Tag: ferrari

2013 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix Free Practice 1 Report

Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time of the first free practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit

Mercedes look to be back on top after the first free practice session with Lewis Hamilton setting the quickest time of the session with a 1:47.055. Red Bull’s Mark Webber finished P2 with a 1:47.420, 0.365s slower than Hamilton’s time. Webber’s team mate, Sebastian Vettel finished the session in P3, 0.830s slower than Hamilton’s P1 time. Nico Rosberg, and Lotus’ Kimi Raikkonen rounded up the top 5 in P4 and P5 respectively.

As expected, Mercedes and Red Bull are looking very strong so far. Ferrari and Lotus are quite a long way behind and its going to take something special from them to get ahead of Red Bull and Mercedes.

With this being FP1, we’ll get a better gauge of pace after FP2 later this afternoon.

You can join us for updates throughout the FP2 session later on.

Below is the full time sheet for the FP1 session:

September 20, 2013
McLaren want Fernando Alonso for 2014

According to BBC Sport, Mclaren are now targeting Fernando Alonso to beef up their driver line up for next season.

Yes, you guessed it, the Silly Season rumour mill is back in full swing.

BBC Sport‘s chief F1 Writer, Andrew Benson, Alonso is unsettled at Ferrari, and McLaren are hoping to use this to persuade the Spaniard to return to the team – who he drove for in 2007.

When asked whether he wanted Alonso, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said, “Yes – any team would. He’s the best driver. “I don’t know his contractual situation. I assume he’s under contract”.

This news comes just after Jenson Button confirmed to SkySportsF1 yesterday that his contract with McLaren is sorted saying, “It’s done, I’ll be here next year.”

Sergio Perez also seemed pretty confident that his McLaren seat is secure for next year, but this news is bound to be a bit of a cat amongst the pigeons. It would seem that if Alonso did join McLaren next season, it is the Mexican who will be replaced.

Alonso is contractually bound to Ferrari until the end of the 2016 season but there has been plenty of friction between himself and the team in recent weeks.

Di Montezemelo was exceptionally unhappy about Alonso’s critical remarks about his car. Then there’s the signing of Kimi Raikkonen as his team mate for next season. Alonso has said he is “happy” about the team choosing Raikkonen as his team mate but this move puts his number 1 spot at the team in great jeopardy.

We’re not too sure that Alonso would be keen on a move back to McLaren though. The massive fallout with Ron Dennis and then team mate Lewis Hamilton – over Hamilton getting priority status over him.

Then there’s his contract of course. If Alonso wanted to terminate his contract with Ferrari, there would need to be talks around this and it’s not likely that Ferrari – who now have the strongest driver pairing for the 2014 grid, would be keen on doing this.

Whitmarsh has however confirmed to SkySportsF1 that he most certainly is interested in signing Alonso, “I would if I could,” he told them. He also refused to confirm that either Jenson Button or Sergio Perez will continue driving for McLaren next season.

Only time will tell really. We will of course, keep you posted!

September 20, 2013
Singapore GP Preview Quotes – Ferrari

Preview Quotes from the Ferrari boys ahead of this weekend’s Singapore GP.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari
“This is a very demanding race from the physical point of view and also mentally, because as it takes place at night, it changes your rhythm a bit over the weekend. It’s a very special race with no room for mistakes, but it’s a track I like and where I have usually gone quite well, getting four podiums from five starts, so again this year, I’m tackling the weekend in a positive frame of mind, with great confidence that I can do well again. As a street circuit, it’s a track with a high risk factor, so the possibility is always there to make a mistake. I’d say the last sector, with Turns 18 and 19 that pass under a grandstand where you can easily make a mistake, is the most critical point on the track, where a small loss of concentration can end your race.”

Felipe Massa, Ferrari
“Singapore is one of the most tiring races on the calendar, or maybe the most tiring, because it is the longest race of the year, going the full two hours. Conditions are very humid even if we actually race at night. You sweat a lot in the car and you don’t get much air coming through the cockpit as the speeds are low. All in all, it’s the toughest race physically, but also psychologically, with it taking place at night, so that you see less, combined with the fact you are always so close to the barriers. Visibility is good under the lights but it’s not the same as driving in sunlight, which adds to the difficulty. But it’s fun and different to be there at night and makes for a great spectacle for the fans and an interesting event for us drivers.
“You can’t single out one aspect of the circuit which is more important than another. Everything counts here. If you make the slightest mistake at a corner, then you pay a high price. You have to take care at every corner and it’s a long track – one lap here is like two at Monaco, so precision and consistency are important, especially in qualifying when you have to put everything together perfectly. In fact, I’d say it’s harder to win at Singapore than Monaco. The track is longer and more complicated; a lap is around 1m 48s, while Monaco is much shorter.”

Photo by the Ferrari Twitter Team

September 19, 2013
F1 2013: Singapore GP Preview – Singapore’s city lights ignite

The Formula 1 paddock has departed the European continent for the final time in the 2013 season. Now the final pushes towards championship glory, towards a race seat for next year, or towards a few extra points begin. The final stretch of the calendar begins with Singapore’s Marina Bay circuit, round thirteen of the championship.

The initial announcement of Formula 1 under floodlights was met with skepticism and questions about whether a spectacle of such proportions was even with the realms of possibility. It became a reality in 2008 as Formula 1 set off for Singapore and its floodlit city streets. Images of gleaming bodywork, glowing exhausts and city skylines quickly became a spectacle worthy of the greatest motorsport series in the world.

The Singapore GP still feels relatively new to the Formula 1 calendar but in reality has been a part of the yearly roundabout since 2008 and has already had its fair share of controversy. The inaugural race, won by Renault’s Fernando Alonso, was plunged into a controversy which had been dubbed Crashgate. Team principal of Renault Flavio Briatore ordered Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash and force the deployment of the safety car. The intentional crash was arranged in order to provide Fernando Alonso with an advantage by making an early pitstop. Since then the Singapore GP has been thankfully controversy free and filled with memorable race victories.

It comes as no surprise that Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel seem to excel on the Singapore streets. The German has taken the last two victories and share’s the distinction of two race wins around these parts with Fernando Alonso.

Lewis Hamilton won the 2009 edition of the race and could be a favourite to repeat the feat this weekend. As street circuits tend to go they share some similarities amongst each other; it’s no different for Monaco and Singapore. Although the streets of Monte Carlo are not quite as intensely layed out as the Marina Bay circuit it can be considered an indicator. It is in these set of circumstances that Mercedes found themselves leading the pack. If it is to be a similar case this weekend there, hopefully, will be no sign of a procession.

The bumpy Marina Bay circuit requires a return to the high downforce set up and an extreme level of concentration through its complex twenty-three corner layout. Pirelli has made the soft and supersoft compound tyres available for use this weekend; and given the offset previously seen between these two tyres, strategy will play a part during the Singapore GP.

However, the perfect strategy will mean little if the race is ruined by being stuck in traffic. Overtaking on street tracks is always at a premium and Singapore is no exception. A good slot on the grid will be vital to a good position come race day.

The question of how the track remains completely illuminated is answered by using, in total, 1500 lighting projectors to light the driver’s way throughout the 61 lap race Singapore GP.

That leaves only the question of who will top the podium come Sunday.

September 18, 2013
Massa will no longer support Alonso

Felipe Massa has said that he will no longer play a supporting role to Fernando Alonso in the remaining races of the 2013 F1 season.

Massa insists that he is now driving for himself, and will no longer be Alonso’s wingman since being informed that he will no longer be part of the Ferrari team in 2014.

“I will not race for Alonso from now on,” he told TV Globo. “Right from Friday at Singapore I’ll be working for myself. I will attack all the time, every lap. It’s now the time to look after myself.”

Massa, who has been in talks with Lotus for the seat left vacant by his Ferrari replacement, Kimi Raikkonen, added that he has enjoyed his time alongside Alonso but that fireworks can be expected from Ferrari’s 2014 F1 driver pairing.

“I’m sure Fernando likes me, he has to. We have a nice relationship, I’m sure he sees me as a personal friend as I see him. Kimi and myself are also good friends, much more than when we were team-mates. I know both Fernando and Kimi on and off the track and I rate them as excellent drivers, but I’m afraid they will collide when sharing the team.”

“I told the bosses to breathe as much as possible while they still can because it will be hard for them to breathe next season.”

Photo by Ferrari F1 Twitter team

September 18, 2013
Virtual lap of Singapore (Marina Bay) with Fernando Alonso

Take a virtual lap around the Marina Bay circuit in Singapore with Fernando Alonso.

September 17, 2013
Felipe Massa in talks with Lotus

Felipe Massa has his eyes firmly set on the vacant Lotus seat after announcing his departure from Ferrari, and since the announcement was made that Kimi Raikkonen will take his place at Ferrari.

Massa has confirmed that he is in negotiations with Lotus for the race seat.

The possibility of a straight swop seems very enticing from many angles and it will be very interesting to see how Massa would perform at Lotus.

Massa told Globo Esporte that Lotus appeals to him as the most competitive option remaining on the 2014 F1 grid.

“We are negotiating,” he told the publication. “In my opinion, Lotus has a competitive car, which is what I want. We are having many conversations to try to find a way, not only for me but for Lotus, to continue with a good car.”

Massa revealed he has also been in talks with McLaren but said he that Lotus is still his best option. “I’ve had contact with McLaren but I cannot judge, it’s hard to say,” he said. “With Lotus, the contact was very good,” Massa added.

Nicholas Todt, Massa’s manager, last week told Canal Plus that Massa is determined to drive for a competitive team next year.

“He never would go to a smaller team to be second driver,” Todt said. “We need to find a car that can challenge at the front in F1. The best place available is undoubtedly the one left by Raikkonen at Lotus.”

Eric Boullier last week confirmed that Lotus is in talks with a number of drivers about the 2014 season and that Lotus will make their decision “shortly”.

September 16, 2013
F1 and the Big Boo Theories

The world of F1 always dishes up a good deal of speed, fun, scandal and every now and then, a bit of booing. Reynard Gelderblom sent us his thoughts on the last week in F1.

Even though the 2013 Italian Grand Prix in itself wasn’t the most exciting F1 race of the season, the entire week at Monza proved to be one of the most interesting. Usually at this point in time I’d have expressed my point of view on one big issue relating to Formula 1, this time I’ll touch on a few.

First off, you can’t call yourself a F1 fan if just the mere thought of the Italian GP doesn’t bring a shivering sense of anticipation to you. One of the most historic circuits in the country known for Ferrari and the beyond-fanatical support for the manufacturer. Regardless of where your allegiance lies, everyone loves the tifosi – the loyal fraternity of the Prancing Horse.

During the podium celebrations at the Italian GP I would admit that I lost some respect for some of them. Regardless of the fact that the budget for one F1 season is probably greater than that of some developing countries per annum, it’s still and always will be a sport. There is no place for “booing” in sport.

My message to those tifosi: Your man Fernando Alonso was never in contention for the victory during the race. It wasn’t a close fight to the flag – it was Sebastian Vettel showing dominance. Stand up and salute the victor or sit down and shut up if you can’t be real sportsmen.

I live in Cape Town and that sort of behaviour is the exact reason why Western Province rugby and cricket fans are considered the most unsportsmanlike supporters this side of hemisphere. By the way the first place goes to the fans of Galatasaray Football Club.

And, did anyone notice how visibly disgusted Mark Webber looked with his team mate’s win? Yes, we all know that he’s still sour about the Malaysian GP when Vettel passed him despite team orders, but go ask anyone in the nearby fashion capital Milan, and they’ll tell you: “There’s never a reason to walk around looking like last month’s jug of milk in the back of the fridge”.

Let’s dish out a good award here as well though…

The set of brake pads for the fastest driver of the week goes to…. Felipe Massa. If he ever enters a head-to-head fastest tweet competition, his opponent should be playing off a handicap. Massa was just a tad eager to announce his departure from Ferrari after 2013 on the social network platform, Twitter.

Eeeaasy there son, save that speed for the Sunday race – and I don’t mean on the way to the race. The Brazilian of course also made the news for a speeding ticket he collected on route to Monza on Sunday morning.

Given the amount of booing Vettel received for beating Alonso in the race, I wouldn’t have wanted to be the traffic cop involved when he went back to the office saying “Hey guys, I just booked a Ferrari F1 driver, in a Ferrari, on the Sunday of the Italian GP for speeding on the way to Monza”.

Be sure that I will be watching Twitter to see if any of the reporters I’m following are tweeting something about a traffic cop facing treason charges.

And still at Ferrari: Out with the old… in with the… eh old. Kimi Raikkonen has finally been confirmed as Fernando Alonso’s team mate for 2014.

I’m certainly looking forward to this and I’m sure now that the Iceman has picked his spot, the rest of the F1 paddock can now continue their game of F1 musical chairs to decide who drives what. Something I would like to mention though: Remember Senna and Prost at Mclaren in 1989, Alonso and Hamilton at McLaren in 2008?

Alonso is no one’s No.2 and Raikkonen is certainly not going to be anyone’s either – and there can only be one No.1. Alonso doesn’t play well with others and Raikkonen plays at his best on his own. While I’m sure that Vettel is picking a hairstyle to celebrate his fourth World championship already, I’m looking forward to the hair flying at Ferrari in 2014.

And a final note: This article goes out to the person who asked me recently “How can you sit and watch anything as boring as F1?” No name calling here… Too many people called each other idiots at Monza.

Reynard Gelderblom is the motorsport editor for Street Motion.

Keep up to date with the latest local motorsport news by following Street Motion on Twitter.

Photo Credits:

Tifosi from the podium – Fernando Alonso (Twitter)

Alonso selfie – Fernando Alonso (Twitter)

Kimi Raikkonen – F1 Madness screengrab

September 15, 2013
Ferrari vs Lotus: Personnel Wars

Kimi Raikkonen is not the only thing Ferrari has poached from the Lotus F1 team. The Italian squad has announced two new members who are set to join from the Enstone based team.

Ferrari has bolstered its technical side of operations by signing Lotus’ head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer. Earlier in the year Ferrari snapped up the highly sought-after former Lotus technical director James Allison. Allison’s Ferrari duties officially started at the beginning of September. Team principal Stefano Domenicalli has also revealed that Allison’s account of Raikkonen’s ability to deliver techincal input and feedback helped convince the team to lure the Finn back to the Ferrari stable.

Jarrod Murphy, head of computer aided design (CAD) in Enstone will also set off for Ferrari after 17 years of service. It is believed that Ferrari has made the signing of Murphy on the request of James Allison.

In turn, Lotus has signed up Ferrari’s chief aerodynamicist Nicolas Hennel. Hennel is expected to start work at Lotus next month and his focus will be required on the 2014 car from the get-go.

It is also believed that Felipe Massa is now in contention for a seat at Lotus for 2014. Nicolas Todt, Massa’s manager, and Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has revealed that the Brazilian in the running for what they term to be “the best seat” left on the grid. “What is certain is that other teams are interested in Felipe,” said Todt. “Felipe will never play second fiddle in a small team, so what we need to do is find him a car that allows him to play a leading role in Formula 1.”

Up until this point Nico Hulkenberg has been linked with replacing Raikkonen at Lotus. Hulkenberg was also in contention at Ferrari and is highly regarded by the top teams in the paddock.

September 14, 2013
Ferrari’s 2014 driver lineup explosive says Schumacher

According to former team champion Michael Schumacher, Ferrari has put together a potentially “explosive” driver lineup for 2014, referring to the appointment of Kimi Raikkonen alongside their current ‘number 1’ driver Fernando Alonso.

Schumacher, who was pushed into his first retirement at the end of 2006 when Ferrari signed Raikkonen, said that “For motor sport fans it will certainly be a blast, and make for a tough competition.”

“It will be exciting to watch,” Schumacher told Bild newspaper. “But Ferrari with Fernando and Kimi — it sounds like an explosive mixture,” he added.

Another former Ferrari driver, four time world champion Alain Prost, as voiced some concern over how Fernando Alonso will handle Raikkonen alongside him. “Now he will no longer be the undisputed number 1, at least not initially, and I’m not sure Stefano Domenicali has the ability of a Jean Todt or a Ross Brawn to handle a situation like this,” Prost told a French TV broadcaster.

“In Italy the press applies a lot of pressure, so I presume that sooner or later there will be trouble,” added Prost.

Photo Credit
By Morio (photo taken by Morio) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

September 13, 2013