Pirelli tyre designer: "Tyres will not be changed unless they're unsafe".

2013 Pirelli tyre change.

Pirelli tyre worker Joseph Bilt has told TheDRSzonef1 exclusively that 'the 2013 tyre compound will not be changed unless it is deemed unsafe'.

This statement comes amongst intense speculation that Pirelli are thought to assess their new tyres with a view to changing them.

Junior formula driver Pasquel De Minto said: "The drop off when the tyres reach their limit is too quick, when they reach the 'cliff' they just stop working altogether."

Four dry compounds for 2013 season.

"I understand that the tyres have been designed in a way that they will turn on and off at staggered times in order to compliment the racing but in my opinion this years approach is radical," he said.

"When the spectators pay for their tickets, they want to see every driver racing at the highest speed he possibly can, putting 110% into his racing. With the current set of compounds we are seeing not only, drivers' electing not to qualify so that they can save their tyres, but, during the races when we want them to be wheel- to wheel they are five or six seconds apart trying to nurse their tyres".

"I cannot see this as a positive thing for motorsport, the drivers should have more say not the tyres, they have overwhelming power at the moment and i hope that pirelli respond to our opinion," he said.

In response to these comments Joseph told us that 'Pirelli have worked hard to meet the demands of the FIA'.

Ferrari assess wear on tyre.

The FIA chose to change the compounds in order to create a more dynamic feel to the racing in 2012, President, Bernie Ecclestone recommended and authorised the new tyres following several tests.

So far in the 2013 season, though, we have already witnessed two entire tyre de-laminations, the first we have seen in several years.

Joseph said: "The tyres were tested thoroughly and Pirelli have manufactured a tyre that meets the specification of the 2013 requirements. There are several different compounds available to each time set out individually for each race".

Currently, Pirelli have four separate compounds for dry tyres along with two wet tyres and an intermediate tyre. So far this season they have been criticised by several of the top teams for their performance in races but not due to their safety.

"The only reason we would change the tyre line-up altogether would be due to safety issues, at this current moment in time we are highly satisfied with the performance of the tyres and feel no need for them to re-assessed".

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Force India Driver: 'My team are like a second family.'

Exclusive interview with Thedrszonef1:

Force India truck driver Dave Histley, enjoys a long winter break every year with his family. 

But, for the rest of the year he has to make do with travelling the world alongside some of the biggest names in Motorsport.

48-year old Dave admits the job does come with its perks, he said: "We travel to some of the most amazing countries around the world, I get to spend down time with some amazing people and every couple of weeks', we get to go racing.

Dave has been an avid Formula One fan since he was young, he told us: "I used to watch it with the old man, it's every young boys dream to race an F1 car."

"I never actually raced myself, but I followed every race, Nigel Mansell was my hero, I really enjoyed watching him."

Dave started driving trucks when he was 27 and couldn't believe his luck when he joined the F1 circus in 2003.

"I was really fortunate, a friend of mine phoned me and asked if I could drive a truck for him as a favour. It turned out to be a Toyota F1 car."

"From that weekend in Belgium, I knew that was the job that I wanted to do."

"I applied for a few jobs before finally getting one for the 2005 season and that's been me since then."

Dave, who grew up in Scotland now supports team member, Paul di Resta, but still hasn't had the chance to talk to him, "Of course, I support Paul because he is a great driver and a fellow Scot. I haven't managed to really have a chat with him yet but, he is a great guy who makes a lot of time for the guys in the team so I'm sure its a matter of when not if."

When asked what the toughest part of the job is, Dave replied: "Well, fitting everything back in is always a difficult job, but the hardest part is being away from my wife and two girls."

"Most of the other drivers' work throughout the year but when I'm back home I don't tend to work too many hours, I try to spend as much time with my family as I can."

"I really miss them when I'm away but you get to know a really great group of people who travel with the teams."

"I'd go as far as saying, they are like a second family when I'm away from home."

"The team are close-knit, we socialise a lot when we're travelling or after the circuit has closed, but over the weekend it is very busy and everyone has a job to do."

"Unfortunately not all of us drivers are able to watch every race, but, we get to see most of them."

Whilst in Europe, teams transport all of their own equipment which often means spending months away from home at any given time.

Each Formula 1 team take an average of 65 members of staff to each Grand Prix including, drivers, mechanics, engineers and caterers.

For the races outside of the continent, materials are either shipped or flown to their destination.

Dave said: "Even though the truck drivers' aren't required to drive we are sometimes required to pack the crates or return to the team base in preparation to bring any potential updates."

"It all depends really, my role has evolved over the last 10 years, now I feel more like part of the team than back then."

"Now, I feel like my role really helps the team, not just the driving, but preparing to travel with the latest updates to give the team every advantage we can."

Dave is currently at home during the three week break but is travelling to China to help the team prepare for the Grand Prix on 14th April.

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Marussia Racing

2013 Challenger- MR02

Marussia MR02 Source: Crash.net

Marussia racing a rumoured to have made the 'biggest' gain during winter testing.

With the inclusion of KERS and DRS they are aiming to remove themselves from the back of the grid and challenge in Grand Prix.

They ave acquired the highly regarded, Jules Bianchi who will drive alongside Brit, Max Chilton.

The pair of young drivers' will be trying to impressive in their rookie years and with the developments that Marussia have made they hopefully will.

Although, it remains doubtful they will leave Q1 the team can work on their race pace and who knows maybe score some points!

Caterham

2013 Challenger- CT03

Caterham CT03 Source: T3

Caterham have evolved from Lotus F1 and struggled in their first few years in F1.

The Silverstone based team often do their battle at the back of the grid fighting with the Marussia team.

This year they bring in Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde, two relatively inexperienced drivers'.

They will aim to compete with Marussia and develop the car throughout the year.

Reliability will be key to their season, in changeable conditions they just need to stay on track and they have a possibility of scoring points.

Torro Rosso

2013 Challenger- STR-8

Torr Rosso STR-8 Source: Sidepodcast

Torro Rosso claim to have made 'significant' progress during winter testing.

The sister team of RedBull Racing have managed to remain relatively independent in recent years which shows the secrets at RedBull aren't being shared.

The only on-track connection between the two teams appears to be that, every once in a while the STR-8 may have to allow Webber or Vettel to pass.

They are often close to the top of the timesheets through the speed traps however, the pace does not transfer to the rest of their laps. 

In recent years they have experienced difficulty through the low speed corners'.

Jean Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo maintained their race seats and will be hoping to impress and fight for a future seat at RedBull.

Williams

2013 Challenger- FW35

Williams FW35 Source: AutoEvolution

Williams returned to the top step of the podium last year but experienced a difficult season.

Pastor Maldonado won the Spanish Grand Prix to help Williams win their first race in almost ten years but then failed to score a single point in the following nine races.

The Venezuelan was rash at times and despite having a solid car, failed to convert the performance into points.

Newcomer Valtteri Bottas makes the step up from test driver and will hope to score points.

Williams have fallen away tragically in recent years and will be looking this year to continure to climb through the grid.

Initial reports from testing indicate that the team have a tough task on their hands.

Notably, they have adopted an abnormally shortened front wing for pre season testing although it is not confirmed as race-spec.

Force India

2013 Challenger- VJM06

Force India VJM06 Source: AusWeek

Force India have brought back former driver, Adrian Sutil for the 2013 season.

The German is joined by Paul Di Resta who was keen on a move following last years campaign.

The Silverstone based team have established themselves in the midfield of the sport in recent years but have struggled to improve on that.

Yet to win a Grand Prix that will surely be there focus for this year, albeit unlikely.

Using a Mercedes engine they will have the power to compete with the bigger teams but will have to improve aerodynamically to be able to gain consistent points.

Sauber

2013 Challenger- C32

Sauber C32 Source: AutoWeek

Sauber start the 2013 campaign with an all new line up, former Force India driver, Nico Hulkenberg is joined by rookie Esteban Gutierrez.

The new drivers' are sign of the way Sauber are aiming to go, they want to compete with Mercedes and Lotus. 

Early pre season testing has been promising and in Hulkenberg they have a driver who will aid them in the development of the C32.

They have said that in order to have a successful season they want to secure points on a consistent basis.

Mercedes

2013 Challenger- W04

Mercedes W04 Source: CarEngineering

The Silver Arrow team start this year with one eye on 2014 but, will be keen to compete to a high level this year.

After enticing former World Champion Lewis Hamilton to the team Ross Brawn will undoubtedly provide a competitive car.

However, despite incredible straight line speed last year, the team struggled to gather any real momentum and spent much of the year racing amongst midfield teams.

Rosberg and Hamilton have raced together through karting and will surely be a force to deal with. 

The tenacity associated with Hamilton will remain and with it comes a hinger to win races so don't be surprise to see the Mercedes on the podium this year.

Lotus

2013 Challenger - E21

Lotus made successful return to F1 in 2012 and claim to be 'fighting for the title' this year.

In Kimi Raikkonnen, Lotus have a race-winner, he may not be the ideal candidate to drive the development of a car, but, given a competitive car the Fin will win races.

The Lotus reacts well to a hot track temperature but the team struggled to transfer that pace to cooler conditions. They claimed a race win last year and Kimi Raikkonnen scored more podium finishes than any other driver.

Second driver, Romain Grosjean struggled to find form last year but will have benefitted from his experience.

Lotus remain a dark horse for this year who could cause a few upsets at the front of the grid.

McLaren

2013 Challenger - MP-28

McLaren MP4-28 Source: CarConnection

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes insist they are taking a 'radical' approach to the 2013 season following a disappointing campaign last year.

The Woking-based team suffered poor reliability on several occasions last year costing them race wins and possibly playing a role in the departure of Lewis Hamilton.

Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh acknowledged the lack of consistency was disappointing and the team had worked hard during the closed season to address the issues.

A lot of work has been carried out at the rear of the car in an attempt to produce more downforce and a whole new mid-section has been designed.

The prestigious team are aiming to compete for both titles' in 2013 but willl need to hit thr ground running in order to do so.

Ferrari

2013 Challenger - F138

Ferrari F138 Source: Ferrari

The Scuderia Ferrari return this year 'more determined than ever' according to lead driver Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard narrowly missed out on the World Drivers' Championship last year, challenging until the final race in Brazil.

However, it was Alonso, rather than Ferrari that took the plaudits. It was widely reported that Alonso consistently outperformed the F2012 which lacked downforce and was repeatedly described as a 'pig of a car.'

This year Stefano Dominecalli will be keen to supply Alonso with a car capable of challenging in the knowledge of how well he drove last year with a poor car.

Felipe Massa appeared rejuvenated in pre-season and will be looking to start where he left off for the 2013 campaign.

The 'Prancing Horse' are a proud team and after several low brow comments from Luca Di Motezemolo they will want to turn things around this year.

RedBull

2013 Challenger - RB9

Current Manufacturer Champions' RedBull racing return this year as Infiniti RedBull Racing. Having secured the previous three Championships they are now looking to make it four in a row.

With the youngest ever Triple World Champion, Sebastian Vettel at the wheel the odds are certainly in their favour.

An evolution of the rules will also allow design guru Adrian Newey to continue development from last years' car making the RB9 the car to beat.

Mark Webber has played second fiddle to his younger team-mate in recent years but will be looking to put up a firm title bid this year.

Team Principal Christian Horner will have to manage both of his drivers' which may prove to be a tougher task than actually winning races.

Whilst on track the performance of the RedBull is unquestionable the in-house dynamic of the team is often doubted. It will be interesting to see if Webber is given an equal playing field this year.

Malaysian GP Results

Malaysia Podium. Source: Worldcarfans

Pos	No	Driver	Team	Laps	Time/Retired	Grid	Pts
1	1	Sebastian Vettel	Red Bull Racing-Renault	56	1:38:56.681	1	25
2	2	Mark Webber	Red Bull Racing-Renault	56	+4.2 secs	5	18
3	10	Lewis Hamilton	Mercedes	56	+12.1 secs	4	15
4	9	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes	56	+12.6 secs	6	12
5	4	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	56	+25.6 secs	2	10
6	8	Romain Grosjean	Lotus-Renault	56	+35.5 secs	11	8
7	7	Kimi Räikkönen	Lotus-Renault	56	+48.4 secs	10	6
8	11	Nico Hulkenberg	Sauber-Ferrari	56	+53.0 secs	12	4
9	6	Sergio Perez	McLaren-Mercedes	56	+72.3 secs	9	2
10	18	Jean-Eric Vergne	STR-Ferrari	56	+87.1 secs	17	1
11	17	Valtteri Bottas	Williams-Renault	56	+88.6 secs	18
12	12	Esteban Gutierrez	Sauber-Ferrari	55	+1 Lap	14
13	22	Jules Bianchi	Marussia-Cosworth	55	+1 Lap	19
14	20	Charles Pic	Caterham-Renault	55	+1 Lap	20
15	21	Giedo van der Garde	Caterham-Renault	55	+1 Lap	22
16	23	Max Chilton	Marussia-Cosworth	54	+2 Laps	21
17	5	Jenson Button	McLaren-Mercedes	53	Wheel	7
18	19	Daniel Ricciardo	STR-Ferrari	51	Exhaust	13
Ret	16	Pastor Maldonado	Williams-Renault	45	KERS	16
Ret	15	Adrian Sutil	Force India-Mercedes	27	Wheel nut	8
Ret	14	Paul di Resta	Force India-Mercedes	22	Wheel nut	15
Ret	3	Fernando Alonso	Ferrari	1	Accident	3

1

1

Sebastian Vettel

Red Bull Racing-Renault

56

1:38:56.681

1

25

2

2

Mark Webber

Red Bull Racing-Renault

56

+4.2 secs

5

18

3

10

Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes

56

+12.1 secs

4

15

4

9

Nico Rosberg

Mercedes

56

+12.6 secs

6

12

5

4

Felipe Massa

Ferrari

56

+25.6 secs

2

10

6

8

Romain Grosjean

Lotus-Renault

56

+35.5 secs

11

8

7

7

Kimi Räikkönen

Lotus-Renault

56

+48.4 secs

10

6

8

11

Nico Hulkenberg

Sauber-Ferrari

56

+53.0 secs

12

4

9

6

Sergio Perez

McLaren-Mercedes

56

+72.3 secs

9

2

10

18

Jean-Eric Vergne

STR-Ferrari

56

+87.1 secs

17

1

11

17

Valtteri Bottas

Williams-Renault

56

+88.6 secs

18

12

12

Esteban Gutierrez

Sauber-Ferrari

55

+1 Lap

14

13

22

Jules Bianchi

Marussia-Cosworth

55

+1 Lap

19

14

20

Charles Pic

Caterham-Renault

55

+1 Lap

20

15

21

Giedo van der Garde

Caterham-Renault

55

+1 Lap

22

16

23

Max Chilton

Marussia-Cosworth

54

+2 Laps

21

17

5

Jenson Button

McLaren-Mercedes

53

Wheel

7

18

19

Daniel Ricciardo

STR-Ferrari

51

Exhaust

13

Ret

16

Pastor Maldonado

Williams-Renault

45

KERS

16

Ret

15

Adrian Sutil

Force India-Mercedes

27

Wheel nut

8

Ret

14

Paul di Resta

Force India-Mercedes

22

Wheel nut

15

Ret

3

Fernando Alonso

Ferrari

1

Accident

3

Table courtesy of: F1.com

Australian GP Result

Podium finishers' Source: Autoweek.

Pos	No	Driver	Team	Laps	Time/Retired	Grid	Pts
1	7	Kimi Räikkönen	Lotus-Renault	58	1:30:03.225	7	25
2	3	Fernando Alonso	Ferrari	58	+12.4 secs	5	18
3	1	Sebastian Vettel	Red Bull Racing-Renault	58	+22.3 secs	1	15
4	4	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	58	+33.5 secs	4	12
5	10	Lewis Hamilton	Mercedes	58	+45.5 secs	3	10
6	2	Mark Webber	Red Bull Racing-Renault	58	+46.8 secs	2	8
7	15	Adrian Sutil	Force India-Mercedes	58	+65.0 secs	12	6
8	14	Paul di Resta	Force India-Mercedes	58	+68.4 secs	9	4
9	5	Jenson Button	McLaren-Mercedes	58	+81.6 secs	10	2
10	8	Romain Grosjean	Lotus-Renault	58	+82.7 secs	8	1
11	6	Sergio Perez	McLaren-Mercedes	58	+83.3 secs	15
12	18	Jean-Eric Vergne	STR-Ferrari	58	+83.8 secs	13
13	12	Esteban Gutierrez	Sauber-Ferrari	57	+1 Lap	18
14	17	Valtteri Bottas	Williams-Renault	57	+1 Lap	16
15	22	Jules Bianchi	Marussia-Cosworth	57	+1 Lap	19
16	20	Charles Pic	Caterham-Renault	56	+2 Laps	22
17	23	Max Chilton	Marussia-Cosworth	56	+2 Laps	20
18	21	Giedo van der Garde	Caterham-Renault	56	+2 Laps	21
Ret	19	Daniel Ricciardo	STR-Ferrari	39	Exhaust	14
Ret	9	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes	26	Electrical	6
Ret	16	Pastor Maldonado	Williams-Renault	24	Spin	17
DNS	11	Nico Hulkenberg	Sauber-Ferrari	0	Fuel System	11

Table Courtesy of F1.com