Alonso clings to championship dream as gap widens

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso lost a race battle but looked forward to winning the championship war despite falling further behind Red Bull's overall leader Sebastian Vettel after Sunday's Indian Grand Prix

Trailing Vettel by six points before landing in India, Alonso drove an aggressive race at the Buddh International Circuit to finish second - three places up from where he started but still behind winner Vettel.

It was, the Spaniard recognised, damage limitation with everything still to play for up to the final race in Brazil next month.

The gap, after Vettel's fourth successive win, is now 13 points with three rounds to go.

"It's not easy at the moment to fight with Red Bull but we will never give up. I think we are happy today, we have to congratulate them, they were fantastic this weekend so well done Red Bull, well done Sebastian," said Alonso.

"But we want to be happy and we want to enjoy Brazil, not only here so I'm sure we will do it."

The Spaniard, the only top 10 driver to improve his grid position in Sunday's race, said before the race that he was "100 percent confident" that he could win the title and he saw no reason to change that view afterwards.

"Of course," he emphasised after notching up his 10th podium finish of the season.

The Spaniard, a double champion with Renault, said there was some room for improvement in the qualifications but he was pretty much in the hunt.

"We know that we need to improve. We are not fast enough, especially on Saturdays as I said, but hopefully we can improve the situation in Abu Dhabi or in the USA (next month).

"The races are long and as we saw today with (Red Bull's) Mark (Webber), a KERS problem can happen to anyone. It can happen to Seb, it can happen to me and it can happen to all of us. Still many points on the table and I'm still very optimistic."

Ferrari will have some updates in Abu Dhabi and Alonso should also go well in the season-ender.

"I think Brazil will be quite good for us and hopefully it's a happy grand prix," he said.

Team principal Stefano Domenicali predicted Alonso's second place finish would keep his rivals worried and compared his driver's chances to Italy winning the 1982 soccer World Cup against stronger opponents.

"This second place is all down to his talent, to his aggressive approach and the fact that he never wants to give up, backed by a team that is doing the maximum to give him a car that is worthy of him," he said.

"Sure we leave India with a bigger gap to the leader of drivers' championship than when we got here, but this race should not leave those who are ahead in a calm and relaxed mood," added Domenicali.

Source: Reuters Sports

Dominant Vettel Cruises To Indian Win

Sebastian Vettel took another step towards a third World title with an emphatic victory in India while Fernando Alonso did all he could to stay in the hunt, finishing second

Starting from pole position - and with a six-point advantage in the Drivers' Championship - Vettel was the favourite for the victory at the Buddh International circuit despite Red Bull's rivals insisting they had the race pace to challenge. They didn't.

Vettel stormed into the lead, building up a gap over his team-mate Mark Webber who proved to be the perfect buffer as Alonso, Vettel's main rival for the title, used great skill to pass Lewis Hamilton and then the DRS to overtake Jenson Button to climb to third.

Alonso, the first of the leading trio to come in for his one stop of the afternoon, tried his best to fight the Bulls and eventually swept by Webber for second on lap 48 of 60. However, with the gap to Vettel more than ten second, second was the best the Spaniard could hope for.

After 60 laps, Vettel cruised to the Indian GP victory, his fourth in a row and the first time in his F1 history that he managed that feat. He also extend his lead in the Championship by a further seven points to 13 with three races remaining.

Alonso was second while Webber withstood a suspected KERS issue and a late charge from Lewis Hamilton to complete the podium. Hamilton was fourth ahead of Button, Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.

Results
01. Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1h31:10.744
02. Alonso Ferrari + 9.437
03. Webber Red Bull-Renault + 13.217
04. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes + 13.909
05. Button McLaren-Mercedes + 26.266
06. Massa Ferrari + 44.600
07. Raikkonen Lotus-Renault + 45.200
08. Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes + 54.900
09. Grosjean Lotus-Renault + 56.100
10. Senna Williams-Renault + 1:14.900
11. Rosberg Mercedes + 1:21.600
12. Di Resta Force India-Mercedes + 1:22.800
13. Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari + 1:26.000
14. Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari + 1:26.400
15. Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari + 1 lap
16. Maldonado Williams-Renault + 1 lap
17. Petrov Caterham-Renault + 1 lap
18. Kovalainen Caterham-Renault + 1 lap
19. Pic Marussia-Cosworth + 1 lap
20. Glock Marussia-Cosworth + 2 laps
21. Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth + 2 laps
22. Schumacher Mercedes + 5 laps

Did Not Finish
De la Rosa HRT-Cosworth 41
Perez Sauber-Ferrari 21

Source: Planet-F1

Qualifying: Vettel leads Red Bull 1-2

Sebastian Vettel's 100 percent record in qualifying for the Indian GP continued on Saturday as he claimed pole position ahead of his team-mate Mark Webber

Despite failing to cross the line in time for a flying lap - which all his rivals managed to do - Vettel's 1:25.283 proved to be unbeatable, handing the Championship leader his fifth pole of the season.

Webber was second, 0.044s adrift of his team-mate as Red Bull secured the 1-2 at the Buddh International circuit.

The second row of the grid will belong to McLaren as Lewis Hamilton pipped Jenson Button to third place after finishing 0.261s adrift of Vettel.

Continuing the trend it is an all-Ferrari third row as Fernando Alonso brought his F2012 home in fifth place ahead of Felipe Massa. However, the Spaniard, who is six points behind Vettel in the Championship battle, will be hoping for better come Sunday's 60-lap grand prix.

Kimi Raikkonen was seventh and the last driver within a second of Vettel's pole position time.

Times

01. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m25.283
02. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m25.327

03. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m25.544
04. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m25.659

05. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m25.773
06. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m25.857

07. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m26.236
08. Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari 1m26.360

09. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m26.713
10. Nico Rosberg Mercedes no time

11. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m26.136
12. Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercede 1m26.241
13. Bruno Senna Williams-Renault 1m26.331
14. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1m26.574
15. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m26.777
16. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercede 1m26.989
17. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1m27.219
18. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m27.525
19. Vitaly Petrov Caterham-Renault 1m28.756
20. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham-Renault 1m29.500
21. Timo Glock Marussia-Cosworth 1m29.613
22. Pedro de la Rosa HRT-Cosworth 1m30.592
23. Narain Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth 1m30.593
24. Charles Pic Marussia-Cosworth 1m30.662

Source: Planet-F1

Practice Two: Vettel tops Red Bull 1-2

Sebastian Vettel continued his Indian domination as he set the pace in Practice Two while his team-mate Mark Webber was a buffer between him and Fernando Alonso

With the track temperature a sweltering 38'C, the drivers were quickly down to business with Romain Grosjean setting the early pace with a 1:30.210. Within the first ten minutes every driver except the two Ferraris had set a time with Mark Webber the new pace-setter with a 1:28.847.

But it wasn't long before the Scuderia's drivers made their mark with Fernando Alonso, who is running new diffuser, new brake ducts and end plates, going 15th quickest. However, his title rival was at the other end of the grid as Sebastian Vettel went quickest with 1:28.064. Alonso, though, came back almost immediately and took the P1 slot.

He soon lost it to McLaren's Lewis Hamilton but again fought back and posted a 1:27.402 to lead the way. But while Alonso was running at the front, his team-mate Felipe Massa was running off the track, putting his F2012 into a spin while tapping the Pirelli advertising boards. No damage to the car.

The Brazilian, though, was not the only one slipping and sliding as Romain Grosjean added his name to that list when he lost it at Turn 11 while Bruno Senna spun his Williams at Turn 4. Vettel was the next to lead the way with a 1:27.256.

However, it was all change in the second half of practice as the Lotus drivers were the first out on the soft tyres. Kimi Raikkonen went quickest only to lose out to Nico Rosberg by 0.008s while Felipe Massa's first run was not at all successful as he slid off the track, kicking up gravel and grass. He wasn't the only Ferrari driver struggling with balance as minutes earlier Alonso's car had been snapping all over the place and looked to be a right handful.

Getting a handle on his F2012, Alonso finally went quickest with a 1:26.964 but was beaten by Vettel by 0.04s. A brief tussle began between the title protagonists and Webber for the P1 slot with the trio swapping positions as they made the most of the hot track and the soft tyres.

The battle eventually quietened down with Vettel in the P1 slto with a 1:26.211 and Webber second, 0.118s adrift while Alonso was third ahead of Nico Rosberg and Raikkonen. And with the drivers swapping to heavier fuel loads as the track cooled down, the times remained the same with Vettel finishing at the top.

Two drivers had the sessions curtailed; Vitaly Petrov with an engine problem and Narain Karthikeyan with a hydraulic issue.

Times
01 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:26.221 35 laps
02 Mark Webber Red Bull 1:26.339 0.118 33 laps
03 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:26.820 0.599 34 laps
04 Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1:27.022 0.801 38 laps
05 Kimi Raikkonen Lotus 1:27.030 0.809 40 laps
06 Lewis Hamilton McLaren 1:27.131 0.910 38 laps
07 Jenson Button McLaren 1:27.182 0.961 24 laps
08 Nico Hulkenberg Force India 1:27.233 1.012 37 laps
09 Romain Grosjean Lotus 1:27.397 1.176 36 laps
10 Bruno Senna Williams 1:27.738 1.517 36 laps
11 Paul di Resta Force India 1:28.004 1.783 32 laps
12 Sergio Perez Sauber 1:28.178 1.957 39 laps
13 Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1:28.222 2.001 37 laps
14 Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:28.239 2.018 37 laps
15 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:28.296 2.075 23 laps
16 Kamui Kobayashi Sauber 1:28.455 2.234 40 laps
17 Pastor Maldonado Williams 1:28.596 2.375 38 laps
18 Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso 1:29.167 2.946 35 laps
19 Heikki Kovalainen Caterham 1:29.320 3.099 43 laps
20 Vitaly Petrov Caterham 1:29.606 3.385 22 laps
21 Pedro de la Rosa HRT 1:30.950 4.729 37 laps
22 Timo Glock Marussia 1:31.113 4.892 35 laps
23 Narain Karthikeyan HRT 1:31.372 5.151 20 laps
24 Charles Pic Marussia 1:31.493 5.272 31 laps

Source: Planet-F1

Practice One: Vettel tops the timesheets

Sebastian Vettel laid down his marker as the Championship leader set the pace in Friday's first practice in India, 0.3s ahead of Jenson Button

The session got off to a slow start on the dusty track with not a single lap time set in the opening 30 minutes. The deadlock was finally broken when Esteban Gutierrez, who was filling in for the unwell Sergio Perez, crossed the line with a 1:46.071.

The Mexican driver's run signalled the beginning of free practice proper and others hit the track with Lewis Hamilton, Pastor Maldonado and Jenson Button all spending time at the top of the timesheets. The two McLaren drivers had a brief exchange for the P1 slot, swapping fastest times before Button put in three fastest sector times to take it with a 1:29.684, 2.4s clear of Hamilton's best!

But while the lap times were dropping the drivers still had to be careful on the dusty track as grip was limited despite efforts in the days building up to the grand prix to clean the track. This meant drivers were slipping and sliding with Gutierrez, Maldonado, Romain Grosjean and others all taking to the vast run-off areas surrounding the track.

Back in the action, Button's 1:29.684 ensured he was still leading at the halfway point as, while others had closed the gap, the McLaren driver still had a full second on them. Nico Rosberg was leading the chase ahead of Grosjean, Nico Hulkenberg, Paul di Resta and Valtteri Bottas.

Michael Schumacher was the one to finally overhaul Button only to lose out seconds later to Mark Webber as the Aussie crossed the line with a 1:28.963. He was soon joined by title rivals Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso as they improved to second and third as the session entered the final 30 minutes.

That kicked off with a mini battle between Vettel and Alonso for second place with the duo trading positions as they hunted down Webber. Alonso was the first to edge the Aussie but his reign was short-lived as Hamilton went quickest only to be dropped by Vettel by 0.010s.

The final few minutes saw Alonso move up to second, 0.008s behind Vettel, which prompted the reigning World Champ to put down his marker, extending the gap to 0.425s. Button then climbed to second, splitting the title rivals, while Hamilton was fourth.

Times
01 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:27.619 22 laps
02 Jenson Button McLaren 1:27.929 0.310 22 laps
03 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:28.044 0.425 24 laps
04 Lewis Hamilton McLaren 1:28.046 0.427 25 laps
05 Mark Webber Red Bull 1:28.175 0.556 22 laps
06 Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1:28.447 0.828 25 laps
07 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:28.542 0.923 24 laps
08 Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1:28.993 1.374 23 laps
09 Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:29.204 1.585 24 laps
10 Kimi Raikkonen Lotus 1:29.291 1.672 24 laps
11 Valtteri Bottas Williams 1:29.691 2.072 26 laps
12 Paul di Resta Force India 1:29.760 2.141 23 laps
13 Kamui Kobayashi Sauber 1:29.802 2.183 18 laps
14 Nico Hulkenberg Force India 1:29.850 2.231 19 laps
15 Romain Grosjean Lotus 1:29.895 2.276 19 laps
16 Pastor Maldonado Williams 1:30.041 2.422 26 laps
17 Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso 1:30.401 2.782 23 laps
18 Vitaly Petrov Caterham 1:30.630 3.011 24 laps
19 Giedo van der Garde Caterham 1:30.896 3.277 20 laps
20 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1:31.212 3.593 29 laps
21 Charles Pic Marussia 1:31.903 4.284 22 laps
22 Narain Karthikeyan HRT 1:32.125 4.506 24 laps
23 Timo Glock Marussia 1:32.369 4.750 19 laps
24 Pedro de la Rosa HRT 1:32.859 5.240 13 laps

Source: Planet-F1

Video: BBC - Indian GP: Hamilton Laments Massa Collision After Finishing Seventh

Lewis Hamilton says Felipe Massa did not give him any space as he attempted to overtake the Brazilian at turn 5 in the Indian Grand Prix, with the 2008 pair colliding and Massa receiving a drive-through penalty.

It was the pair's third collision in 2011, having come together in Monaco and Singapore, with Hamilton revealing the Brazilian has not spoken to him "for a long long time".

The McLaren driver apologies to his team as he reflects on a "disappointing day" which ended with a seventh-place finish at the first-ever Indian Grand Prix, won by world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Source: FiveeNil

Button dedicates result to Dan and Marco

Jenson Button admits it was "very difficult" racing in India on Sunday with Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli in his thoughts

The Brit, who finished second in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, joined his fellow drivers in honouring the duo, both of whom lost their lives earlier this month in racing accidents, with a minute's silence.

"We've had two fatalities and it's very difficult," Button said.

"I knew Dan from a young age - so I think we should dedicate this first Indian race to Dan and to Marco, who was the most amazing man to watch on a bike."

As for his race, Button lamented the fact that his McLaren just didn't have the pace needed to challenge Sebastian Vettel for the victory.

However, on the up side, he made up two positions at the start when overtook first Fernando Alonso and then Mark Webber. And despite the latter's attempts to retake the position, Button was able to hold him at bay.

"The start off the line didn't feel that good but I was able to get Fernando into Turn One.

"I think he went a bit deep and I was in Mark's tow. He covered the inside but I had enough room to go around the outside.

"I had Mark behind me for eight laps pushing me really, really hard - we both almost ran wide - but I was able to pull away as I think he had damaged his tyres a little bit.

"The pace isn't quite there but hopefully in the last races we can take that little step."

Source: Planet-F1

Vettel: A little bit mixed emotions

Sebastian Vettel led all 60 laps on his way to victory at the inaugural Indian GP but reckons there are still lessons to be learnt

Starting from pole position, Vettel easily took the lead off the squabbling Mark Webber and Jenson Button, who soon swapped positions.

And although Button tried to close the gap to the reigning World Champ, it proved to be impossible with Vettel banging in fastest laps on his way to a comfortable lead.

However, there were a few occasions when Button was able to close up just a little bit and that was when they pitted, which Vettel says is something Red Bull need to look into.

But, all in all it was a comfortable Sunday drive and an 11th win of the campaign for the Red Bull driver.

"It was a very good race for us, I enjoyed the time in the lead very much," said Vettel.

"I had a little bit of a fight with Jenson in the distance, he was always about four seconds behind. Strangely he kept closing in around the pit stops, as I was pushing very hard in and out of the box but we seemed to lose a bit there.

"So we need to understand that, but on the circuit it was crucial to manage to tyres and to make sure we had enough left at the end.

"All in all it was a very smooth race, the car was very well balanced and I even felt a little bit more confident on the hard tyres in the end."

The race, though, began on a sad note with the drivers, team personnel and fans paying tribute to the late Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli, both of whom died from racing accidents earlier this month.

And Vettel admits that while racers understand the risks, there's always a heavy heart when reality hits home.

"To be honest with you, it is a little bit mixed emotions," he said. "On the one hand I'm very, very happy as it's the first grand prix in India and I'm very proud to be the first winner.

"But on the other hand, looking back at last weekend we lost two of our mates. I didn't know Dan Wheldon but he was a big name in motorsport.

"This year I got to know Marco Simoncelli, and obviously our thoughts are with them.

"Yes we are ready to take certain risks when we jump into the car, but we pray that nothing happens. Sometimes you get reminded and it's the last thing that we want to see."

Source: Planet-F1

Video: BBC - Indian GP - Fernando Alonso optimistic after strong qualifying for Indian GP

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is happy with his car after qualifying in fourth place for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix.

The Spaniard will start third on the grid after McLaren's Lewis Hamilton incurred a penalty in first practice



Source: SixtyBuckss

Webber happy with 'good foundation'

Mark Webber will start second thanks to Lewis Hamilton's grid penalty

Mark Webber said that he has "laid a good foundation" ahead of the Indian Grand Prix by qualifying in third place.

Webber was just 0.034s slower than Lewis Hamilton in the fight for second place, with team-mate Sebastian Vettel on pole. He will start second though as Hamilton will drop three places on the grid for an infringement in FP1, and although Webber said that he struggled to get the most out of his tyres during the session, he was pleased to be starting on the front row.

"It's been a good challenge for all of us, a new venue," Webber said. "Tricky to work out the right strategy for qualifying, obviously the tyres weren't easy for one timed lap so we had to work out how we were going to do the strategy. Obviously lots of teams tried different styles to get the best lap time out of the car.

"First sector was tricky to get right on one timed (lap). So I could have done better in the first sector on my first lap, or my only run basically because then I got yellow flags obviously with Felipe so couldn't do my second lap. But overall a good job for the team, come to a new venue and prepared well so laid a good foundation for a very good race tomorrow."

When asked if team orders may come in to play in the race as Red Bull tries to secure a one-two in the drivers' championship, Webber said he wanted to earn the victory himself.

"I don't want any positions from Sebastian, nothing has changed."

Source: ESPNF1

FIA confirm provisional grid

The FIA have confirmed the provisional grid positions for Sunday's Indian GP after a number of driver's received penalties

Five drivers - Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez, Timo Glock, Narain Karthikeyan and Daniel Ricciardo - were handed penalties during the weekend for sporting or technical infringements while Vitaly Petrov carries a five-slot penalty over from the Korean GP.

The penalties suffered by Hamilton, Perez and Petrov were fairly straightforward in their influence on the grid but matters at the back of the field left the stewards searching the rule book to ensure the correct application.

It has been ruled that Timo Glock will remain in last place on the grid after he failed to set a lap within 107 per cent of the quickest time in Q1.

Beside him on the back row will be Narain Karthikeyan who was penalised two places for impeding Michael Schumacher during qualifying.

Despite receiving a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change, Daniel Ricciardo drops just one place to 22nd.

Provisional grid:

1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
2. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
3. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
4. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
5. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
6. Felipe Massa Ferrari
7. Nico Rosberg Mercedes
8. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
9. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari
10. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari
11. Michael Schumacher Mercedes

12. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes
13. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Cosworth
14. Bruno Senna Renault
15. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
16. Vitaly Petrov Renault
17. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari
18. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Renault
19. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Renault
20. Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari

21. Jerome D'Ambrosio Virgin-Cosworth
22. Daniel Ricciardo HRT-Cosworth
23. Narain Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth
24. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth

Source: Planet-F1

Vettel: It's going to be an interesting race

Sebastian Vettel once again appears to have a substantial edge on his rivals but he insists anything could happen come race day In India

The German claimed pole for the inaugural Indian GP with a time of 1m24.178s, 0.296s faster than second placed Lewis Hamilton. It was the 13th time Vettel has topped the qualifying charts this season.

The World Champion admits that he has a "fantastic" car at his disposal but has warned against getting to carried away about possible scenarios for Sunday's race, including allowing team-mate Mark Webber to take the win should the two be side by side.

"A great session for us and the car was fantastic," he said.

"In the end the lap was fine but it wasn't 100 per cent, a little bit here and there, but I think you always come out of the car thinking that maybe here and there you could have gained a bit of time. But overall very happy with the result. It is good to start the race from the front tomorrow and I think it is going to be an interesting race."

Vettel spoke earlier in the week of his desire to see Webber secure a race win and there have been suggestions that should Red Bull have a one-two in the closing stages of the race, Vettel may let the Australian through. However, Vettel insists that first and foremost the team must get into a winning position.

"First we have to race, race hard, enjoy and then see where we are. I think Mark and myself we obviously target to win the race. Ideally, we want to finish in one-two so it is going to be an interesting race tomorrow," he said.

For his part, Webber admits that he is more interested in race wins than finishing second in the title standings but that he most certainly doesn't want to be gifted first place.

"Nothing will be different," asserted the Australian.

"There's been a lot of talk from the team but no talk from me. I don't want any positions off Sebastian, for the remainder of the year. Nothing will change."

It was clear in qualifying that as soon as drivers left the racing line they found themselves in a bit of trouble and Vettel admits it could be a bit of concern in terms of lapping backmarkers.

"We all want to race so the people who are in the front of the field and the people who get lapped, we all want to stay on the racing line and drive our own race so could be tricky." explained the 24-year-old.

"Off-line it is quite dusty and depending on where you have to go off-line or where you are forced to go off-line to maybe lap another car to make a pass could be critical for the next couple of corners. It is not only you lose in that corner where you went off-line but also afterwards just to get the tyres back to the grip level you had before. In this regard it could be interesting, especially at the beginning of the race it will be quite slippery. We have seen that at the beginning of all the sessions.

"To be honest, once the dust had gone the asphalt is very, very grippy and the cars stick to the ground. All in all they did a great job. It is a new track and first time we have been other places there has always been a little bit here and a little bit there. I think it was not an easy project, but you don't really see much of that apart from a bit of dust on the cars."

Source: Planet-F1

Video: BBC - Indian GP - Lewis Hamilton pleased with his Indian GP qualifying performance

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton says he is pleased with his qualifying performance, despite being handed a three-place grid drop for pignoring yellow flags during practice on Friday.

The 2008 world champion qualified second-fastest behind Sebastian Vettel, and says he is optimistic of having a strong race in the first-ever Indian Grand Prix.

Source: SixtyBuckss

Vettel Is Back On Top With His 13th Pole at Indian GP

Sebastian Vettel claimed his 13th pole position of the season in India as Felipe Massa ended qualifying with a crash

Vettel was in flying form at the Buddh International Circuit, posting a 1:24.178 to beat Lewis Hamilton by 0.296s.

Mark Webber was third ahead of Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button. However, all three will move up one place on the grid due to Hamilton's three-place grid-slot penalty.

Massa finished in sixth place, although the Brazilian also finished in the barriers when he took too much kerb, broke his suspension and crashed out in the final seconds of qualifying.

Times

1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m24.178s
2. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m24.474s + 0.296
3. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m24.508s + 0.330
4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m24.519s + 0.341
5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m24.950s + 0.772
6. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m25.122s + 0.944
7. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m25.451s + 1.273
8. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
9. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari
10. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari
11. Vitaly Petrov Renault 1m26.319s + 1.662
12. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1m26.337s + 1.680
13. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m26.503s + 1.846
14. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Cosworth 1m26.537s + 1.880
15. Bruno Senna Renault 1m26.651s + 1.994
16. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1m27.247s + 2.590
17. Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari 1m27.562s + 2.905
18. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1m27.876s + 1.687
19. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Renault 1m28.565s + 2.376
20. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Renault 1m28.752s + 2.563
21. Daniel Ricciardo HRT-Cosworth 1m30.216s + 4.027
22. Narain Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth 1m30.238s + 4.049
23. Jerome D'Ambrosio Virgin-Cosworth 1m30.866s + 4.677
24. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1m34.046s + 7.857

Source: Planet-F1

Massa: Ferrari looking competitive

Felipe Massa reckons Ferrari could be in for a strong weekend in India after upsetting the form books by finishing quickest on Friday

The Ferrari driver, who has yet to even finish on the podium never mind achieve a victory this season, clocked a 1:25.706 in Friday's second practice at the new Buddh International circuit.

However, he was by no means in a league of his own as second-placed Sebastian Vettel was just 0.088s adrift while the top six were separated by a second.

"It's always nice to be in first place at the end of a day's work, however we know that Friday's results are all relative," admitted the Brazilian.

"Sure, it would be nice to move through the weekend in the same position, but that will be very difficult to achieve.

"The car seems competitive, but we must wait and see what McLaren and Red Bull can do tomorrow, as they are still very strong.

"The tyres? Probably the Hards are too hard for this track and it would have been possible to run the same compounds we had in Korea in two weeks ago, because the track surface is very smooth."

"Today, we concentrated on finding the best set-up on the car and on tyre behaviour on this new circuit. I like the track, it is very interesting and there are corners where driving skill can make the difference."

And Massa believes the lay-out of the track will be conducive to overtaking during Sunday's 60-lap grand prix.

"In some places the actual track surface is very wide and so it will therefore be possible to take various different lines in the race, which could make overtaking easier."

Source: Planet-F1

Video: BBC - Indian GP - F1 drivers on safety in motorpsort

Formula 1 drivers discuss the issue of safety in motorsport following the tragic deaths of British IndyCar racer Dan Wheldon and MotoGP's Marco Simoncelli.

Wheldon was killed in Las Vegas two weeks ago following a 15-car crash, while Italian rider Simoncelli died last weekend after a horrific crash at the Malaysian MotoGP in Sepang



Source: SixtyBuckss