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Ferrari Announce Alonso Departure

The Ferrari Formula 1 team announced on Thursday 20 November that Fernando Alonso is leaving the team at the end of the season.

Alonso leaves the team at the end of this season, after a five year period which, with one race remaining, saw him score 1186 points, 44 podiums and 11 wins.

“In the Scuderia Ferrari roll of honour of great drivers, Fernando Alonso will always occupy a special place,” commented Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal, Marco Mattiacci.

“We offer him our heartfelt thanks for what has been an extraordinary adventure with the Scuderia, when in the past five years, he twice came so close to winning the world championship. I am sure that a great driver like Fernando will always hold the Prancing Horse dear to his heart and I also expect the Ferrari fans will continue to hold him in high regard in his future endeavors.”

“Today is not an easy one for me, because even if I always look to the future with great enthusiasm and determination, at the end of this season my journey as a Ferrari driver will come to an end,” Alonso.

“It was a difficult decision to take, but a carefully considered one and from start to finish, my love for Ferrari was a prime consideration. I have always been lucky enough to make my own decisions about my future and I have that possibility now too.

“I must thank the team for that, as it understood my position. I leave Scuderia Ferrari after five years, during which I reached my very best level professionally, tackling major challenges that pushed me to find new limits. I also proved to be a true team-player, putting the interests of the Scuderia before my own.

“When I had to take important decisions about my future, I did so with Ferrari in my heart, driven by my love for the team. I am very proud of what we have achieved together.

Thanks to the efforts of the men and women of Maranello, on three occasions we came second in the Formula 1 World Championship, two of them fighting for the title right up to and including the final race, running in a championship winning position for many laps.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, these five years produced some of the best moments of my career and I also feel that, in leaving the team, it is family rather than friends I am leaving behind. Now I look to the future with great enthusiasm, knowing that part of my heart will always belong to the Prancing Horse. I want to thank each and everyone of the team for the trust they showed in me.”

An announcement by Ferrari that Vettel will drive for them next season is expected very soon.

Photo Credit: Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1

November 20, 2014
Jules Bianchi Out of Artificial Coma But Remains Critical

The family of Marussia driver Jules Bianchi have released and update about the Frenchman’s condition.

Bianchi has been in an artificial coma for the past 7 weeks after suffering from massive head injuries from crashing out at the Japanese Grand Prix.

According to the statement Bianchi is out of his artificial coma, but he is still unconscious. The other bit of good news is that he is breathing on his own and that his vital signs are stable. The statement goes on to say that his condition remains critical.

“Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however he is still unconscious,” read the statement.

“He is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable, but his condition is still classified as ‘critical’. His treatment now enters a new phase concerned with the improvement of his brain function.

Bianchi has been moved from the Mie General Hospital in Japan to the Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice in the south of France. He was transported by plane during the night and he has reached the medical facility in France safely.

“We are relieved, therefore, to confirm that Jules was transferred aeromedically last night from the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, Japan, to Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice (CHU), where he arrived just a short time ago. Jules is now in the intensive care unit of Professors Raucoules and Ichai, where his care will also be monitored by Professor Paquis, Head of Neurosurgery Service.

The family are relieved that Bianchi is closer to home now as more of his family and friends will be around him. The family went on to express their gratitude for the doctors and nurses at the Mie General Hospital.

“We are thankful that the next phase of Jules’ treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded and supported by his wider family and friends. We have nothing but praise for the outstanding care provided by the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center since the accident.

“We owe the medical staff there an enormous debt of gratitude for everything they have done for Jules, and also for our family, during what is a very difficult time for us. In particular, we would like to extend our thanks to Doctors Kamei and Yamamichi, and also to Mr Ogura, all part of the team of personnel caring for Jules in Japan.”

November 19, 2014
Video: Ayrton Senna’s 1991 McLaren MP4-6 hits Silverstone

Crank up the volume and feel the noise! Sit back and enjoy as McLaren take Ayrton Senna’s 1991 championship winning MP4-6 for a spin around Silverstone. There’s nothing more to say really. It’s a simple incredible sound.

November 19, 2014
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
McLaren Delay Driver Announcement

It was widely expected that McLaren would announce their driver line up this week. The team have now said that they will only make an announcement after 1 December 2014.

According to AutoSport, it is believed that Fernando Alonso has already put pen to paper and has signed with the Woking based outfit. McLaren are still to make a decision on the second driver and have chosen to wait until after this weekends race to make the announcement. A statement released by the team said that they did not want the driver announcement to get in the way of preparations for this weekends Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“Selecting the optimal driver line-up for a Formula 1 team is clearly an important process, and it is therefore one that requires precise and prolonged analysis,” read the statement.

“That being the case, and in order to avoid distracting the race team from its primary objective during the final Grand Prix weekend of the season, which is to secure the best possible on-track results, we have decided to defer our final deliberations relating to our 2015 driver line-up until a date no earlier than Monday December 1st.”

November 18, 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
Kamui Kobayashi confirmed for Caterham at Abu Dhabi GP

The Caterham F1 Team has announced that Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi will race for the team in the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This follows confirmation last week that the Caterham F1 team will be racing at the Yas Marina circuit following a desperate crowd funding campaign to help race funds to keep them on the grid.

Kobayashi returns to the grid to fill the seat of Marcus Ericsson who announced that he has cut ties with the Caterham team with immediate effect and us such will not be racing in Abu Dhabi. Le Mans champ, Andre Lotter turned down the chance to return to F1 with the team saying that, “It was nice to do Formula 1 but I want to do it in better conditions, in terms of track position”.

Caterham are yet to confirm who will drive alongside Kobayashi. It’s likely to be one of three candidates – Roberto Mehri, Max Chilton or even Rubens Barrichello. The team have said that they will announce Kobayashi’s team mate for the race “in due course”.

Kobayashi is looking forward to being back on the grid again and had this to say: “I am happy to be racing with the team in Abu Dhabi. It hasn’t been an easy last few weeks, so it will be nice to be back to in the car and work together with the Caterham F1 team members.

“I would like to thank the fans for supporting the team like they have. This team is working hard and never gives up. We deserve to be racing in Abu Dhabi and I am very glad we can race again thanks to the crowdfunding project.

“Now it is our turn to show what we can do – we will all try our best during the weekend ahead and hopefully we can end the season with a positive result for the future of this team.”

Finbarr O’Connell of Smith & Williamson, joint administrator of Caterham Sports Limited: “The team are delighted to have Kamui on board for the race weekend in Abu Dhabi. The Team commented that Kamui is a highly talented racing driver and he should be in a race car – that’s where he belongs.

“After the recent period of uncertainty for CaterhamF1, the Team are delighted, as part of its Restructuring Plan, to be able to showcase the cars again and what better way than with world renowned drivers like Kamui.”

Photo Credit: Caterham F1 Team

November 17, 2014
F1 2014: Lotterer for Caterham in Abu Dhabi

Le Mans 24 Hours winner Andre Lotterer has confirmed that he has been offered a Caterham seat for the Abu Dhabi grand prix.

The Caterham team, currently under administration, has missed both the Austin and Brazilian grand prix but has confirmed their presence at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. It is thanks to a ‘fan-funded’ initiative which has seen raise enough finances to compete at the final race of the season.

Lotterer stepped into the Caterham cockpit at the Belgian grand prix earlier this seemed but appears uncertain about the possibility of repeating it this weekend. “Caterham wants me to race in Abu Dhabi but I am not sure if I will take up the offer,” he said.

As it stands, it is assumed that Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi will fill the second Caterham seat.

November 16, 2014
Bernie Ecclestone and his billion pound master plan

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has a billion dollar master plan and all along none of us realised that it does not include “young fans”, small teams like Caterham and Marussia, or “tweeting, Facebook and whatever nonsense this is”.

In a staggeringly remarkable interview, the 84 year old Ecclestone claims that there is no point in attracting young fans because they can’t afford anything the sport is promoting. “Now, you’re telling me I need to find a channel to get this 15-year-old to watch Formula 1 because somebody wants to put out a new brand in front of them? They are not going to be interested in the slightest bit,” Ecclestone said in the interview with Campaign-Asia Pacific.

“Young kids will see the Rolex brand, but are they going to go and buy one? They can’t afford it. Or our other sponsor, UBS — these kids don’t care about banking. They haven’t got enough money to put in the bloody banks anyway.

“That’s what I think. I don’t know why people want to get to the so-called ‘young generation’. Why do they want to do that? Is it to sell them something? Most of these kids haven’t got any money.

It would seem Ecclestone would prefer catering for an audience closer to his own age.

“I’d rather get to the 70-year-old guy who’s got plenty of cash,” he said. “So, there’s no point trying to reach these kids because they won’t buy any of the products here and if marketers are aiming at this audience, then maybe they should advertise with Disney.”

As if the F1 ringmaster did not already sound outrageous enough, he likened the demise of the Caterham and Marussia F1 Teams to how the Oscar Pistorius trial attracted headlines and said that nobody would miss the two smaller teams.

“Not at all,” he said when asked whether he was concerned about the financially failing smaller teams and the impact that their struggle would have on Formula One.

“Nobody will miss the two teams because they’re not front-running teams,” he continued,. “They’ve only got a name that people would know because of the problem they’re in. If you want to get recognised you’ve got to do something.

“This poor guy in South Africa [Oscar Pistorius], for instance, has got more interest because of what happened with him than when he was winning gold medals. He won medals and afterwards nobody thought about him. If this case hadn’t happened he would have been forgotten, probably.

“Same with these two teams. You need teams like Ferrari. If you go anywhere and you say to somebody, ‘Ferrari’, they’ll know what you’re talking about. If you say ‘Marussia’, they won’t.”

The madness did not end there. In a season where Formula One teams and drivers have reached out to fans via social media in an effort to grow the following and success of the sport and engage with fans on a real level, Ecclestone replied, “How are you going to get all the fans to meet these young drivers, who don’t even want to meet their girlfriends?

“I’m not interested in tweeting, Facebook and whatever this nonsense is. “I tried to find out but in any case I’m too old-fashioned. I couldn’t see any value in it.

November 15, 2014