MotoGP News
Date: 29/September/2012
Dani Pedrosa won his fourth MotoGP race of the season in dominant fashion at Aragon, but still faces an uphill challenge in terms of the title.
Pedrosa beat World Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo by over six-seconds, but the Yamaha rider is still 33-points clear with just four rounds to go.
The big question now is whether Pedrosa’s Honda team-mate and reigning double champion Casey Stoner - tipped to return from ankle surgery at the next round in Japan - will support Pedrosa’s challenge.
Pedrosa insists that he doesn’t want any assistance.
“You win a championship because you are better overall than everyone else. Not because you get any help,” he said.
“Casey is a winner and I wouldn’t ask him to do anything like that.
“We are team-mates, but we are both winners and if he comes back I think it is because he wants to win the last races of his career.”
Stoner, who has also won four races this year despite missing the last three events, is to retire at the end of 2012.
Pedrosa also ruled out any tactical riding, perhaps by trying to slow a race down and help other riders to get ahead of Lorenzo.
“You can do those things in 125cc or Moto3, but with these bikes it is not so easy and these riders are tough. They will overtake you any chance they get. Anyway, the race pace is the race pace and you cannot stop it.”
Pedrosa added: “I want to be clear, I just try to do a good race every Sunday - not think about what [Lorenzo] is doing.”
Lorenzo admits Stoner’s return will make things more ‘difficult’ and continues to push Yamaha for upgrades.
“For sure Casey will make my life more difficult and it only takes one small mistake to lose our advantage. Dani was faster than us today and we have to improve our bike so we have the option to win races,” he said.
Scene set for Spanish Aragon showdown
MotoGP News
Date: 28/September/2012
MotoGP title contenders Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa were separated by just 0.088s during qualifying on home Spanish asphalt at Aragon.
Should the race take place in the dry, few would bet against a Lorenzo or Pedrosa victory. But qualifying was the first dry session of the weekend, with further unsettled weather again forecast for Sunday.
Lorenzo said: “Finally we had dry weather but it was very cold. Little by little we improved the pace and with the last qualifying tyre I pushed a lot to get pole. We will start from the front, now let’s see where we finish.”
In terms of the title, the extra uncertainty created by a wet-weather race arguably benefits Pedrosa more than Lorenzo.
The Repsol Honda rider dropped from 13 to 38 points behind Lorenzo after being knocked off at Misano. Pedrosa thus needs to not only beat Lorenzo, but have other riders finish between them.
There is a much larger possibility of that happening in the wet, while the first corner at Aragon is known as something of an accident black spot.
Pedrosa, who recovered from a crash early in qualifying, said: “The first corner here is so close, maybe not even third gear if you start on the front row, so it will be close at the start tomorrow.
“I can’t think too much about the championship now. I’ve just got to go out, ride and have fun.”
Leading the challenge to Lorenzo and Pedrosa could be Cal Crutchlow, who battled the pair for pole on his way to third on the grid.
“If I can stick with those guys in the first couple of laps it’s at least possible to break away from the others. So the key will be the start and first laps, which isn’t usually my strong point unfortunately!” said the Tech 3 Yamaha rider.
Date: 28/September/2012
MotoGP title contenders Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa were separated by just 0.088s during qualifying on home Spanish asphalt at Aragon.
Should the race take place in the dry, few would bet against a Lorenzo or Pedrosa victory. But qualifying was the first dry session of the weekend, with further unsettled weather again forecast for Sunday.
Lorenzo said: “Finally we had dry weather but it was very cold. Little by little we improved the pace and with the last qualifying tyre I pushed a lot to get pole. We will start from the front, now let’s see where we finish.”
In terms of the title, the extra uncertainty created by a wet-weather race arguably benefits Pedrosa more than Lorenzo.
The Repsol Honda rider dropped from 13 to 38 points behind Lorenzo after being knocked off at Misano. Pedrosa thus needs to not only beat Lorenzo, but have other riders finish between them.
There is a much larger possibility of that happening in the wet, while the first corner at Aragon is known as something of an accident black spot.
Pedrosa, who recovered from a crash early in qualifying, said: “The first corner here is so close, maybe not even third gear if you start on the front row, so it will be close at the start tomorrow.
“I can’t think too much about the championship now. I’ve just got to go out, ride and have fun.”
Leading the challenge to Lorenzo and Pedrosa could be Cal Crutchlow, who battled the pair for pole on his way to third on the grid.
“If I can stick with those guys in the first couple of laps it’s at least possible to break away from the others. So the key will be the start and first laps, which isn’t usually my strong point unfortunately!” said the Tech 3 Yamaha rider.
Official: Hamilton in, Schumacher out at Mercedes F1
F1 News
Date: 28/September/2012
The rumours were true: Lewis Hamilton is to cut his long links with McLaren and join Mercedes for the 2013 F1 season.
The Englishman will take the place of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, who now looks likely to retire - for the second and final time - at the end of 2012.
It is a massive decision for Hamilton, who has been backed by McLaren for the past 14 years - taking him from karts to F1, where he was given his big break by McLaren in 2007.
Hamilton, 27, said: “It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
“Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share.
“Together, we can grow and rise to this new challenge. I believe that I can help steer the Silver Arrows to the top and achieve our joint ambitions of winning the world championships.”
Mercedes boss Norbert Haug stressed that German company had also backed Hamilton from early in his career - and paid tribute to seven time Champion Schumacher, who has taken just one podium since being tempted out of retirement by the chance to drive for Mercedes at the start of 2010.
Haug said: “Mercedes-Benz has supported Lewis throughout his career, from karting, to Formula 3, to our successful partnership [as an engine supplier] with McLaren, and it will be a very nice moment for all of us in the team to see him at the wheel of a works Silver Arrow next season, following in the tradition of British Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix drivers Sir Stirling Moss and Richard Seaman.
“Of course, it takes a great driver to replace such a legendary and successful one as Michael Schumacher. Over the past three years, Michael has been a great driver and an exemplary ambassador for Mercedes AMG Petronas. His experience has been an important factor in guiding the development of our team in Brackley and we extend our sincere thanks to Michael for his loyalty, team play and commitment.”
Nico Rosberg, who claimed the first modern Mercedes F1 victory at Shanghai this year, will continue with the team alongside Hamilton next year.
While Hamilton has signed a three-year deal with Mercedes, McLaren has named Mexican Sergio Perez, 22, as his replacement on a ‘multi-year’ deal.
Perez has taken three podiums for Sauber this season, his second in F1, and had been linked to a Ferrari drive earlier in the year. Perez will drive alongside Jenson Button, who won the title for Brawn in 2009 and has been at McLaren ever since.
Perez said: “The McLaren name is one of the greatest in the history of Formula 1. For more than 40 years McLaren has been a team that every racing driver has aspired to drive for - I was brought up on the great stories of Ayrton Senna's many world championship triumphs for McLaren - and I'm truly honoured that they've chosen me to partner Jenson from 2013 onwards.”
Hamilton finished title runner-up in his very first F1 season, also notable for the inter-team conflict with McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso, then claimed the championship in 2008.
Although a race winner in every F1 season, Hamilton has been no higher than fourth in the championship since his title year.
The ambitious Hamilton has clearly been frustrated by the lack of a further championship challenge, yet his move to Mercedes would appear to take him further away from that goal - at least in the short term.
McLaren Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “It's entirely appropriate that I should take this opportunity to pass on our thanks to Lewis. He wrote a huge chapter of his life and career with us, and was, and always will be, a fine member of an exclusive club: the McLaren world champions' club.
“It goes without saying that we all wish him well for the future, just as it also goes without saying that we hope and believe that Sergio, too, will become a member of that exclusive club before too long.”
McLaren has won 12 F1 Drivers’ titles, between 1974 and 2008. Mercedes has won two F1 Drivers’ titles, back in 1954 and 1955.
Date: 28/September/2012
The rumours were true: Lewis Hamilton is to cut his long links with McLaren and join Mercedes for the 2013 F1 season.
The Englishman will take the place of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, who now looks likely to retire - for the second and final time - at the end of 2012.
It is a massive decision for Hamilton, who has been backed by McLaren for the past 14 years - taking him from karts to F1, where he was given his big break by McLaren in 2007.
Hamilton, 27, said: “It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
“Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share.
“Together, we can grow and rise to this new challenge. I believe that I can help steer the Silver Arrows to the top and achieve our joint ambitions of winning the world championships.”
Mercedes boss Norbert Haug stressed that German company had also backed Hamilton from early in his career - and paid tribute to seven time Champion Schumacher, who has taken just one podium since being tempted out of retirement by the chance to drive for Mercedes at the start of 2010.
Haug said: “Mercedes-Benz has supported Lewis throughout his career, from karting, to Formula 3, to our successful partnership [as an engine supplier] with McLaren, and it will be a very nice moment for all of us in the team to see him at the wheel of a works Silver Arrow next season, following in the tradition of British Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix drivers Sir Stirling Moss and Richard Seaman.
“Of course, it takes a great driver to replace such a legendary and successful one as Michael Schumacher. Over the past three years, Michael has been a great driver and an exemplary ambassador for Mercedes AMG Petronas. His experience has been an important factor in guiding the development of our team in Brackley and we extend our sincere thanks to Michael for his loyalty, team play and commitment.”
Nico Rosberg, who claimed the first modern Mercedes F1 victory at Shanghai this year, will continue with the team alongside Hamilton next year.
While Hamilton has signed a three-year deal with Mercedes, McLaren has named Mexican Sergio Perez, 22, as his replacement on a ‘multi-year’ deal.
Perez has taken three podiums for Sauber this season, his second in F1, and had been linked to a Ferrari drive earlier in the year. Perez will drive alongside Jenson Button, who won the title for Brawn in 2009 and has been at McLaren ever since.
Perez said: “The McLaren name is one of the greatest in the history of Formula 1. For more than 40 years McLaren has been a team that every racing driver has aspired to drive for - I was brought up on the great stories of Ayrton Senna's many world championship triumphs for McLaren - and I'm truly honoured that they've chosen me to partner Jenson from 2013 onwards.”
Hamilton finished title runner-up in his very first F1 season, also notable for the inter-team conflict with McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso, then claimed the championship in 2008.
Although a race winner in every F1 season, Hamilton has been no higher than fourth in the championship since his title year.
The ambitious Hamilton has clearly been frustrated by the lack of a further championship challenge, yet his move to Mercedes would appear to take him further away from that goal - at least in the short term.
McLaren Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “It's entirely appropriate that I should take this opportunity to pass on our thanks to Lewis. He wrote a huge chapter of his life and career with us, and was, and always will be, a fine member of an exclusive club: the McLaren world champions' club.
“It goes without saying that we all wish him well for the future, just as it also goes without saying that we hope and believe that Sergio, too, will become a member of that exclusive club before too long.”
McLaren has won 12 F1 Drivers’ titles, between 1974 and 2008. Mercedes has won two F1 Drivers’ titles, back in 1954 and 1955.
MotoGP riders in favour of control ECU
MotoGP News
Date: 27/September/2012
The MotoGP World Championship looks set to follow in the footsteps of Formula One and introduce a control ECU in the near future.
Such a move would be opposed by all three factories - Honda, Yamaha and Ducati - but the announcement that Magneti Marelli has reached a deal to provide a cutting edge ECU to anyone who requests it from next season is a clear sign of where MotoGP is headed.
For 2013, the factories will continue with their own bespoke electronics - Yamaha and Ducati have long worked in partnership with Magneti Marelli, while Honda creates its own systems - but the majority of the privateer CRT class are likely to accept the new ECU.
That will allow the system to prove its worth and, should the ECU be both safe and successful on varyingly types of machines, make opposition to a compulsory ECU much harder.
Riders have a love-hate relationship with electronics, complaining that they mask individual talent and dampen the show, whilst at the same time being grateful for the reduction in crashes.
But if a standard ECU is introduced, rule makers are expected to ban - or at least heavily restrict - traction control.
Yamaha’s World Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo explained: “If everyone has the same electronics that would be positive, but we have to have the same level of safety.
“Now we avoid a lot of highside crashes and maybe with standard electronics the bikes would be more dangerous.
“The bikes are very powerful, more than 250 horsepower, so we have to take care if those things.”
Honda’s Dani Pedrosa, 38 points behind Lorenzo heading into this weekend’s Aragon round, is encouraged by the example of F1.
“It’s hard to say because nobody has tried the new electronics, but obviously it’s a idea that has come F1 and it seems like it is working there. They don’t complain about it, but obviously that is a car and not a bike, so there are a lot of unknowns.”
Seven time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi made his premier-class debut in 2000, before the electronic age, and has frequently spoken of a desire to restrict the amount of control.
“It is good to have everyone on the same electronics, but they need to find the right balance to remain safe,” said the Ducati ride. “A bit less help from the electronics would make the races more fun. With more fights. F1 races have been more fun since they made the change.”
Englishman Cal Crutchlow also welcomed the idea, but believes the same riders would still be winning.
“I think it’s a good idea, but you’ll still see the same guys at the front. Those guys are fast for a reason, not just electronics,” he said. “It’s not going to make a guy at the back suddenly win, but it’s good for the championship and the financial situation.”
And then a joke about the possible dangers: “Maybe the leather manufacturers will need to make some parachutes in the humps!”
Free practice for the Aragon Grand prix takes place on Friday.
Date: 27/September/2012
The MotoGP World Championship looks set to follow in the footsteps of Formula One and introduce a control ECU in the near future.
Such a move would be opposed by all three factories - Honda, Yamaha and Ducati - but the announcement that Magneti Marelli has reached a deal to provide a cutting edge ECU to anyone who requests it from next season is a clear sign of where MotoGP is headed.
For 2013, the factories will continue with their own bespoke electronics - Yamaha and Ducati have long worked in partnership with Magneti Marelli, while Honda creates its own systems - but the majority of the privateer CRT class are likely to accept the new ECU.
That will allow the system to prove its worth and, should the ECU be both safe and successful on varyingly types of machines, make opposition to a compulsory ECU much harder.
Riders have a love-hate relationship with electronics, complaining that they mask individual talent and dampen the show, whilst at the same time being grateful for the reduction in crashes.
But if a standard ECU is introduced, rule makers are expected to ban - or at least heavily restrict - traction control.
Yamaha’s World Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo explained: “If everyone has the same electronics that would be positive, but we have to have the same level of safety.
“Now we avoid a lot of highside crashes and maybe with standard electronics the bikes would be more dangerous.
“The bikes are very powerful, more than 250 horsepower, so we have to take care if those things.”
Honda’s Dani Pedrosa, 38 points behind Lorenzo heading into this weekend’s Aragon round, is encouraged by the example of F1.
“It’s hard to say because nobody has tried the new electronics, but obviously it’s a idea that has come F1 and it seems like it is working there. They don’t complain about it, but obviously that is a car and not a bike, so there are a lot of unknowns.”
Seven time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi made his premier-class debut in 2000, before the electronic age, and has frequently spoken of a desire to restrict the amount of control.
“It is good to have everyone on the same electronics, but they need to find the right balance to remain safe,” said the Ducati ride. “A bit less help from the electronics would make the races more fun. With more fights. F1 races have been more fun since they made the change.”
Englishman Cal Crutchlow also welcomed the idea, but believes the same riders would still be winning.
“I think it’s a good idea, but you’ll still see the same guys at the front. Those guys are fast for a reason, not just electronics,” he said. “It’s not going to make a guy at the back suddenly win, but it’s good for the championship and the financial situation.”
And then a joke about the possible dangers: “Maybe the leather manufacturers will need to make some parachutes in the humps!”
Free practice for the Aragon Grand prix takes place on Friday.
Vettel back in title spotlight after Singapore win
F1 News
Date: 23/September/2012
Sebastian Vettel reignited his hopes of a third successive F1 title with victory in Sunday’s Singapore night race.
The Red Bull driver took the lead when pole sitter Lewis Hamilton retired due to a gearbox problem on lap 23 of 59.
The German went on to win his second race of the year by almost nine-seconds from Hamilton’s McLaren team-mate Jenson Button.
The result means Hamilton drops to fourth in the World Championship, with Vettel rising to second, 29 points behind Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso. Alonso finished third in Singapore.
“It looks better than before,” Vettel said of his Championship chances. “There are six races left and it’s difficult to predict what’s going to happen.
“I think the pace is there for us and even if we are not quick enough to win, then it is good enough to collect a lot of points.
“It’s a tough championship so far, but we’re still in it. We’re looking forward to the next couple of races, and obviously the target now is to beat Fernando.”
Although concerned at his Ferrari’s ability to match Red Bull and McLaren for pure speed, Alonso admits he would be happy for his nearest rivals to continue their hero-or-zero recent results.
“In Monza it was Lewis winning the race and Sebastian retired. Here it’s
Sebastian winning, Lewis retiring - so for me it’s OK if they keep going like this!” he smiled.
“But for sure we need to improve. We struggled all weekend here. Positions five and 13 for our cars in qualifying is not what we were hoping for, so we need to be in a better position next time at Suzuka.”
For Vettel, McLaren - which had won the three races prior to Singapore - still has the car to beat.
“I think that at the moment McLaren is the fastest car and the Ferrari is a little bit of an all-rounder. It's always there,” he said.
The Japanese Grand Prix will be held on October 7.
Date: 23/September/2012
Sebastian Vettel reignited his hopes of a third successive F1 title with victory in Sunday’s Singapore night race.
The Red Bull driver took the lead when pole sitter Lewis Hamilton retired due to a gearbox problem on lap 23 of 59.
The German went on to win his second race of the year by almost nine-seconds from Hamilton’s McLaren team-mate Jenson Button.
The result means Hamilton drops to fourth in the World Championship, with Vettel rising to second, 29 points behind Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso. Alonso finished third in Singapore.
“It looks better than before,” Vettel said of his Championship chances. “There are six races left and it’s difficult to predict what’s going to happen.
“I think the pace is there for us and even if we are not quick enough to win, then it is good enough to collect a lot of points.
“It’s a tough championship so far, but we’re still in it. We’re looking forward to the next couple of races, and obviously the target now is to beat Fernando.”
Although concerned at his Ferrari’s ability to match Red Bull and McLaren for pure speed, Alonso admits he would be happy for his nearest rivals to continue their hero-or-zero recent results.
“In Monza it was Lewis winning the race and Sebastian retired. Here it’s
Sebastian winning, Lewis retiring - so for me it’s OK if they keep going like this!” he smiled.
“But for sure we need to improve. We struggled all weekend here. Positions five and 13 for our cars in qualifying is not what we were hoping for, so we need to be in a better position next time at Suzuka.”
For Vettel, McLaren - which had won the three races prior to Singapore - still has the car to beat.
“I think that at the moment McLaren is the fastest car and the Ferrari is a little bit of an all-rounder. It's always there,” he said.
The Japanese Grand Prix will be held on October 7.
Hamilton lights up Singapore qualifying
F1 News
Date: 22/September/2012
Lewis Hamilton continued the McLaren F1 team’s rich vein of form with a dominant pole position on Saturday night in Singapore.
Hamilton, who remains the centre of speculation over his 2013 plans, seized his fifth pole of the season by a comfortable 0.442s ahead Pastor Maldonado (Williams) with practice pace setter Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) reduced to third.
Championship leader Fernando Alonso was fifth for Ferrari, meaning that nearest rival Hamilton stands an excellent chance of reducing the Spaniard’s 37 point advantage on Sunday.
Hamilton has won from pole in two of the last three races, with team-mate Jenson Button taking victory from pole in the other. Button is to start fourth on the grid.
Hamilton said: “The guys have done a fantastic job all week and we have improved some small things from the last race.
“We have high downforce here so we weren’t sure where we would turn out against the others and obviously Sebastian was incredibly fast through most of the sessions, I’m not really sure what happened to him in the end.
“Nonetheless I’m very happy that I was able to pull that time out. A great lap.”
Vettel, the defending Singapore winner, was left disappointed by qualifying - but expects to be back in the hunt for the race.
“Yeah, a little disappointed,” said the German. “I don’t know why we couldn’t do the step in Q3. Nevertheless, third is a good position to start from and I think the speed is there.
“The race is very long, a lot of things can happen - safety cars - so it's important to be in the right place at the right time and then we go from there.”
Looking ahead to the race, round 14 of 20, Hamilton expects tyre degradation to play a key role in the outcome.
“It’s an incredibly tough circuit for tyre degradation, especially as it’s hot and humid here,” he said, “So I think everyone is going to struggle with that, and I think we just have to try and get away cleanly at the start and stick to the strategy that we have planned and be prepared if it doesn’t work.”
The fine line between success and failure at the Singapore street circuit was illustrated by Hamilton brushing the wall at the end of qualifying.
“I did?” he asked, unaware of the contact. “That means I'm using all the road! I didn't mean to and hopefully hasn't done any damage, but I honestly didn't feel it.”
Date: 22/September/2012
Lewis Hamilton continued the McLaren F1 team’s rich vein of form with a dominant pole position on Saturday night in Singapore.
Hamilton, who remains the centre of speculation over his 2013 plans, seized his fifth pole of the season by a comfortable 0.442s ahead Pastor Maldonado (Williams) with practice pace setter Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) reduced to third.
Championship leader Fernando Alonso was fifth for Ferrari, meaning that nearest rival Hamilton stands an excellent chance of reducing the Spaniard’s 37 point advantage on Sunday.
Hamilton has won from pole in two of the last three races, with team-mate Jenson Button taking victory from pole in the other. Button is to start fourth on the grid.
Hamilton said: “The guys have done a fantastic job all week and we have improved some small things from the last race.
“We have high downforce here so we weren’t sure where we would turn out against the others and obviously Sebastian was incredibly fast through most of the sessions, I’m not really sure what happened to him in the end.
“Nonetheless I’m very happy that I was able to pull that time out. A great lap.”
Vettel, the defending Singapore winner, was left disappointed by qualifying - but expects to be back in the hunt for the race.
“Yeah, a little disappointed,” said the German. “I don’t know why we couldn’t do the step in Q3. Nevertheless, third is a good position to start from and I think the speed is there.
“The race is very long, a lot of things can happen - safety cars - so it's important to be in the right place at the right time and then we go from there.”
Looking ahead to the race, round 14 of 20, Hamilton expects tyre degradation to play a key role in the outcome.
“It’s an incredibly tough circuit for tyre degradation, especially as it’s hot and humid here,” he said, “So I think everyone is going to struggle with that, and I think we just have to try and get away cleanly at the start and stick to the strategy that we have planned and be prepared if it doesn’t work.”
The fine line between success and failure at the Singapore street circuit was illustrated by Hamilton brushing the wall at the end of qualifying.
“I did?” he asked, unaware of the contact. “That means I'm using all the road! I didn't mean to and hopefully hasn't done any damage, but I honestly didn't feel it.”
Whitmarsh deflects Hamilton-Mercedes rumours
F1 News
Date: 21/September/2012
McLaren F1 Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh came under interrogation from the media over the future of yet-to-sign star Lewis Hamilton on Friday in Singapore.
Hamilton has been linked with a big-money switch to Mercedes and the media frenzy the speculation has produced shows no signs of dying down.
Upon his arrival in Far East, Hamilton made clear he had nothing to add regarding his 2013 plans, but Whitmarsh wasn’t able to escape a grilling during Friday’s official FIA press conference.
First Whitmarsh dodged a question about whether he had underestimated the Hamilton/Mercedes situation, then another asking him if he now accepted ‘that Lewis has an offer from Mercedes’.
Likewise, a question on whether he has started to think of a possible replacement, should Hamilton leave, was also brushed aside.
Asked why it is taking so long to reach a solution, Whitmarsh explained:
“It seems a long time because of all the speculation, but when you sit down and seriously put your mind to entering into a new contract it doesn't take too long. I think it's a question of priorities and other things we've been doing.”
But are McLaren trying to pay Hamilton less? “I'm sure he will want more money and I'm sure we will want to pay less - that's how business normally works.”
Whitmarsh did his best to remind the media that McLaren has won the last three races and that Hamilton is second in the World Championship, 37 points from Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso with seven rounds remaining.
“I think over the last three races we've got stronger and more focused,” said Whitmarsh, who also insisted Hamilton is not distracted by the off-track discussions.
“I think anyone who knows Lewis and witnessed Lewis last weekend [in Italy] and actually also this weekend would say he's very, very focused on doing the job.
“I think he realises that this year we have a strong opportunity to win a World Championship.”
Reflecting on the season so far, Whitmarsh conceded that McLaren hadn’t made the most of its potential.
“We're very pleased that the last three events have been on very different circuits and we've been competitive at all of them. But what we haven't done is pile in the points that we should have done, given the competitiveness of our car.
“I think after 12 or 13 races, I think we've been on the front row eleven times. We've clearly got a strong package and therefore we should be disappointed in the number of points that we don't have rather than the points that we do have.
“But you don't look back, you look forward. I think we've got quite a good development momentum so we're making the car quicker.
“I think we've got two great racing drivers who are very much focused on trying to win races and other things, so we're hopeful that we can get a result here and keep the pressure on.
“You've got to say that Fernando's done a great job to be where he is and that's going to take some effort to overhaul, but it's certainly do-able and we're going to keep pushing as hard as we can.”
On track, Red Bull’s reigning world champion and defending Singapore winner Sebastian Vettel led both of the Friday night practice sessions.
McLaren’s Jenson Button was 0.311s behind in second, with Ferrari’s World Championship leader Fernando Alonso third (+0.556s). Hamilton was fifth quickest, +0.746s.
Date: 21/September/2012
McLaren F1 Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh came under interrogation from the media over the future of yet-to-sign star Lewis Hamilton on Friday in Singapore.
Hamilton has been linked with a big-money switch to Mercedes and the media frenzy the speculation has produced shows no signs of dying down.
Upon his arrival in Far East, Hamilton made clear he had nothing to add regarding his 2013 plans, but Whitmarsh wasn’t able to escape a grilling during Friday’s official FIA press conference.
First Whitmarsh dodged a question about whether he had underestimated the Hamilton/Mercedes situation, then another asking him if he now accepted ‘that Lewis has an offer from Mercedes’.
Likewise, a question on whether he has started to think of a possible replacement, should Hamilton leave, was also brushed aside.
Asked why it is taking so long to reach a solution, Whitmarsh explained:
“It seems a long time because of all the speculation, but when you sit down and seriously put your mind to entering into a new contract it doesn't take too long. I think it's a question of priorities and other things we've been doing.”
But are McLaren trying to pay Hamilton less? “I'm sure he will want more money and I'm sure we will want to pay less - that's how business normally works.”
Whitmarsh did his best to remind the media that McLaren has won the last three races and that Hamilton is second in the World Championship, 37 points from Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso with seven rounds remaining.
“I think over the last three races we've got stronger and more focused,” said Whitmarsh, who also insisted Hamilton is not distracted by the off-track discussions.
“I think anyone who knows Lewis and witnessed Lewis last weekend [in Italy] and actually also this weekend would say he's very, very focused on doing the job.
“I think he realises that this year we have a strong opportunity to win a World Championship.”
Reflecting on the season so far, Whitmarsh conceded that McLaren hadn’t made the most of its potential.
“We're very pleased that the last three events have been on very different circuits and we've been competitive at all of them. But what we haven't done is pile in the points that we should have done, given the competitiveness of our car.
“I think after 12 or 13 races, I think we've been on the front row eleven times. We've clearly got a strong package and therefore we should be disappointed in the number of points that we don't have rather than the points that we do have.
“But you don't look back, you look forward. I think we've got quite a good development momentum so we're making the car quicker.
“I think we've got two great racing drivers who are very much focused on trying to win races and other things, so we're hopeful that we can get a result here and keep the pressure on.
“You've got to say that Fernando's done a great job to be where he is and that's going to take some effort to overhaul, but it's certainly do-able and we're going to keep pushing as hard as we can.”
On track, Red Bull’s reigning world champion and defending Singapore winner Sebastian Vettel led both of the Friday night practice sessions.
McLaren’s Jenson Button was 0.311s behind in second, with Ferrari’s World Championship leader Fernando Alonso third (+0.556s). Hamilton was fifth quickest, +0.746s.
Perez responds to McLaren rumours
F1 News
Date: 20/September/2012
Sergio Perez claims there has been no contact from any major F1 teams regarding a 2013 drive.
Earlier this week, the 22-year-old Mexican found himself dragged into the ongoing ‘will he - won’t he’ speculation surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s future.
Reports suggested that Perez, who has taken three podiums for Sauber this season, had been approached by McLaren as a ‘Plan B’, should Hamilton join Mercedes.
It wasn’t the first time that Perez has been linked with a top 2013 drive, his name having long been associated with a possible promotion to Ferrari in place of Felipe Massa.
Faced with the rumours on the eve of this weekend’s Singapore F1 Grand Prix, Perez - who finished second last time out in Italy - responded:
“There are so many rumours. Before it was Ferrari, and now it's McLaren. Always, when I have a good race, they put me in a different team.”
Asked specifically if he had been approached by a ‘major team’, Perez gave a clear “no”.
The Perez-McLaren speculation emerged shortly after Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo appeared to extinguish any chance of Perez moving to the famous Italian team next season.
di Montezemolo had commented that Perez needed more experience. Perez politely disagreed: “It’s only my second year in Formula One, but I feel ready to be in a top team and to fight for the championship. But I fully respect his opinion.”
One sticking point in any McLaren move could potentially be Perez’s existing Ferrari links. Perez signed up to the Ferrari Driver Academy, an initiative aimed at helping promote young talent, in 2010.
Perez does not believe it would be a stumbling block: “I have a nice connection to Ferrari through the Ferrari Academy, but I am just part of the Academy, not part of the Ferrari team, so it should not affect [driving for other teams].”
Perez is ninth in the World Championship, currently led by Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.
Singapore, round 14 of 20, is F1’s only night race.
Date: 20/September/2012
Sergio Perez claims there has been no contact from any major F1 teams regarding a 2013 drive.
Earlier this week, the 22-year-old Mexican found himself dragged into the ongoing ‘will he - won’t he’ speculation surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s future.
Reports suggested that Perez, who has taken three podiums for Sauber this season, had been approached by McLaren as a ‘Plan B’, should Hamilton join Mercedes.
It wasn’t the first time that Perez has been linked with a top 2013 drive, his name having long been associated with a possible promotion to Ferrari in place of Felipe Massa.
Faced with the rumours on the eve of this weekend’s Singapore F1 Grand Prix, Perez - who finished second last time out in Italy - responded:
“There are so many rumours. Before it was Ferrari, and now it's McLaren. Always, when I have a good race, they put me in a different team.”
Asked specifically if he had been approached by a ‘major team’, Perez gave a clear “no”.
The Perez-McLaren speculation emerged shortly after Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo appeared to extinguish any chance of Perez moving to the famous Italian team next season.
di Montezemolo had commented that Perez needed more experience. Perez politely disagreed: “It’s only my second year in Formula One, but I feel ready to be in a top team and to fight for the championship. But I fully respect his opinion.”
One sticking point in any McLaren move could potentially be Perez’s existing Ferrari links. Perez signed up to the Ferrari Driver Academy, an initiative aimed at helping promote young talent, in 2010.
Perez does not believe it would be a stumbling block: “I have a nice connection to Ferrari through the Ferrari Academy, but I am just part of the Academy, not part of the Ferrari team, so it should not affect [driving for other teams].”
Perez is ninth in the World Championship, currently led by Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.
Singapore, round 14 of 20, is F1’s only night race.
Pedrosa’s title hopes in tatters after Misano ‘chaos’
MotoGP News
Date: 16/September/2012
Dani Pedrosa’s hopes of finally winning a MotoGP title are in tatters after a string of incidents ended with the Honda rider being punted off on the first lap of a restarted San Marino Grand Prix.
Having qualified on pole, Pedrosa entered the race looking for his third victory in a row to further reduce Jorge Lorenzo’s 13-point title lead.
But he left having dropped 38 points behind after a catalogue of problems, which began when the first race start was halted at the last second after Karel Abraham stalled on the grid.
When Pedrosa’s Repsol Honda mechanics tried to remove his front tyre warmer just before the restart they found the front wheel locked. They then briefly moved the bike to pit lane where the wheel was freed and tyre warmer removed before returning to the grid and restarting the bike.
Although no rider had left the grid to start the sighing lap before Pedrosa returned, the incident forced the Spanish star to start from the back of the grid.
Pedrosa looked to have put the drama behind him as he charged into the top ten early in the race, only to be hit from behind by compatriot Hector Barbera - launching Pedrosa into the air and his first retirement of the year.
Pedrosa said: “It's was total chaos and many things happened at the same time. It all began with the restart because the procedure was not at all clear. Nobody knew if it was one minute, three minutes, warmers on or off… We were also getting different information about the number of laps, 26, 27…
“Then suddenly we were told it was 1 minute to the start of the race, with no board signage, nothing. The mechanics were rushing to prepare and when they tried to take off the warmers my front wheel was somehow locked, they tried to unlocked it but they weren't able to and due to the 1 minute warning - where they are not allowed to touch the bike anymore - they put me to the back of the grid.
“I tried to remain focused, not make any mistake on the first lap, make clear moves to overtake riders and I was 8th or 9th by the sixth corner when Barberá hit me from behind, and that was it.”
Lorenzo maximised Pedrosa’s loss by leading from start to finish - and Pedrosa claimed he could still have won from last on the grid.
“I'm very upset because even it's easy to say now, I think I could have had a chance to win this race, even starting from the last place on the grid.
“Now the Championship is obviously more uphill for me, but I will continue the same way. We have done everything we could so far, the bike is working well and I'm riding well, too. So it's not over for me; there are still five races to go and we will do our best".
Lorenzo has also suffered one non-score this year, when he was hit by Alvaro Bautista at Assen.
Lorenzo said: “In Holland we were unlucky and today Dani was unlucky, anything can happen in these races. We have to be happy with our result and the point advantage we now have.”
Bautista took his first MotoGP podium on Sunday in third place, with home hero Valentino Rossi stealing the show with second place for Ducati.
Rossi said: “It’s a great result, which I’d like to dedicate to Marco Simoncelli and his family. I’d also like to thank all the guys who work with me and everyone at Ducati who are giving their best, like me: after two difficult years, we really needed that.”
The next round will be held at Motorland Aragon, Spain, on September 30.
Date: 16/September/2012
Dani Pedrosa’s hopes of finally winning a MotoGP title are in tatters after a string of incidents ended with the Honda rider being punted off on the first lap of a restarted San Marino Grand Prix.
Having qualified on pole, Pedrosa entered the race looking for his third victory in a row to further reduce Jorge Lorenzo’s 13-point title lead.
But he left having dropped 38 points behind after a catalogue of problems, which began when the first race start was halted at the last second after Karel Abraham stalled on the grid.
When Pedrosa’s Repsol Honda mechanics tried to remove his front tyre warmer just before the restart they found the front wheel locked. They then briefly moved the bike to pit lane where the wheel was freed and tyre warmer removed before returning to the grid and restarting the bike.
Although no rider had left the grid to start the sighing lap before Pedrosa returned, the incident forced the Spanish star to start from the back of the grid.
Pedrosa looked to have put the drama behind him as he charged into the top ten early in the race, only to be hit from behind by compatriot Hector Barbera - launching Pedrosa into the air and his first retirement of the year.
Pedrosa said: “It's was total chaos and many things happened at the same time. It all began with the restart because the procedure was not at all clear. Nobody knew if it was one minute, three minutes, warmers on or off… We were also getting different information about the number of laps, 26, 27…
“Then suddenly we were told it was 1 minute to the start of the race, with no board signage, nothing. The mechanics were rushing to prepare and when they tried to take off the warmers my front wheel was somehow locked, they tried to unlocked it but they weren't able to and due to the 1 minute warning - where they are not allowed to touch the bike anymore - they put me to the back of the grid.
“I tried to remain focused, not make any mistake on the first lap, make clear moves to overtake riders and I was 8th or 9th by the sixth corner when Barberá hit me from behind, and that was it.”
Lorenzo maximised Pedrosa’s loss by leading from start to finish - and Pedrosa claimed he could still have won from last on the grid.
“I'm very upset because even it's easy to say now, I think I could have had a chance to win this race, even starting from the last place on the grid.
“Now the Championship is obviously more uphill for me, but I will continue the same way. We have done everything we could so far, the bike is working well and I'm riding well, too. So it's not over for me; there are still five races to go and we will do our best".
Lorenzo has also suffered one non-score this year, when he was hit by Alvaro Bautista at Assen.
Lorenzo said: “In Holland we were unlucky and today Dani was unlucky, anything can happen in these races. We have to be happy with our result and the point advantage we now have.”
Bautista took his first MotoGP podium on Sunday in third place, with home hero Valentino Rossi stealing the show with second place for Ducati.
Rossi said: “It’s a great result, which I’d like to dedicate to Marco Simoncelli and his family. I’d also like to thank all the guys who work with me and everyone at Ducati who are giving their best, like me: after two difficult years, we really needed that.”
The next round will be held at Motorland Aragon, Spain, on September 30.
Crutchlow denies ‘parts for favours’
MotoGP News
Date: 15/September/2012
Cal Crutchlow has not been given new parts and asked to help fellow Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo in this year’s MotoGP World Championship battle.
The Briton faced the rumour shortly after qualifying third on the grid, behind Lorenzo and championship rival Dani Pedrosa, at Misano on Saturday.
Crutchlow, who took his first podium last time in the Czech Republic, replied: “I wish! No there is absolutely no truth in that rumour at all. Maybe some parts will come from Yamaha in the future, but it won’t be to go and help Lorenzo for the championship.”
2012 has been a breakthrough year for Crutchlow, who came close to taking his first MotoGP pole position at the San Marino round.
The Briton was on pole with just over a minute of qualifying to go, when he was bumped down the order by championship leader Lorenzo and then Honda rider Pedrosa.
Pedrosa, who has closed within 13 points of Lorenzo after victories at the last two rounds, was just 0.018s faster than his fellow Spaniard - heightening hopes that the pair will repeat their thrilling Brno battle on Sunday.
“It will be important to have a good start because the first part of the track is quite tight,” said Pedrosa. “I don’t have a crystal ball, so I don’t know what will happen in the race, but we will do our best.”
“We are both in good shape and we both want to win,” commented Lorenzo. “It’s going to be a hard and tough six races until the end of the season. I think we are both ready, so let’s see what happens.”
With the three free practice sessions prior to qualifying ruined by damp weather, a question mark hangs over race set-up and especially tyre life.
Date: 15/September/2012
Cal Crutchlow has not been given new parts and asked to help fellow Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo in this year’s MotoGP World Championship battle.
The Briton faced the rumour shortly after qualifying third on the grid, behind Lorenzo and championship rival Dani Pedrosa, at Misano on Saturday.
Crutchlow, who took his first podium last time in the Czech Republic, replied: “I wish! No there is absolutely no truth in that rumour at all. Maybe some parts will come from Yamaha in the future, but it won’t be to go and help Lorenzo for the championship.”
2012 has been a breakthrough year for Crutchlow, who came close to taking his first MotoGP pole position at the San Marino round.
The Briton was on pole with just over a minute of qualifying to go, when he was bumped down the order by championship leader Lorenzo and then Honda rider Pedrosa.
Pedrosa, who has closed within 13 points of Lorenzo after victories at the last two rounds, was just 0.018s faster than his fellow Spaniard - heightening hopes that the pair will repeat their thrilling Brno battle on Sunday.
“It will be important to have a good start because the first part of the track is quite tight,” said Pedrosa. “I don’t have a crystal ball, so I don’t know what will happen in the race, but we will do our best.”
“We are both in good shape and we both want to win,” commented Lorenzo. “It’s going to be a hard and tough six races until the end of the season. I think we are both ready, so let’s see what happens.”
With the three free practice sessions prior to qualifying ruined by damp weather, a question mark hangs over race set-up and especially tyre life.
Abraham leads, then signs at Misano
MotoGP News
Date: 14/September/2012
Karel Abraham was the unlikely leader during Friday practice for the San Marino MotoGP round at Misano.
The Czech rider, who has scored points on just four occasions this year, went top after two sparse sessions in which only 13 of the 21 riders set a lap time due to cold, damp and windy weather.
Most of the frontrunners, including title contenders Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) and Dani (Pedrosa) chose to remain in the pits throughout, awaiting the better weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
Abraham, who rides for his father’s Cardion AB Ducati team, completed a positive day with confirmation that he will remain in MotoGP for a third year in 2013.
Earlier this week Ducati had announced that the rival Pramac team would run both its satellite bikes next year.
That looked to have put the Cardion team’s future in doubt, but an agreement with Aprilia was signed at Misano that will see the team switch to ART bikes and race within the privateer CRT MotoGP category.
Abraham Jr said: “The 2012 season has regrettably been a step backwards. It’s a pity that we are finishing our co-operation with Ducati in these circumstances, but this year things haven’t been working as well as they should.
“We have been in negotiation with Aprilia for quite some time. I see it as the best possible solution.”
Team Manager Karel Abraham Sr insisted they had turned down the chance to stay with Ducati.
Abraham Sr said: “Our idea of how much development work this year’s bike needed unfortunately differed from that of Ducati. So, in spite of the fact that we had the option to continue with Ducati in 2013, we decided not to use it, and to give an opportunity to a new partner.
“Those who’ve ridden the Aprilia regard it as a high quality, reliable motorcycle, and even more importantly, the support from the Aprilia factory allows riders and mechanics from our team to participate in the development and setting up of the machine.
“For us, 2013 is going to be a year of testing and improving set up of the bike. In 2014 new technical rules will be coming into force that will move the CRT category very close to the factory bikes.”
Abraham Jr, 22, took one race victory in the Moto2 class before reaching MotoGP. Abraham’s best MotoGP race result is seventh place, in 2011.
Date: 14/September/2012
Karel Abraham was the unlikely leader during Friday practice for the San Marino MotoGP round at Misano.
The Czech rider, who has scored points on just four occasions this year, went top after two sparse sessions in which only 13 of the 21 riders set a lap time due to cold, damp and windy weather.
Most of the frontrunners, including title contenders Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) and Dani (Pedrosa) chose to remain in the pits throughout, awaiting the better weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
Abraham, who rides for his father’s Cardion AB Ducati team, completed a positive day with confirmation that he will remain in MotoGP for a third year in 2013.
Earlier this week Ducati had announced that the rival Pramac team would run both its satellite bikes next year.
That looked to have put the Cardion team’s future in doubt, but an agreement with Aprilia was signed at Misano that will see the team switch to ART bikes and race within the privateer CRT MotoGP category.
Abraham Jr said: “The 2012 season has regrettably been a step backwards. It’s a pity that we are finishing our co-operation with Ducati in these circumstances, but this year things haven’t been working as well as they should.
“We have been in negotiation with Aprilia for quite some time. I see it as the best possible solution.”
Team Manager Karel Abraham Sr insisted they had turned down the chance to stay with Ducati.
Abraham Sr said: “Our idea of how much development work this year’s bike needed unfortunately differed from that of Ducati. So, in spite of the fact that we had the option to continue with Ducati in 2013, we decided not to use it, and to give an opportunity to a new partner.
“Those who’ve ridden the Aprilia regard it as a high quality, reliable motorcycle, and even more importantly, the support from the Aprilia factory allows riders and mechanics from our team to participate in the development and setting up of the machine.
“For us, 2013 is going to be a year of testing and improving set up of the bike. In 2014 new technical rules will be coming into force that will move the CRT category very close to the factory bikes.”
Abraham Jr, 22, took one race victory in the Moto2 class before reaching MotoGP. Abraham’s best MotoGP race result is seventh place, in 2011.
Jonathan Rea chasing MotoGP dream
MotoGP News
Date: 13/September/2012
The San Marino Grand Prix at Misano will be the biggest weekend of Jonathan Rea’s career.
The Ulsterman, 25, has been plucked from World Superbike by the official Honda MotoGP team to replace injured world champion Casey Stoner.
Rea’s temporary team-mate will be Dani Pedrosa, who is locked in a close contest with Jorge Lorenzo for the MotoGP title.
It’s a once in a lifetime chance for ten-time WSBK race winner Rea, who has been rewarded for remaining loyal to Honda in the production bike World Championship,
Rea has had just three days of testing with which to try and understand the exotic RC213V prototype, carbon brakes and Bridgestone tyres.
Rea said: “The GP bike is completely different and takes time. But I’m really enjoying this learning experience and the gap between me and the bike is getting closer.
“It’s a big challenge, but also I’ve been given the best opportunity with Honda to come here on a competitive bike. It’s not always like that. It’s easier to go from MotoGP to Superbike, and land on your feet with a great package.
“The successful Superbike riders who have come to MotoGP in the past, like Cal [Crutchlow] and Ben [Spies], made their mistakes in year one, but are now two of the best riders here.
“I have no expectation to compare myself to those guys just yet. I’m just going to lap up this opportunity and hopefully I can do myself proud.”
But Rea did admit that he wants a full time MotoGP ride for 2013.
“For sure I want the possibility to come in MotoGP. It’s every young guy’s dream. My hero was Kevin Schwantz [1993 world champion], so to race in MotoGP would be an honour. My future is not in my hands right now. I’ll have to wait and see.”
Rea will be aiming to impress Honda enough to secure the Honda Gresini seat - the only remaining RCV ride not already taken for 2013.
Cal Crutchlow, the most recent rider to make the jump from Superbike to MotoGP, believes Rea has what it takes to succeed - but warned not to expect instant success.
Crutchlow, who took his first MotoGP podium last time at Brno, said: “It's great to have Johnny here. He deserves the opportunity, as do a lot of the guys in World Superbike.
“Johnny has certainly shown his speed already and it just takes time. If you look at what I did last year, it was a disaster. It took me this long to even start to be fast.”
Date: 13/September/2012
The San Marino Grand Prix at Misano will be the biggest weekend of Jonathan Rea’s career.
The Ulsterman, 25, has been plucked from World Superbike by the official Honda MotoGP team to replace injured world champion Casey Stoner.
Rea’s temporary team-mate will be Dani Pedrosa, who is locked in a close contest with Jorge Lorenzo for the MotoGP title.
It’s a once in a lifetime chance for ten-time WSBK race winner Rea, who has been rewarded for remaining loyal to Honda in the production bike World Championship,
Rea has had just three days of testing with which to try and understand the exotic RC213V prototype, carbon brakes and Bridgestone tyres.
Rea said: “The GP bike is completely different and takes time. But I’m really enjoying this learning experience and the gap between me and the bike is getting closer.
“It’s a big challenge, but also I’ve been given the best opportunity with Honda to come here on a competitive bike. It’s not always like that. It’s easier to go from MotoGP to Superbike, and land on your feet with a great package.
“The successful Superbike riders who have come to MotoGP in the past, like Cal [Crutchlow] and Ben [Spies], made their mistakes in year one, but are now two of the best riders here.
“I have no expectation to compare myself to those guys just yet. I’m just going to lap up this opportunity and hopefully I can do myself proud.”
But Rea did admit that he wants a full time MotoGP ride for 2013.
“For sure I want the possibility to come in MotoGP. It’s every young guy’s dream. My hero was Kevin Schwantz [1993 world champion], so to race in MotoGP would be an honour. My future is not in my hands right now. I’ll have to wait and see.”
Rea will be aiming to impress Honda enough to secure the Honda Gresini seat - the only remaining RCV ride not already taken for 2013.
Cal Crutchlow, the most recent rider to make the jump from Superbike to MotoGP, believes Rea has what it takes to succeed - but warned not to expect instant success.
Crutchlow, who took his first MotoGP podium last time at Brno, said: “It's great to have Johnny here. He deserves the opportunity, as do a lot of the guys in World Superbike.
“Johnny has certainly shown his speed already and it just takes time. If you look at what I did last year, it was a disaster. It took me this long to even start to be fast.”
Ben Spies moves to Ducati for 2013
MotoGP News
Date: 12/September/2012
Ben Spies will move from the Factory Yamaha team to the satellite Pramac Ducati outfit for the 2013 MotoGP season.
The Texan’s plans were officially confirmed on Wednesday, when he was named alongside Moto2 race winner Andrea Iannone at a revamped Pramac team.
Not only will Pramac expand back to a full two-rider line-up next season, it will also enjoy closer links to Ducati and - most significantly - both Spies and Iannone “will be supplied with official equipment”.
That indicates that their machinery should be all but identical to the Desmosedicis of Ducati Team riders Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso.
Spies, 28, won his first MotoGP race last season, but has endured a torrid time in 2012. Riding alongside World Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo, Spies is yet to take a podium finish after a catalogue of incidents and technical issues.
The former AMA and World Superbike champion is to be replaced by Valentino Rossi, who is returning to Yamaha after struggling at Ducati.
Spies surprised Yamaha by announcing via the internet that he was to leave the team at the end of 2012. He was initially linked with a return to WSBK, the AMA or even retirement.
While Spies is the epitome of calmness, Iannone’s nickname is ‘Crazy Joe’. The 23-year-old Italian is a twelve time grand prix winner, but has so far lacked the consistency needed for a world title challenge.
Iannone set quick lap times during recent MotoGP tests for Ducati, clearing the path for his 2013 race seat.
The signing of Spies and Iannone means that only one prototype MotoGP seat is still available for next season - the Gresini Honda of Alvaro Bautista.
The Spaniard is believed to be facing pressure for the ride from Moto2’s Scott Redding (GBR) and Casey Stoner’s Repsol Honda stand-in Jonathan Rea (GBR).
Spies and Iannone take the place of existing Pramac rider Hector Barbera and Cardion AB’s Karel Abraham.
Date: 12/September/2012
Ben Spies will move from the Factory Yamaha team to the satellite Pramac Ducati outfit for the 2013 MotoGP season.
The Texan’s plans were officially confirmed on Wednesday, when he was named alongside Moto2 race winner Andrea Iannone at a revamped Pramac team.
Not only will Pramac expand back to a full two-rider line-up next season, it will also enjoy closer links to Ducati and - most significantly - both Spies and Iannone “will be supplied with official equipment”.
That indicates that their machinery should be all but identical to the Desmosedicis of Ducati Team riders Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso.
Spies, 28, won his first MotoGP race last season, but has endured a torrid time in 2012. Riding alongside World Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo, Spies is yet to take a podium finish after a catalogue of incidents and technical issues.
The former AMA and World Superbike champion is to be replaced by Valentino Rossi, who is returning to Yamaha after struggling at Ducati.
Spies surprised Yamaha by announcing via the internet that he was to leave the team at the end of 2012. He was initially linked with a return to WSBK, the AMA or even retirement.
While Spies is the epitome of calmness, Iannone’s nickname is ‘Crazy Joe’. The 23-year-old Italian is a twelve time grand prix winner, but has so far lacked the consistency needed for a world title challenge.
Iannone set quick lap times during recent MotoGP tests for Ducati, clearing the path for his 2013 race seat.
The signing of Spies and Iannone means that only one prototype MotoGP seat is still available for next season - the Gresini Honda of Alvaro Bautista.
The Spaniard is believed to be facing pressure for the ride from Moto2’s Scott Redding (GBR) and Casey Stoner’s Repsol Honda stand-in Jonathan Rea (GBR).
Spies and Iannone take the place of existing Pramac rider Hector Barbera and Cardion AB’s Karel Abraham.
Hamilton victory, Alonso ‘dream’ comeback at Monza
F1 News
Date: 9/September/2012
Lewis Hamilton dominated Sunday’s Italian F1 Grand Prix at Monza, but it was third place Fernando Alonso who emerged with arguably the greatest gain.
While pole sitter Hamilton only briefly surrendered the lead during his pit stop, Alonso began the race just tenth on the grid after a roll-bar problem in qualifying.
The Ferrari driver had warned he was likely to lose more of his remaining 24-point lead as a result - but instead he was able to increase his advantage to 37, over new closest challenger Hamilton.
“Absolutely perfect Sunday for us,” said Alonso. “Obviously the win was out of reach after the problem yesterday. So if you cannot win, podium is next target.
“In all the simulations and predictions we made, it was never to get a podium finish, so it’s much better than expected. Jenson [Button] was out of the race and the two Red Bulls… so perfect Sunday maybe.
“We were just concentrating on who was second in the Championship [Vettel] so we were happy for the McLarens to be strong this weekend. The race went like a movie for us, like a dream.”
But Alonso’s race wasn’t without controversy.
The Spaniard made his displeasure clear over the radio after a scary off-track moment through the flat-out Curve Grande, when Red Bull’s reigning champion Sebastian Vettel firmly closed the door on an attempted overtake
It looked like a repeat of the unpunished move Alonso had used on Vettel at the same turn one year ago. However this time the Race Stewards felt it was too strong and Vettel received a drive-through penalty.
“I don't want to comment on the penalty he received, but what he did was definitely on the limit,” said Alonso.
“Last year it was not penalised, this year it has been. I think there is a big difference for the people who understand this movement.”
Alonso added that the incident also cost him some performance.
“I'm sure the car was damaged because at 330kph you are jumping over the gravel. I don't think that the floor and everything could be completely fine after that.”
Vettel’s day got even worse when he was forced to retire from sixth place with just five laps to go, after a repeat of the alternator failure that cost him victory at Valencia earlier this year.
The German, who had arrived in Italy second to Alonso in the standings, has now dropped to fourth place, 39-points behind Alonso.
Meanwhile, Hamilton was left untroubled to claim an Alonso-matching third win of the year, on a day when McLaren team-mate Jenson Button was forced out of second place by a technical problem.
Hamilton said: “It’s been fantastic to win here. Very, very special. I've been coming here since I was 13. I really do genuinely love the people here and the culture and the food and the country itself.
“I put the [Italian] flag on my helmet just as a sign of respect. This is a very historic circuit and when I was driving, I was thinking that all of the greats have won here so to finally get a win here is just the icing on the cake.
“It was a pretty trouble-free race and the guys did a great job through the pitstop. And I got a good start for once. It would have been fantastic for the team to have first and second. I don’t know what went on with Jenson’s car, but it was very unfortunate.”
Also on the podium was Sauber driver Sergio Perez, who made use of a smart tyre strategy to overhaul Alonso for a late second place.
Perez, linked to Felipe Massa’s Ferrari seat for 2013, said: “I went for the prime tyres at the start and then I stopped very late in my first stint and I had fresh tyres at the end. It’s unbelievable to get a podium in Monza, with all these people.”
Monza marked the last European round of the season. The next event will be round 14 of 20, the Singapore night race, on September 21-23.
Date: 9/September/2012
Lewis Hamilton dominated Sunday’s Italian F1 Grand Prix at Monza, but it was third place Fernando Alonso who emerged with arguably the greatest gain.
While pole sitter Hamilton only briefly surrendered the lead during his pit stop, Alonso began the race just tenth on the grid after a roll-bar problem in qualifying.
The Ferrari driver had warned he was likely to lose more of his remaining 24-point lead as a result - but instead he was able to increase his advantage to 37, over new closest challenger Hamilton.
“Absolutely perfect Sunday for us,” said Alonso. “Obviously the win was out of reach after the problem yesterday. So if you cannot win, podium is next target.
“In all the simulations and predictions we made, it was never to get a podium finish, so it’s much better than expected. Jenson [Button] was out of the race and the two Red Bulls… so perfect Sunday maybe.
“We were just concentrating on who was second in the Championship [Vettel] so we were happy for the McLarens to be strong this weekend. The race went like a movie for us, like a dream.”
But Alonso’s race wasn’t without controversy.
The Spaniard made his displeasure clear over the radio after a scary off-track moment through the flat-out Curve Grande, when Red Bull’s reigning champion Sebastian Vettel firmly closed the door on an attempted overtake
It looked like a repeat of the unpunished move Alonso had used on Vettel at the same turn one year ago. However this time the Race Stewards felt it was too strong and Vettel received a drive-through penalty.
“I don't want to comment on the penalty he received, but what he did was definitely on the limit,” said Alonso.
“Last year it was not penalised, this year it has been. I think there is a big difference for the people who understand this movement.”
Alonso added that the incident also cost him some performance.
“I'm sure the car was damaged because at 330kph you are jumping over the gravel. I don't think that the floor and everything could be completely fine after that.”
Vettel’s day got even worse when he was forced to retire from sixth place with just five laps to go, after a repeat of the alternator failure that cost him victory at Valencia earlier this year.
The German, who had arrived in Italy second to Alonso in the standings, has now dropped to fourth place, 39-points behind Alonso.
Meanwhile, Hamilton was left untroubled to claim an Alonso-matching third win of the year, on a day when McLaren team-mate Jenson Button was forced out of second place by a technical problem.
Hamilton said: “It’s been fantastic to win here. Very, very special. I've been coming here since I was 13. I really do genuinely love the people here and the culture and the food and the country itself.
“I put the [Italian] flag on my helmet just as a sign of respect. This is a very historic circuit and when I was driving, I was thinking that all of the greats have won here so to finally get a win here is just the icing on the cake.
“It was a pretty trouble-free race and the guys did a great job through the pitstop. And I got a good start for once. It would have been fantastic for the team to have first and second. I don’t know what went on with Jenson’s car, but it was very unfortunate.”
Also on the podium was Sauber driver Sergio Perez, who made use of a smart tyre strategy to overhaul Alonso for a late second place.
Perez, linked to Felipe Massa’s Ferrari seat for 2013, said: “I went for the prime tyres at the start and then I stopped very late in my first stint and I had fresh tyres at the end. It’s unbelievable to get a podium in Monza, with all these people.”
Monza marked the last European round of the season. The next event will be round 14 of 20, the Singapore night race, on September 21-23.
Hamilton rocks, Alonso ‘rolls’ in Monza qualifying
F1 News
Date: 8/September/2012
Lewis Hamilton led a McLaren one-two during qualifying for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, while Championship leader Fernando Alonso will start mid-pack after a costly roll-bar problem on his Ferrari.
Hamilton put off-track rumours about a switch to Mercedes next season to one side and beat last weekend’s winner Jenson Button by 0.123s, in what was the third pole in a row for the on-form McLaren team.
Hamilton, also fastest in two of the three practice sessions, said: “I actually had much, much better laps in practice but I can’t complain. I’m really happy for the team. Obviously they had great success in the last race with Jenson and to have us both up here is where they deserve.
“This is a beautiful track and an incredible circuit. Probably the more you drive it, the more you appreciate it. It’s such high speed. The fans here are also absolutely incredible. Such passionate people who love pure motor racing.”
While Hamilton and Button will both be seeking to join Alonso as a triple 2012 race winner, Button also has the chance to become the year’s first back-to-back winner.
It could be a close duel between the McLaren drivers for victory on Sunday, but Button doesn’t regret sharing the garage with such a strong team-mate.
He said: “I think we all love a good fight and we all love a challenge. Sometimes you think 'damn, I wish I didn't have such a competitive team-mate' but it's good because it pushes you and you can see where you are in terms of your performance in a race weekend. I think there are more positives than negatives.”
Monza’s slow first chicane is a notorious accident hot spot on the opening lap of a grand prix. Button said starting alongside Hamilton will not make a difference to his turn one tactics.
“It doesn't matter who is next to you, it's always an ‘interesting’ first corner, especially here where it's a reasonably long drag down to turn one,” said Button. “You can't plan turn one.”
Ready to exploit any turn one mishaps by the McLaren drivers will be a revitalised Felipe Massa, who starts a season-best third for home favourites Ferrari.
Massa, without a podium this year and yet to sign for 2013, said: “We will go to the grid thinking about victory.
“McLaren are very strong, they are quick, but we have 53 laps in the race and we know how different the race can be compared to qualifying, so for sure I want to try everything I can.
“It's a very important race tomorrow for me but also for the team. When you race for Ferrari you always have a lot of pressure.”
The pressure will certainly be on Massa’s team-mate Alonso, after sinking to just tenth on the grid due to a problem with the rear roll-bar in the final part of qualifying.
Alonso, who had been just 0.001s slower than Hamilton in Saturday morning practice, said: “I think I could have got pole today, but instead I find myself tenth. A real shame, but these things happen and there’s no point in crying over it.
“The problem will be fixed for tomorrow, but of course this result changes everything as far as the race is concerned: we had the chance to increase our lead over our closest rivals, but now, it’s likely that at least some of them will make up ground on me.
“We will try and pick up as many points as possible, maybe getting ahead of some of my direct competitors.”
The Spaniard holds a reduced 24-point lead over Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel after being eliminated in the first turn pile-up in Belgium. Reigning champion Vettel has qualified sixth on the grid.
Hamilton and Button are presently fifth and sixth in the Championship standings. Like Massa, neither driver has previously won at Monza.
Date: 8/September/2012
Lewis Hamilton led a McLaren one-two during qualifying for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, while Championship leader Fernando Alonso will start mid-pack after a costly roll-bar problem on his Ferrari.
Hamilton put off-track rumours about a switch to Mercedes next season to one side and beat last weekend’s winner Jenson Button by 0.123s, in what was the third pole in a row for the on-form McLaren team.
Hamilton, also fastest in two of the three practice sessions, said: “I actually had much, much better laps in practice but I can’t complain. I’m really happy for the team. Obviously they had great success in the last race with Jenson and to have us both up here is where they deserve.
“This is a beautiful track and an incredible circuit. Probably the more you drive it, the more you appreciate it. It’s such high speed. The fans here are also absolutely incredible. Such passionate people who love pure motor racing.”
While Hamilton and Button will both be seeking to join Alonso as a triple 2012 race winner, Button also has the chance to become the year’s first back-to-back winner.
It could be a close duel between the McLaren drivers for victory on Sunday, but Button doesn’t regret sharing the garage with such a strong team-mate.
He said: “I think we all love a good fight and we all love a challenge. Sometimes you think 'damn, I wish I didn't have such a competitive team-mate' but it's good because it pushes you and you can see where you are in terms of your performance in a race weekend. I think there are more positives than negatives.”
Monza’s slow first chicane is a notorious accident hot spot on the opening lap of a grand prix. Button said starting alongside Hamilton will not make a difference to his turn one tactics.
“It doesn't matter who is next to you, it's always an ‘interesting’ first corner, especially here where it's a reasonably long drag down to turn one,” said Button. “You can't plan turn one.”
Ready to exploit any turn one mishaps by the McLaren drivers will be a revitalised Felipe Massa, who starts a season-best third for home favourites Ferrari.
Massa, without a podium this year and yet to sign for 2013, said: “We will go to the grid thinking about victory.
“McLaren are very strong, they are quick, but we have 53 laps in the race and we know how different the race can be compared to qualifying, so for sure I want to try everything I can.
“It's a very important race tomorrow for me but also for the team. When you race for Ferrari you always have a lot of pressure.”
The pressure will certainly be on Massa’s team-mate Alonso, after sinking to just tenth on the grid due to a problem with the rear roll-bar in the final part of qualifying.
Alonso, who had been just 0.001s slower than Hamilton in Saturday morning practice, said: “I think I could have got pole today, but instead I find myself tenth. A real shame, but these things happen and there’s no point in crying over it.
“The problem will be fixed for tomorrow, but of course this result changes everything as far as the race is concerned: we had the chance to increase our lead over our closest rivals, but now, it’s likely that at least some of them will make up ground on me.
“We will try and pick up as many points as possible, maybe getting ahead of some of my direct competitors.”
The Spaniard holds a reduced 24-point lead over Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel after being eliminated in the first turn pile-up in Belgium. Reigning champion Vettel has qualified sixth on the grid.
Hamilton and Button are presently fifth and sixth in the Championship standings. Like Massa, neither driver has previously won at Monza.
Concerns raised over 2014 F1 engine rules
F1 News
Date: 7/September/2012
The 2014 F1 World Championship could be decided by engine reliability rather than driver skill.
That was the concern raised by some team bosses at Monza on Friday, when asked about the impact of new engine and powertrain changes for the 2014 season.
Not only will the present current 2.4 litre normally-aspirated V8s be replaced by 1.6 litre turbocharged V6s - featuring further Energy Recovery Systems - but the number of engines available to each driver will be cut from eight to five.
With testing also heavily restricted, there is a real risk that one of the engine manufacturers could dominate the 2014 season, and that some others will struggle with major reliability issues.
“The concern when you have a big change in the regulations is that you don't want an engine reliability issue, especially when you are limited to just five engines per driver,” said Lotus Team Principal Eric Boullier.
“And you don't want to have one engine and powertrain manufacturer dominating, compared with the others, so there are a lot of question marks.
“We have to rely on the governing body [FIA] to make sure that any reliability issues are fixed by the beginning of the season.”
Red Bull’s Christian Horner agreed and, with only three engine suppliers now predicted for 2014, hopes that some kind of safety net will be provided to prevent any ‘unhealthy’ advantages.
“The key thing to remember is that technology will be very new,” he said. “Basically 50 percent of the power will come mechanically and fifty percent of the power will come electronically.
“The technology will be very immature and then you're talking about homologation of engines as well at the beginning of the season. So it would be very easy to freeze in an advantage or a disadvantage which would be unhealthy for the sport.
“So hopefully there will be some constructive discussion in the coming weeks to ensure that a performance advantage or disadvantage for a manufacturer, of which potentially there will only be three, will be addressed, particularly in the early years.
“It will all converge over time but as the technology is particularly immature there could be quite large variances, certainly in the first year or two.”
A long-running concern hanging over the new engine rules is cost.
The new engines are sure to be more expensive than the present V8s, at least at first. The big question for Toro Rosso’s Franz Tost is how much prices will fall in subsequent seasons.
“It’s not possible to make it as cheap as now, because there’s a new engine, new ERS system and new batteries,” he said. “So 2014 will become an expensive year.
“Now the question, how is the price depreciation in the following years? Can we level the costs down to an acceptable amount? This we will see and I hope that we can negotiate this with the manufacturers.
“I hope the manufacturers will be as fair as they were in the past. And then I’m convinced that we will find a solution.”
Turbo engines have not been seen in F1 since 1988, after which they were replaced by normally-aspirated engines of 3.5 (1989-1994), 3.0 (1995-2005) and then 2.8 litre (2006 to present) capacity.
Date: 7/September/2012
The 2014 F1 World Championship could be decided by engine reliability rather than driver skill.
That was the concern raised by some team bosses at Monza on Friday, when asked about the impact of new engine and powertrain changes for the 2014 season.
Not only will the present current 2.4 litre normally-aspirated V8s be replaced by 1.6 litre turbocharged V6s - featuring further Energy Recovery Systems - but the number of engines available to each driver will be cut from eight to five.
With testing also heavily restricted, there is a real risk that one of the engine manufacturers could dominate the 2014 season, and that some others will struggle with major reliability issues.
“The concern when you have a big change in the regulations is that you don't want an engine reliability issue, especially when you are limited to just five engines per driver,” said Lotus Team Principal Eric Boullier.
“And you don't want to have one engine and powertrain manufacturer dominating, compared with the others, so there are a lot of question marks.
“We have to rely on the governing body [FIA] to make sure that any reliability issues are fixed by the beginning of the season.”
Red Bull’s Christian Horner agreed and, with only three engine suppliers now predicted for 2014, hopes that some kind of safety net will be provided to prevent any ‘unhealthy’ advantages.
“The key thing to remember is that technology will be very new,” he said. “Basically 50 percent of the power will come mechanically and fifty percent of the power will come electronically.
“The technology will be very immature and then you're talking about homologation of engines as well at the beginning of the season. So it would be very easy to freeze in an advantage or a disadvantage which would be unhealthy for the sport.
“So hopefully there will be some constructive discussion in the coming weeks to ensure that a performance advantage or disadvantage for a manufacturer, of which potentially there will only be three, will be addressed, particularly in the early years.
“It will all converge over time but as the technology is particularly immature there could be quite large variances, certainly in the first year or two.”
A long-running concern hanging over the new engine rules is cost.
The new engines are sure to be more expensive than the present V8s, at least at first. The big question for Toro Rosso’s Franz Tost is how much prices will fall in subsequent seasons.
“It’s not possible to make it as cheap as now, because there’s a new engine, new ERS system and new batteries,” he said. “So 2014 will become an expensive year.
“Now the question, how is the price depreciation in the following years? Can we level the costs down to an acceptable amount? This we will see and I hope that we can negotiate this with the manufacturers.
“I hope the manufacturers will be as fair as they were in the past. And then I’m convinced that we will find a solution.”
Turbo engines have not been seen in F1 since 1988, after which they were replaced by normally-aspirated engines of 3.5 (1989-1994), 3.0 (1995-2005) and then 2.8 litre (2006 to present) capacity.
Alonso fit for action - Hamilton, Massa deflect speculation
F1 News
Date: 6/September/2012
F1 World Championship leader Fernando Alonso is ready to return to the cockpit of his Ferrari at Monza this weekend, following last Sunday’s Spa-Francorchamps scare.
Alonso suffered his first non-score of the year, and whiplash, when he was caught up in a five car pile-up at turn one of the Belgian round.
The incident was triggered by contact between Romain Grosjean and Lewis Hamilton, whose cars then careered into Alonso, plus the Saubers of Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez.
Grosjean’s Lotus passed just inches from Alonso’s helmet, re-opening the debate over increasing driver protection. Fortunately the Spaniard was relatively uninjured.
“Two hours after the Spa race there was still some pain in the back, but then on Monday morning I woke up absolutely fine, feeling 100%,” said Alonso on Thursday.
“It was good news, because you never know how you will feel the day after a crash - anything can happen.”
The accident has seen Alonso’s Championship lead cut from 40 to 24 points over new nearest rival Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull’s reigning Champion having finished second to Jenson Button at Spa.
But the home Monza round has always meant more than just 25-points for Ferrari. Alonso delighted the tifosi with victory in 2010 and was third last year.
Alonso, a double world champion for Renault, said: “Monza is a special win, because for any Ferrari driver it’s a lot of support that you feel from the tifosi from today until Sunday and you want to give something back to them and the best thing is obviously a race win.
“Even if you’re not fighting for the championship, winning in Monza will be special anyway, because the podium celebration with all the people on the main straight etc is nice for anyone, not only fighting for the championship.
“So we will try to do a good race and see how many points we can make and have clear in our minds what is the priority this weekend.”
While triple 2012 race winner Alonso is contracted to Ferrari until 2016, his team-mate Felipe Massa faces an uncertain future. The Brazilian is just eleventh in the championship with a best race finish of fourth.
Massa said: “For sure, I expected to be in a different position in the championship but I'm just concentrated on my job which is driving the quickest that I can. I am frustrated with my qualifying. I'm sure that if I can improve in qualifying, I can be very strong in the races.
“I didn't sign anything for next year yet, but I think we have the possibility to sign and let's wait and see. I hope it will not take very long but let’s concentrate on the races and try to get good results. That’s the most important thing for my future as well.”
Also centre-stage in the F1 rumour mill is McLaren driver Hamilton, with recent stories claiming that he could replace Michael Schumacher at Mercedes next year.
Despite repeated efforts by the press, Hamilton refused to be drawn into the discussion.
“I’ve not really thought about it,” he replied, when asked about what Mercedes could offer.
“I don't have a deadline [to decide my future] - obviously before next season would be useful,” he joked.
“I drive for McLaren, we’ve won the last two races, we’ve got another great weekend, hopefully, ahead of us and that’s what we’ve got to focus on.”
Asked for his priorities in terms of contract negotiations, Hamilton stated that he simply “wants to win”.
“I always want to win, every year you compete,” he added. “That’s why us drivers exist and that's why the teams exist. It's just making sure you're in the right place to do so.”
Hamilton blotted his McLaren copybook at Spa by posting a picture of his and team-mate Button’s telemetry data on Twitter. The Englishman claimed he has already ‘moved on’ from the incident.
“I had the head of the PR department ask me to take the picture off [Twitter] and I did,” he said.
“I haven't spoken to [Button about it]. Don't plan to, moved on from it. Obviously it wasn't the best thing to do and it won't happen again.”
Button dominated at Spa for his second victory of the season, but remains one place and 16 points behind single 2012 winner Hamilton in the Championship. Hamilton is 47 points from Alonso.
Grosjean has been banned from this weekend’s event for causing the Spa incident. Lotus test driver Jerome d'Ambrosio, who raced in F1 for Marussia last season, will take Grosjean’s place alongside Kimi Raikkonen.
Date: 6/September/2012
F1 World Championship leader Fernando Alonso is ready to return to the cockpit of his Ferrari at Monza this weekend, following last Sunday’s Spa-Francorchamps scare.
Alonso suffered his first non-score of the year, and whiplash, when he was caught up in a five car pile-up at turn one of the Belgian round.
The incident was triggered by contact between Romain Grosjean and Lewis Hamilton, whose cars then careered into Alonso, plus the Saubers of Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez.
Grosjean’s Lotus passed just inches from Alonso’s helmet, re-opening the debate over increasing driver protection. Fortunately the Spaniard was relatively uninjured.
“Two hours after the Spa race there was still some pain in the back, but then on Monday morning I woke up absolutely fine, feeling 100%,” said Alonso on Thursday.
“It was good news, because you never know how you will feel the day after a crash - anything can happen.”
The accident has seen Alonso’s Championship lead cut from 40 to 24 points over new nearest rival Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull’s reigning Champion having finished second to Jenson Button at Spa.
But the home Monza round has always meant more than just 25-points for Ferrari. Alonso delighted the tifosi with victory in 2010 and was third last year.
Alonso, a double world champion for Renault, said: “Monza is a special win, because for any Ferrari driver it’s a lot of support that you feel from the tifosi from today until Sunday and you want to give something back to them and the best thing is obviously a race win.
“Even if you’re not fighting for the championship, winning in Monza will be special anyway, because the podium celebration with all the people on the main straight etc is nice for anyone, not only fighting for the championship.
“So we will try to do a good race and see how many points we can make and have clear in our minds what is the priority this weekend.”
While triple 2012 race winner Alonso is contracted to Ferrari until 2016, his team-mate Felipe Massa faces an uncertain future. The Brazilian is just eleventh in the championship with a best race finish of fourth.
Massa said: “For sure, I expected to be in a different position in the championship but I'm just concentrated on my job which is driving the quickest that I can. I am frustrated with my qualifying. I'm sure that if I can improve in qualifying, I can be very strong in the races.
“I didn't sign anything for next year yet, but I think we have the possibility to sign and let's wait and see. I hope it will not take very long but let’s concentrate on the races and try to get good results. That’s the most important thing for my future as well.”
Also centre-stage in the F1 rumour mill is McLaren driver Hamilton, with recent stories claiming that he could replace Michael Schumacher at Mercedes next year.
Despite repeated efforts by the press, Hamilton refused to be drawn into the discussion.
“I’ve not really thought about it,” he replied, when asked about what Mercedes could offer.
“I don't have a deadline [to decide my future] - obviously before next season would be useful,” he joked.
“I drive for McLaren, we’ve won the last two races, we’ve got another great weekend, hopefully, ahead of us and that’s what we’ve got to focus on.”
Asked for his priorities in terms of contract negotiations, Hamilton stated that he simply “wants to win”.
“I always want to win, every year you compete,” he added. “That’s why us drivers exist and that's why the teams exist. It's just making sure you're in the right place to do so.”
Hamilton blotted his McLaren copybook at Spa by posting a picture of his and team-mate Button’s telemetry data on Twitter. The Englishman claimed he has already ‘moved on’ from the incident.
“I had the head of the PR department ask me to take the picture off [Twitter] and I did,” he said.
“I haven't spoken to [Button about it]. Don't plan to, moved on from it. Obviously it wasn't the best thing to do and it won't happen again.”
Button dominated at Spa for his second victory of the season, but remains one place and 16 points behind single 2012 winner Hamilton in the Championship. Hamilton is 47 points from Alonso.
Grosjean has been banned from this weekend’s event for causing the Spa incident. Lotus test driver Jerome d'Ambrosio, who raced in F1 for Marussia last season, will take Grosjean’s place alongside Kimi Raikkonen.
Button soars to Spa win, Grosjean banned
F1 News
Date: 2/September/2012
Jenson Button claimed a perfect lights-to-flag victory in Sunday’s eventful Belgian F1 Grand Prix, marking his 14th career win and first ever at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Button used his pole position to safely negotiate the turn one hairpin, escaping the carnage that saw five drivers eliminated after a collision between Button’s McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Romain Grosjean.
Grosjean, who began the race in eighth, had turned diagonally across seventh-place starter Hamilton as the field shuffled towards turn one.
Hamilton became pinched between the Lotus and the inside of the track, with his front-left wheel hitting Grosjean’s rear. The pair then slammed into the Saubers of Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez, plus World Championship leader Fernando Alonso.
Alonso was lucky to escape injury when Grosjean’s car bounced across the nose of his Ferrari. Hamilton made his feelings clear as he climbed out of the cockpit and remonstrated with Grosjean, pointing to his helmet in a ‘What were you thinking?’ type-gesture.
Grosjean, 26, is competing in his first full F1 season. He has taken three podiums, but also been involved in several early-race incidents. The FIA appears to have lost patience, banning the Frenchman from next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza and fining him 50,000 Euros.
An FIA statement declared: “The [race] stewards regard this incident as an extremely serious breach of the regulations which had the potential to cause injury to others. It eliminated leading championship contenders from the race.
"The stewards note the team conceded the action of the driver was an extremely serious mistake and an error of judgement. Neither the team nor the driver made any submission in mitigation of penalty.”
A bitterly disappointed Grosjean responded: “When your life is all about racing, not being allowed to attend an event is probably one of the worst experiences you can go through. That said, I do respect the verdict of the Stewards.”
Reflecting on the incident, Grosjean said that he believed he was clear of Hamilton.
“I honestly thought I was ahead of him and there was enough room for both cars; I didn’t deliberately try to squeeze him or anything like that.
“I wish to apologise to the drivers who were involved and to their fans. I can only say that today is part of a process that will make me a better driver."
Lotus plans to field a reserve driver in place of Grosjean at Monza.
By the time Grosjean’s punishment was announced, Button had won the race by almost 14-seconds. The Englishman was never headed, even during his pit stop at half-distance.
Button said: “Turn One looked pretty crazy - in my mirrors, I could see cars all over the place.
“For me, it was all pretty straightforward though. We got to lap 12 and the team asked me how the car was feeling; I told them that the balance was getting better and better, so we were able to get to lap 20 before pitting.
“We need to score big points in both world championships - and today was exactly what we required. Until I can’t mathematically fight for the drivers’ world championship, I won’t give up on it. I think I showed that today.”
Button, who previously took victory in the Australia season opener, joins Alonso and Mark Webber (Red Bull) as the only multiple winners of the season so far. The result also moves Button up to sixth in the World Championship, 63 points from Alonso.
Red Bull’s reigning world champion Vettel finished runner-up to Button at Spa, despite starting just tenth on the grid, with the surviving Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen completing the podium in third.
Alonso’s first non-score of the year has cut his title advantage from 40 to 24 points over new nearest rival Vettel.
The Spaniard praised the safety of modern F1 cars and, although he didn’t attribute blame directly on Grosjean, felt that young drivers are picking up some bad habits in the lower classes.
Alonso said: “I’m fine, except my left shoulder hurts a bit: I went to the medical centre immediately after the accident but everything is alright, the pain only comes from the whiplash.
“I had no idea what happened: I had overtaken the two Saubers when I felt as though I had been run into by a train! I am lucky to be able to get back in the car in just a few days. The level of safety of these cars is very high and today we saw further proof of that.
“I am not angry with Grosjean, he definitely didn’t do it on purpose: it was a case of me being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Rather, I think that certain drivers should try and take fewer risks at the start: it’s a bit of a tendency currently in the junior formulae, but it would be better, if right from the start of their career, they got used to respecting more strictly the rules relating to behaviour on track.”
Monza, Ferrari’s home event, will form round 13 of 20.
Date: 2/September/2012
Jenson Button claimed a perfect lights-to-flag victory in Sunday’s eventful Belgian F1 Grand Prix, marking his 14th career win and first ever at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Button used his pole position to safely negotiate the turn one hairpin, escaping the carnage that saw five drivers eliminated after a collision between Button’s McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Romain Grosjean.
Grosjean, who began the race in eighth, had turned diagonally across seventh-place starter Hamilton as the field shuffled towards turn one.
Hamilton became pinched between the Lotus and the inside of the track, with his front-left wheel hitting Grosjean’s rear. The pair then slammed into the Saubers of Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez, plus World Championship leader Fernando Alonso.
Alonso was lucky to escape injury when Grosjean’s car bounced across the nose of his Ferrari. Hamilton made his feelings clear as he climbed out of the cockpit and remonstrated with Grosjean, pointing to his helmet in a ‘What were you thinking?’ type-gesture.
Grosjean, 26, is competing in his first full F1 season. He has taken three podiums, but also been involved in several early-race incidents. The FIA appears to have lost patience, banning the Frenchman from next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza and fining him 50,000 Euros.
An FIA statement declared: “The [race] stewards regard this incident as an extremely serious breach of the regulations which had the potential to cause injury to others. It eliminated leading championship contenders from the race.
"The stewards note the team conceded the action of the driver was an extremely serious mistake and an error of judgement. Neither the team nor the driver made any submission in mitigation of penalty.”
A bitterly disappointed Grosjean responded: “When your life is all about racing, not being allowed to attend an event is probably one of the worst experiences you can go through. That said, I do respect the verdict of the Stewards.”
Reflecting on the incident, Grosjean said that he believed he was clear of Hamilton.
“I honestly thought I was ahead of him and there was enough room for both cars; I didn’t deliberately try to squeeze him or anything like that.
“I wish to apologise to the drivers who were involved and to their fans. I can only say that today is part of a process that will make me a better driver."
Lotus plans to field a reserve driver in place of Grosjean at Monza.
By the time Grosjean’s punishment was announced, Button had won the race by almost 14-seconds. The Englishman was never headed, even during his pit stop at half-distance.
Button said: “Turn One looked pretty crazy - in my mirrors, I could see cars all over the place.
“For me, it was all pretty straightforward though. We got to lap 12 and the team asked me how the car was feeling; I told them that the balance was getting better and better, so we were able to get to lap 20 before pitting.
“We need to score big points in both world championships - and today was exactly what we required. Until I can’t mathematically fight for the drivers’ world championship, I won’t give up on it. I think I showed that today.”
Button, who previously took victory in the Australia season opener, joins Alonso and Mark Webber (Red Bull) as the only multiple winners of the season so far. The result also moves Button up to sixth in the World Championship, 63 points from Alonso.
Red Bull’s reigning world champion Vettel finished runner-up to Button at Spa, despite starting just tenth on the grid, with the surviving Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen completing the podium in third.
Alonso’s first non-score of the year has cut his title advantage from 40 to 24 points over new nearest rival Vettel.
The Spaniard praised the safety of modern F1 cars and, although he didn’t attribute blame directly on Grosjean, felt that young drivers are picking up some bad habits in the lower classes.
Alonso said: “I’m fine, except my left shoulder hurts a bit: I went to the medical centre immediately after the accident but everything is alright, the pain only comes from the whiplash.
“I had no idea what happened: I had overtaken the two Saubers when I felt as though I had been run into by a train! I am lucky to be able to get back in the car in just a few days. The level of safety of these cars is very high and today we saw further proof of that.
“I am not angry with Grosjean, he definitely didn’t do it on purpose: it was a case of me being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Rather, I think that certain drivers should try and take fewer risks at the start: it’s a bit of a tendency currently in the junior formulae, but it would be better, if right from the start of their career, they got used to respecting more strictly the rules relating to behaviour on track.”
Monza, Ferrari’s home event, will form round 13 of 20.
‘Like a win’ - Button blasts to first McLaren pole
F1 News
Date: 1/September/2012
Jenson Button took his first ever pole as a McLaren driver after a dominant qualifying performance for the Belgian F1 Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.
Having safely cleared Q1, Button signalled his speed by becoming the only driver to break the 1m 48s mark on his way to the top in Q2, then improved further during the pole-deciding Q3 shootout.
Button, who joined McLaren in 2010, said: “It’s a very special circuit for all of us and to get a pole position here does mean a lot, especially because it’s been quite a long time for me. Monaco 2009, I think.
“I know the race is tomorrow, but this feels close to winning a race for me because it’s been so long.”
Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) and Pastor Maldonado (Williams) surprised by joining Button in setting a 1m 47s lap, but Button remained almost 0.3s out of reach.
No less than three of Button’s lap would have been quick enough for pole, but the 13-time grand prix winner was at a loss to explain why:
“If I knew, it would make everything great! We just got the balance right this morning. The car’s been working really well all day. I obviously have a style where it’s often quite difficult to find a car that works for me in qualifying, but when it does we can get pole position.”
Button, winner of the opening round in Australia, is now looking to revive his season after slipping back to seventh in the championship.
“A lot of people have asked me if I can still fight for the championship. It is a long shot; I'm 80 points behind Fernando,” said Button.
“I need to be on the podium and finishing in front of Fernando at every race for the rest of the season, which is not easy, given his consistency but this is a good start.
“Yeah, a win is very important tomorrow, to fight for the championship.”
Victory on Sunday would also ease mounting speculation that Button will soon be asked to support team-mate Lewis Hamilton’s title challenge.
Hamilton is fourth in the championship - and 41 points ahead of Button - but will start only seventh on the grid.
“It's only the halfway point and maybe we haven't had enough to talk about over the five-week break so you get asked unusual questions,” Button said of the speculation.
“I'm sure Lewis is disappointed to be where he is [on the grid]. But for me, a great day and hopefully this makes our life a little bit easier tomorrow.”
Like Button, World Championship leader Fernando Alonso is yet to win at Spa, a circuit considered by many to offer the purest driving challenge.
After Friday’s practice washout, Alonso had been fastest in Saturday morning practice but was never in serious pole contention and qualified sixth for Ferrari.
The good news for Alonso was that nearest title rival Mark Webber could only manage seventh - and will be demoted to twelfth due to a gearbox-change penalty.
Red Bull team-mate and 2011 winner Sebastian Vettel will line-up in tenth, while fellow German Michael Schumacher will start his 300th grand prix from 13th on the grid for Mercedes.
Schumacher is the most successful driver at Spa, with six wins between 1992 and 2002.
Date: 1/September/2012
Jenson Button took his first ever pole as a McLaren driver after a dominant qualifying performance for the Belgian F1 Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.
Having safely cleared Q1, Button signalled his speed by becoming the only driver to break the 1m 48s mark on his way to the top in Q2, then improved further during the pole-deciding Q3 shootout.
Button, who joined McLaren in 2010, said: “It’s a very special circuit for all of us and to get a pole position here does mean a lot, especially because it’s been quite a long time for me. Monaco 2009, I think.
“I know the race is tomorrow, but this feels close to winning a race for me because it’s been so long.”
Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) and Pastor Maldonado (Williams) surprised by joining Button in setting a 1m 47s lap, but Button remained almost 0.3s out of reach.
No less than three of Button’s lap would have been quick enough for pole, but the 13-time grand prix winner was at a loss to explain why:
“If I knew, it would make everything great! We just got the balance right this morning. The car’s been working really well all day. I obviously have a style where it’s often quite difficult to find a car that works for me in qualifying, but when it does we can get pole position.”
Button, winner of the opening round in Australia, is now looking to revive his season after slipping back to seventh in the championship.
“A lot of people have asked me if I can still fight for the championship. It is a long shot; I'm 80 points behind Fernando,” said Button.
“I need to be on the podium and finishing in front of Fernando at every race for the rest of the season, which is not easy, given his consistency but this is a good start.
“Yeah, a win is very important tomorrow, to fight for the championship.”
Victory on Sunday would also ease mounting speculation that Button will soon be asked to support team-mate Lewis Hamilton’s title challenge.
Hamilton is fourth in the championship - and 41 points ahead of Button - but will start only seventh on the grid.
“It's only the halfway point and maybe we haven't had enough to talk about over the five-week break so you get asked unusual questions,” Button said of the speculation.
“I'm sure Lewis is disappointed to be where he is [on the grid]. But for me, a great day and hopefully this makes our life a little bit easier tomorrow.”
Like Button, World Championship leader Fernando Alonso is yet to win at Spa, a circuit considered by many to offer the purest driving challenge.
After Friday’s practice washout, Alonso had been fastest in Saturday morning practice but was never in serious pole contention and qualified sixth for Ferrari.
The good news for Alonso was that nearest title rival Mark Webber could only manage seventh - and will be demoted to twelfth due to a gearbox-change penalty.
Red Bull team-mate and 2011 winner Sebastian Vettel will line-up in tenth, while fellow German Michael Schumacher will start his 300th grand prix from 13th on the grid for Mercedes.
Schumacher is the most successful driver at Spa, with six wins between 1992 and 2002.
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