Category: Previews

Weather Preview for the 2016 United States Grand Prix

We are in Austin, Texas for Round 18 of the Formula 1 World Championship which takes place at the Circuit of Americas.

The circuit hosts F1 for the 5th time since it made it’s debut on the F1 calendar in 2012 and since than has become an instant favorite among fans and drivers. The track, designed by renowned track designer Herman Tilke, takes inspiration from corners around the world and mashes them together and the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is what we have.

The esses section from Turns 2-8 is reminiscent of the Maggots-Becketts section at Silverstone and with a little bit of the esses from Suzuka. Turns 17 and 18 are taken as one long triple apex left hander which is similar to Turn 8 at the Istanbul Park Circuit. The trademark corner of COTA has to be Turn 1. After a long pit straight the corner rises up into a blind apex left-handed hairpin. It invites the drivers to brake later into the corners and carry more speed, but if you get it wrong you can easily loose a few places.

Last year at COTA the circuit was battered with rain. This year the forecast for the weekend is sunny, clear and warm. Rain does not seem to feature at all this weekend. Temperatures will remain in the high 20s throughout the weekend.

October 20, 2016
F1 2016: United States Gp Preview – Rosberg v Hamilton In Texas

The F1 paddock travels halfway around the world from Japan to the lone star state of Texas and the Circuit of the Americas for the 16th round of the season.

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA), designed by F1 architect Herman Tilke, hosted its first race in 2012. As one of the newest circuits on the calendar it doesn’t quite fit into the mold of a modern circuit. While it does have acres of run-off areas like its modern counterparts its in the layout where you can see a real throwback to old school circuit. The Esses section in Sector 1 is especially reminiscent of the Maggots-Becketts section at Silverstone with a hint of Suzuka bleeding into the combination.

“The track in Austin is sick, I love it. It has a lot of unique features like the wide apex at turn one, you could fit about four cars side by side through there. There are loads of opportunities to overtake and have fun throughout the whole track. It has fast flowing sections and hairpins, pretty much everything I like in a track,” says Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo.

In 2015 a colossal level or rain mired the Texas grand prix weekend and severely impacted the level of spectators in the stands. However, the weather forecast for the 2016 race weekend is lot sunnier, literally and figuratively. Twelve months ago Lewis Hamilton arrived in Texas with one hand on the driver’s title but one year later it’s a much different story for the Mercedes driver. He trails teammate Nico Rosberg by 33 points with a maximum of 100 points still available.

This means that even if Hamilton wins all four of the remaining races it does not ensure that he will win the title. Even if this situation eventuates Rosberg would still need to finish third in at least one of the races for Hamilton to be champion.

But in the dominant era of Mercedes there has never been a better chance for Lewis Hamilton to show a real champion’s courage. Not ever has any driver or champion been revered for winning from the front but rather for how they respond when the odds are against them. Grand prix in the United States have been an enormously rewarding for Hamilton. As a rookie he won in North America at Indianapolis in 2007 and has won three of the four races held in Texas. It stands to reason, barring unreliability, that the reigning world champion will be difficult to beat in Texas.

Let’s not diminish the performance of Nico Rosberg in 2016. The metronomic way he has been inching his way to the title has been extraordinary. Few could argue that he wouldn’t deserve the title at the end of it. And he’s, mostly, aced it off the start line this season. The beauty of the fight between Hamilton and Rosberg, despite the latter’s points lead, is that it is impossible to predict. There still hasn’t been a true wheel-to-wheel race between the two either. Perhaps Texas is primed for just such a battle.

October 19, 2016
F1 2016: Japanese Gp Free Practice 1 Report – Rosberg On Top

Nico Rosberg topped the timing sheets at the end of the first free practice session for the Japanese grand prix.

The 90 minute session got underway in brilliant sunshine with a track temperature hovering in the low 30 degrees Celsius range. Championship leader Rosberg set a quickest time of 1:32:431 on the yellow-walled soft tyres as teammate Lewis Hamilton set a 1:32:646 some .292 off first place.

The two Ferrari’s of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen completed the top four but a scruffy lap from Vettel left him one second off the front-running Mercedes pace. Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were fifth and sixth quickest while the Force India pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez ended in the session in seventh and eighth respectively. McLaren’s Fernando Alonso and Williams’ Valtteri Bottas rounded out the top then.

Spaniard Alonso had an off early in the session when he lost the rear-end of his McLaren in the Spoon Curve. The former champion clouted the barrier on the outside of the corner quite hard with the rear of the car and required a rear-wing and floor change. The only other incident came in the form of Romain Grosjean who veered off the circuit at Degner two. The Haas F1 driver complained of brakes over the radio.

Final Free Practice 1 Standings:

October 7, 2016
Weather Report for the 2016 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix

Just as the Formula 1 circuit started the pack up for the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon in Malaysia typhoon Chaba was set to make landfall in the week leading up to the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.

The worst of the storm seems to have passed but rain is still forecast for the race weekend.

Friday is expected to be a dry day for FP1 and FP2. Saturday is expected to be dry with rain forecast for Qualifying. Some showers are expected on Sunday before the race. It is expected to be dry for the start of the race.

You can keep an eye on the live forecast throughout the weekend right here

October 6, 2016
F1 2016: Japanese Gp Preview – Dazzling Suzuka Awaits

At the 2015 Japanese grand prix the stories were all about Lewis Hamilton. In 2016 the headlines are still about the Mercedes driver but now has a far different context to them.

The triple world champion arrives in Japan 23 points adrift and a little sheepish after some emotionally charged comments after his retirement from the Malaysian grand prix one week ago. It’s an interesting place that Hamilton finds himself occupying. Bar his first championship win in 2008 he hasn’t found himself so far adrift of the championship in the last few seasons. Some will say that his comments suggest that he’s feeling the pressure and they may be right. But it’s only showing out of the car and not on track where it counts most.

Make no mistake despite Hamilton’s off track woe-is-me speech after his engine blow-up it wont have any affect on his driving in Japan or for the rest of the season. He’ll strap into the cockpit of that number 44 Mercedes and drive it fast as it will go. This is precisely the reason why the 2016 driver’s title is far from over. Of course unreliability or a clout from Sebastian Vettel could have an impact on proceedings but, as the illustrious ‘they’ like to say, that’s racing. The thrill for race fans is that we’ll now get to see how Hamilton responds and what Rosberg still has in the bank.

They get put on a show on one of the most challenging and inspiring circuits in the world. Japan’s Suzuka circuit commands respect and the utmost precision from the driver while throwing a technically challenging layout at the car. A firm crowd favourite in Japan Jenson Button explains his love for the famous circuit. “The Suzuka circuit is incredible – almost in a class of its own on the calendar. It’s as close to a ‘perfect’ track as you can get in terms of having all of the different elements you would want as a driver. It’s fast, technical, difficult, rewarding, and really fun to drive, so it’s up there among the best.

It’s not all about the Merc boys this weekend either. Red Bull’s one-two victory in Malaysia landed a big blow in the battle for second place in the constructor’s standings. Ferrari arrive in Japan far less competitive than they were in 2015 and with the layout of Suzuka will have a tough time beating the Red Bull around here. In fact, given their brilliantly performing chassis it’s not unlikely that Red Bull could push or even challenge Mercedes for the top step of the podium if they have track position. The run down the ultra quick first corner in Japan has often been quite spicy and both Mercs will surely approach it with a bit of caution, which could open the door for Red Bull to take advantage. The weather too looks set to play its part with rain forecast during qualifying and the race.

It is impossible to return to Japan without memories of Jules Bianchi drifting into the consciousness. Two years ago the young Frenchman crashed and sustained injuries that would later claim his life. However impossibly painful the lost must be to Jules’ family, friends, and fans at the very least his death was not in vain as Formula 1 and all motorsport continue to make strides in driver safety because of him.RIP Jules.

October 5, 2016
F1 2016: Malaysia Gp Preview – Mercedes vs Ferrari?

Usually by this stage of a Formula 1 season the Malaysian grand prix had long since played its part in the championship as the second round of the year. However, in 2016 the dazzling challenge that is the Sepang International circuit hosts the 16^th round of the championship.

The grand prix circuit, just outside of the Kuala Lumpur city centre, was designed by F1’s favourite architect Herman Tilke and made its debut in 1999. Of the current crop of drivers Sebastian Vettel is the most prolific in Malaysia with four wins while Ferrari is the most successful constructor with seven victories.

The 5.5 kilometers of the Sepang circuit is one of the most technical on the calendar, which will highlight or expose aspect of a Formula 1 car. The long straits either side of the enormous main grandstand is a test for the combustion engine and presents genuine overtaking opportunities.

The flowing and twisting complex of corners in sector two will provide the biggest test on a car’s aerodynamic competence. In other words it’s a circuit tailor made to highlight the best of what Mercedes has to offer. Despite this, since the start of the Mercedes era they’ve taken only one victory, in 2014, and have, surprisingly, not dictated proceedings here.

However, in 2016 the Sepang International circuit could be a journey into the unknown. Since last year’s race the track has been significantly resurfaced. Most the work was done to improve drainage but several corners were also smoothed out to “make it easier to drive”. The result is that several of the corners cambers have been adjusted which could lead to a different racing line being adopted.

In 2015 Sebastian Vettel took his first win for Ferrari in Malaysia and underlined an incredible turnaround for the Italian team. 2016 hasn’t been an extension of last year however as the Italian team has failed to build on the solid foundation of 2015. Nevertheless, the team and its drivers have the potential to do deliver this weekend. Ferrari are expected to bring several new aerodynamic parts to Malaysia in the hope of improving on downforce and in the hope of challenging Mercedes this weekend.

The other team in the equation is Red Bull Racing but it is likely, at least initially, to be a weekend of damage limitation for Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen. The Sepang circuit, with its long straits, is not a Red Bull friendly one but it isn’t only pace, which can determine the outcome of the race. The weather, although forecast to be hot, has a tendency to produce random thunderstorms which could impact the result.

Nico Rosberg has forced the momentum in the race for the driver’s title firmly towards himself with several stunning results including a victory two weeks ago in Singapore. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton looked decidedly off-colour in Singapore. For once it is Lewis Hamilton in the unaccustomed position of needing to deliver in order to inject some energy into his bid for a fourth world title.

September 29, 2016
Weather Preview for the 2016 Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix
Formula One is just getting settled in for the second stint at the fly away races for the 2016 and Round 16 takes place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Grand Prix has been on the F1 calendar since 1999 and the Sepang International Circuit has played host ever since. The 15 corner, 5.543 km circuit was designed by renowned circuit designer Herman Tilke and it is one of the most technical circuits on the F1 calendar. The 15 corners test every aspect of an F1 car from mechanical grip for the low speed sections, to aerodynamic grip for the sweeping high speed sections.

The circuit has been resurfaced ahead of the race this year. The very bumpy braking zones have been all but eliminated with the new surface. Degradation is also expected to be lower than previous years as a new soother surface gets embedded during the course of the weekend. A few corners such as the final T15 has been re-profiled by raising the inside of the corner by 1 metre. Turns 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12 and 13 have also had their gradients altered which changes the line through these corners slightly. Most of the changes were made to improve the drainage and drivability through the corners.

As is expected in Malaysia the weather plays a big role throughout the weekend. Rubber that gets laid down in the morning sessions tends to get washed away by the afternoon thunderstorms. This weekend will be no different. Thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoons from Friday through to Sunday while temperatures will remain in the low 30’s throughout the weekend. The humidity will also remain quite high throughout the weekend.
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September 28, 2016
2016 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix Weather Preview

We being the final round of the fly away races and we kick off with the 2016 installment of the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Marina Bay Street Circuit winds its way through parts of Singapore passing notable landmarks such as the City Hall, the Singapore Flyer, and the Fullerton Hotel. The 23 corner circuit is the toughest on the Formula 1 calendar. Drivers loose between 3 and 4 kg’s of during the course of the race such is the physical and mental strain placed on the driver.

With it being a street circuit, the barriers lie in wait for any driver with the slightest lapse in concentration. Just like in Monaco, an incorrectly placed wheel could see the end of the race for the driver.

The safety car has made an appearance at every race since the inaugural event in 2008. There’s a very good chance that we’ll see the safety again again this year.

Pirelli have brought the soft, super-soft and ultra-soft compound tyres to the Marina Street Circuit. It will be the 4th time this season that we’ll see the purple marked ultra-soft.

The slow nature of the street circuit places an emphasis on mechanical grip. Degradation tends to be on the low side. Track temps are more constant at night in Singapore so thermal degradation is expected to be on the low side.

The weather for the rest of the weekend is expected to be clear in the evenings for each of the sessions from Friday through to Sunday.

September 15, 2016
F1 2016: Singapore Gp Preview – Spectacular Singapore

The Formula 1 paddock leaves Europe behind as it sets off the final push for the 2016 season. First on the flyaway schedule is the Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore.

As the first ever night race on the calendar the 2008 debut of the Singapore grand prix will forever be shrouded in controversy. It was during this grand prix that the infamous ‘crashgate’ scandal was born as Renault ordered then driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash in aid of teammate Fernando Alonso.

Luckily this incident didn’t mar the reputation of the Singapore Gp which has become a favourite on the calendar for drivers and fans. For fans the spectacular vista of Singapore presents a cosmopolitan destination while the novelty of a night race hasn’t yet worn off. The light skimming across the sculpted bodywork of a Formula 1 car continues to be one of the most visceral experiences of the year.

For the drivers, the Marina Bay Circuit is as a demanding a track as they are likely to face in the entire season. In layman’s terms this circuit would be described as busy. Throughout just five kilometers drivers are bombarded with 23 corners with barriers and walls lying in wait to punish the smallest of errors. The level of concentration required is second to none along with the added factor of weather conditions. Though are supremely fit athletes drivers easily point out that the level of concentration required and the dense humidity make Singapore the most physically demanding race of the year.

It’s not a dawdle for the cars either. The nature of this street circuit demands a high downforce setup and it’s tough on brakes too. Here horsepower isn’t as important as a good chassis, which will bring more teams into the mix for the ultimate prize on Sunday.

Twelve months ago Mercedes arrived at the Singapore grand prix with the expectation of fighting it out for the front row and ultimately the win. This expectation was completely decimated as both Hamilton and Rosberg struggled through the weekend. While Hamilton eventually retired from the race Rosberg could only manage a distant fourth.

At the time several conspiracy theories swirled around Mercedes sudden loss of pace but in reality it was a change in tyre pressures that stumped Hamilton and Rosberg twelve months ago. While the team is likely to have solved this issue for 2016 victory this weekend isn’t a done deal.

The biggest challenge for the top step of the podium is sure to come from Red Bull. The Austrian team should excel this weekend given its aerodynamic prowess. Ferrari too will have an eye on a better performance, as it was Sebastian Vettel who won the 2015 Singapore Gp. However, despite the fact that Vettel is a bit of a Singapore specialist the 2016 Ferrari isn’t quite the car the team delivered last year.

Mercedes has utterly dominated the 2016 season but despite this, and however preposterous it may appear, Red Bull will be the team to beat this weekend.

September 14, 2016
2016 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix Weather Preview

Formula 1 returns to Monza – the temple of speed – for round 14 of the Formula 1 World Championship and the Italian Grand Prix.

Built in 1922, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza became the 3rd purpose built track in the world. The initial layout which combined the current F1 circuit, minus the chicanes, and the the high speed loop was 10 km long. There have been numerous modifications and layout changes to the circuit. The current Grand Prix Circuit layout is 5.793 km long with notable corners such as the Curva Grande and the very fast and tricky Parabolica Turn 11.

The Belgian Grand Prix showed that Mercedes was able to maintain it’s dominant form this season. Red Bull have emerged as the next challenger to Mercedes with Ferrari close behind. At the end of the Belgian Grand Prix race, Ferrari say that they were much quicker than they showed. The incident at the start between Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen destroyed any hope of a podium finish for both Ferrari’s.

Coming into the Italian Grand Prix there is huge pressure and expectation on Ferrari. This is a home Grand Prix and the Tifosi at Monza can become very scathing if Ferrari fail to perform. They’ll be pulling out all the stops to try and be close to Mercedes this weekend.

Monza is also one of the expensive races for teams in the paddock as they have to develop “Monza specific parts” to fit the characteristics of the high speed track. Teams usually run very lean rear wings with the emphasis on top end speed on the long straights.

A lovely autumn weekend in Monza can be expected this weekend. Temperatures will remain in the low 30s with the hot weather set to continue throughout the weekend.

September 1, 2016