Driver's unhappy with standing restarts for 2015

(Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo has stated that he and his rivals are not in favor of the new standing restarts that will be introduced to Formula One from next season. The FIA confirmed last week that it would introduce standing restarts following safety car periods next season, however Ricciardo has criticized the decision to introduce this change for 2015. The Australian said:

'As of next year, I don't like the standing restarts. If I could, I'd take that out, We all pretty much disagreed as far as I am aware. I will let the veteran drivers speak their minds. I've said I don't think it is the best thing. We will see what other drivers say about it.'

Ricciardo went on to say:

'I don't want to go into it too much, but in a nutshell, if you are leading the race by 20 seconds, the safety car comes out and you lose that 20 seconds advantage, then what was looking like an easy victory is now questionable. That is already a big disadvantage for the leader who has worked hard to build up that gap. Now to then put him on the start, and anything can happen at the starts, not only an accident, but you get a poor start you can be from first to fourth before Turn 1. It seems harsh on the leader.'

Prior to the final decision to introduce the standing restarts it had been proposed that Formula One could introduce the IndyCar style rolling restarts where driver's run two by two as the pace car heads down pit road. This idea never materialized.

One of the major concerns raised by the driver's is the fact that tyre temperature's will have dropped significantly and this is a major safety risk, not just to the driver's but also to spectators and marshals as restarting the race on cold tyre's could result in tyre failures which would see the tyre carcass fly off a wheel and could potentially cause injury if it came off at high speed. 

© Ben Johnston 2014

Red Bull Racing British Grand Prix Preview

(Bernard Asset DPPI for Renault Sport F1)

Infiniti Red Bull Racing head to their second home race in the space of two week's this weekend as they head to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. Last time out at the Austrian Grand Prix, at the Red Bull Ring the team endured a difficult weekend as reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel failed to finish the race, his third retirement of the season. 

Daniel Ricciardo finished the race in 8th place to collect four point's for the Milton Keynes based outfit. As a result of the Austrian Grand Prix, Infiniti Red Bull Racing head to the British Grand Prix in second place in the Constructor's championship on 143 point's, 158 behind runaway championship leaders Mercedes AMG following the Brackley based outfits 1-2 finish in Red Bull's back yard.

Sebastian Vettel is looking forward to the British Grand Prix and will be looking for an improved performance following his  retirement from last season's British Grand Prix with a gearbox problem. Speaking ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix Vettel said:

'I always like going to Silverstone, the track is incredible to drive and the British crowd that turns out to watch the weekend is always massive - whether it’s wet or dry everyone always looks like they are having a really good time. This year I will be staying in the UK after the race which is good because normally we have to leave straight after. It’s a busy time right now, we had Red Bull’s home race in Austria, the Team’s local event here and then we go to my home race in Germany! This race has an extra element as it’s so close to the factory and a lot of the staff who work so hard on the car will be watching from the grandstands with their families - I hope we can get a good result for them. As the factory is only about half an hour or so from the track a lot of the race team live nearby and can sleep in their own beds for the weekend which surely is a nice thing for them. I have good memories of Silverstone, the best must be winning there in 2009 and Mark won there in 2010 and 2012 so we have a good record at the track.

Daniel Ricciardo heads to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for the first time as an Infiniti Red Bull Racing and has done a fantastic job so far this season going up against and beating his quadruple world champion team mate Sebastian Vettel.

The Australian is currently in third place in the Driver's championship on 83 point's, 23 ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Ricciardo has stated that he is surprised that he has done so well against Vettel at this point in the championship. 

Ricciardo is also looking forward to the British Grand Prix and will be hoping that he can pick up where his compatriot Mark Webber left off last season. In 2013 Webber finished the race in second place behind race winner Nico Rosberg. Ricciardo took his first Formula One victory earlier this season when he won the Canadian Grand Prix. Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Ricciardo said:

'Silverstone is great. It’s just a great, great racing circuit. It’s fast, it’s flowing and you really get to rag your car for all it’s worth. There’s nowhere better at letting you know how very, very good an F1 car is than Silverstone, and in particular through that ultra-fast Maggots-Becketts-Chapel complex. The two hairpins at Turns Three and Four give you quite a variation of racing lines, even though they’re ‘just’ hairpins. You can push hard through the first one and sacrifice the second or you can do the contrary. The more I drive it, the more I also enjoy the new section because it creates more chances for overtaking and it’s not as straightforward as it looks. I’m looking forward to my first race with Infiniti Red Bull Racing this year at Silverstone, I know a lot of the guys are going to be watching at the track so I’ll be going at it for a good result.'

Infiniti Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner was asked: What makes Silverstone so special to which he replied:

'Well, Silverstone is a fantastic event. It’s the Factory’s local event, it’s great that there are so many fans there and it’s a unique atmosphere with all the camping and the smell of BBQs – there’s always a real buzz about the place. I’ve been going there since 1992 and you always get anticipation, in a good way, when you go through the main gates.'

Horner was also asked about his thoughts on the fans at the British Grand Prix:

'They’re among the most knowledgeable in the world and there’s a tremendous support for motor racing in the UK, not just in Formula One, but across all the disciplines of motorsport and they’re some of the most loyal and dedicated fans of all the countries that we visit. We always get a fantastic reception - they appreciate good performances, so irrelevant of the nationality of the driver, they’ve always respected the performance of a sportsman.'

The Red Bull factory at Milton Keynes is around 20 minute's away from Silverstone and like the other UK based team's Red Bull Racing's factory based staff will get the opportunity to attend the British Grand Prix which will be the 50th British Grand Prix to be held at Silverstone. Horner said:

'It’s fantastic that we’ve got so many of the factory attending the race, and we have a team grandstand so everyone can sit together and cheer on the guys on track. The factory is only about 20 minutes away from the circuit so it’s fantastic to have so many of the team attend the race, to see their cars that they work on tirelessly all year, it is their one opportunity to see them live in action. And it gives an extra element for the race team as well, knowing their colleagues and families are in the crowd supporting them.'

Horner was asked about how he feels the team can perform this weekend to which he replied:

'All things being equal obviously the Mercedes have got such an advantage at the moment it’s going to be tough to beat them, but as we saw in Montreal recently, anything can happen and we’re going to be pushing hard. Renault are working hard on their side and hopefully we can give them a bit of a run for their money.'

© Ben Johnston 2014

Standing next to a the McLaren MP4-27 at Goodwood Festival of Speed as it is fired up for a run up the hill

(© Ben Johnston 2014)

What an incredible sound!!! This is why the Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the Goodwood Festival of Speed is so popular as you have the opportunity to get up so close to machine's like this. It is a unique experience that is an absolute must for all motor racing fans.

© Ben Johnston 2014

Williams set for special home Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend

(Williams Martini Racing)

This weekend's British Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit will be a special event for the Williams Martini Racing Team because not only is it the teams home Grand Prix and the first race since they recorded their best result since the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix when Valtteri Bottas finished in third place in Austria while Felipe Massa finished the race in fourth place, Susie Wolff will drive the FW36 in the opening practice session on Friday morning.

Giovanna Amati was the last female driver to take part an official Formula One Grand Prix when she attempted to qualify for the 1992 Brazilian Grand Prix. The Williams Martini Racing Team have scored point's in every race so far this season and currently lie in 5th place in the Constructors championship closing the gap to the Sahara Force India Formula One Team.

Silverstone won't be first and indeed the last time that Susie will be behind the FW36 as she drove the car in the opening test of winter while she will also give the car a run out in the opening Friday session at the German Grand Prix. Speaking ahead of this weekend's race, Rob Smedley, Williams head of Vehicle Performance said:

' Silverstone is a very interesting circuit. It poses a real challenge to the engineers and drivers as we have to set the cars up for such high speed corners like Abbey, Copse and the Maggotts-Becketts complex. The car does have to be set up differently from other high speed circuits. The layout has high power and drag sensitivity which should suit our car this season. Depending on the temperature we can suffer from rear tyre graining, however, the hard tyre we have for the weekend could also suffer from low-temperature issues which we will have to manage.

The weather always plays a huge part in the weekend as it can change from session to session. The circuit is old-school in terms of spectators as the layout allows the fans to get a good view, which makes for a great atmosphere; there is always a full house which makes it a pleasure to go there.'

Fresh from his appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Felipe Massa will celebrate his 200th Formula One Grand Prix this weekend and ahead of the race the Brazilian said:

'Silverstone will be a special race, not just because it is the team’s home race, but also because I shall celebrate my 200th Grand Prix. British fans are passionate about Formula One and it will be great to see the support for the team. 

Silverstone is a very quick track and good downforce is needed. I really like the Maggotts-Becketts complex; it’s a really fast part of the track and very important to get right. It will be interesting to see if we can maintain the pace w'e had in Austria, but the main focus will be on getting some good points.'

Valtteri Bottas is extremely excited about the British Grand Prix following the Finnish driver's best ever Formula One result last time out in Austria where he finished the race on the podium in third place behind the Mercedes duo. Bottas said:

'I am really looking forward to Silverstone. It’s always a great event and means a lot to us as it’s the team’s home Grand Prix, so hopefully some of the guys from the factory can come up and support us as well. We are hoping for a good result again, but will have to wait and see how the track suits us. We are aiming to be strong and to build on the momentum we have coming from Austria.

Susie Wolff will drive the Finn's FW36 and in an interview with the Scottish Daily Record she said:

'I am very excited about Silverstone. It’s a massive opportunity for me and one that I’ve worked long and hard to get. I’m proud to be part of Williams. They are an iconic British team with a lot of heritage in the sport. As a British driver, taking part in the British Grand Prix is also very special, especially as it’s Silverstone’s 50th birthday.

Susie Wolff's Friday test comes just day's after Sauber affiliated driver Simona De Silvestro drove the Sauber C31 as she aims to gain a full time drive in Formula One in 2015.

Williams are in an extremely strong position to secure a strong result this weekend following their fantastic result last time out at the Austrian Grand Prix.

© Ben Johnston 2014

'

Formula set to say Arrivederci to Monza after 2016?

(© Ben Johnston 2014)

In a move that is set to anger Formula One fans around the world the sports commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone has warned that the iconic historic Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit is likely to lose its place on the Formula One calendar when its contract to host the race expires at the end of 2016.

The Monza circuit has played a pivotal role in Formula One history having staged some sensational championship showdowns and is one of the last of a breed of extremely special Grand Prix venue's like Silverstone, SPA and Monaco. Speaking to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Ecclestone said:

'Audiences are lower in Italy than anywhere, I don't think we'll do another contract. The old one was a disaster for us from a commercial point of view. After 2016, bye-bye.'

The potential of Monza losing its place on the Formula One calendar comes as a major shock but according to media reports, Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemelo is keen for the company's circuit in Mugello to host the Italian Grand Prix. Moto GP already goes to Mugello for their Italian race so it remains unclear whether or not they would be willing to share the venue with Formula One but there is always the possibility for there to be a swap where F1 would move to Mugello with Moto GP going to Monza. 

It is not set in stone that Monza will lose its Grand Prix. Watch this space.

© Ben Johnston 2014

Renault Sport F1 British Grand Prix Pr

(Renault Sport F1) 

Renault Sport F1 head to this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone following an extremely disappointing race last time out for the French engine manufacturer which saw reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel retire from the race along with the two Renault powered Toro Rosso cars. The highest placed Renault powered car at the end of the Austrian Grand Prix was Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo who finished the race in eighth place. However, this is Formula One so it is onwards and upwards to the British Grand Prix, round nine of the 2014 season.

Silverstone has always been a happy hunting ground for Renault. Last season, Mark Webber finished in second place for Red Bull Racing while Kimi Raikkonen finished the race in fifth place for the Renault powered Lotus F1 Team. 

In 2012, Red Bull Racing finished 1st (Mark Webber), and 3rd (Sebastian Vettel) using Renault power while Kimi Raikkonen finished in fifth for the Lotus F1 Team. However, this season it's a completely different ball game as the sport has a new engine formula in the 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged power unit. The Silverstone circuit has a very high speed layout and as a result fuel consumption will play a key role in the race. Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Renault Sport F1's Head of Track Operations, Remi Taffin said:

'Silverstone is one of the most interesting circuits from a Power Unit point of view. Over the years it has become known as a power track and this year will be no different with the hybrid units. In fact the high torque, low downforce cars should produce even quicker speeds than we have seen in previous years.

Over 60% of the circuit is taken at full throttle; in fact from Luffield to Stowe the ICE, turbo and MGU-H will be flat out for a total of almost 40secs. After going through Luffield the driver will accelerate down the old pit straight, reaching speeds of well over 310kph before a short lift off for Copse. The time taken from the driver lifting off to being fully back on it again is less than one second. The challenge for Renault’s engine engineers is therefore to allow the engine to effectively function as a switch, going from “fully off” to “fully on” almost instantaneously.

After Copse the car will have another 10secs of wide open throttle before the high speed turns of Maggots and Becketts. Enormous pressures will go through the internals here as the driver shifts from side to side at an average of 200kph. Then it’s back on the gas for another 15secs down the Hangar Straight. The only other place we will see this long distance of open throttle is Spa. We’ll be looking to the MGU-H to feed the MGU-K throughout this period of acceleration, not only to increase top speed but also to reduce fuel consumption.

The Wellington Loop complex will give opportunity for the MGU-K to recover energy through braking and recharge the battery. In fact this new complex is a blessing for the new PUs since the percentage of wide open throttle and quick corners would otherwise make this a very tricky race to manage in terms of the 100kg fuel limit.

It’s always a pleasure to visit Silverstone. The crowds are always huge and very passionate and knowledgeable about the sport, plus we have the added bonus of being on the home ground for three-quarters of our clients. Equally it is particularly poignant to be back here with the turbo engines after Renault debuted the first-ever F1 turbo back in 1977. We are going there in a positive frame of mind. It’s fair to say that Austria was frustrating and disappointing but we’ve looked at every scenario in a very detailed manner and are confident the failures won’t happen again. There have been changes on two levels; both technically in terms of software evolution and in terms of procedures to ensure we catch an issue before it becomes a major problem. We go there with a clean sheet of paper.'

The Renault powered team's will be hoping for a good result in Silverstone in particular the Lotus F1 Team who head to Silverstone looking for a good haul of point's after just missing out on a top ten finish last time out in Austria where Pastor Maldonado finished in 12th place while Romain Grosjean finished the race in 14th place.

© Ben Johnston 2014

Encouraging signs at Ferrari

(Scuderia Ferrari SpA)

Kimi Raikkonen has said that he is impressed and encouraged by the signs of progress that Ferrari have made since the arrival of new team principal Marco Mattiacci. The Italian took over as Ferrari team principal Stefano Domencali in April and Raikkonen says that although Mattiacci doesn't have the same knowledge of Formula One as Domenicali he is learning about the sport and the Finn believes that is good news. Speaking ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Raikkoen said: 

'Obviously he's a different person, but everybody has their own way of doing things and running things, I think it's very early days for Marco, and when he started he didn't have as much knowledge as Stefano about Formula One, but he's a very nice guy and he wants to really make a difference and know the sport. These are good signs.'

Raikkonen confirmed that Mattiacci is doing a lot of work behind the scene's at the Italian team, who have struggled in the opening half of the season. 

The Finn said that the team are just working with a different person and that sometimes change can be good and he likes working with Mattiacci after having a close relationship with Domenicali saying:

'I think he's doing a very good job. He's a very good guy to work with.'

Raikkonen heads to this weekend's British Grand Prix in Silverstone in 12th place in the Driver's championship and the Finn will be hoping for an improved performance following a difficult race at the Austrian Grand Prix last time out where he finished the race in 10th place.

© Ben Johnston 2014