Hamilton, McLaren Kicks Off 2012 Formula 1 Season with Australian Grand Prix Pole

Photo Credit: Nissan/Infiniti

 

The most exotic open wheel racing series in the world opens their 2012 your this weekend on the 5.303-kilometer (3.295-mile) Albert Park circuit. With various changes during the winter off-season, the race provide the first chance for drivers and teams to apply their testing to a real-world competitive environment.

 

With the race set for Sunday, Saturday qualifying set-up a taste of what the world Formula 1 attendance can expect for the new season. The first time for 24 race machines to clock meaningful, competitive times on a race track, qualifying for the 2012 Australian Grand Prix sets up what could be a very unpredictable Formula 1 championship.

 

At the end of the first qualifying session, the dominant vehicle was the Sauber-Ferrari piloted by Kamui Kobayashi. Clocking in with a time of 1-minute, 26.182-seconds, Kobayashi was followed by the Scuderia Toro Rosso car of rookie and 2010 British Formula Three champion Jean-Eric Vergne. While Kobayashi's Sauber achieved a fastest time among the Formula 1 competitors during the Q1 session in Australia, his teammate Sergio Perez was also quick securing the 4th quickest time in the first session. Well into the top-17 cars, the Sauber team would be unable to back up their success in Q2 as Kobayashi could only muster an 13th place qualifying effort while the car of Perez suffered a gearbox ailment that will drop the driver to 23rd for the start of the Australian Grand Prix.

 

In Q2, some of the typical front-running Formula 1 efforts surged forward in the qualifying session for the Australian Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg mounted some fast times in the Mercedes GP cars. At the end of qualifying, Schumacher would hold onto a 4th place starting spot while Rosberg took 7th. In 2012, the Mercedes GP team continues to search for their first grand prix victory since buying up the Brawn GP operations following the 2009 season.

Photo Credit: Mercedes GP

 

As some of the top teams began to steal the show, the Ferrari of two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso drew eyes in qualifying in a less enviable manner. Going into turn one, Alonso kept the edge of the frontstretch grass and quickly lost control of his Ferrari. Sliding into the gravel trap, an overly optimistic Fernando Alonso waited in his car eager to get towed back onto the race track. However, the Ferrari was just too buried leaving Alonso with a 12th place starting spot. While teammate Felipe Massa was able to circulate throughout the Q2 session, his fastest time was a deep 16th starting position for the Australian Grand Prix. After the first qualifying session, the Ferrari team cars have proven to have temperamental handling that could make for a long 2012 season for Italy's favourite auto racing team.

 

While the Mercedes GP team led Q2, the final Q3 session saw the McLaren-Mercedes cars climbed to the top of the time charts. Through the end of last season, the McLaren-Mercedes cars driven by Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were zeroing in on the Red Bull Racing squad in Formula 1 competition. The first round of the 2012 Formula 1 tour held at the Albert Park circuit in Australia would see McLaren continuing on their fight back to the top the grand prix grid. Their new MP4-27 debuted brilliantly as Hamilton posted a 1-minute, 24.922-second lap time. McLaren to Hamilton teammate Jenson Button was little more than 15/100th of the pole time securing an all-McLaren front row.

 

Joining the McLaren cars on the podium after qualifying was the Lotus Renault GP racer Romain Grosjean. A big day for the French driver, Grosjean has spent several years as part of the Renault Formula 1 team as a test driver and even competed in races during the 2009 season replacing the vacated Nelson Piquet Jr. Following the third place qualifying performance, Romain Grosjean commented, “Today is like a dream come true. I only really discovered the Albert Park circuit in the dry this morning and I didn’t know what to expect." Crediting his team and the design of Lotus-Reanult new E20 race car, Grosjean added "I will not get carried away because, as the saying goes, you don’t score any points on a Saturday. We all know that Melbourne can be a very tricky race. I hope we can keep going like this all season long and in the end it will be a nice story."

Photo Credit: Charles Coates/LAT Photographic

 

Reigning Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel acknowledges the dream season of 2011 is over. “It’s the first qualifying of the year, so it’s always difficult to know what to expect, but I think what we saw today was not a surprise, the lap times were close." said Vettel admitting this year's competition will be much tougher. Throughout qualifying, the Red Bull Racing team's new RB8 vehicle in the hand s of Vettel and Australian Mark Webber would never legitimately challenge for the pole position. Red Bull-Renault race cars are seated 5th and 6th on the grid for the 2012 Australian Grand Prix.

 

One trend occurring on the Formula 1 grid through 2012 is the stepped or "duck bill" nose incorporated on the race car designs. Ferrari, Mercedes GP, Lotus Renault GP and Red Bull Racing are part of the majority that opted to take this design feature as team engineers continue to concoct way around the Formula 1 rules. Contrary to the trends, the McLaren-Mercedes MP4-27 cars that qualified 1-2 for the Australian Grand Prix feature the one traditional front nose piece.

A final note after qualifying regards the HRT F1 team. Off season preparations for the team's F112 car hit massive development delays as the vehicle needed to pass mandated FIA crash test requirements. In fact, the first track session with the new HRT F1 car didn't take place until the 5th of March (just 11 days before the Grand Prix of Australia). The HRT cars driven by Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan were hideously slow during the practices at Albert Park. Almost 2 seconds slower in qualifying than the 22rd place Marussia car, both HRT F1 ended the Q1 session outside of the minimum required lap time to start the Australian Grand Prix. Petitioning the race stewards for the chance to participate in the first grand prix of the 2012 Formula 1 season, the HRT F1 racing teams were denied entrance into the race.

 

With 22 cars taking to the grid at Albert Park, the 2012 Australian Grand Prix is set to start at 5 PM local time (2 AM in the Eastern time zone).

 

 

2012 Formula 1
Australian Grand Prix
Starting Grid

1. 4 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
2. 3 Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
3. 10 Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault
4. 7 Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
5. 2 Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
6. 1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
7. 8 Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
8. 18 Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault
9. 12 Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes
10. 16 Daniel Ricciardo Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari
11. 17 Jean-Eric Vergne Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari
12. 5 Fernando Alonso Ferrari
13. 14 Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari
14. 19 Bruno Senna Williams-Renault
15. 11 Paul di Resta Force India
16. 6 Felipe Massa Ferrari
17. 15 Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari
18. 9 Kami Raikkonen Lotus-Renault
19. 20 Heikki Kovalainen Caterham-Renault
20. 21 Vitaly Petrov Caterham-Renault
21. 24 Timo Glock Marussia-Cosworth
22. 25 Charlie Pic Marussia-Cosworth

Did not qualify:

22 Pedro de la Rosa HRT F1-Cosworth
23 Narain Karthikeyan HRT F1-Cosworth

Team Lotus will be Officially Back in Formula 1 for 2011

Photo Credit: Lotus Racing

Going by the team name Lotus Racing since applying for their reentry into Formula 1 (the arguably strongest of three new 2010 Formula 1 teams), the green and yellow grand prix cars will compete with a new-old name of Team Lotus.

A hallmark presence in Formula 1, the first time Team Lotus was inducted into the high ranks of motorsports was when wizard engineer and Lotus Cars founder Colin Chapman campaigned his vehicles at the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. Accumulating 79 grand prix victories, 7 Formula 1 constructor championships in 493 races until the team's shutdown after the 1994 season, The 2010 Lotus Racing team never wanted to consider themselves an unfaithful reuse of the British sports car name. However, since Lotus Cars was purchased by the Malaysian Proton group, the "Team Lotus" rights were within a separate entity controlled by Managing Director named David Hunt. Describing that an effort was made since the dissolving of the Team Lotus team after 1994, Hunt said "We had no idea of the huge difficulties we would have to overcome when I made that statement."

Now satisfied with the current Lotus Formula 1 organization, Hunt proudly announced willingly to allow the Team Lotus moniker back into the motorsport world. "The custodianship of the iconic brand and history now passes from me to Tony, Kamarudin and Nasa. In relinquishing this responsibility I am confident I am handing over to a team who have the financial resources, passion, energy, vision and long-term commitment to give Team Lotus the best possible chance of returning to the sharp end of the grid." Hunt Said.

Team principal Tony Fernandes shared the mutual satisfaction of claiming the iconic branding. "It was always important to us that Lotus Racing and Team Lotus could be brought together to unite the past and the present, and now we have done so."

With a new name for 2011, rumours are spreading that more changes might be upon the Team Lotus squad. Speculation surrounds the Cosworth engine within the Team Lotus Formula 1 cars could make way for another powerplant. Renault has been one name mentioned. 

Webber Outlasts Others to Win Hungary GP

Photo Credit: Lotus Racing

A tight 70 lap race on the Hungaroring circuit, the Hungarian Grand Prix greeted the 2010 Formula 1 series running their last race before a nearly one month break until Belgium. With a lot of new equipment likely to roll out by the late August race, this is possibly the last opportunity where news honestly know where they stand on the F1 grid.


Rain and thunderstorms held off for the running of the Hungarian Grand Prix as the 24 car Formula 1 field took start topped by the two Red Bull-Renaults on the grid. With Vettel leading, the second Red Bull Racing car of Mark Webber fell under attack of the Ferrari belonging to Fernando Alonso. Alonso passed Webber spliting the Red Bull-Renaults through the opening laps of the Hungarian Grand Prix.


On lap 23, a major 2010 championship event occurred as Lewis Hamilton's McLaren-Mercedes lost power. Entering the Hungarian Grand Prix as the drivers championship points leader, Hamilton left the race just prior to 1/3 race distance. A rough day overall for McLaren, Jenson Button would finish 8th in the race after struggling to find speed for much of the race weekend.


Out front, Sebastian Vettel built his advantage over the field leading by 11.7 seconds at one point. Unfortunately for Vettel, his interval on second place would soon be erased once a safety car was deployed. As a result of debris on track from both a collision between Robert Kubica and Adrian Sutil, a scary incident where Nico Rosberg's Mercedes GP car lost a wheel on pit road neccesitated the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG safety car to gather the field. Making use of the period, many of the drivers were sent to pit road for service. However, in a mind-bending move, the Red Bull Racing stayed on track to take the lead. A radically different strategy from Vettel who had pitted, Webber was also running softer Bridgestone tires which were feared to be wearing out.


With Webber remaining in the lead as the field restarted, Sebastian Vettel eased back on the accelerator allowing him to either gain more momentum to pursue his teammate or allow his teammate to run away and leave the field. This action is considered a violation of the restart procedure Cited to be a radio communication breakdown where Vettel would have been caught off-guard by the restart, the FIA nonetheless had the German bring his Red Bull-Renault down pit road to serve a drive-through penalty.


As Vettel dropped down the running order, Webber led the grand prix and was in fact gaining major ground over the now 2nd place Alonso. With the softer tires holding together, Webber pitted on lap 43 with a 23-plus second lead allowing the Red Bull-Renault to hold top position. With the gap a deciding factor, Mark Webber won the 2010 Hungarian Grand Prix adding a 4th win to his breakout season. Joining webber on the podium, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso would come home 2nd and Red Bull Racing teammate Sebastian Vettel took 3rd place disappointed with the race-costing penalty. The second Ferrari of Felipe Massa would cross the line 4th at the Hungaroring in an important race for the Brazilian. A year following a nearly-career ending (perhaps life ending) on-track incident, Massa return in 2010 should filter out any remaining demons the driver has in Formula 1 racing.

The winding corners of the Hungarian circuit also allowed two Formula 1 rookies to present their best runs of the season. Driving for Renault F1, Vitaly Petrov crossed the line 5th following up a strong qualifying run on Saturday. Nico Hulkenberg also brought has Williams-Cosworth to a 6th place result. Interesting enough, these drivers were 1st and 2nd last season in the GP2 series with Hulkenberg winning the 2009 GP2 championship.

Along with strong efforts resulting for 2010 F1 rookies, veteran Formula 1 team BMW-Sauber, which started the season seriously in peril, also ended the day celebrating both cars within the top 10. BMW-Sauber's double point-scoring day, Pedro de la Rosa led the team past the line in 7th spot. Impressive, de la Rosa's teammate Kamui Kobayashi might be earning more respect following his 9th place charge. Overcoming a dismal qualifying effort as well as a team penalty, Kobayashi would hustle his BMW Sauber-Ferrari from 23rd to 9th at the line.


With some Formula 1 drivers enjoying landmark runs in Hungary, one of the sport's legendary drivers is enduring another rough performance. For other Formula 1 race, the driving of returning 7-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher has garnered the scrutiny of the FIA stewarts. Remembering the illegal pass for position at the end of the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this season, this latest incident at the Hungaroring involved an on-track battle with former teammate Rubens Barrichello. Sparring in a aggressive fight for a prized 10th and final points-scoring position, the Mercedes GP of Schumacher exercised a reckless block on Barrichello's Williams-Cosworth through the Hungaroring's front stretch. Having played 2nd driver when the pair were teamed at Ferari, Barrichello found no reason to accept their previous arrangement sqeezing by for the 10th spot. Not only losing the point, Michael Schumacher will lose 10 grid places in qualifying for the next race at Spa as well as the racing credibility for undertaking this potentially-dangerous maneuveur.

With his latest victory, Mark Webber leapfrogs the wounded Lewis Hamilton for the Formula 1 drivers championship lead by 4 points. Sahking up to become a tight fight for the 2010 drivers crown, Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso are within 20 points of Webber with 7 races to decide the victor.

As mentioned before, the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship is on a extended hiatus until August 29th where they race the Belgium Grand Prix.


2010 Formula 1
Hungarian Grand Prix
Race results



1. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
2. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
3. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
4. Felipe Massa Ferrari
5. Vitaly Petrov Renault F1
6. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
7. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
8. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
9. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
10. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
11. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
12. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
13. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
14. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
15. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
16. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
17. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
18. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
19. Sakon Yamamoto HRT-Cosworth
20. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
21. Robert Kubica Renault F1
22. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
23. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
24. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari

Vettel to Start German GP on Pole

Photo Credit: Lotus Racing


German Grand Prix 2010 Formula 1 Starting Grid

1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
2. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
3. Felipe Massa Ferrari
4. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
6. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
7. Robert Kubica Renault F1
8. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
9. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
10. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
11. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
12. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
13. Vitaly Petrov Renault
14. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
15. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
16. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
17. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
18. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
19. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
20. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
21. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
22. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
23. Sakon Yaramoto HRT-Cosworth
24. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth

Formula 1 to Begin Monitoring CO2 Emissions

Photo Credit: Mercedes GP


On Wednesday, the FIA (Federation Internationale de l-Automobile) has commissioned that Formula 1 teams will now be monitored for the amount of CO2 emissions they produce. The program does not only encompass Formula 1 cars but the complex of entire teams as well as the sanctioning body. For example, transportation of vehicle parts from suppliers, usage of power along with other team-related functions will be monitored and calculated. In hopes, as the accounting takes place, teams within the sport will attempt to find methods to reduce their environmental impact.

By doing this, the FIA not only wants to work for teams to reduce CO2 emission production but how Formula 1 could lessen the sport's environmental impact. It is also the intent by these activities to make Formula 1 and other FIA-sanctioned events a benchmark for environmental sustainability in the auto industry.

This CO2 monitoring was a initiative that resulted from a FIA panel established in December 2008. The FIA Environmentally Sustainable Motor Sport Commission was created to examine the effects of Formula 1 and other motorsports had on the globe. Ultimately concluding that auto racing activities had little effect on environmental sustainability, the panel suggested that efforts such as the CO2 monitoring plan can provide a first step showing FIA auto racing as a relevant activity running into the future.

A comprehensive plan within the FIA, changes will likely transpire within the manufacturer chain which may include F1 teams purchasing products closer to their vehicle construction plants. Last season, Formula 1 teams were permitted to use the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology which allowed the equivalent of a 81 horsepower boost. But, of course, the technology is being phased out for 2011 with only Williams F1 committed to using KERS. Despite the KERS hardware being discontinued after this year, Chief Engineer of McLaren Tom Goss expressed to the Formula 1 official website in May that KERS could return in the future. With a major engine change expected for the 2013 Formula 1 season, the first chance for reducing greenhouse emissions will likely be incorporated in the engine format.

Hamilton's The Man in Montreal; Wins 2nd Canadian Grand Prix

Photo Credit: Lotus Racing


Saying bonjour to the Formula 1 drivers and teams for the 8th race of the 2010 season, the Canadian Grand Prix returns to the F1 circuit and Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after a one-year hiatus.

Gaining the pole through a fastest lap time Saturday around the 4.361 mile road course, Lewis Hamilton and McLaren Formula 1 team starts in a handsome position on the race grid. Even before the race began however, Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber lost his front row starting spot when the team addressed a gearbox problem on his Red Bull-Renault.

Once the race got underway, the start was shaken by contact between the Ferrari of Felipe Massa and the Force India-Mercedes belonging to Vitantonio Liuzzi. Though requiring pit service to fix car damage, the incident was not enough for the FIA to call out the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG pace car. In fact, uncharacteristic for a the past F1 outings by Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the 2010 edition of the race went on without a safety car period at any point in the event.

Head to head, the McLaren and Ferrari fought to get their driver out first. Unleashed, both Alonso and Hamilton stormed down the pit road side-by-side with Fernando Alonso just edging out the McLaren. However, shortly afterwards, Hamilton thrusted past the Ferrari F2010 for what would be a defining pass in settling the race's victor.

Remembered as a demanding track on the mechanicals of a Formula 1 car, an engine failure on Pedro de la Rosa's BMW Sauber-Ferrari and a brake issue on the Lotus-Cosworth of Jarno Trulli were the only major technical-related retirements in the race along with Bruno Senna. The only real physical attributes drivers and teams were contending with in the Canadian Grand Prix were the Bridgestone tires. While the primary compound was the hardest compound selected for the teams to run in the race weekend, several drivers faced trouble preserving their rubber. In the standout case in the Canadian Grand Prix, Mark Webber attempted to run longer on a set of primary tires only to see his nearly 11 second lead reduced to a few car lengths over Lewis Hamilton. As Webber's Red Bull-Renault fell into the grasp of Hamilton's McLaren-Mercedes, the tires on the Red Bull Racing tire were showing severe signs of shredding. Losing the large interval lead, Webber also lost any hope of a podium finish. When Webber pitted, the top-3 were led by the two McLarens of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in third spot.


Photo Credit: Mercedes GP

As the race was going well for younger drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, 7-time Canadian Grand Prix winner Michael Schumacher pressed through one of the toughest days the 41 year-old German had experienced since his F1 return. Starting 13th, Schumacher was able to lift himself into a top-10 spot inside the Canadian Grand Prix running order past halfway but would fall quickly into the gunsights of mid-mark F1 teams.

On lap 61, Sabastien Buemi in the Toro Rosso-Ferrari was able to vault himself past Schumacher started with a determined charge down the front stretch into the Senna curves. Falling to Buemi, when Felipe Massa charged on Schumacher's Mercedes GP car on the final laps, the German was intent not to away anymore championship points. As Massa attempted a move on the outside of Schumacher through the Casino stretch, the Mercedes gave no room to the Ferrari causing Massa to clip Schumacher's rear tire. Massa's Ferrari suffered a damaged front wing and would require a late race pit stop for a replacement nose piece costing him also a point-scoring finish. The incident questions whether Felipe Massa made a misjudgement or if Schumacher made a second blocking move into the corner; a move which is a no-no.

Completing the bad day for Michael Schumacher ended with a dream moment for both Force India Formula 1 team cars. Into the final lap, Vitantonio Liuzzi was working on a way past with his teammate Adrian Sutil in tow. Through a well-timed last lap move, Luizzi found an opening around Schumacher's Mercedes which provided a path for his Force India teammate to follow capturing the 10th and final point-scoring position for the Canadian Grand Prix.

For his second win in a row for 2010, Lewis Hamilton brought his McLaren-Mercedes to victory excitedly celebrating in the site of his very first Formula 1 pole and victory in 2007. A 1-2 for McLaren, the team effort allowed the group to launch over Red Bull Racing in the Formula 1 Constructors Championship. Joining the McLaren pair, Fernando Alonso brought Ferrari a podium effort while his teammate Massa suffered hard-luck throughout the Canadian Grand Prix event. Happy with his 3rd place finish, Alonso will be looking to the next Formula 1, the European Grand Prix in his home country of Spain. The race on the Valencia Street Circuit is on June 27th.

Performed in front of a crowd of 300,000 race fans through the 3 days of race action, the weekend of the Canadian Grand Prix has once again proven that Canadian and even American Formula 1 audiences are substantial.


2010 Canadian Grand Prix Formula 1 Unofficial Race Results

1. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
2. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
3. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
4. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
5. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
6. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
7. Robert Kubica Renault F1
8. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
9. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
10. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
11. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
12. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
13. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
14. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
15. Felipe Massa Ferrari
16. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
17. Vitaly Petrov Renault
18. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth
19. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
20. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
21. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
22. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
23. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
24. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari

Hamilton and McLaren Takes Canadian GP Pole; Red Bull Qualifying Streak Ended

Photo Credit: Mercedes GP

After sweeping the pole position spot for the first 7 races of the 2010 Formula 1 season, the Canadian Grand Prix rates as significant for Red Bull Racing as the event where their consecutive 1st place start streak ends. However, it did not occur without a stubborn fight from Red Bull Racing teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. Entering the final Q3 session, Sebastian Vettel stood only 3/100ths of a second slower than Lewis Hamilton's McLaren-Mercedes. However, as lap times continued to fall at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Hamilton lowered his own Q2 time by 4/10ths of a second. Enough to fend off the charge of the Red Bull-Renaults, his 1 minute, 15.105 second lap time in Montreal gave the Brit his first Formula 1 pole his the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year.

Making the Formula 1 pole in Montreal even more memorable for Lewis Hamilton was the fact his McLaren-Mercedes ran out of fuel coming back to the pits at the end of the Q3 session. Providing for an amusing picture as Hamilton was pushing his McLaren down the stretch along the Casino de Montreal. While an entertaining sight for fans, the F1 officials were not the least bit amused by the scene. The McLaren team was fined $10,000 for what is called exceeding the maximum allotted time for returning to pit road.

Settling with 3rd fastest, Sebestian Vettel was able to close on Hamilton with a time just 3/10ths slower than the McLaren-Mercedes, his teammate was able to sandwich his way between the two cars through Q3. 5th fastest after Q2 Mark Webber leap-frogged Vettel to led the Red Bull Racing's grand prix charge mustering a 2nd place front row position thanks to a strong Q3 showing.

In 4th and 5th Ferrari's Fernando Alonso as well as the second McLaren of Jenson Button are in excellent striking position to take advantage of any first turn collisions which might occur between the front row vehicles. With Circuit Gilles Villeneuve's first lap leading into a tight, slow Senna turn hairpin section, often breeds chao.

Deserving a chance to be mentioned, Vitantonio Liuzzi for Force India stormed to 6th on the starting grid. The defending race winner (the 20o8 race winner since there wasn't a 2009 event) Robert Kubica posted a 8th fastest effort. Winning the race with BMW-Sauber in 2008, Kubica's former team starts deeper in the grid with team cars in 17th and 18th place.



Photo Credit: Glenn Dunbar/LAT Photographic


In 2008, the team now known as the Mercedes GP team was the Honda F1 factory team. Since then, Brawn brought that shell of that team taking it to a championship in 2009 before selling majority control to Mercedes-Benz. Essentially the first race for the Mercedes factory team, the team had some encouraging runs in Friday practice and even a 4th fastest speed for Michael Schumacher in Saturday morning, the silver arrows were off target in Canadian Grand Prix qualifying. 10th fastest and about a second slower than the pole sitter, Nico Rosberg leads the team with Michael Schumacher shut-out of the Q3 time trial session in 13th place. Ross Brawn offered some perspective to the tough qualifying outing for Mercedes GP. "A very disappointing qualifying session for us today, particularly as I was quite encouraged by our performance yesterday and this morning. However when it came to qualifying, we just weren't able to put our laps together."



Photo Credit: Mercedes GP


Almost mid-way through the season, race teams of HRT, Lotus Racing and Virgin Racing are still presiding at the rear of grand prix events as they continue to search for competitive speed. However, in qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, the speed differential between the teams have been closing. Within the top times of the top-23 Formula 1 times, 4.8 seconds separate much of the 2010 Formula 1 field.


Canadian Grand Prix Qualifying Results 2010 Formula 1

1. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
2. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
6. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
7. Felipe Massa Ferrari
8. Robert Kubica Renault F1
9. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
10. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
11. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
12. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
13. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
14. Vitaly Petrov Renault
15. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
16. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
17. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
18. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
19. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
20. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
21. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
22. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
23. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
24. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth

Lewis Hamilton Captures Turkish Grand Prix After Red Bull Blunder

Andrew Ferraro/LAT Photographic


Into the 7th Formula 1 race of 2010, this year for the world tour of open wheel racing doesn't even appear to be the same grand prix season which started in Bahrain. With Ferrari ruling the today after Red Bull Racing struggled, the Austrian-based Red Bull Racing team ignited at the Malaysian Grand Prix as Sebastian Vettel won. Two races later, Mark Webber in the second Red Bull-Renault won at Spain and Monaco. Meanwhile, Ferrari has been enduring a difficult stretch since their Bahrain win.

As the Turkish Grand Prix set off, Mark Webber made the most of his 3rd straight pole position running to an early lead into the first corner. Front-row starter Lewis Hamilton's reaction time on the start in Istanbul Park was not so strong for the McLaren-Mercedes car. Sebastian Vettel's 3rd place starting Red Bull-Renault found the edge on Hamilton through off the starting grid. With Red Bull Racing cars first and second, the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix was going according to the ideal plan for the blue cars.



Photo Credit: Mercedes GP


A tame race in the early stages with only the Lotus-Cosworth pair listed as out of the race for hydraulic problems, the complexion of the Turkish Grand Prix would change on lap 41 when Vettel saw an opportunity to show up his inner-team rival Mark Webber. Always a dicey situation, the Red Bull Racing squad at the Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix in 2010 showcased the worst fears of a team owner. With the Red Bull-Renaults close together through the race, Vettel sized up his teammate Webber seeing a weakness into turn 11. Vettel placed his car on the left side planning a late braking move edging along Mark Webber's car. Depending on what driver is asked, Webber either moved over on Vettel or Vettel turned right on Webber to breed a collision between the two cars. With Vettel out of the race and Webber forced to pit road to have his front wing replaced, this Red Bull Racing ordeal saw the recent fortune of the team change. While assessed as a racing incident, it doesn't seem out of the question that Sebastian Vettel might be getting sick of playing second fiddle to Webber through 2010. Vettel, the young German, was expected to be a tour-de-force with Red Bull Racing for 2010 following some brilliant race wins through the second half of last season.

Minus the Red Bull-Renaults at the front, the McLaren F1 team took affirmative control of the grand prix. Revisiting the in-team battle of Red Bull Racing, the McLaren-Mercedes British drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button fought briefly amongst themselves for the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix lead. While the McLaren teammates behaved overall, there was a moment where Button made a hard run against Hamilton. However, as the two McLaren-Mercedes were warned by team engineers to save fuel, the front settled into a 1-2 finish for the second time in 2010 for the team (First came when Button won in China with Hamilton as the runner-up).

With his two race winning streak in Formula 1 broken, Mark Webber was able to rejoin the field for a podium finish in the Turkish Grand Prix. Powered by a Renault engine, Webber's Red Bull Racing car finished within a Mercedes sandwich as the McLaren F1 team finished in front and the Mercedes GP cars followed. Michael Schumacher led Nico Rosberg with the team with Robert Kubica bringing the factory Renault F1 organization a 6th place finish.

Another hard Formula 1 race for Ferrari in 2010, Felipe Massa finished 7th while Fernando Alonso gained a position off Renault F1's Vitaly Petrov when their side-by-side battle through the late laps. When the Ferrari and Renault made contact on lap 54, Petrov ended up on the losing end of hte battle as the Russian's race car suffered a flat tire. Costing him not only an 8th place finish, Vataly Petrov missed a sure-chance to gain driver's championship points.


Photo Credit: Lotus Racing

In the final points-paying spot, the Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi put the BMW Sauber-Ferrari in place to score an important first point for his Formula 1 career.

In Formula 1 drivers points, Mark Webber took sole possession of the top spot in the standings but stands only 5 points ahead of a resurgent Jenson Button. Within 10 points of Button of 2nd place in points, McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel are involved in making the first year with the new points system interesting after 7 races.

In two weeks, the Formula 1 teams will compete on the North American continent for their only time in 2010 as Circuit Gilles Villeneuve welcomes the Canadian Grand Prix.


2010 Turkish Grand Prix
Formula 1
Race Results

1. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
2. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
3. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
4. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
5. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
6. Robert Kubica Renault F1
7. Felipe Massa Ferrari
8. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
9. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
10. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
11. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
12. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
13. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
14. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
15. Vitaly Petrov Renault
16. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
17. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
18. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
19. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
20. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth
21. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
22. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
23. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
24. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth

Webber Secures Third Straight Pole in Turkish Grand Prix

Photo Credit: Mercedes GP

Enjoying a recent hot streak, Mark Webber enters Turkey after sweeping the last both grand prix rounds in Spain and Monaco after winning those races from the pole position for Red Bull Racing. Entering Istanbul Park for the 6th annual Turkish Grand Prix, the Formula 1 tour enjoyed a week off after a dice on the narrow streets of Monaco.

The first two practices for the Turkish Grand Prix saw the McLaren team showed considerable strength as Lewis Hamilton led the first session and Jenson Button took the second practice. However, into the third practice, Red Bull Racing showed their team colours with Sebastian Vettel leading the charge over the Mercedes GP car of Nico Rosberg.

Qualifying saw Vettel leading through Q1 and Q2 sessions holding off teammate Mark Webber as the Red Bull Racing team was performing so par to continue their undefended 2010 polesitting performance. Within Q3, Red Bull Racing's Webber pulled a rabbit out of his hat to ran 8/10ths of a second faster than his top time in Q2 at 1 minute 26.295 seconds around Istanbul Park. Within zero hour of the Q3 session Lewis Hamilton with McLaren and Webber's teammate Sebastian Vettel made last ditch efforts to unseat the Australian from the Formula 1 pole. With the Red Bull-Renault of Vettel winding up 3rd and Hamilton's McLaren-Mercedes falling short of the pole by approximately 14/100ths of a second. 4th through 6th were all powered by Mercedes-Benz engines with Jenson Button's McLaren in front of the factory Mercedes GP team being led by Michael Schumacher over Nico Rosberg.



Photo Credit: Lotus Racing

Through Renault and Mercedes-Benz vehicles continued to show top pace in the Turkish Grand Prix, Ferrari appears to be struggling as the Formula 1 season progresses. Felipe Massa was the highest-qualifying driver for the factory team while customer team for the Italian sports car builder out-qualified the other Ferrari F2010. BMW-Sauber team's Kamui Kobayashi again placed the underfunded F1 team into the final round of qualifying finishing 10th overall. Fernando Alonso on the second red Ferrari could only obtain a 12th place start for the upcoming event.


Scheduled for 8 A.M. Eastern time or 2 P.M. local time in Istanbul, the Turkish Grand Prix will likely provide the Red Bull Racing drivers a chance to break their stalemate in the championship points.


Turkish Grand Prix
Formula 1
Qualifying Results

1. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
2. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
4. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
5. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
6. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
7. Robert Kubica Renault F1
8. Felipe Massa Ferrari
9. Vitaly Petrov Renault
10. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
11. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
12. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
13. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
14. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
15. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
16. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
17. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
18. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
19. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
20. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
21. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
22. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
23. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
24. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth

Mark Webber Wins Monaco Grand Prix

Photo Credit: Lotus Racing

Amidst the luxury yachts and lavish accommodations of this principality for the social elite, one of the most prestigious events on the 2010 Formula 1 schedule. Occurring May of each year, the Monaco Grand Prix has been a staple on the modern Formula 1 since 1955. Competing on the 2.075 mile race course fixated in the streets of Monte Carlo, the race is the 6th round in the 2010 tour.

With Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber snatching his second straight Formula 1 pole, the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix started on a wonderful Sunday afternoon. On the start, Webber got a clean start retaining the lead into the first turn Sainte Devote corner. Robert Kubica, having split the Red Bull-Renaults of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel with magnificent 2nd place qualifying performance in his factory Renault, immediately faced opposition from Vettel. Timing the lights perfectly, Sebastian Vettel launched his Red Bull Racing past Kubica within the first few hundred meters of the race. Taking second, Sebastian Vettel spend the event following the charge his teammate Webber was leading for the Formula 1 cars.

As the field set off, the Williams-Cosworth of Nico Hulkenberg suffered a bizarre front wing component failure running through the tunnel. Bringing out the safety car early, this was only the first of four times the field would be slowed.


Photo Credit: Charles Coates/LAT Photographic

The McLaren F1 team had been enduring a rather plain weekend at Monaco as the team's record 15 previous wins in the Grand Prix have done little to overcome the hot Red Bull Racing squad. McLaren-Mercedes driver and 2009 F1 world driving champion Jenson Button experienced an early retirement from the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix. Classified as an engine failure, it was later discovered that a piece rogue race equipment was left under the engine cover of the McLaren-Mercedes. Button's plans to defend last year's victory on the streets of Monaco ended in just 2 laps. As the race progressed, McLaren surviving car in the hands of Lewis Hamilton was able to endure the race but would only muscle a 5th place finish for the day.

With the Mercedes-Benz engines unable to catch the Renaults on the street course, Ferrari also fell short of matching performance wits of the powerplants supplied by the French auto company. However, the Ferrari F2010 managed to secure an honourable finish in the hands of Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso. Massa would lead the Italian team in the Monaco Grand Prix firmly holding onto the 4th position. The Brazilian took the Ferrari F2010 home in 4th place for his best finish since the Australian Grand Prix more than a month and a half ago. Starting in the back due to missing qualifying, Fernando Alonso left the pit lane filing into the back of the grid once the field took off. Carefully maneuvering his Ferrari past the slower Formula 1 contenders, Alonso would eventually move into the top-10 points scoring positions.



Photo Credit: Lotus Racing

On lap 30, the second Williams-Cosworth suffered a surprise rear end mechanical problem as the issue sent Rubens Barrichello's car spinning in Massenet. The FIA dispatched a safety car for a second dramatic exit of a WilliamsF1 car at Monaco. With both incidents the result of mechanical problems not the result of the drivers, team engineers will have two weeks until the Turkish Grand Prix to account for two unrelated issues.

With 4 laps remaining, the scurrying for positions led the Lotus-Cosworth of Jarno Trulli into the back of Kudan Chandhok's HRT-Cosworth. In the two-car tangle, Trulli's Lotus flipped on top of Chandhok but fortunately resulted with no injures to either driver. Bringing out the final safety car, the Formula 1 field was given a last-lap run. With no changes in the top-3, Mark Webber took his Red Bull-Renault to a second straight win for 2010 with teammate Sebastian Vettel following closely in tow. Completing a 1-2-3 finish for Renault-engined vehicles, Robert Kubica came 3rd for his 2nd podium of the season.

While the podium was locked in through much of the Monaco Grand Prix, a desperate fight deeper in the pack saw Michael Schumacher dice with Fernando Alonso for 6th place. As the safety car steered into the pits on the final lap, Schumacher's Mercedes shot past Alonso's Ferrari for the position. After the pass however, the FIA ruled that his pass occurred under the safety car period. Ultimately punishing Michael Schumacher with a 20-second time penalty dropping the 7-time world driving champion down to 12th in the final running order.

Final point standings following the Monaco Grand Prix witnesses Red Bull Racing drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel sharing the points lead with 78 points. Rallying to 6th place after starting last, Fernando Alonso earned enough points to sit only 3 points behind the Red Bull duo.

Next race for the Formula 1 schedule is the Turkish Grand Prix on May 30th.


2010 Formula 1
Monaco Grand Prix
Final Results

1. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
2. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
3. Robert Kubica Renault F1
4. Felipe Massa Ferrari
5. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
6. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
7. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
8. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
9. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
10. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
11. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
12. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
13. Vitaly Petrov Renault
14. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth
15. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
16. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
17. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
18. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
19. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
20. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
21. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
22. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
23. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
24. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth

Red Hot Red Bull Driver Mark Webber Takes Monaco GP Pole

Photo Credit: Mercedes GP

With the tight streets of Monte Carlo providing an unique spectacle to see modern 21st century Formula 1 racing machines running on one of the tour's oldest race circuits, the Monaco Grand Prix captures the lavishness and starkness the series have long gravitated towards. While the Formula 1 tour in general has been brought to the realization of exploding team budgets through the 1990s and last decade, this is only allowing this perennial to cast itself as a brighter crown jewel.

Fresh off his pole and victory in Barcelona last week, Mark Webber carried momentum onto the narrow street course netting his Red Bull Racing car the preferred 1st place grid position in tomorrow's Monaco Grand Prix. Webber's pole time in the Red Bull-Renault on the streets of Monaco matches the single lap time record set by Michael Schumacher in 2004 down to he one-thousandth of a second. As Webber scored pole, this meant the second race in a row that the Australian beat this teammate Sebastian Vettel. Vettel had it up to 3rd in the final qualifying session to just miss a 3rd consecutive Red Bull front row.

On Saturday, the Renault F1 team and Robert Kubica rose to life recording the fastest time in practice. Kubica attempted to repeat the performance through F1 qualifying. Coming roughly 3/10ths of a second short, the Renault settles for a well-earned 2nd place place dividing the two Red Bulls. "Second on the grid at Monaco is a great result for us. The car has been great all weekend and I think we got the most from it today." Robert Kubica proudly admits after the time trial session. Renault Team Principal Eric Boillier delightfully commended Kubica's effort qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix. "We are now looking forward to an exciting race tomorrow and hopefully coming away with a great result." Boillier voiced confidence for Sunday's Grand Prix.


Lorenzo Bellanca/LAT Photographic


While Webber, Kubica and Vettel showed the top pace in Saturday qualifying, one potential polesitter spent the entire session on the sidelines. After posting the fastest speeds on track through early weekend practices, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso collided with the retaining barrier in the Massenet section (also known as a wide turn 3) as an incident Alonso admitted was a driver's mistake. With the Ferrari F2010 too damaged to compete in qualifying, Fernando Alonso will start the race from the pit lane in a back-up Ferrari. The other Ferrari of Felipe Massa curbed a streak of declining qualifying efforts in 2010. Producing have second-best qualifying effort of the 2010 Formula 1 season, Massa slotted in 4th after Q3.

Having led the 10 driver group of the final Q3 session, Mercedes GP driver Nico Rosberg fell to 6th fastest for the final starting order. Rosberg was able to poke his Mercedes Formula 1 race car one position ahead of Michael Schumacher who is coming off his best finish of 2010 at the Spanish Grand Prix. Schumacher has won 5 Monaco Grand Prix races making him the winningest active driver of this prestigious Formula 1 event. Besides Schumacher, previous Monaco Grand Prix winners running this weekend includes Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Jarno Trulli.


2010 Formula 1
Monaco Grand Prix
Starting Grid

1. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
2. Robert Kubica Renault F1
3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
4. Felipe Massa Ferrari
5. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
6. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
7. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
8. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
9. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
10. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
11. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
12. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
13. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
14. Vitaly Petrov Renault
15. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
16. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
17. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
18. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
19. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
20. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
21. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
22. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
23. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth
24. Fernando Alonso Ferrari

The Red Bulls Triumph in Spain; Webber Wins First F1 Race in 2010

Photo Credit: Mercedes GP


With less than a quarter of the Formula 1 schedule in the books, the 2010 season has been full of some interesting surprises through the initial Asian and Australian grand prix rounds. With Formula 1 teams in Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, drivers, teams and fans may be watching if some form of consistency will take shape on the tour.

In pre-race speculation, the Red Bull Racing team should be the favoured operation. Achieving pole in every Formula 1 race in 2010, the Red Bull Racing team has shown little problem finding speed through the qualifying. However, with only one win so far in the Malaysian Grand Prix, the team has had minimal success in capitalizing on their prime grid positions. Starting 1-2, Mark Webber led teammate Sebastian Vettel at the start catching the start lights perfectly eager to complete the race where he's beginning.

As Webber pulled out a sizable interval on the field, the fight for position rested in 2nd place as Sebestian Vettel motored to keep the McLaren-Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton at bay early. Hamilton would eventually be able to pass the 2nd place Red Bull-Renault as the McLaren pit crew worked their magic to place the 2008 World driver champion in front of Vettel.

Behind the top-3 at the early stage of the Spanish Grand Prix, Fourth place Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso was holding off the charge given by the Italian team's storied past resident Michael Schumacher. After the mid-point of the event, Alonso found himself catching the Vettel-driven Red Bull-Renault. Due to brake fade, Sebastian Vettel spent the final 12 laps of the event holding onto his race car slipping into fourth as Alonso cleared the Red Bull driver.

While Sebastian Vettel appeared out of a podium position, a late race incident shook the front running order. With only 2 laps remaining for Hamilton, his McLaren-Mercedes suffered a left-front tire failure heading into turn 3. Tearing apart the wishbone suspension system, Lewis Hamilton came to rest safely off-track but lost his 2nd place run. Examining the tire following the incident Bridgestone engineers was confident the tire construction was not the fault for the McLaren retirement. The race team will be investigating the cause of the problem as they prepare for the Monaco Grand Prix in less than a week. Benefiting from the misfortune of Hamilton, both Alonso and Vettel were promoted on the podium.

Setting his wheels in the right place all race, Mark Webber wins the 2010 Spanish Grand Prix with a 24 second margin on the second place car of Fernando Alonso. Webber captured his 3rd victory in his Formula 1 career. All of the Australian's wins came in the past 14 grand prixs.

Inheriting the runner-up position, the Spanish crowd could care less how their native driver Alonso achieved the feat. Emerging from his Ferrari F2010, the Spaniard was cheered on to a volume surpassing the applause for the race winner.

With Sebastian Vettel finishing on the final spot on the podium, the Red Bull Racing driver best 4th place Michael Schumacher by 1.8 seconds. Collecting his best finish since has comeback to Formula 1, Schumacher was flying high on the advances Mercedes GP made on his race car. The 38 year-old German driver consistently outran his younger teammate Nico Rosberg throughout the weekend. Overall, Mercedes GP leaves the Spanish Grand Prix somewhat mystified as it seems only one driver on a given grand prix weekend can be competitive so far this season.

In one week's time, the Formula 1 tour will eager set sights on the series' most prestigious round, the Monaco Grand Prix. The Barcelona Airport in Spain has canceled numerous flights as ash clouds from the Icelandic volcano eruptions is still causing havoc for European air travel. However, unlike the trip from China, the Formula 1 convoy could move on land to Monaco without too many logistical troubles.


2010 Formula 1
Spanish Grand Prix
Race Results

1. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
2. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
4. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
6. Felipe Massa Ferrari
7. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
8. Robert Kubica Renault F1
9. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
10. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
11. Vitaly Petrov Renault F1
12. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
13. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
14. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
15. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
16. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
17. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
18. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
19. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
20. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
21. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth
22. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
23. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
24. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth

Red Bull Owns Front Row for 2010 Chinese Grand Prix after Qualifying

Photo Credit: Mercedes GP

The 2010 Formula 1 has been anything but predictable so far as the teams entered Shanghai to run the Chinese Grand Prix. In a fresh case in point, day 1 practice in China saw substantial strength coming from the Mercedes-engine teams. In both practices, McLaren and Mercedes GP held the top-4 spots on the time sheet. However, as a new day dawned over the Shanghai International Circuit, Red Bull Racing used the day 2 final practice reminded the Formula 1 world that they're the most recent winning manufacturer thanks to Vettel's Malaysia Grand Prix victory.

In qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing team made use of their found speed to elevate them to the top in final Q3 session. In a fight amongst team drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, the duo provided a titanic battle for which one would hold the preferred #1 grid position. Through the final minute, Mark Webber delivered a lap that topped a mark by Vettel. Seeking revenge after a lost opportunity to start on pole for his home grand prix in Australian, Mark Webber looked poised to start on pole until Vettel retaliated bettering Webber in the final seconds of qualifying with a 1 minute, 34.558 second time. Undefeated in grand prix qualifying so far this season, Red Bull-Renaults have been piloted to pole 3 times with Vettel and once by Webber who grabbed the previous Malaysia Grand Prix round. Red Bull Racing cars will start 1st and 2nd for the second time for a 2010 grand prix race.

Being particularly quiet through the first day at Shanghai International Circuit, a partial awaking took place within the Ferrari team as Fernando Alonso stormed through to third place with his F2010. Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa remains slightly off-pace in China climbing to the 7th spot on the grid.

A remnant to Mercedes-Benz dominance on Friday, a Mercedes GP team car was driven to 4th overall after Q3. Nico Rosberg again bested his seven-time World F1 driver champion teammate Micheal Schumacher who will be starting 5 positions back for the 2010 Chinese Grand Prix in 9th place. Rosberg's efforts also spoiled the work of McLaren Mercedes who has slotted right behind the factory Mercedes Formula 1 car. Starting 5th, Jenson Button will have Lewis Hamilton closely alongside with the start.

With the Chinese Grand Prix scheduled to run at 4 p.m. local time in Shanghai, (3 a.m. Eastern time) a very real possibility of rain showers exists for the region of China according to current forecasts.

2010 Formula 1
Chinese Grand Prix
Starting Order

1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
2. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
3. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
6. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
7. Felipe Massa Ferrari
8. Robert Kubica Renault F1
9. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
10. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
11. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
12. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
13. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
14. Vitaly Petrov Renault
15. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
16. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
17. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
18. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
19. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
20. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
21. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
22. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
23. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
24. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth

Vettel leads Red Bull Racing Front Row in Australian Grand Prix Qualifying

Photo Credit: Mercedes GP


2010 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Starting Order

1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault
2. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
3. Fernando Alonso Ferrari
4. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
5. Felipe Massa Ferrari
6. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP
7. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP
8. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth
9. Robert Kubica Renault F1
10. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
11. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
12. Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
13. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
14. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari
15. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth
16. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari
17. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari
18. Vitaly Petrov Renault
19. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth
20. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth
21. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth
22. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth
23. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth
24. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth

Formula 1: Hamilton, McLaren Leads Day 1 Practice for Australia Grand Prix

Photo Credit: Andrew Ferraro/ LAT Photographic

Following 2010 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Formula 1 teams were able to assess where there competitive program stood against the best efforts of their rivals. A quick glance at the podium following the race in Bahrain, fans of the glimmering red Scuderia Ferraris were able to cheer loudly as the team's F2010 car went to a 1-2 finish. Beyond the success of Ferarri, a certified turf war between major two Mercedes-Benz powered teams of Mercedes GP and McLaren, a Red Bull Racing mechanical struggle that proved costly for the than F1 superstar Sebastian Vettel as well as a survival of the fittest between the three new Formula 1 teams became the dominant memories of the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix.

For the second race of the 2010 Formula 1 season, the world open-wheel series team sets foot in the land down under for the Australian Grand Prix. Racing within the stunning Albert Park circuit, the 12 teams of making up the 2010 Formula 1 grid realize that this Melbourne track is also a punishing test for their new racing equipment.

In Day 1, two practice sessions took place around Australian midday. Following a ho-hum debut with his Renault F1 team in Bahrain, Robert Kubica and his formula 1 car flew to the fastest time in the initial tune-up for the 2010 Australian Grand Prix. Setting a time of 1 minute, 26.927 seconds, Kubica outran the factory Mercedes GP team's Nico Rosberg by two-tenths of a second. The McLaren Mercedes team driver Jenson Button placed third in front of the Ferrari of Felipe Massa and Sebastian Vettel piloting his Red Bull-Renault.


Photo Credit: Mercedes GP


Through the first practice, the BMW Sauber team gained exposure in a less than desirable way as the car driven by Kamui Kobayashi would bring out two red flag periods. Colliding with a track marker cone, the BMW Sauber-Ferrari's impact with the plastic marker caused the front wing assembly to break off. Sent back onto the Albert Park track for lapping, Kobayashi would learn that the front wing repair was not lasting. The aerodynamic front piece came away from the Sauber drawing the practice session's second red flag. While the first practice for Kobayashi in the Sauber was less than fruitful, the second day 1 session saw an improvement to 13th fastest.

As the second session of qualifying commenced, a light rain dampened the Melbourne race circuit. However, with the precipitation registering mostly as sprinkles, most teams continued lapping on the track on dry weather slick tires. With the track still intact for dry weather runs, the cooler temperatures of the second session also aided teams in improving their speeds over the first practice. The second practice was so fast that 9 drivers bested Robert Kubica's time in the morning.

Leading Formula 1 drivers after the second practice would be the McLaren Mercedes group led by 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton blistering around Albert Park in 1 minute, 25.801 seconds. Two-tenths behind Hamilton, Jenson Button put his car ahead of the second Red Bull Racing vehicle of Mark Webber. With Mark Webber making a fantastic showing in front of his homeland population, he was also positioned ahead of Michael Schumacher.

Two honable mentions from the second practice are Vitaly Petrov in 5th and Toro Rosso team driver Sebastian Buemi in 6th place.

Vitaly Petrov Joins Kubica in 2010 Renault F1 Team

Photo Credit: Renault F1 Team


As teams like Mercedes GP, Ferrari and McLaren F1 are taking the wraps off their competition machines, there are still a few organizations rushing through their final full-month of preparation for the 2010 Formula 1 season. The Renault F1 Team remained as one of the only returning Grand Prix teams yet to confirm drivers for both vehicles. Signing former BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica before the end of the 2009 Formula 1 season, the Renault F1 Team waited until the 31st of January to add Kubica's teammate. Alongside the Polish driver, Renault has committed to F1 rookie Vitaly Petrov to pair with Kubica.

Making his first big mark in the Russian Lada Revolution Championship, Petrov won pole in every round in 2004 and the overall championship in 2005. His latest accomplishments have been some standout runs made in GP2 races for both the European and Asia series. The 26 year old Petrov's young career is highlighted last season by a runner-up spot in the major GP2 championship behind Nico Hülkenberg (Hulkenberg has been signed to drive for Williams F1 through 2010).



Photo Credit: Andrew Ferraro /LAT Photographic

Petrov's addition comes on the team's introduction of the Renault R30 race car in Valencia, Spain. A rookie set become the first Russian driver to compete on the full 2010 Formula 1 schedule, Vitaly Petrov name was no stranger to Grand Prix insiders. At the end of 2009, Petrov was highly rumoured to be behind the wheel of a race car belonging to Formula 1 newcomer Campos Meta.

Where is the Exhaust Notes for the US F1 racing team?

On the team's official website, the US F1 Team proclaims "America's Formula One Team... On Track in 2010!". However, judging by the amount of information provided into the media, these words have yet to be verified. As committed as the other 3 new teams to the Formula 1 grid for 2010, the US F1 Team appears to be starting later into the session for planning their upcoming grand prix season. Headed by Speed channel F1 journalist/reporter Peter Windsor and a former NASCAR director Ken Anderson, we're assuming that one of the newest Formula 1 racing teams is being assembled behind closed doors.

The US F1 team remains the only team yet to officially declare even one of their drivers for their maiden voyage in 2010. Initially stating intentions of running American drivers (early wild speculation mentioned Danica Patrick and AJ Allmendinger received team courtship), the US F1 Team principal Peter Windsor has said the team will be looking more outside of their country's home base for the driver lineup. 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve and recently long-time F1 racer Alexander Wurz have been linked to the US F1 operations. Argentinian Jose Maria Lopez was reported as being the team's first addition to the US F1 driver roster in late November, but the former Renault F1 test driver's deal is contingent on securing sponsorship (allegedly totaling 8 million dollars).

Though the driver lineup is unsettled as 2009 comes near an end, this situation is not new to Formula 1. While recently F1 teams have been solidifying plans prior to the new year, previous off-seasons had often left spots vacant until late January. As engines supplier were once a massive news-making decision, the new Cosworth spec engine took one major decision out of the typical Formula 1 team building. In other race car-related news, US F1 Team announced the fabricators for their Formula 1 racing machine will be handled by the Advanced Composites Group. "The team faces a tremendous challenge to design and produce the first American-based Formula One car in more than 40 years, and ACG's composites expertise will be critical for us to meet our goals and expectations in 2010 and beyond." co-team principal Ken Anderson was quoted in a recent release.

With FIA approval, efforts of the US F1 Team remains earnest to their inclusion within the 2010 grand prix field.

Renault Firms Up Plans for 2010 F1 Season

Photo Credit: Renault F1 Racing

In the midst of still savage climate in auto racing as auto manufacturers continue to struggle for profitability, Formula 1 has experienced 3 major departures through the past two seasons (Honda, BMW and Toyota). Desiring some stability, the FIA took comfort with French auto maker Renault reaffirming its commitment to the ultra exotic open-wheel series for 2010. However, this renewal by Renault to powering the Formula 1 grid came with a concurring announcement changing the nature of their relationship in the sport.

Renault F1, the French auto maker's factory team, will now be majority-owned by a private investment partner entering into 2010. Genii Capital, a Luxembourg-based group known as specialists of new technologies and brand imaging bought what is called a 'large stake' of the Renault F1 operation as the Renault factory looks to getting the best value for their sponsorship as one of the most expensive sports on earth. Genii Capital may also be remembered from earlier this year when they unsuccessfully attempted to buy assets of the bankrupt camera innovator Polaroid. It's believed that the name of the team will continue to be Renault F1 for 2010. Robert Kubica has already been signed to drive in the upcoming Formula 1 season with a second driver still yet to be named.

Buying out Bennetton in 2002 to stake their corporate name on a Formula 1 team, Renault F1 took back-to-back constructor championships in 2005 and 2006 thanks largely to Fernando Alonso's driver crowns.

Coinciding with the sale of a major stake in their namesake Formula 1 team, Renault confirmed that Red Bull Racing will continue to run the French powerplants in 2010. Following Red Bull Racing's best grand prix season with 6 victories and a 2nd place in the manufacturer points standings in 2009, this move seemed like a natural. In fact, going into the new Formula 1 season,
the thriving Formula 1 team has retained the final major piece to enter the 2010 season with essentially the same team as the previous year. In fact, with Brawn GP undergoing a massive corporate reshuffling which includes driver changes and the rebranding as Mercedes Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing could theoretically be heading for a banner year on the 2010 Formula 1 circuit. Having existed solely as an engine supplier in the 1990s, the last F1 customer team to grab a constructors championship was Williams F1 in 1997. Disturbingly though, Renault dropped their official engine support of Formula 1 at the end of that season.

Without making firm plans beyond next year, Renault's planning for the grand prix 2010 season could either be viewed most negatively as a gradual step out of F1, making it the third time Renault withdrew from the sport. However, in a more positive mindset, it is possible that Renault reduced funding (coupled with FIA attempts to cut costs in F1) could provide a better long-term plan for seeing the diamond badge on the grand prix tour.

Bridgestone leaving Formula 1 after 2010 season

After what will be 14 seasons of Formula 1 involvement, Japanese tire company Bridgestone will be withdrawing from the series.

Running brief but unsuccessful venture into Formula 1 in the 1970s, Bridgestone returned in 1997 committed to embedding themselves deeply into F1 history. Entering in competition with the incumbent tire supplier Goodyear, this first of two so-called tire wars occurred during the 1997 and 1998 season. Though Bridgestone went winless in 1997, the 1998 grand prix season fared far better as Bridgestone secured McLaren's Formula 1 operation under the supply banner. McLaren with driver Mika Hikinnen scored Bridgestone's first victory on their first outing together on route to the 1998 F1 World Championship. As Goodyear backed out of Formula 1 after 1998, Bridgestone went unchallenged in F1 competition for several years until Michelin reentered the sport (Michelin had previously introduced radial tires to F1 in the late 1970s). Since Michelin pulled out of Formula 1 following the 2006 grand prix season, Bridgestone has been the sole tire supplier in the Formula 1 championship series.

For the still distant 2011 season, Formula 1 will need to be courted by a new tire company to supply the grand prix grid. With Formula 1 likely to pursue a sole supplier in interests of race day equality and safety, there have been few indications to a successor to Bridgestone. Michelin is currently supplying tires to the A1GP series through 2012 but will probably not have resources to return to Formula 1. Tire companeies such as Dunlop and Pirelli have also had past involvement in Formula 1.