webber said that the DRS (Drag Reduction System) would only be used for overtaking and not in qualifying laps. Before the start of the new season he said: “It’s a bit busy in the cockpit now. I don’t mind it for the race, it’s fine because we won’t use the wing so much in the race. “But in qualifying, obviously, to have the rear wing on and using the KERS… I don’t really understand why we need to use the rear wing in qualifying because it was only used for racing. “I’m happy to use it in the racing but to keep using it in qualifying when we have a choice to have it on or off, it’s a bit strange to have it on.”

Tonio Liuzzi is confident about the new HRT car!!

24/3/11,

Quite optimistic about the first appearance of the new HRT car looks Tonio Liuzzi 

The new HRT car have not done even one kilometer in the tests but this is not intimidated by Tonio Liuzzi. The Italian driver who a few days ago signed a contract with Hispania for the world championship in 2011, was presented to be very optimistic about his first appearance behind the wheel of the F111. 

"There is always hope. Some teams seem to have reliability problems so the important thing for us is to see the checkered flag. If there is rain or a chaotic race as in the previous years, we have several hopes. It is important for us to realize immediately how fast the car is and also manage to finish the race , "said Liuzzi to Autosport. 

Button: Overtakes...will be honored!!

24/3/11,

The British driver says that in this season with the new tires, overtakes will be many !!

None of the teams know completely how much the tires of Pirelli will affect the performance of their cars in the new season. The new tires are designed to be consumed much faster than the previous of Bridgestone a thing which means that the drivers should be very careful with the usage of their tires and probably change their driving style. However, according to Button, in the last laps of the race the tires would be in a state that actually overtakes would be many many. 

Webber races in his homeland!!

23/3/11,

The Australian driver is looking forward for the start of the first race in his country!!

Finally the first race in Formula 1 in Melbourne is up and a few days are remaining before the start of the new season. The cancellation of the Grand Prix of Bahrain brought its premiere to Albert Park, the home race for Mark Webber. The driver of Red Bull Racing is pleased to begin his attempt to win the title in front of his countrymen, though they do not usually do well in the struggle of his homeland. 

With confidence soaring!!

23/3/11,

Sebastian Vettel appeared confident about the capabilities of Red Bull!!

This season is definitely one of the most difficult to forecast. Many new factors such as tires, KERS and mobile rear wing, along with the innovations of some groups make it almost impossible to have conclusive predictions from the tests. This points the World Champion Sebastian Vettel, but says that although they may know that the competition will be tough, he knows very well the capabilities of Red Bull and he is not worried about all these ... 

Button drives in Panorama Mountain circuit!!

23/3/11,

The driver of McLaren, Jenson Button became the first driver to drive in the famous Panorama Mountain circuit, in a F1 car. Button did a number of 4 laps in his MP4-26. 

Speaking at this event he said: “These guys are crazy – they really are. This place is fantastic. Television just doesn’t do it justice.” 

Another famous driver Craig Lowndes did 5  laps. He said: “When I first went out it was the acceleration but when you go through turn two you really realise how much acceleration you have. In comparison the V8 seems to labour up the mountain.”

Yamamoto joins Virgin!!

23/3/11,

The Japanese will be the reserved driver for the 3 first races!!

Sakon Yamamoto has joined the team of Virgin as a reserved driver of the team before the start of the new season. Yamamoto is 28 years old and last year he drove for HRT in 7 races replacing Karun Chandhok. He will be the reserved driver for the 3 first races of the season (2011). 

Yamamoto appeared quite happy after the agreement: "I am delighted to be working with Marusia Virgin in Australia. I really appreciate them for giving me the opportunity to be here. The group has made a big step forward this year and I believe I can contribute to the development of the car with my experience. " 

Trulli is concerned about the tires!!

23/3/11,

The driver of Lotus believes that confusion will be caused in the races by the new tires !!

Jarno Trulli is strongly critisizing the current performance of the Pirelli tires which were brought by. The driver of the Team Lotus is very concerned about the strong and rapid tire wear of the Italian brand and fears that will cause difficult situations during a Grand Prix. The 36 year old expressed his concerns through the column of the Italian newspaper Repubblica. 

Chandhok in Lotus!!

23/3/11,

The Indian driver will drive for the team of Tony Fernandes in Fridays!!

Karum Chandhok has joined immediately the team of Lotus and will be driving in the tests of Friday in Australia in the beginning of the new season. 

Pirelli provides extra set of tires!!

23/3/11,

The teams in Australia will have an extra set of hard compound of tires!!

The temperature and the weather condition in Australia will be a little bit different than in Jerez, Valencia and Barcelona. The temperature will be probably higher so the tire performance is a question for the teams and the drivers. So Pirelii decided to provide the teams with an extra set of tires so they could be able to face the different conditions in Albert Park.

To help groups to cope better and to find the settings of their cars, the Pirelli will have at their disposal an extra set of tires with hard rubber. So, the available set of groups for the 3 days will be 12 instead of 11. However, the additional set will be used only in the free practice on Friday and then it will be returned to FIA. 

Strategy will be a very important winning factor!!

23/3/11,

 Ferrari recognize the importance of strategy!!

The strategy of a group during a race may consider many things, from a victory to an entire league. This year, the tire of Pirelli introduce parameters than in previous years, the value of good strategy becomes even greater. Ferrari in recent years have paid dearly for the wrong choices in this area but Stefano Domenicali now appears very conscious in terms of strategy. 

Vettel: We are looking ahead!!

22/3/11,

The German driver ''forgets'' his title from last year and focuses on the new battle!!

In an age of 23 Sebastian Vettel has become the youngest world champion in the history of Formula 1. Although his result he is concentrate on the start of the new season. A season in which he has to protect his title.

The results of their work!!

22/3/11,

Schumacher can't wait to see if the hard work of Mercedes GP will be awarded!!

The moment when the 12 teams and 24 drivers will be driving in the season of 2011 in Formula 1 is approaching. On Sunday the first race will be held of the 2011 world championships and all sports fans eager to see how they shape the balance. So the drivers themselves, with Michael Schumacher to expect and how to get in the arena of Melbourne, in a battle that he believes Mercedes GP is ready.

Hamilton: They are just making drinks!!

22/3/11,

Lewis Hamilton believes that Red Bull will not have the same history developments Ferrari and McLaren had!! 

Lewis Hamilton believes that Red Bull will not have the same historical development as Ferrari and McLaren. After the victorious presences in the season of 2010, Red Bull is starting a new season ready to defend their title against the competition. Although the good results in the winter tests Hamilton thinks that Red Bull will not achieve something as big as Ferrari and McLaren

Don't undervalue Ferrari!!

22/3/11,

Horner said that Ferari might be very powerful, even more from Red Bull!!

Cristian Horner believes that Ferrari will be a very strong enemy against his team. He said that they must not undervalue the skills of the Italian team and be very careful because the competition will be in high levels.

"I think Ferrari are very strong and people are probably underestimates their potential.

Drivers will designate strategies!!

20/3/11,

De la Rosa believes that the new tires will grow the participation of the drivers about the tires strategy!!

The discussions about the fast wear of the Pirelli tires in Formula 1are continuing this year and the driver's decision is very important this year. Pedro de la Rosa has joined McLaren as replacing driver and had covered many kilometers testing the new tires. His conclusion is that their fast way of wear and their overall behavior will allow to the driver to take important decisions about the strategy that will be followed for the use of the tires. The feeling of the driver inside the car would be very important for the final results.

De la Rosa said to Autosport: "I think the drivers will be forced to think more about the tires and how to manage them. The driver feels the drop in performance before the teams watching the results. Therefore, the role of the driver will be crucial to know when the tires reach their end. If you delay the change after 1-2 laps you can lose 5-6 seconds. The sense of the wear of the tires is extremely important and that's what I realized when I was testing the Pirelli tires.

Brawn is expecting 3 pit stops!!

20/3/11,

Ross Brawn believes that the strategy of 3 pit stops would be the most popular choice!!

It is clear that the tires of Pirelli have changed many things including the driving style of the drivers but also for the numbers of pit stops that will be made. So the teams should surely select a wise strategi because the tire of Pirelli are wearing out easily than these of Bridgestone. We have even heard about 4 stops that will be needed to made but according to Ross Brawn the most sensible strategy would be about 3 pit stops.

Positive messages about Kubica!!

20/3/11,

Eric Boullier seems to be quiet optimistic about the health improvement of Robert Kubica!!

The messages are received for the state of health of Robert Kubica by Eric Boullier.The leading director of Lotus Renault GP was filled with words of optimism, for the unfortunate 26 year old who was seriously injured in the Rally Ronde di Andora on February and risked losing his right hand. 

Webber crosses the Bolte Bridge!!

19/3/11,
Mark Webber crossed yesterday the Bolte Bridge in Australia in his Red Bull!!

Fans in Melbourne hold their ears because of the noise of the Red Bull driven by the Australian driver Mark Webber. He crossed the Bolte Bridge in his Red Bull and talked with his fans in the Docklands Waterfront City.

He said: “It’s good to be back in Australia and in Melbourne in the sunshine.“The city has gone to a lot of effort to make today’s event possible, so I’d like to thank them and Red Bull. It’s good to be able to say thanks for all the support the local people have offered me during the last few seasons.

The height of the nose is being checked by FIA!!

19/3/11,

FIA thinks that it would be better if some restrictions could be set, so the phenomenon of taking off could be controlled!!

Quiet seriously is considering the global motorsport federation the possibility to set security restrictions in designing the cars of Formula 1. Specifically, the area under consideration are the tips of the cars in recent years have been an upward trend .... However, such planning is helpful during accidents involving take-offs, as happened last year in Valencia after the collision of Heikki Kovalainen and Mark Webber. 

Can McLaren surprise us?

19/3/11,

Martin Whitmarsh believes that the bad performance of McLaren, in the last winter tests was not representative!!

Faith in the possibilities of the new McLaren MP4-26 has the team leader, Martin Whitmarsh. After a moderate to poor presence of the new creations of Woking in the winter testing evolution, it is clear that Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button go to the first race of the year with low expectations. However, according to Whitmarsh, the British team may surprise.

Pirelli's tires colours revealed!!

19/3/11,

Pirelli has finally revealed how the different compounds will be distinguished in a race.

Each type will carry its own distinct colouring on Pirelli and PZero logos affixed to the sidewall. Under the sport's rules, only two compounds of slick tyre - known as the prime and the option - will be used for each race. In addition to this, intermediate and wet tyres can be fitted if it rains.

"We' re very excited by the prospect of returning to Formula One

Robert Kubica getting more and more better!!

19/3/11,

Robert Kubica will be probably walking in the next weeks by his doctors sayings!!

Formula One driver Robert Kubica could be walking around on crutches within weeks, doctors said on Friday as the Pole driver continues his recovery from a rally car crash in which he almost lost his arm. Kubica, who is the first driver for (now replaced by Heidfeld) Renault Formula One team, narrowly escaped having his right arm and hand amputated after he crashed at high speed.

Rosberg expects exciting races!!

17/3/11,

Nico Rosberg believes that race strategies will be fascinating in 2011 because of the Pirelli tyres.

He told the official Mercedes website strategy would “definitely” have a leading role: 

“The strategy is going to be really interesting this year and, thanks to Pirelli, we will have some very exciting races, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how it works out. As a driver, you always want to be more involved in the race, so that should be good.” He also said: “The race strategy is going to be fascinating and the number of pit stops should make it really exciting for the fans.”

Australian Grand Prix preview (video)!!

17/3/11,
A video of the Australian 2011 Grand Prix preview!! Very nice!! Worths a watch.

Enjoy!!

Everyone with their own number!!

16/3/11,

Jean Todt thinks that it would be better if the drivers in F1 should keep the same number in their whole career!!

Jean Todt thinks that the drivers would be good to have their own numbers in their whole career. The president of the world motor racing federation has expressed its desire to change the existing system and to use the philosophy which exists on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. 

The key is reliability!!

16/3/11,

The world champion points the factor which will consider the battle for the title!!

Credibility will determine largely the effort of Sebastian Vettel to defend his title. The world champion has felt at first hand the consequences of this deficiency and he can do nothing but only be pleased by what he has seen so far by RB7. Because the new brainchild of Adrian Newey, in addition of being fast, it also so far reliable. 

The time limit still exists!!

16/3/11,

Although the tensioned conditions in Bahrain the limit until May 1 still exists!!

As I wrote yesterday, the situation in the capital of Bahrain is still explosive. Tensions have peaked in Manama and the country of the Gulf is now in martial law. Things that make the appointment date for the Grand Prix circuit in Sakhir, almost impossible. However, the global motorsport federation still don't want to close the chapter which is called Grand Prix of Bahrain 2011. 

Australia is very important!!

16/3/11,

Ecclestone says that Australia is very important, but don't make a discount!!

This year's Formula 1 championship will start in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix, a race which faced several financial problems. The organizers have stated several times that not only the profit from this race causes severe damage but also that are planning when the current contract ends in 2015 not to renew it.

Pirelli want De la Rosa!!

16/3/11,

Pirelli wants the Dpanish driver to drive in their last tests!!

Pedro de la Rosa might have returned to the camp of McLaren but still he is on demand. Specifically, Pirelli his former employer wants him as their driver in the tests of their tires. The Italian brand this year is the exclusive tire supplier of Formula 1, and has a test program development in April and wants to seize the experience of the 40 year old Spanish driver. 

Glock: We are away from our goals!!

16/3/11,

The German express his pessimism about the competitiveness of Virgin!!

A short time ago the people of Virgin expressed their optimism that the package of 2011 is much improved over the last year and will be able to claim the input of the drivers in the qualifying in Q2 and sometimes finishing within the grading Top 10. But it seems that things have changed as well like Timo Glock has expressed his pessimism about the possibilities of the car, at least at the start of the season. 

Schumacher: The win is still far!!

16/3/11,

Although the changes of the W02, the German driver still thinks that they are not ready to fight for the top!!

Michael Schumacher is not lured by the significant upgrades which are added to his car (Mercedes GP). The German driver had the best performance in the final winter tests which took place last week at the Barcelona circuit, taking advantage of the new aerodynamic package for the silver arrow. However, while the improvement of the W02 is cleared, the experienced Schumacher knows he should not be lured. 

Fascinating races with Pirelli!!

16/3/11,

Paul Hembery is sure that that his tyres will help the races become more entertaining!!

The new tires of Formula 1, after the selection of Pirelli as the official supplier, have entered in the heart of many debates. In the tests in the past few days several drivers expressed concerns about the sharp drop in performance after the first laps. At low temperatures in the first tests the effect was quite strong but in Barcelona in the last week of the tests where the temperature was higher and the situation a little better. 

What's going on with Hamilton?

15/3/11,

No sooner had the driver of McLaren ended many months of speculation by announcing that he will from now and on join his fellow British sports stars David Beckham and Andy Murray at Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment than Red Bull were busy stirring the pot, refusing to rule out a move for the 2008 world champion.

Alonso: Don't write off McLaren!!

15/3/11,

The driver of Ferrari (Alonso) is not convinced with the bad picture of McLaren which was shown so far!!

McLaren looks like is outside the zone of claiming victories at the start of the season but Fernando Alonso does not share this view. Having passed through the camp of the British team and being now ... just opposite, that of Ferrari, the Spaniard refuses to write off the team and the car McLaren.

Bahrain in three months of emergency conditions!!

15/3/11,

The country of Bahrain is in an emergency condition and the GP is probably going to be cancelled!!

More and more are the possibilities for the GP of Bahrain to be cancelled this year. The Gulf country was scheduled to host the premiere of the season of 2011 but the unrest which were prevailing in the capital Manama, led to the cancellation of the race on the track in Sakhir. Since then the holder of the sport's commercial rights, Bernie Ecclestone, is trying to find an alternative date for the Grand Prix but his efforts received another blow from the latest developments.