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Wednesday, 1 May 2013

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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Thursday, 4 April 2013

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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Monday, 1 April 2013

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


PosNoDriverTeamLapsTime/RetiredGridPts
11Sebastian VettelRed Bull Racing-Renault561:38:56.681125
22Mark WebberRed Bull Racing-Renault56+4.2 secs518
310Lewis HamiltonMercedes56+12.1 secs415
49Nico RosbergMercedes56+12.6 secs612
54Felipe MassaFerrari56+25.6 secs210
68Romain GrosjeanLotus-Renault56+35.5 secs118
77Kimi RäikkönenLotus-Renault56+48.4 secs106
811Nico HulkenbergSauber-Ferrari56+53.0 secs124
96Sergio PerezMcLaren-Mercedes56+72.3 secs92
1018Jean-Eric VergneSTR-Ferrari56+87.1 secs171
1117Valtteri BottasWilliams-Renault56+88.6 secs18
1212Esteban GutierrezSauber-Ferrari55+1 Lap14
1322Jules BianchiMarussia-Cosworth55+1 Lap19
1420Charles PicCaterham-Renault55+1 Lap20
1521Giedo van der GardeCaterham-Renault55+1 Lap22
1623Max ChiltonMarussia-Cosworth54+2 Laps21
175Jenson ButtonMcLaren-Mercedes53Wheel7
1819Daniel RicciardoSTR-Ferrari51Exhaust13
Ret16Pastor MaldonadoWilliams-Renault45KERS16
Ret15Adrian SutilForce India-Mercedes27Wheel nut8
Ret14Paul di RestaForce India-Mercedes22Wheel nut15
Ret3Fernando AlonsoFerrari1Accident3
Table courtesy of: F1.com

Australian GP Result







Podium finishers' Source: Autoweek.

PosNoDriverTeamLapsTime/RetiredGridPts
17Kimi RäikkönenLotus-Renault581:30:03.225725
23Fernando AlonsoFerrari58+12.4 secs518
31Sebastian VettelRed Bull Racing-Renault58+22.3 secs115
44Felipe MassaFerrari58+33.5 secs412
510Lewis HamiltonMercedes58+45.5 secs310
62Mark WebberRed Bull Racing-Renault58+46.8 secs28
715Adrian SutilForce India-Mercedes58+65.0 secs126
814Paul di RestaForce India-Mercedes58+68.4 secs94
95Jenson ButtonMcLaren-Mercedes58+81.6 secs102
108Romain GrosjeanLotus-Renault58+82.7 secs81
116Sergio PerezMcLaren-Mercedes58+83.3 secs15
1218Jean-Eric VergneSTR-Ferrari58+83.8 secs13
1312Esteban GutierrezSauber-Ferrari57+1 Lap18
1417Valtteri BottasWilliams-Renault57+1 Lap16
1522Jules BianchiMarussia-Cosworth57+1 Lap19
1620Charles PicCaterham-Renault56+2 Laps22
1723Max ChiltonMarussia-Cosworth56+2 Laps20
1821Giedo van der GardeCaterham-Renault56+2 Laps21
Ret19Daniel RicciardoSTR-Ferrari39Exhaust14
Ret9Nico RosbergMercedes26Electrical6
Ret16Pastor MaldonadoWilliams-Renault24Spin17
DNS11Nico HulkenbergSauber-Ferrari0Fuel System11


Table Courtesy of F1.com
 
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