Source: Red Bull
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Petrov to drive Renault on streets of Moscow
Russian capital city Moscow will welcome another Formula 1 car in mid-July as Vitaly Petrov, the country’s first ever F1 driver, visits with Renault. The Enstone team will be taking its 3-seater version in order to allow lucky fans the chance of enjoying a ride.The weekend between the British and German Grands Prix will not mark the first time Renault F1 has visited Russia, as Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella were present in 2005, a year which also saw Jordan launch its final car in the city as Russian businessman Alex Schneider moved to the forefront of the team.
Petrov will drive around a 4.5-km (2.8-mi) temporary circuit around the iconic Red Square and near the walls of the Kremlin. Details of how fans can go on-board with the 2009 GP2 runner-up can be found on the Russian version of the team website as well as social networking site vKontakte.
“I’m really excited to be going to Moscow,” Vitaly commented. “It will be my first chance to drive an F1 car in Russia and the first time on the streets of a city.
“The Russian fans don’t usually have the chance to see an F1 car up close, so I will do my best to put on a special show. It’s also a good chance for me to thank the fans for all the support they have given me this year.”
Source: GP Update
Massa's Blog: “Safety is the most important factor”
Posted by Felipe Massa
The positive and negative aspects of last weekend in Valencia are all based on the same incident, which was the Webber – Kovalainen crash. I am very glad that Mark was practically unhurt in what was a huge crash, which shows once again just how important is the constant push to improve safety in motor sport. Thanks to the efforts of the FIA, the cars are now extremely strongly built, as was seen again on this occasion, with the Red Bull chassis standing up to a significant impact. The tracks are also ever safer: where Mark had his accident there was a large run-off area and he had a lot of space to fly and land without hitting anything – apart from an advertising hoarding – before ending up in the barrier. Of course, you always need an element of luck in these situations, but above all, work on this front must never let up.
Unfortunately, this incident affected, in a negative fashion, our race. By the time the track was completely under the Yellow Flags, we were already at the last corner of the lap and by the time I saw the “SC” board, I was out of the final corner and going onto the main straight. At the same time, looking in my mirrors, I saw most of the field going into the pits as they had seen the board before the last corner. It was a matter of moments and we were very unlucky in that we had to spend a very long time behind the Safety Car, whereas Vettel was already ahead of the Safety Car before it came on track and Hamilton chose to pass it, thus breaking the rules. I don’t particularly want to go over what happened after that, because it changes nothing in that our race was ruined. However, what happened needs to be looked into because it is not normal than someone commits a serious infraction like overtaking the safety car, when there is a dangerous situation on track and is not really penalised in practical terms. We must talk about this together and do something to ensure a situation like this does not happen again. The team has told me that, next week there will be a meeting of the Sporting Working Group: that’s good and it’s an obvious indication that the FIA is paying close attention to the matter.
After a lap behind the Safety Car, Fernando and I pitted together for a double pit stop, which cost me a bit more time. I dropped to eighteenth place and spent the whole race in traffic, all the way to the chequered flag. Looking at the actual performance of the car over the weekend, I have to say the updates to the aero package and revised exhaust system resulted in the F10 making a good step forward, allowing us to fight for the front places. Now it is important to keep pushing on the development front all the way to the end of the season. Last night, I enjoyed watching the Brazil win over Chile in the World Cup. The team played very well, but I think we shouldn’t really talk about them being favourites to win the competition. From this point onwards it is hard to talk about favourites and every match is important, every game is like a final.
Source: Massa's Blog - Ferrari.com
The positive and negative aspects of last weekend in Valencia are all based on the same incident, which was the Webber – Kovalainen crash. I am very glad that Mark was practically unhurt in what was a huge crash, which shows once again just how important is the constant push to improve safety in motor sport. Thanks to the efforts of the FIA, the cars are now extremely strongly built, as was seen again on this occasion, with the Red Bull chassis standing up to a significant impact. The tracks are also ever safer: where Mark had his accident there was a large run-off area and he had a lot of space to fly and land without hitting anything – apart from an advertising hoarding – before ending up in the barrier. Of course, you always need an element of luck in these situations, but above all, work on this front must never let up.Unfortunately, this incident affected, in a negative fashion, our race. By the time the track was completely under the Yellow Flags, we were already at the last corner of the lap and by the time I saw the “SC” board, I was out of the final corner and going onto the main straight. At the same time, looking in my mirrors, I saw most of the field going into the pits as they had seen the board before the last corner. It was a matter of moments and we were very unlucky in that we had to spend a very long time behind the Safety Car, whereas Vettel was already ahead of the Safety Car before it came on track and Hamilton chose to pass it, thus breaking the rules. I don’t particularly want to go over what happened after that, because it changes nothing in that our race was ruined. However, what happened needs to be looked into because it is not normal than someone commits a serious infraction like overtaking the safety car, when there is a dangerous situation on track and is not really penalised in practical terms. We must talk about this together and do something to ensure a situation like this does not happen again. The team has told me that, next week there will be a meeting of the Sporting Working Group: that’s good and it’s an obvious indication that the FIA is paying close attention to the matter.
After a lap behind the Safety Car, Fernando and I pitted together for a double pit stop, which cost me a bit more time. I dropped to eighteenth place and spent the whole race in traffic, all the way to the chequered flag. Looking at the actual performance of the car over the weekend, I have to say the updates to the aero package and revised exhaust system resulted in the F10 making a good step forward, allowing us to fight for the front places. Now it is important to keep pushing on the development front all the way to the end of the season. Last night, I enjoyed watching the Brazil win over Chile in the World Cup. The team played very well, but I think we shouldn’t really talk about them being favourites to win the competition. From this point onwards it is hard to talk about favourites and every match is important, every game is like a final.
Source: Massa's Blog - Ferrari.com
Formula One unveils ground-breaking carbon emissions reduction programme
The Formula One Teams Association [FOTA, whose membership comprises all current Formula One teams] is pleased to announce today that Formula One has inaugurated a comprehensive and externally audited carbon emissions reduction programme. In order to conduct the analysis that has informed the programme, FOTA commissioned the world-respected environmental research analysis organisation, Trucost, which has for several months been (a) researching and analysing the full range of activities performed by and within Formula One teams and their suppliers, and (b) advising FOTA re measures that will reduce carbon emissions now and in the future.
Trucost’s research and analysis shows that the carbon emissions caused by the testing and racing of Formula One cars is a small proportion of the total carbon emissions generated by Formula One as a whole, but it is important to emphasise that this research and analysis has encompassed Formula One’s entire supply chain. Formula One is, and must always be, the pinnacle of world motor sport. Equally, Formula One cars have traditionally provided an exciting and productive development platform for new automotive technologies, and must continue to do so. Many of those new technologies have ultimately been introduced into consumer production cars.
Turbocharging, fuel injection, variable valve timing and kinetic energy recovery systems [KERS] have all been developed within Formula One, and it is the intention of FOTA, in collaboration with the FIA, that Formula One should continue to pioneer technologies that are appropriate to the challenges faced by society today and in the future, and that are applicable to products that will benefit mankind in the longer term.
Modern Formula One is and must continue to be all about efficiency – and, whilst Formula One cars are and must continue to be very fast and very exciting, it is also necessary and desirable that their engines and powertrains are and must continue to be as efficient as possible. With that in mind, working closely with the FIA, FOTA has committed to working to develop new Formula One engine and powertrain regulations that will require all entrants from 2013 onwards to fit their Formula One cars with engines and powertrains that incorporate technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency. At the same time, revisions to Formula One’s sporting regulations will enhance and incentivise the competitive benefit of further reducing fuel consumption.
Martin Whitmarsh (Chairman of FOTA and Team Principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes) said: “The good news is that, in conjunction with the FIA’s and FOTA’s recent successful efforts to improve efficiencies and restrict resources applied to Formula One, it has already been possible to reduce Formula One’s total carbon emissions. “Moreover, building on what we have already achieved, and extrapolating what is now being planned, we anticipate that by 2012 Formula One will have reduced its total carbon emissions by 12.4% compared with 2009.
“With the support of all its member teams, FOTA has committed to the continuation of this programme, and has undertaken to maintain continuous and independent analysis and assessment in order to ensure that these carbon emissions reduction targets are met or bettered, and to investigate where further carbon emissions reduction opportunities may exist. Measurement and management, in other words. “In addition, the FIA and FOTA are already working together to tailor the 2013 technical regulations to ensuring that all engines and powertrains used in Formula One by that date will showcase, and provide a platform for the ongoing development of, technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency. “This is a very exciting time for Formula One, and I am delighted that our sport has been able to take a global environmental lead in this way.”
Dr Richard Mattison (Chief Operating Officer of Trucost) said: “FOTA has used advanced techniques to measure greenhouse gas emissions across the sport – from the sourcing of raw materials to production, logistics and racing itself. It has identified ambitious reduction targets and will be working to further improve its efficiency over time. “Via this work, Formula One as a sport has demonstrated its commitment to becoming more environmentally efficient, and will continue to lead the way in developing innovations that will improve efficiency across the automotive industry globally.”
Simon Thomas, Chief Executive of Trucost, said, “Formula One is fundamentally about efficiency – how to squeeze performance within the restrictions of physics and the rules. There is a growing need to transition from fossil fuel dependency to an economy that is more carbon efficient. In keeping with this trend, the Formula One teams have collectively made a firm commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a significant way. This is consistent with Formula One’s position as a leader in technological innovation and illustrates what can be achieved by organisations not traditionally associated with the environmental agenda. We also believe that the engineering excellence that exists within Formula One will have a part to play in the inevitable shift to more carbon efficient transportation”
Source: Ferrari.com
Trucost’s research and analysis shows that the carbon emissions caused by the testing and racing of Formula One cars is a small proportion of the total carbon emissions generated by Formula One as a whole, but it is important to emphasise that this research and analysis has encompassed Formula One’s entire supply chain. Formula One is, and must always be, the pinnacle of world motor sport. Equally, Formula One cars have traditionally provided an exciting and productive development platform for new automotive technologies, and must continue to do so. Many of those new technologies have ultimately been introduced into consumer production cars.
Turbocharging, fuel injection, variable valve timing and kinetic energy recovery systems [KERS] have all been developed within Formula One, and it is the intention of FOTA, in collaboration with the FIA, that Formula One should continue to pioneer technologies that are appropriate to the challenges faced by society today and in the future, and that are applicable to products that will benefit mankind in the longer term.
Modern Formula One is and must continue to be all about efficiency – and, whilst Formula One cars are and must continue to be very fast and very exciting, it is also necessary and desirable that their engines and powertrains are and must continue to be as efficient as possible. With that in mind, working closely with the FIA, FOTA has committed to working to develop new Formula One engine and powertrain regulations that will require all entrants from 2013 onwards to fit their Formula One cars with engines and powertrains that incorporate technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency. At the same time, revisions to Formula One’s sporting regulations will enhance and incentivise the competitive benefit of further reducing fuel consumption.
Martin Whitmarsh (Chairman of FOTA and Team Principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes) said: “The good news is that, in conjunction with the FIA’s and FOTA’s recent successful efforts to improve efficiencies and restrict resources applied to Formula One, it has already been possible to reduce Formula One’s total carbon emissions. “Moreover, building on what we have already achieved, and extrapolating what is now being planned, we anticipate that by 2012 Formula One will have reduced its total carbon emissions by 12.4% compared with 2009.
“With the support of all its member teams, FOTA has committed to the continuation of this programme, and has undertaken to maintain continuous and independent analysis and assessment in order to ensure that these carbon emissions reduction targets are met or bettered, and to investigate where further carbon emissions reduction opportunities may exist. Measurement and management, in other words. “In addition, the FIA and FOTA are already working together to tailor the 2013 technical regulations to ensuring that all engines and powertrains used in Formula One by that date will showcase, and provide a platform for the ongoing development of, technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency. “This is a very exciting time for Formula One, and I am delighted that our sport has been able to take a global environmental lead in this way.”
Dr Richard Mattison (Chief Operating Officer of Trucost) said: “FOTA has used advanced techniques to measure greenhouse gas emissions across the sport – from the sourcing of raw materials to production, logistics and racing itself. It has identified ambitious reduction targets and will be working to further improve its efficiency over time. “Via this work, Formula One as a sport has demonstrated its commitment to becoming more environmentally efficient, and will continue to lead the way in developing innovations that will improve efficiency across the automotive industry globally.”
Simon Thomas, Chief Executive of Trucost, said, “Formula One is fundamentally about efficiency – how to squeeze performance within the restrictions of physics and the rules. There is a growing need to transition from fossil fuel dependency to an economy that is more carbon efficient. In keeping with this trend, the Formula One teams have collectively made a firm commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a significant way. This is consistent with Formula One’s position as a leader in technological innovation and illustrates what can be achieved by organisations not traditionally associated with the environmental agenda. We also believe that the engineering excellence that exists within Formula One will have a part to play in the inevitable shift to more carbon efficient transportation”
Source: Ferrari.com
WRC 2010: Räikkönen gets ready for the Rally Bulgaria
The Citroen driver, Kimi Raikkonen, has not so far had a brilliant first participation in the World Rally Championship. However, everyone is aware that the Finn class would have no choice but to test for asphalt. Now almost reaching a few followed, with the Rally two weeks in Bulgaria and Spain in October, Kimi is doing a sort of preseason road.
The world waits to see the debut of the F1 World Champion in 2007 on asphalt, although it is to see the Bulgarian road conditions because this is the first edition of the race in the Balkan country. The reports speak of bad roads with asphalt torn or old, but it is clear that not look like much to a circuit, it is also clear that the Finnish worth much more about this area.
On the other hand, it seems that Sébastien Loeb is determined to make the road any way contrary to its partner brands. Because of his age, it seems quite clear that it has closed the road to F1, so this weekend has participated in the French GT3 Championship. The Frenchman was at the wheel of an F430 GT Pro team and it looks like, but this year decided not to participate in the Le Mans 24 H , could not say no to an offer to Maranello for World Cup resistance.
Source: auto-car-shop
Courtesy: luieluv
Pirelli eyes Kimi Räikkönen for F1 tyre testing
Kimi Raikkonen could be asked to test formula one tyres for the sport's new exclusive supplier Pirelli.
It has emerged that the Italian company will supply two sets of tyres to each team at a special Abu Dhabi test immediately after November's season finale.
But Pirelli is also keen to do some testing before then, and - after initially running with a GP2 car - is considering using either an old BMW or Toyota car.
As for the driver, Nick Heidfeld had been touted, but this might have handed an unfair advantage to Mercedes.
According to Finland's Turun Sanomat, Pirelli's racing boss Paul Hembery proposed in Valencia that Finn Raikkonen could be an option. The 2007 world champion left Ferrari at the end of last year and currently drives full-time in the Pirelli-shod world rally championship.
"I don't know whether Kimi Raikkonen would be interested," Paul Hembery is quoted as saying.
The 18 grand prix winner's manager Steve Robertson said: "Currently, Kimi is totally focused on what he is doing. But if Pirelli approaches us, of course we will discuss it. Then, it would depend on whether Kimi is interested in this sort of challenge, and how it would fit into his schedule."
Source: Auto123
Courtesy: luieluv
Our heroes, past and present - Button, Hamilton and Senna's MP4-4
Our two world champions make a surprise visit to the world's greatest garage. Amongst the hundreds of historic cars, they are stopped in their tracks by Senna's legendary '88 car.
Source: OfficialMcLarenVids
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Alonso's Blog: “Anger transformed into a desire to fight back"
Posted by Fernando Alonso
It wasn’t the Sunday we were expecting, that’s for sure. The Safety Car appeared at the worst possible moment for us and completely ruined our race. On Sunday evening, I was very angry about everything that happened, but now that anger has been transformed into positive energy driving a desire to fight back. Right from yesterday morning, my mind was already focussed on the next Grand Prix at Silverstone, where we will try and channel all that accumulated energy into the car to try and make up for what escaped us, for one reason or another, in Valencia, even if we know that, in theory, Silverstone is not a track that suits the characteristics of our car.
We were particularly unlucky in terms of the timing of when the safety car appeared on track. It would have only needed a few seconds more or less to totally change our race. It does not achieve much going over the events that followed on. Obviously, in the clear light of day, I am much calmer than I was in the moments immediately following the race. At the time, I reacted emotionally and in that situation, it is all too easy to adopt a tone and say things that can be interpreted wrongly, giving rise to suspicions, something which I had no intention of doing. Sure, I understand that the stewards have a difficult job to do and they have to take decisions that are not easy. What I meant was that those drivers who, like us, respected the regulations, unfortunately, in this situation, suffered much more than those who broke them, even though they were given a penalty. And I am not referring to any of the drivers in particular: it’s a general matter and I think we should talk about it together in a calm way, to ensure that things like this do not happen again. I was pleased to hear that the FIA has reacted promptly, calling an extraordinary meeting of the Sporting Working Group and I am confident, certain even, that all the points up for discussion will be cleared up in a comprehensive fashion.
Even if the Valencia result was not what we wanted, it has not done irreparable damage. It’s true that the gap to the leader has now jumped to 29 points, but we have not even reached the halfway point of the season. We trail by just over one win, so the situation is still very open. The updates we brought to Spain saw us make a step forward and get closer to the front runners. I am satisfied with that, but also aware that we must continue to push on with the development of the F10, because we need to have a car capable of fighting for pole and to give us the edge over our rivals as soon as possible. If we are now 29 points off the championship leader, it means that in the next ten races, we have to score at least 30 more than whoever is in the lead at any one time.
One of the most important aspects of everything that happened on Sunday is the fact that Mark Webber emerged almost completely unhurt from an accident that was as spectacular as it was frightening. It proves once again that the work led by the FIA in terms of safety is absolutely vital and it is clear that one should never get complacent about this element of the sport.
This evening, I will be in front of the television to watch my home team, Spain playing for a place in the quarter finals of the World Cup, against Portugal. It’s a very tough fixture: I reckon there will not be many goals and I just hope the decisive one will be scored by a Spaniard! As for Cristiano Ronaldo, I really hope he saves his goal scoring for next season with Real Madrid.
Source: Alonso's Blog - Ferrari.com
It wasn’t the Sunday we were expecting, that’s for sure. The Safety Car appeared at the worst possible moment for us and completely ruined our race. On Sunday evening, I was very angry about everything that happened, but now that anger has been transformed into positive energy driving a desire to fight back. Right from yesterday morning, my mind was already focussed on the next Grand Prix at Silverstone, where we will try and channel all that accumulated energy into the car to try and make up for what escaped us, for one reason or another, in Valencia, even if we know that, in theory, Silverstone is not a track that suits the characteristics of our car.We were particularly unlucky in terms of the timing of when the safety car appeared on track. It would have only needed a few seconds more or less to totally change our race. It does not achieve much going over the events that followed on. Obviously, in the clear light of day, I am much calmer than I was in the moments immediately following the race. At the time, I reacted emotionally and in that situation, it is all too easy to adopt a tone and say things that can be interpreted wrongly, giving rise to suspicions, something which I had no intention of doing. Sure, I understand that the stewards have a difficult job to do and they have to take decisions that are not easy. What I meant was that those drivers who, like us, respected the regulations, unfortunately, in this situation, suffered much more than those who broke them, even though they were given a penalty. And I am not referring to any of the drivers in particular: it’s a general matter and I think we should talk about it together in a calm way, to ensure that things like this do not happen again. I was pleased to hear that the FIA has reacted promptly, calling an extraordinary meeting of the Sporting Working Group and I am confident, certain even, that all the points up for discussion will be cleared up in a comprehensive fashion.
Even if the Valencia result was not what we wanted, it has not done irreparable damage. It’s true that the gap to the leader has now jumped to 29 points, but we have not even reached the halfway point of the season. We trail by just over one win, so the situation is still very open. The updates we brought to Spain saw us make a step forward and get closer to the front runners. I am satisfied with that, but also aware that we must continue to push on with the development of the F10, because we need to have a car capable of fighting for pole and to give us the edge over our rivals as soon as possible. If we are now 29 points off the championship leader, it means that in the next ten races, we have to score at least 30 more than whoever is in the lead at any one time.
One of the most important aspects of everything that happened on Sunday is the fact that Mark Webber emerged almost completely unhurt from an accident that was as spectacular as it was frightening. It proves once again that the work led by the FIA in terms of safety is absolutely vital and it is clear that one should never get complacent about this element of the sport.
This evening, I will be in front of the television to watch my home team, Spain playing for a place in the quarter finals of the World Cup, against Portugal. It’s a very tough fixture: I reckon there will not be many goals and I just hope the decisive one will be scored by a Spaniard! As for Cristiano Ronaldo, I really hope he saves his goal scoring for next season with Real Madrid.
Source: Alonso's Blog - Ferrari.com
Hamilton should have been disqualified, says Briatore
Former Renault F1 Managing Director Flavio Briatore believes that Lewis Hamilton should have been removed from the results of the European Grand Prix after the Englishman overtook the Safety Car in Valencia.With the Safety Car having been deployed on Sunday for Mark Webber’s accident, both television and amateur video footage do confirm that Hamilton narrowly passed the Safety Car as it made its way on to track – something for which he was handed a drive-through penalty later in the race.
However, Briatore – who was present in Spain but is barred from working in the sport until 2013 for his part in last year’s ‘Crashgate’ race-fixing scandal – believes the Englishman got off lightly.
“The rules are not precise,” the 60-year-old explained to Italy’s Sky Italia.
“They (FIA stewards) shouldn't have penalised Hamilton after 20 laps – it should have been after two or three laps and passing the Safety Car should gain you a black flag.
"Hamilton is lucky - everything he does ends up turning out well.”
Source: GP Update
Ferrari outburst 'angers FIA officials'
Ferrari's may yet find themselves in hot water with the FIA following their extraordinary outburst after the European Grand Prix
Fernando Alonso and the rest of his team are seething after Lewis Hamilton managed to finish second in Valencia despite being receiving a drive-through penalty for passing the Safety Car.
The Italian marque feel the punishment did not fit the crime as it didn't affect the McLaren driver's position.
Alonso claimed it was a "manipulated race" while Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo says the team "paid a price that was too high for respecting the rules"
Initial reports suggested that the FIA was unlikely to punish Alonso or Ferrari for questioning the integrity of race director Charlie Whiting and his stewards.
However, the Guardian says the comments from the Scuderia have not gone down well with motor sport's governing body.
According to the paper, 'Ferrari could face action from the FIA following their claims'.
The report adds: 'A number of officials from the sport's governing body are known to be angered by the Scuderia's intemperate response after the penalty drive-through awarded against Lewis Hamilton for overtaking the safety car did not prevent the British driver from finishing second in Spain and doubling his lead in the title race to six points.'
Source: Planet-F1
Fernando Alonso and the rest of his team are seething after Lewis Hamilton managed to finish second in Valencia despite being receiving a drive-through penalty for passing the Safety Car.The Italian marque feel the punishment did not fit the crime as it didn't affect the McLaren driver's position.
Alonso claimed it was a "manipulated race" while Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo says the team "paid a price that was too high for respecting the rules"
Initial reports suggested that the FIA was unlikely to punish Alonso or Ferrari for questioning the integrity of race director Charlie Whiting and his stewards.
However, the Guardian says the comments from the Scuderia have not gone down well with motor sport's governing body.
According to the paper, 'Ferrari could face action from the FIA following their claims'.
The report adds: 'A number of officials from the sport's governing body are known to be angered by the Scuderia's intemperate response after the penalty drive-through awarded against Lewis Hamilton for overtaking the safety car did not prevent the British driver from finishing second in Spain and doubling his lead in the title race to six points.'
Source: Planet-F1
Monday, June 28, 2010
Alonso still seething about Hamilton
Fernando Alonso can't get over Lewis Hamilton's antics in the European GP, seething over the McLaren driver's failure to "respect" the rules
Alonso was behind Hamilton on the track when the Safety Car came out in Valencia for Mark Webber's accident. In the following moments Hamilton overtook the Safety Car, thereby breaking the rules, while Alonso and his team-mate Felipe Massa did not.
The result was that when the drivers pitted under the Safety Car, Hamilton emerged in second place while the two Ferraris dropped down the order.
And although Hamilton was handed a drive-through penalty for breaking the rules, the McLaren driver returned to the race still in second place.
"All the kids in the stands know that you cannot pass the Safety Car," Alonso seethed.
"When the Safety Car came out I was one metre behind Hamilton. I finished ninth; he finished second. I respected the rule: he didn't."
Alonso added that in his opinion the bottle that was thrown onto the track later in the grand prix was the Spanish fans' reaction towards "the injustice" of Hamilton's penalty.
"I feel sorry for the public who have come here to watch this race - 70,000 fans came here to see the spectacle of Formula One and they have seen a race decided by the decisions.
"The attitude of the public is understandable - they were disgusted by what they were seeing and the injustices that were happening. There was a bottle on the track which is reaction that is not normal and it should not have happened."
Source: Planet-F1
Alonso was behind Hamilton on the track when the Safety Car came out in Valencia for Mark Webber's accident. In the following moments Hamilton overtook the Safety Car, thereby breaking the rules, while Alonso and his team-mate Felipe Massa did not.The result was that when the drivers pitted under the Safety Car, Hamilton emerged in second place while the two Ferraris dropped down the order.
And although Hamilton was handed a drive-through penalty for breaking the rules, the McLaren driver returned to the race still in second place.
"All the kids in the stands know that you cannot pass the Safety Car," Alonso seethed.
"When the Safety Car came out I was one metre behind Hamilton. I finished ninth; he finished second. I respected the rule: he didn't."
Alonso added that in his opinion the bottle that was thrown onto the track later in the grand prix was the Spanish fans' reaction towards "the injustice" of Hamilton's penalty.
"I feel sorry for the public who have come here to watch this race - 70,000 fans came here to see the spectacle of Formula One and they have seen a race decided by the decisions.
"The attitude of the public is understandable - they were disgusted by what they were seeing and the injustices that were happening. There was a bottle on the track which is reaction that is not normal and it should not have happened."
Source: Planet-F1
Sunday, June 27, 2010
F1 » Webber relieved after 'nasty accident'
Mark Webber: “I am OK, I lost some points, but in the end when you're up there, you're not worried about points, I was worried that I was OK and ready for Silverstone. You cannot control where you are going and how hard the hits are going to be.”
Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber was lucky to walk away uninjured from the European Grand Prix at Valencia in Spain today after his race came to a violent end early on.
Webber, who had started second, had a bad start and was down in ninth at the end of the opening lap. With little to lose, he became the first driver to stop for fresh tyres on lap 8. However, the gamble became academic, when his Red Bull cartwheeled over the back of the Lotus of Heikki Kovalainen following a misunderstanding while battling for position.
Riding up over the right rear of the T127, the Australian was turned skywards before coming down on his rollhoop. The car then rolled back onto its belly and skated at barely abated speed into the turn twelve tyre wall and rebounded into the run-off area.
Fortunately Webber was able to throw out the steering wheel and clamber from the wreckage unaided, before being ushered into the medical car. Kovalainen, too, was unhurt, despite losing his rear wing and being fired into the retaining wall.
“I was going a lot faster than Heikki and then a long, long way before the braking point he braked - about 80m before - and at that point I'm a passenger,” Webber said. “The car, thank God, was very safe. I am OK, I lost some points, but in the end when you're up there, you're not worried about points, I was worried that I was OK and ready for Silverstone. You cannot control where you are going and how hard the hits are going to be.
“Of course, the hits were pretty hard but it's good that I am OK. It was my Monte Carlo and Barcelona winning chassis and one which has secured a lot of pole positions, so the chassis has been good to me, and it has been good to me today as it saved me from some injures. I remain incredibly positive, we go on, it's half way through the Championship. Bloody hell, let's get on with it.”
Red Bull Racing team boss, Christian Horner meanwhile was just thankful that his driver wasn't seriously hurt in what was a very scary incident: “The most important thing today is that Mark Webber is safe and OK. After a very nasty accident, he's fine,” Horner added.
Source: Crash
Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber was lucky to walk away uninjured from the European Grand Prix at Valencia in Spain today after his race came to a violent end early on.
Webber, who had started second, had a bad start and was down in ninth at the end of the opening lap. With little to lose, he became the first driver to stop for fresh tyres on lap 8. However, the gamble became academic, when his Red Bull cartwheeled over the back of the Lotus of Heikki Kovalainen following a misunderstanding while battling for position.
Riding up over the right rear of the T127, the Australian was turned skywards before coming down on his rollhoop. The car then rolled back onto its belly and skated at barely abated speed into the turn twelve tyre wall and rebounded into the run-off area.
Fortunately Webber was able to throw out the steering wheel and clamber from the wreckage unaided, before being ushered into the medical car. Kovalainen, too, was unhurt, despite losing his rear wing and being fired into the retaining wall.
“I was going a lot faster than Heikki and then a long, long way before the braking point he braked - about 80m before - and at that point I'm a passenger,” Webber said. “The car, thank God, was very safe. I am OK, I lost some points, but in the end when you're up there, you're not worried about points, I was worried that I was OK and ready for Silverstone. You cannot control where you are going and how hard the hits are going to be.
“Of course, the hits were pretty hard but it's good that I am OK. It was my Monte Carlo and Barcelona winning chassis and one which has secured a lot of pole positions, so the chassis has been good to me, and it has been good to me today as it saved me from some injures. I remain incredibly positive, we go on, it's half way through the Championship. Bloody hell, let's get on with it.”
Red Bull Racing team boss, Christian Horner meanwhile was just thankful that his driver wasn't seriously hurt in what was a very scary incident: “The most important thing today is that Mark Webber is safe and OK. After a very nasty accident, he's fine,” Horner added.
Source: Crash
Sebastian Vettel Q&A: European victory a surprise
Sebastian Vettel got his title challenge back on track on Sunday after ending his recent victory drought with an excellent win in Valencia. A minor brush with Lewis Hamilton aside, it was a flawless performance from the German, who then went on to see his nation defeat England in their World Cup clash. A good day all round then…
Q: Sebastian, tell us about your win today…
Sebastian Vettel: I was a bit surprised myself, but extremely happy that all went so well on our side right from the beginning. When the safety car was deployed, I was a bit afraid that it might get a bit tight, as everyone gets a pit stop for free, but everything went smoothly, and then Lewis (Hamilton) getting the drive-through penalty made our life much easier. So I was able to organize my race up until the chequered flag.
Q: How was your start, and the early fight against Lewis?
SV: It was a little unexpected, as I had a good start and was then surprised how the rest of the field caught up again. I was not braking too early, but then I realized that Lewis was pushing from the inside. His car was halfway beside me and I was trying to give him as much space as possible. So then his car must have possibly touched the kerbs and it must have touched my car. At the beginning I was afraid of getting a punctured tyre, as I did not know which part of his car had touched mine. But then after a couple of corners I realized that everything was alright, and then I concentrated on pushing forward. So my first stint was very good. After the safety-car phase was over I had a little moment, as I braked too late with the tyres not being on temperature yet and this caused a lock-up resulting in a small flat spot on the tyres. But overall the car was nearly perfect and I had a lot of fun.
Q: Your team mate Mark had a terrible accident. Have you already spoken to him?
SV: I saw the accident on the screens, and during the race I was in contact with the team over the radio. They informed me that everyone involved was okay. During the race I saw the damage on the car, and it did look scary. If you consider the speed, and then the height of his lift-off you suddenly realize how risky the job can be. But then you just concentrate on racing and being competitive, and to get the best out of every lap. You either try to defend your position, or try to overtake the one in front of you, and sometimes you see that it can go wrong and the result is this.
Q: Fernando Alonso has been pointing out his belief that Lewis Hamilton's penalty was not strong enough. What is your opinion on this?
SV: During the race I did not realize what exactly happened. I did not exactly know whether he had overtaken the safety car or not. I just got informed that he had received a drive-through penalty. For us this was quite good, as he was only two seconds behind me and that gave us some room to move. So I was not really sure when all this happened and how late race control has reacted to this. I think that there were a couple of things coming together, and that also race control had to double-check what was going on, as this seems to be a quite complicated situation. I have to watch it again myself to have a proper opinion on this.
Q: So now you are seeing your title chances growing bigger?
SV: We are still not at the very front, and there is still quite a bit ahead of us. It is definitely a step in the right direction, and if we are able to continue like this it will be looking even better. But the lesson that we have learned is that you have to finish the races constantly, even if you are only second, third or fourth.
Q: So for the team it was quite an eventful day with your win, Mark’s accident and Germany defeating England in the World Cup. How is the vibe internally on the football?
SV: On the track we are acting as one team, but when it comes to soccer the opinions definitely go far apart.
Source: Formula1.com
Q: Sebastian, tell us about your win today…Sebastian Vettel: I was a bit surprised myself, but extremely happy that all went so well on our side right from the beginning. When the safety car was deployed, I was a bit afraid that it might get a bit tight, as everyone gets a pit stop for free, but everything went smoothly, and then Lewis (Hamilton) getting the drive-through penalty made our life much easier. So I was able to organize my race up until the chequered flag.
Q: How was your start, and the early fight against Lewis?
SV: It was a little unexpected, as I had a good start and was then surprised how the rest of the field caught up again. I was not braking too early, but then I realized that Lewis was pushing from the inside. His car was halfway beside me and I was trying to give him as much space as possible. So then his car must have possibly touched the kerbs and it must have touched my car. At the beginning I was afraid of getting a punctured tyre, as I did not know which part of his car had touched mine. But then after a couple of corners I realized that everything was alright, and then I concentrated on pushing forward. So my first stint was very good. After the safety-car phase was over I had a little moment, as I braked too late with the tyres not being on temperature yet and this caused a lock-up resulting in a small flat spot on the tyres. But overall the car was nearly perfect and I had a lot of fun.
Q: Your team mate Mark had a terrible accident. Have you already spoken to him?
SV: I saw the accident on the screens, and during the race I was in contact with the team over the radio. They informed me that everyone involved was okay. During the race I saw the damage on the car, and it did look scary. If you consider the speed, and then the height of his lift-off you suddenly realize how risky the job can be. But then you just concentrate on racing and being competitive, and to get the best out of every lap. You either try to defend your position, or try to overtake the one in front of you, and sometimes you see that it can go wrong and the result is this.
Q: Fernando Alonso has been pointing out his belief that Lewis Hamilton's penalty was not strong enough. What is your opinion on this?
SV: During the race I did not realize what exactly happened. I did not exactly know whether he had overtaken the safety car or not. I just got informed that he had received a drive-through penalty. For us this was quite good, as he was only two seconds behind me and that gave us some room to move. So I was not really sure when all this happened and how late race control has reacted to this. I think that there were a couple of things coming together, and that also race control had to double-check what was going on, as this seems to be a quite complicated situation. I have to watch it again myself to have a proper opinion on this.
Q: So now you are seeing your title chances growing bigger?
SV: We are still not at the very front, and there is still quite a bit ahead of us. It is definitely a step in the right direction, and if we are able to continue like this it will be looking even better. But the lesson that we have learned is that you have to finish the races constantly, even if you are only second, third or fourth.
Q: So for the team it was quite an eventful day with your win, Mark’s accident and Germany defeating England in the World Cup. How is the vibe internally on the football?
SV: On the track we are acting as one team, but when it comes to soccer the opinions definitely go far apart.
Source: Formula1.com
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