Category: Previews

Broadcast Times for the 2015 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix

Nearly a fortnight ago the world of Formula 1 was given a little shake up by Ferrari. People who were jeering Vettel at Red Bull were cheering him on after he won the Malaysian Grand Prix. The dominant Mercedes F1 Team were, for the first time in 20 races, a bit shaky and uncertain at times.

Things have calmed down since then and both Mercedes and Ferrari have had time to calm down and digest the data from Malaysia. Mercedes are certain that they can raise their game and have even brought a few updates forward to take the challenge to Ferrari. They are talking up their chances ahead of this weekends Chinese Grand Prix saying things like the Shanghai track is front limited and that the temperatures will be vastly different to the scorching temperatures they experienced in Sepang.

Ferrari on the other hand say that they will not get ahead of themselves and they’ll keep their heads down and continue to work at it. There seems to be a quiet confidence coming out of Maranello at the moment which has caught everyone in the paddock off guard. Ferrari have played down their chances for this weekend saying that they do not expect to be as strong as they were in Malaysia due to the cooler temperatures. Kimi Raikkonen has come out and said that the SF15-T is competitive in any type of track conditions. What ever it may be, we are in for an interesting weekend.

After both their cars retired from the race in Malaysia despite showing some good pace, McLaren are not expecting to show the same pace as in China. “I don’t think our car package will be as well suited here as it was in Malaysia, especially if the weather is as cold and windy as it usually is in early springtime in Shanghai,” said Fernando Alonso.

The battle of the Red Bull teams will continue this weekend with the sister Toro Rosso team looking keep up their very good early form. Red Bull who have been very vocal about their Renault power unit are looking to put in a good performance this weekend but with a track that favors engine power, things may be a bit tough for the Milton Keynes based team. It does seem that Red Bull and Renault have put their differences aside and are not working together to get their engine up to the level of Mercedes.

However the weekend may go, we go into this F1 weekend uncertain as to who will win and that is not a bad thing at all.

Below are your broadcast times for the 2015 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix. All times are GMT+2

Free Practice 1: Friday 04:00

Free Practice 2: Friday 08:00

Free Practice 3: Saturday 06:00

Qualifying: Saturday 09:00

Race: Sunday 08:00

April 8, 2015
Mercedes ready to up their game for China

Following their defeat in Sepang, Mercedes says it has assessed every aspect of the Malaysian Grand Prix in order to ensure that the team overcomes the threat posed by Ferrari.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says that the team left Sepang with a whole lot to think about and saw Mercedes realise that Ferrari can indeed pose a threat for the entire 2015 F1 season. They are however ready to up the stakes and raise their game. According to Wolff, Mercedes are ready to bounce back and look forward to reclaiming the top step of the podium at the Chinese Grand Prix this coming weekend.

“We left Malaysia with plenty to think about,” Wolff said. “It may have been a good result for the sport – but for us, it was a wake-up call. This is something you cannot afford to happen often and, although we had two cars on the podium, we have been looking very carefully at every area where we could have performed better.

“Our opposition has raised its game and we must now raise ours even further; as we have said since Melbourne, we expect a season-long battle for both world championships and we must maximise every opportunity. China is the next chance to do that – a circuit which has been a good hunting ground for the team.

“Lewis [Hamilton] has a great record here and for Nico [Rosberg], it’s where he made his first step into the winners circle. We have the weapons at our disposal – and we need to make the most of them this weekend.”

Defending F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton also said that Mercedes have been working hard on analysing the Malaysian defeat in order to best prepare for the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix. While there is room for improvement, Hamilton is confident in targeting the front of the pack again.

“Malaysia was a tough weekend. It always is with the heat – but with car problems on Friday, rain during qualifying on Saturday and a race which didn’t go to plan on Sunday, this one was particularly challenging,” Hamilton said. “I think ultimately we made the best choices we could – but there is always room for improvement and we’ve been working hard to analyse everything for the next race in China.

“The circuit itself is a different challenge to Albert Park and Sepang – but it’s one I really enjoy and it suits my driving style quite well. I won the race last year and have only finished outside of the podium places twice, so the target is definitely to build on that and get back to the front.”

Team mate Nico Rosberg is also eyeing the top step of the podium and fancies his chances on Sunday, especially considering his special history at the circuit.

Shanghai is a great circuit for me. It’s where I got my first pole and my first win back in 2012 – my third season with the Silver Arrows. It’s not been a perfect start to my sixth year with the team and I’m determined to turn that around this weekend. Of course, my team-mate will have other ideas – and so will my compatriot in the red car, I’m sure. But this is a track that has always suited me well, so I’m aiming to put in a strong weekend.”

Technical chief Paddy Lowe pointed out theat tyre management was a major concern for Mercedes following the Malaysian Grand Prix, where Mercedes were unable to match Vettel’s two-stop strategy. He also confirmed that Mercedes have a number of new aero developments for Shangai which the team expect will make a big difference to their performance.

“The most significant weakness was our tyre management during long runs,” Lowe said. “Exceptionally high track temperatures – even by Malaysian standards – contributed to this, however it is essential to have a car which performs at all circuits and in all conditions, so there is work to be done on that front.

“China presents a different challenge. Temperatures can vary dramatically year-on-year, but are generally quite low. It’s also a front-limited circuit – the opposite of Sepang – with a good mix of corners and a long straight, so it will be interesting to see how the different cars perform at yet another circuit characteristic for this new season. It is now clearer than ever that there is serious competition for this world championship, so we will continue to work flat out for performance gains. We have a range of new aerodynamic developments for Shanghai and are targeting an improved performance from Malaysia.”

Photo credits: All photos credited to Mercedes AMG F1

April 7, 2015
F1 2015: Malaysia GP Preview – Sepang First True Test

The first race of the season around Australia’s Albert Park circuit is a highly anticipated one. It’s the keenness to kick off a new F1 season which gives the streets of Melbourne that distinctive feeling of excitement. Its twenty-five points awarded to the winner are no less important than some of the more iconic races on the calendar but it can often disguise the teams’ true form and potential.

The second round of the season, around Malaysia’s Sepang International circuit, will highlight those who have taken a genuine step forward. Equally, the dazzlingly high-speed corners and tantalising long straights of Sepang is also going to emphasize any shortcomings a car might have.

Not much has changed at the sharp-end of the grid which Mercedes still, comfortably, dominate. But behind the silver arrows’ Williams and Ferrari appear to have traded places in the competitive order. Much of the Ferrari turnaround is down to the notorious power unit. Not long ago the Ferrari power unit more closely resembled a slow trotting donkey than its famed emblem of the prancing horse. But the Maranello team has produced a unit worthy of its heritage with a rumoured initial 80 horsepower gain since last year. It even has Williams raising a few eyebrows and admitting that the Ferrari unit may be “a bit quicker” than their Mercedes. This has made such a big change at Ferrari that it’s even spurred to normally tacit Kimi Raikkonen into a notably bullish state. “I believe in the race, we are not far from Mercedes. I’m sure we can be up there and fight at the front,” said Raikkonen.

At this stage no there has been no news on Valtteri Bottas’ readiness after suffering a partial muscle tear in the Oz quali session. If Bottas is not Finn he will undoubtedly be missed by Williams who will likely find themselves in a spicy fight for the podium with Ferrari. The lofty predictions for an all-out fight could not happen thanks to the temperamental weather system in the area.

Of the things that will happen this weekend Red Bull whinging and finding fault with Renault is a given. If their problems were evident Down Under then they will be glaring in Malaysia because Sepang is a power hungry circuit and Red Bull has nothing to feed it. So unhappy is Red Bull with the competitive order that Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, has threatened that Red Bull will quit the sport because of its current regulations. Team boss Christian Horner suggests that the FIA should look into an equalising engine performance to close up the field. It’s quite ironic, and perhaps even a bit hypocritical, given Red Bull plethora of victories during Vettel’s four consecutive championship seasons.

Let’s be clear Red Bull may have won four consecutive drivers and constructors championships but it doesn’t have the legacy of a Ferrari or Williams or McLaren so its threat to quit the sport doesn’t elicit the same fear. In the meantime, they’ll do their PR image a huge favour by taking it on the chin and focusing on the track. The form suggest that their fight will be for the lower points paying positions with Lotus and Toro Rosso and perhaps on a good day they may even challenge for a top five place.

Malaysia will provide a more realistic pecking order which will unquestionably be headed by Mercedes. It is ridiculous to suggest that the mighty Silver Arrows will face any form of pressure but it will be fascinating to see Sepang reveal Ferrari’s true progress.

March 25, 2015
Weather Forecast for the 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix

Round 2 of the Formula 1 World Championship brings us to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix.

The Herman Tilke designed track is one of the most technical tracks on the F1 calendar. It has a good mix of slow corners with a few high speed corners thrown in for good measure which places a tremendous amount of energy through the tyres. A few elevation changes an bumpy braking zones adds to the complexity of the track.

With the hard abrasive surface Pirelli has chosen the white medium and orange hard compound tyre for the race. The two tyre choices will best suit the high humidity and high ambient temperatures which is not only tough on the drivers but also extremely tough on the cars. Nearly every afternoon there is an intense downpour in Sepang this should bring out the wet weather tyres for the first time this season.

The weather this weekend in Sepang will be hot with thundershowers forecast in the afternoons. Temperatures will hover in the low 30’s with high humidity. The thundershowers are forecast to hit the track in the afternoons. This would put them during qualifying and just before the race.

Below is a snapshot of the weekends weather and a live forecast that updates through the day.

March 25, 2015
Broadcast Times for the 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix

Formula 1 heads to Malaysia this week for round 2 of the Formula 1 World Championship to one of two home races for the Mercedes F1 Team.

The Malaysian Grand Prix always throws up a curve ball or two we can always depend on its unpredictability. The tropical weather may have a surprise or two for us this weekend.

With the first race out of the way the pecking order of the field is starting to take shape although we wont get a true sense of it until a few more races. From what we can tell, all the fun and action is happening behind Mercedes who are well and truly ahead of everyone. Ferrari have emerged as best of the rest for now and there has been a considerable amount of talk about the improvement that they have made. The truth of the matter is that it was just one race and one race does not a season make. If Ferrari can maintain and improve this level of performance then we can call them the best of the rest.

Williams, on pace, is not that far off from Ferrari. Technical Head at Williams Pat Simmonds has said that he feels that Ferrari are faster than them. This week however, Williams say that they should be much stronger on a purpose built track.

Red Bull are struggling with their power unit and have made their feelings very clear about how what they think about the Renault power unit. McLaren on the other hand show some encouraging signs and its been a week of good news for the team with Alonso poised to return to racing once again after his concussion ruled him out for the first race of the season.

The mid-field battle is heating up rather nicely with Toro Rosso showing some very good pace early on and with Sauber coming back into the mix. It does make things tough for Force India who seem to be on the back foot at the moment.

After software issues dented Manor’s chances of turning a wheel in Australia, they will want to come out fighting in Malaysia. This will be the first time their car has turned a wheel this season and it will be interesting to see just how they fair.

Although the race is in Malaysia the times this weekend are slightly more favorable.

Free Practice 1: Friday 04:00

Free Practice 2: Friday 08:00

Free Practice 3: Saturday 08:00

Qualifying: Saturday 11:00

Race: Sunday 09:00

March 24, 2015
F1 2015: Australian GP Preview – All-set for Australia

The pre-season testing sessions are complete and the Australian grand prix waits to either shatter the delusions or fulfil the promises made in Jerez and Barcelona.

The Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia is the first step in what can potentially be an enthralling season of Formula 1 racing.

In a show of dogged determination and resolve the nearly defunct Marussia Formula 1 team has fought its way out of the abyss. After months of hard work behind the scenes energy boss Stephen Fitzpatrick has been revealed as the investor behind the team which will now be known as Manor F1. While the team was unable to attend any of the pre-season testing sessions the car has passed the mandatory FIA crash tests. The governing body signed off on a revised 2014 chassis which will race in Australia.

There is no doubt that McLaren will show up in Australia seriously underdone. The MP4-30 had a nightmarish amount of issues which ranged from oil pressure leaks to sensor problems to significant struggles with the MGU-K component. The Honda engine, in its first year of development, is rough around the edges and unable of being run at full-tilt by the team. At this stage it appears that Ron Dennis’ expectation of winning races will remain as nothing more than a wishful reverie.

To add to McLaren’s gloom Fernando Alonso has been advised by doctor’s not to race in Australia. The lack of details surrounding the Spaniard’s crash and subsequent “concussion” in Barcelona, while testing, has been the source for much confusion. Nevertheless, the team and driver have rightly opted to put safety above all. Reserve driver Kevin Magnussen will partner Jenson Button for the opening round of the season.

By contract things could hardly have gone much better for Mercedes. The reigning world champs maintained quite a low profile during the first few days of testing. However, there is not an inkling of doubt that team has, at least, maintained its advantage at the head of the pack. The more than 6000 km in testing is the most of any team and the pace so nonchalantly put on display in the final two days in Barcelona sent an ominous message to the chasing pack.

Ferrari’s 2014 driver pairing of Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso was a highly anticipated partnership which never reached the forecasted levels of grandstand finishes and epic duels. This time around the Finn is partnered by quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel and team has committed to major changes in all departments.

The 2015 Ferrari surprised more than a few onlookers at the first test in Jerez with its inherent pace. In Barcelona the bigger picture revealed that although definitive strides were made the scarlet Ferrari still remains some way off the Mercedes pace. Along with a dramatically improved power unit both Raikkonen and Vettel are satisfied with the predictable front-end of the car.

Ferrari is touted as having taken the biggest step forward of all the teams on the grid. Which isn’t too shabby a start for a team in turmoil just a couple of months ago. While Mercedes is still out of reach the Italian team could very well be sitting with the second fastest package on the grid.

Of the new drivers on the grid Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen will be scrutinized the most. The Dutchman has been talked up by his team for months. Since the team think it worthy to compare the 17-year-old to Ayrton Senna it will make watching his progress all the more fascinating.

An average Formula 1 team employs an average of 300 people who are tasked with the job of ensuring that two grand prix cars are able to race. However, there is nothing average about the level of anticipation and expectation that millions of fanatics have ahead of the first race of a new F1 season.

March 10, 2015
Broadcast Times for the 2015 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix

It has been a long wait. But the wait is almost over. In a few days time we’ll hear the unmistakable sound of an F1 engine coming to life on the Albert Park Circuit for the 2015 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix.

Pre-season testing did throw up some surprises but what it mostly showed that Mercedes have stepped up their game more than the other teams. There were some dramatic improvements from other teams but it just seemed that Mercedes, who were sandbagging at the test, are still supremely fast.

Lewis Hamilton goes into the season as defending champion and will want to defend that title from hard fighting team mate Nico Rosberg.

Further down the grid the shakeup at Ferrari and McLaren will make things exciting. Sebastian Vettel has said that he wants to emulate 7 time world champion Michael Schumacher and bring Ferrari back to their former glory. The sacking of staff and streamlining of business processes at Ferrari have yielded some very positive results so far. Although he will miss the first race of the season, Fernando Alonso is back at McLaren for some unfinished business at the team. If their pre-season form is anything to go by, he is going to have another tough season.

Elsewhere on the grid, we have rookies Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr driving for Toro Rosso, while Will Stevens will drive for Manor Racing with no word yet on their second driver. Felipe Nasr makes the jump from GP2 into F1 and Marcus Ericsson is at Sauber after leaving the now dissolved Caterham F1 team.

A new addition to the Formula 1 calendar is the addition of the Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The is still no confirmation about the German Grand Prix yet after the Nurburgring was dropped due to funding concerns.

It is a brand new season, with a few new drivers and with some new look teams. There is everything to play for once again.

Below are the broadcast times for the 2014 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix (All times are GMT+2):

Free Practice 1: Friday 03:30

Free Practice 2: Friday 07:30

Free Practice 3: Saturday 05:00

Qualifying: Saturday 08:00

Race: Sunday 07:00

March 10, 2015
2014 Formula 1 Ethiad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Weather Report

The 19th and final round of the Formula 1 World Championship and we at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Two drivers competing for the title and both of them from the same team. Lewis Hamilton the current championship leader is 17 points ahead of his team mate and title contender Nico Rosberg. Either driver could win the title, although it may be a bit of a tough ask for Rosberg. But this is Formula 1 and we know that anything can happen and with double points being awarded at this race, things can become interesting.

Pirelli are bringing the red super soft and the yellow soft compound tyres to the race this weekend. This is a step down from last year where they had the yellow soft and white medium. Pirelli know the 5.55km long Yas Marina Circuit very well. The post season test will take place at the circuit after the race and it has been the host of many F1 tests. Pirelli have also done private testing at the circuit prior to their entry in F1 in 2011.

Pirelli feel that the super soft and the soft compound tyres will provide the balance for the drivers for the slow 90 degree corners where maximum mechanical grip is needed and for the medium speed corners. With this being a day-into-night race, they feel that the drop in track temperature will be managed more effectively with their choice of tyre.

The weather for the weekend can be described as glorious. There is no rain forecast for the entire race weekend and it will remain warm and dry throughout with temperatures in the high 20s during the day. Lower temperatures are forecast for the evening but nothing below 20 degrees centigrade.

Below is a snap shot of the weather for the weekend and a live radar image of Abu Dhabi with an hourly forecast.

November 19, 2014
Broadcast Times for the 2014 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The final round of the Formula 1 World Championship brings us to the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The title battle has come down to the final race and it is between the two Mercedes drivers, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton leads his team mate in the drivers standings by 17 points. A win for Hamilon in Abu Dhabi will secure the title for him.

But as the famous Murray Walker once said, “Anything can happen in Formula 1, and it usually does.” These words will no doubt be in the minds of both the drivers when they line up on the grid for Sunday’s race. There’s still a chance for Rosberg to take the title. He will need to win the race with Hamilton finishing no higher than 3rd.

Further down the field, with Red Bull consolidating their second place in the constructors championship and with Williams in a potential 3rd place finish, Ferrari will be hoping to keep McLaren at bay to hold on to 4th while McLaren on the other hand, who have been looking better in terms of pace as each race goes by, will be hoping they can finish ahead of Ferrari in the constructors championship.

It will no doubt be exciting to watch the two Mercedes drivers have a go at each other during the race. With a few more overtaking opportunities than the previous race in Brazil, it will make defending a position that much more tougher. Let the duel in the desert commence.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the second day-into-night race on the calendar after the Bahrain Grand Prix. Below are the broadcast times for the 2014 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix(All times are GMT+2)

Free Practice 1: Friday 11:00

Free Practice 2: Friday 15:00

Free Practice 3: Sat 12:00

Qualifying: Sat 15:00

Race: Sunday 15:00

November 19, 2014
F1 2014: Season Finale Preview – Abu Dhabi: All or Nothing

At the very heart of its multi-billion rand, globe-trotting and glamorous veneer lays the ultimate goal – to be the Formula 1 world champion. Since 1950 every driver, team and engineer has embarked on the quest to be a part of the Formula 1 legend. In this iconic sport nothing is more important and nothing is pursued with a greater determination than to be the best.

What are the chances that as the first ever Formula 1 world champion Giuseppe ‘Nino’ Farina held aloft his title clinching trophy that he dreamt of how this sport would grow to enthrall and fascinate the world, turn into a religion for many, and race in countries and venues as far-off as deserts of Abu Dhabi. So it is that we come to the conclusion of the 2014 season in the twilight of the Yas Marina circuit. A season that has seen ground-breaking technology and will be remembered for a fierce battle between teammates.

Two short years ago Lewis Hamilton went through, arguably, the most difficult period of his Formula 1 career. The 2012 season at McLaren was marred by too many unfortunate performances, an on-track clash with his teammate, and the separation from those who held his best interests at heart. The move to Mercedes coincided with the metamorphosis of Lewis Hamilton. A more mature and re-focused Hamilton dedicated himself to the Mercedes cause and he appeared to be re-invigorated by the ability to stretch his wings and sever the near lifelong tie to McLaren.

In 2014, his father re-emerged in the pit garage; he moved away from manager Simon Fuller. Now he had people in his corner concerned with only his well-being and not that of the brand Lewis Hamilton. This shift has had a monumental effect both on and off the track. Where in the past Hamilton was extremely self-deprecating he now took the difficulties in stride and learnt from them. Gone was the Lewis Hamilton that succumbed, slightly, to the pressure of Formula 1. In his place is a driver and man whose maturity has allowed him to reach an ominous level of focus and determination. A level easily high enough to make him a double world champion at the end of the 2014 Abu Dhabi grand prix.

Up until this season Nico Rosberg’s F1 career has been solid, blotted with a few shining moments, but nothing quite spectacular. Truth be told he hasn’t been outlandishly brilliant this season either. What he has been is quick and devastatingly consistent. Ever the opportunist Rosberg has proven to be a formidable opponent to Hamilton. It isn’t something that many would’ve predicted given Hamilton’s near god-like reputation in some circles. Taking the title is a tad more difficult for the German than it is his teammate. He needs a few things to go his way and not Hamilton’s this weekend. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t but you can bet your bottom dollar that if the opportunity beckons Nico Rosberg will seize it consummate ease.

There are potential stumbling blocks in both these driver’s path. Lest we forget the Mercedes has had its fair share of issues throughout the season. Unreliability is surely one of the cruellest mistresses of the sport and we pray to the F1 Gods that no such travesty has the chance to destroy what should be rousing end to the season.

Then there is the two Williams shaped anomalies. At the very least both the Williams’ will feature heavily in qualifying and from there should be able to be quite a nuisance in the race too. The Yas Marina circuit’s long straights are tailor-made to the Williams’ super-slippery-mega-fast-in-a-straight-line aerodynamics. McLaren‘s racing director Eric Boullier believes that their “downward spiral has ended” and though they shouldn’t be troubling the Mercedes they are embroiled in a fight with Ferrari for fourth place in the constructor’s standings.

The never-say-die mentality of this team has allowed for a steady improvement over the last few races. This improvement will culminate with a “new aerodynamic concept” package, to run this weekend, from the design table of new chief engineer Peter Prodromou.

This has been a mega season. Yes, it’s been bossed by one team but look at it from a different perspective. It’s been dominated by near inconceivable technological advances and we can honestly say that at the end of it all whoever walks away as the champion will do so on the back of some of the finest driving for some time and in the midst of an intricately wicked psychological war that fans have relished. This is what it all comes down to, what this majestic, passion-fuelled sport is all about – the quest to be the best, to be number one, to be the world champion.

November 18, 2014