Formula 1 is a global sport, watched by millions. From London to Sydney, it's a sport that now travels to twenty different circuits over six continents.
As a fan, we rely on the help from the media and journalists to keep us up to date with all the F1 news. As Formula 1 is a sport that is forever changing by the minute. Whether that's drivers' playing musical chairs or a new innovation being banned by the FIA, because that's how the story goes these days.
Since the evolution of social media, this has made it much easier to not only hear the news first, but get closer to all the action as well. With teams' using social media as a PR tool and some drivers' also on board, to allow fans to see what they get up to off the track.
Journalists and publications across the globe come together at Formula 1 races to be the ones to 'break the news' first and to keep us in the loop with the goings on up and down the paddock.
Catering to fans is always on the mind and for them to be at a Formula 1 race weekend, being part of the atmosphere and cheering on their favourite team and driver is important. Not only to boost morale of the teams and drivers' but to keep the sport alive.
James Allen via his website http://connect.jamesallenonf1.com has created a competition to enable fans to be in with a chance of winning paddock passes for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The paddock is a place that most fans label 'untouchable'. A place every fan wants to be, but can never get the opportunity to be in the surroundings of all the goings on behind the scenes of a Formula 1 race weekend.
With Abu Dhabi stop 18 on this Formula 1 season, and with the championship tighter than ever. Could we see the championship wrapped up here or will this just be the start of this championship battle?
Make sure to check out http://connect.jamesallenonf1.com for news and gossip during the last four race weekends of the season. Next stop is the Indian Grand Prix with Free Practice getting underway tomorrow. Wonder which way the tables will turn this weekend?
Thursday 25 October 2012
Thursday 30 August 2012
If you want me, you can watch me on your video phone
Sebastian Vettel. F1 champion turned music video extra.
Wednesday 29 August 2012
Spa Spectacular
Spa is a track that has it all. The picturesque location. Fast corners. Iconic corners. It's a track that drivers’ love coming to. A race that fans always look forward to seeing. A race that every driver wants to win.
Formula 1 has been on hiatus over the past five weeks. It has felt like a lifetime since we last heard that roaring sound of V8 engines, but no need to worry any more. Formula 1 is back this weekend as we head off to Spa for round 12.
Going into this weekend, Fernando Alonso leads the drivers’ championship by 40 points from Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel. Red Bull Racing are away with the fairies in the constructors title, 53 points ahead of McLaren, who are in a close battle with Lotus and Ferrari round up the top four.
Red Bull dominated last year’s race with Sebastian Vettel grabbing pole position and the win. He also lead a Red Bull 1-2 with team mate Mark Webber, and Jenson Button rounded off the podium spots, as team mate Lewis Hamilton failed to finish the race after he had a collision with the Sauber of Kamui Kobayashi.
So what can we expect from this year’s race?
The Belgium Grand Prix brings much excitement and we have seen some action packed races over the years. This is a medium down force circuit and is similar to Canada. During the summer break teams haven’t been allowed to work on their cars, but leading up to the shutdown, work has been done to enable teams to come back with a vengeance and fight for the win in this first race back.
Weather is always an issue when the Formula 1 circus heads to Spa, as it just loves to rain. (Even though rain isn’t forecast for qualifying or the race this weekend.) Due to the length of the circuit (a little over 7km) it can be raining in one part of the circuit but not the other. This can be a factor in qualifying, as you need to be on the right tyre at the right time.
Tyres have been one of the main talking points this season, teams and drivers’ not having a clear understanding of when the ‘drop off’ point is. It is crucial to be on the right strategy. We’ve already seen teams and drivers’ get this wrong in the first half of season.
Pirelli are bringing the hard and medium compound to Spa this weekend, which were last used in Malaysia. It will be interesting to see how the drivers’ and teams use these tyres to their advantage.
Everything is still to play for in both championships. We’ve seen before that the smallest mistakes can be what it takes to make you world champion, or for you to finish as the runner up.
Formula 1 has been on hiatus over the past five weeks. It has felt like a lifetime since we last heard that roaring sound of V8 engines, but no need to worry any more. Formula 1 is back this weekend as we head off to Spa for round 12.
Going into this weekend, Fernando Alonso leads the drivers’ championship by 40 points from Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel. Red Bull Racing are away with the fairies in the constructors title, 53 points ahead of McLaren, who are in a close battle with Lotus and Ferrari round up the top four.
Red Bull dominated last year’s race with Sebastian Vettel grabbing pole position and the win. He also lead a Red Bull 1-2 with team mate Mark Webber, and Jenson Button rounded off the podium spots, as team mate Lewis Hamilton failed to finish the race after he had a collision with the Sauber of Kamui Kobayashi.
So what can we expect from this year’s race?
The Belgium Grand Prix brings much excitement and we have seen some action packed races over the years. This is a medium down force circuit and is similar to Canada. During the summer break teams haven’t been allowed to work on their cars, but leading up to the shutdown, work has been done to enable teams to come back with a vengeance and fight for the win in this first race back.
Weather is always an issue when the Formula 1 circus heads to Spa, as it just loves to rain. (Even though rain isn’t forecast for qualifying or the race this weekend.) Due to the length of the circuit (a little over 7km) it can be raining in one part of the circuit but not the other. This can be a factor in qualifying, as you need to be on the right tyre at the right time.
Tyres have been one of the main talking points this season, teams and drivers’ not having a clear understanding of when the ‘drop off’ point is. It is crucial to be on the right strategy. We’ve already seen teams and drivers’ get this wrong in the first half of season.
Pirelli are bringing the hard and medium compound to Spa this weekend, which were last used in Malaysia. It will be interesting to see how the drivers’ and teams use these tyres to their advantage.
Everything is still to play for in both championships. We’ve seen before that the smallest mistakes can be what it takes to make you world champion, or for you to finish as the runner up.
Sunday 26 August 2012
Saturday 25 August 2012
In the spotlight: Kimi Raikkonen
After taking a break out of Formula 1 to race in the WRC, the 'Iceman' is back, and back with a vengeance. Kimi Raikkonen has joined Lotus Renault and has already made his mark on the championship, so far this season. Raikkonen has five podiums to his name in this first half of the season and is sitting comfortably in fifth position in the drivers championship. With nine races to go, don't rule out the 'Iceman'.
After a three year break from the sport, Australia saw Kimi Raikkonen take to the stage again. Only managing to qualify in 17th place, he had it all to do on race day. Raikkonen climbed ten places to finish 7th in his first race back.
Malaysia and China were up next, where Kimi Raikkonen finished 5th to bag 10 points, but failed to make the points in China. After qualifying up in fourth place, Raikkonen dropped down the pack to finish in 14th after a tyre strategy that didn't pay off.
Bahrain and Spain were strong results for Raikkonen and finished both races on the podium. In Bahrain a battle for the win with Sebastian Vettel was making a very exciting race. The battle went right to the end, where he just missed out on the top step of the podium and finished in 2nd. Spain was another high place finish where Kimi Raikkonen clinched 3rd position.
Monaco and Canada were respected points finishes for the 'Iceman'. Finishing in 9th and 8th position, every little helps in order to stay a float in this championship.
At the European Grand Prix at Valencia, Kimi Raikkonen, after qualifying in 5th worked his way up the pack and finished on the podium, in 2nd place behind race winner Fernando Alonso.
The British Grand Prix was another respected points finish for the Finn, grabbing 5th place and 10 points for his championship challenge.
Then came back to back podiums, with a 3rd place in Germany after qualifying down in 10th and to round off the first half of the season, a 2nd place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Kimi Raikkonen has had a promising start of the season and with the final countdown beginning next week in Spa. What can happen in these final stages?
Known as the 'King of Spa' can we see Kimi Raikkonen win his crown back and conquer this championship?
Malaysia and China were up next, where Kimi Raikkonen finished 5th to bag 10 points, but failed to make the points in China. After qualifying up in fourth place, Raikkonen dropped down the pack to finish in 14th after a tyre strategy that didn't pay off.
Bahrain and Spain were strong results for Raikkonen and finished both races on the podium. In Bahrain a battle for the win with Sebastian Vettel was making a very exciting race. The battle went right to the end, where he just missed out on the top step of the podium and finished in 2nd. Spain was another high place finish where Kimi Raikkonen clinched 3rd position.
Monaco and Canada were respected points finishes for the 'Iceman'. Finishing in 9th and 8th position, every little helps in order to stay a float in this championship.
At the European Grand Prix at Valencia, Kimi Raikkonen, after qualifying in 5th worked his way up the pack and finished on the podium, in 2nd place behind race winner Fernando Alonso.
The British Grand Prix was another respected points finish for the Finn, grabbing 5th place and 10 points for his championship challenge.
Then came back to back podiums, with a 3rd place in Germany after qualifying down in 10th and to round off the first half of the season, a 2nd place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Kimi Raikkonen has had a promising start of the season and with the final countdown beginning next week in Spa. What can happen in these final stages?
Known as the 'King of Spa' can we see Kimi Raikkonen win his crown back and conquer this championship?
Wednesday 22 August 2012
In the spotlight: Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel is half way through the Formula 1 season, that may or may not crown him with another world championship, making it his third consecutive one. After the season where he dominated the standings and left everyone in his dust, this time round he's having to work even harder to ensure that he can keep a grasp of that Formula 1 title.
Back in March saw Australia host the opening round to this championship and with no one knowing what to expect, it was definitely a season to keep a watch on. With the new regulations put in place, brand new Pirelli compounds and no real stand out team during pre season testing, everything was to play for.
With a disappointing qualifying session for the young German, his only goal was to better this on race day, and with that in mind, Vettel finished 2.1 seconds behind the winner Jenson Button and was able hold on to second place from the other McLaren of Lewis Hamilton.
The next two races, Malaysia and China, were ones to forgot with the double world champion. Just missing out on the points in Malaysia and fifth position in China, after failing to make it into the final part of qualifying for the first time since the Brazilian Grand Prix back in 2009.
A lot of controversy surrounded the Bahrain Grand Prix, but Sebastian Vettel managed to keep his cool in the Gulf heat and put his Red Bull Racing on pole for the first time this season. Lewis Hamilton joined him on the front row with team mate Mark Webber right behind him and ready to pounce.
Race day arrived and all eyes were on the front of the grid. Sebastian Vettel kept his lead throughout the race but was battling it out with the iceman himself Kimi Raikkonen. After a season where Red Bull dominated, four races in and Sebastian Vettel got his first victory of 2012.
Spain, Monaco and Canada were all steady performances by Vettel with a sixth and two fourth place finishes. Even though he started on pole in Canada, the pace of the McLaren with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel, was just too hard to beat.
The European Grand Prix looked strong for Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel as they were aiming for a third consecutive pole position and win. Qualifying was all about Vettel but race day wasn't a walk in a flowery meadow. An alternator failure meant an early retirement for the world champion and watching the rest of the race from the comfort of the Red Bull energy station.
Finishing third at the British grand prix and fifth at his home grand prix after being demoted of third due to an illegal overtake on Jenson Button, saw Vettel slowly but surely, catch up to team mate Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso in the drivers championship.
The Hungarian grand prix, the race before the five week long summer break, was crucial for teams and drivers to score as many points as they could, to try and better their position in the championships. Sebastian Vettel finished fourth and bagged 12 more points to add to his tally before Spa gets underway at the end of the month.
Sebastian Vettel currently sits third in the drivers championship, only two points behind team mate Mark Webber and 42 points behind championship leader, Fernando Alonso.
All is to play for with the next nine races. We saw in 2010 that anything can happen. This final half of the season is different going to be one to watch.
With a disappointing qualifying session for the young German, his only goal was to better this on race day, and with that in mind, Vettel finished 2.1 seconds behind the winner Jenson Button and was able hold on to second place from the other McLaren of Lewis Hamilton.
The next two races, Malaysia and China, were ones to forgot with the double world champion. Just missing out on the points in Malaysia and fifth position in China, after failing to make it into the final part of qualifying for the first time since the Brazilian Grand Prix back in 2009.
A lot of controversy surrounded the Bahrain Grand Prix, but Sebastian Vettel managed to keep his cool in the Gulf heat and put his Red Bull Racing on pole for the first time this season. Lewis Hamilton joined him on the front row with team mate Mark Webber right behind him and ready to pounce.
Race day arrived and all eyes were on the front of the grid. Sebastian Vettel kept his lead throughout the race but was battling it out with the iceman himself Kimi Raikkonen. After a season where Red Bull dominated, four races in and Sebastian Vettel got his first victory of 2012.
Spain, Monaco and Canada were all steady performances by Vettel with a sixth and two fourth place finishes. Even though he started on pole in Canada, the pace of the McLaren with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel, was just too hard to beat.
The European Grand Prix looked strong for Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel as they were aiming for a third consecutive pole position and win. Qualifying was all about Vettel but race day wasn't a walk in a flowery meadow. An alternator failure meant an early retirement for the world champion and watching the rest of the race from the comfort of the Red Bull energy station.
Finishing third at the British grand prix and fifth at his home grand prix after being demoted of third due to an illegal overtake on Jenson Button, saw Vettel slowly but surely, catch up to team mate Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso in the drivers championship.
The Hungarian grand prix, the race before the five week long summer break, was crucial for teams and drivers to score as many points as they could, to try and better their position in the championships. Sebastian Vettel finished fourth and bagged 12 more points to add to his tally before Spa gets underway at the end of the month.
Sebastian Vettel currently sits third in the drivers championship, only two points behind team mate Mark Webber and 42 points behind championship leader, Fernando Alonso.
All is to play for with the next nine races. We saw in 2010 that anything can happen. This final half of the season is different going to be one to watch.
Monday 20 August 2012
Sunday 19 August 2012
Monday 6 August 2012
Monday 30 July 2012
Sunday 29 July 2012
Who's Hungary?
Today kicks off the last race before that five week summer break. Whilst we figure out how to feed our Formula 1 addiction, the teams and drivers get some well deserved R&R.
FP1 got underway on Friday morning and, for the first time, it what seems like years, saw some dry running. Lewis Hamilton set the pace early on, letting the others play catch up for the rest of the session. Hamilton bettered his time and with team mate Jenson Button hot on his tail, it ended a McLaren one-two in the morning session.
The afternoon session started in dry hot conditions, but rain loomed across the radars as teams took to the track to get as much dry running as possible. Lewis Hamilton continued his performance through FP1, by setting the quickest time in the afternoon. After the rain had exited the circuit, going out on the wets or inters was the question on everyones lips. This caught out Michael Schumacher, who, after going out on the intermediate tyres, locked up into Turn 11 and went straight on into the barriers, cutting short to his session.
Qualifying edged closer, and after Mark Webber led the way in FP3, who knew where pole position was going to go. Scorching hot conditions, were key in determine who could work the temperature of the tyres to their full advantage.
Q1 saw the Toro Rosso of Daniel Ricciardo fail to make it into the second part of Qualifying. The HRT's of Narain Karthikeyan and Pedro De La Rosa line up the back row of the grid, with Charles Pic beating team mate Timo Glock and Heikki Kovalainen starting ahead of Vitaly Petrov on his 100th Grand Prix.
Big upset in Q2 for Red Bull of Mark Webber who starts 11th on the grid, after just missing out on getting into the final part of qualifying. Michael Schumacher starts in a disappointing 17th with team mate Nico Rosberg only making it to 13th on the grid for the Mercedes team.
Sauber didn't show signs of promise with both drivers lining up together in 14th and 15th.
Kimi Raikkonen set the pace early in Q3 before Lewis Hamilton made his mark at the top. Romain Grosjean starts the race this afternoon in his best ever position and lines up next to Hamilton on the front row of the grid. Sebastian Vettel and team mate Jenson Button out hot on his tail, with the other Lotus and both Ferrari's waiting to pounce.
Bruno Senna made it into Q3 for the first time in his career with team mate Maldonado right behind him, both going strong for Williams and the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg rounds up the Top 10.
Today's race could see rain hit and missing the track, with tyres, as always, playing an important role with strategy.
Can Lewis Hamilton keep his cool, or could we see another new winner in Formula 1?
Let's wait and see.
FP1 got underway on Friday morning and, for the first time, it what seems like years, saw some dry running. Lewis Hamilton set the pace early on, letting the others play catch up for the rest of the session. Hamilton bettered his time and with team mate Jenson Button hot on his tail, it ended a McLaren one-two in the morning session.
The afternoon session started in dry hot conditions, but rain loomed across the radars as teams took to the track to get as much dry running as possible. Lewis Hamilton continued his performance through FP1, by setting the quickest time in the afternoon. After the rain had exited the circuit, going out on the wets or inters was the question on everyones lips. This caught out Michael Schumacher, who, after going out on the intermediate tyres, locked up into Turn 11 and went straight on into the barriers, cutting short to his session.
Q1 saw the Toro Rosso of Daniel Ricciardo fail to make it into the second part of Qualifying. The HRT's of Narain Karthikeyan and Pedro De La Rosa line up the back row of the grid, with Charles Pic beating team mate Timo Glock and Heikki Kovalainen starting ahead of Vitaly Petrov on his 100th Grand Prix.
Big upset in Q2 for Red Bull of Mark Webber who starts 11th on the grid, after just missing out on getting into the final part of qualifying. Michael Schumacher starts in a disappointing 17th with team mate Nico Rosberg only making it to 13th on the grid for the Mercedes team.
Sauber didn't show signs of promise with both drivers lining up together in 14th and 15th.
Kimi Raikkonen set the pace early in Q3 before Lewis Hamilton made his mark at the top. Romain Grosjean starts the race this afternoon in his best ever position and lines up next to Hamilton on the front row of the grid. Sebastian Vettel and team mate Jenson Button out hot on his tail, with the other Lotus and both Ferrari's waiting to pounce.
Bruno Senna made it into Q3 for the first time in his career with team mate Maldonado right behind him, both going strong for Williams and the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg rounds up the Top 10.
Today's race could see rain hit and missing the track, with tyres, as always, playing an important role with strategy.
Can Lewis Hamilton keep his cool, or could we see another new winner in Formula 1?
Let's wait and see.
Sunday 22 July 2012
In the spotlight: Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton celebrates his 100th Grand Prix at Hockenheim this weekend, and what a crazy 100 races they have been. Since entering the sport in 2007, not only does Lewis Hamilton have 18 race wins and 21 pole positions, he also has added 2008 World Drivers Champion to his name.
Not a bad show he puts on for us aye?
Already, this season has been a whirlwind for the McLaren driver, and we're only half way through. With grabbing pole position at the first two races of the season and winning the Canadian Grand Prix, which is where Lewis Hamilton clinched his first ever victory in Formula 1, he is definitely a force to be reckoned with on the grid. Hamilton sits comfortably in 4th spot in the drivers championship only 37 points off the lead, and it's fair to say he's waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce on his prey.
So what makes Lewis Hamilton stand out above the rest?
I took to the wonderful world of twitter, using the hashtag #Lewis100 to see why YOU support him and have been so passionate about his driving over the 5 and a half seasons Lewis Hamilton has been in Formula 1.
@TommyB89 tweets: "His bin or win attitude to racing"
@Craig_O_ tweeted in: "His speed, the way he used to drift the car in 2007 and 2008. Some amazing overtakes."
@PeachyF1 tweets: " He's just awesome. Very quick, very passionate and so exciting to watch."
@JackLeslieF1 said: "Lewis is a great representation of Britain, his story of getting to the top is amazing and his driving is very exciting"
@HannieParker tweets: "He is simply amazing! The Ayrton Senna of today. He never gives up"
So what makes Lewis Hamilton stand out for me?
I've watched the sport my entire life, but didn't start making it apart of my lifestyle until the start of the 2007 season, when Lewis Hamilton came into the sport. I was in awe of his talent and what he achieved in his rookie season. I, along with everyone else is still in awe of what he has achieved in his career.
Lewis Hamilton is a world champion, with many more titles to add to his name. Here's to your 100th Grand Prix, and we will all be looking forward to the next 100 races.
Not a bad show he puts on for us aye?
So what makes Lewis Hamilton stand out above the rest?
I took to the wonderful world of twitter, using the hashtag #Lewis100 to see why YOU support him and have been so passionate about his driving over the 5 and a half seasons Lewis Hamilton has been in Formula 1.
@TommyB89 tweets: "His bin or win attitude to racing"
@Craig_O_ tweeted in: "His speed, the way he used to drift the car in 2007 and 2008. Some amazing overtakes."
@PeachyF1 tweets: " He's just awesome. Very quick, very passionate and so exciting to watch."
@JackLeslieF1 said: "Lewis is a great representation of Britain, his story of getting to the top is amazing and his driving is very exciting"
@HannieParker tweets: "He is simply amazing! The Ayrton Senna of today. He never gives up"
So what makes Lewis Hamilton stand out for me?
I've watched the sport my entire life, but didn't start making it apart of my lifestyle until the start of the 2007 season, when Lewis Hamilton came into the sport. I was in awe of his talent and what he achieved in his rookie season. I, along with everyone else is still in awe of what he has achieved in his career.
Lewis Hamilton is a world champion, with many more titles to add to his name. Here's to your 100th Grand Prix, and we will all be looking forward to the next 100 races.
Monday 16 July 2012
Tuesday 10 July 2012
You can't rain on my parade
What a weekend. Not quite sure how I managed to fit everything in over the past three days, but that's the hectic world of Formula 1 for you.
As you may know I was Marussia's social media driver for the weekend, courtesy of Monster jobs. My role was to engage the fans as much as possible with the goings on of a Formula 1 team, during a race weekend. I was tweeting throughout the weekend from in and around the track. From garage to media pen. To keeping dry in the motorhome. Anything that I felt the fans would appreciate, I tweeted.
My story from the paddock:
For qualifying on Saturday I was right at the heart of the Marussia F1 team. In the garage, paddock, motorhome, soaking up all the atmosphere.
Once you're in the paddock it's a completely different world, it's like it's untouchable, a place you could never reach. Everyone is so down to earth and you don't realise everyone is working as you're just in awe of the surroundings.
As I stepped into the paddock I was greeted by friendly welcoming faces, from both Marussia and Monster. It felt like I belonged there. I was officially part of the team. Qualifying begun at a wet Silverstone, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the team.
Watching qualifying from the back of the garage, standing next Oliver Panis, Charles Pic's manager, was definitely the perfect way to get the day kick started.
Once Q1 was over I made my way to the media pen where Charles and Timo would conduct their interviews with German and French tv. When I was in the media pen I wanted to give fans the chance to see it for themselves. This is place where you only see the interviews taking place, you never get to see the drivers walking in/out or from interview to interview, so I gave the fans the opportunity to see this.
Driver after driver made his way into the media pen to be interviewed and it was incredible to be amongst all that action.
As social media driver for Marussia, my role was bringing fans closer to all the action.
Due to the rain delay, Q2 ran on a little more than expected but that couldn't kill the mood within the garage. Mexican waves up and down the pitlane kept us all pre-occupied until the weather had cleared.
Kudos to the media who stuck it out in the pouring rain to wait for the drivers who got knocked out of Q2 and then the top 10 to interview.
This weekend has been absolutely fantastic, and I have only Marussia and Monster jobs to thank. They made me feel welcomed right from the get go, and made sure I had the best experience possible.
Monster jobs created this competition to enable fans to get up close and personal. This is exactly what I did. Their link with Marussia shows how passionate the team are about creating a positive brand with fans, via social media.
You all know this is something that I want to do as a career, and now I've had a taste for it, I'm hungry for more.
I can see myself working at Grand Prix weekends. Living it large with the teams, drivers, media and other Formula 1 personnel.
I have uploaded all the photos I took over the weekend and they are on my Facebook page.
You can check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151092160245351.486414.724515350&type=3
Look out for a video and photo review that will be coming soon. So make sure to keep checking this space.
As you may know I was Marussia's social media driver for the weekend, courtesy of Monster jobs. My role was to engage the fans as much as possible with the goings on of a Formula 1 team, during a race weekend. I was tweeting throughout the weekend from in and around the track. From garage to media pen. To keeping dry in the motorhome. Anything that I felt the fans would appreciate, I tweeted.
My story from the paddock:
 |
| The Formula 1 paddock. |
Once you're in the paddock it's a completely different world, it's like it's untouchable, a place you could never reach. Everyone is so down to earth and you don't realise everyone is working as you're just in awe of the surroundings.
As I stepped into the paddock I was greeted by friendly welcoming faces, from both Marussia and Monster. It felt like I belonged there. I was officially part of the team. Qualifying begun at a wet Silverstone, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the team.
Watching qualifying from the back of the garage, standing next Oliver Panis, Charles Pic's manager, was definitely the perfect way to get the day kick started.
 |
| Timo Glock after finishing his interviews |
Driver after driver made his way into the media pen to be interviewed and it was incredible to be amongst all that action.
As social media driver for Marussia, my role was bringing fans closer to all the action.
Due to the rain delay, Q2 ran on a little more than expected but that couldn't kill the mood within the garage. Mexican waves up and down the pitlane kept us all pre-occupied until the weather had cleared.
Kudos to the media who stuck it out in the pouring rain to wait for the drivers who got knocked out of Q2 and then the top 10 to interview.
 |
| Charles Pic |
 |
| Timo Glock |
This weekend has been absolutely fantastic, and I have only Marussia and Monster jobs to thank. They made me feel welcomed right from the get go, and made sure I had the best experience possible.
Monster jobs created this competition to enable fans to get up close and personal. This is exactly what I did. Their link with Marussia shows how passionate the team are about creating a positive brand with fans, via social media.
You all know this is something that I want to do as a career, and now I've had a taste for it, I'm hungry for more.
I can see myself working at Grand Prix weekends. Living it large with the teams, drivers, media and other Formula 1 personnel.
I have uploaded all the photos I took over the weekend and they are on my Facebook page.
You can check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151092160245351.486414.724515350&type=3
Look out for a video and photo review that will be coming soon. So make sure to keep checking this space.
You can check out Marussia F1 team website here http://www.marussiaf1team.com/
Also if you're looking for a job in Formula 1 and with Marussia. You can do so with Monster cool jobs. Here is their website. http://monstercooljobs.com/marussiaf1team/UK-EN/
Monday 2 July 2012
Tuesday 26 June 2012
Friday 22 June 2012
In the spotlight: Timo Glock
Timo Glock has been in Formula 1 for eight seasons now and has three podiums to his name and a fastest lap. He has been a Marussia F1 driver since they entered the sport back in 2010 and is helping the team grow and develop. With only one retirement so far this season, Glock is ahead of team mate Charles Pic in the drivers championship and just behind Heikki Kovalainen.
Australia kick started the Formula 1 season. Timo Glock's best finish at the Australian Grand Prix is fourth position, which he achieved back in 2009. This year Glock qualified in a solid 20th position on the grid and finished the race ahead of Caterham and HRT in 14th.
Malaysia and China followed with qualifying performances ahead of HRT and Caterham again. Glock managed to maintain this into both races finishing 17th and 19th.
Bahrain was a disappointing qualifying for Glock, as he lined up on the back row of the grid. He gained four places during the race. In Spain Timo Glock was out qualified by his rookie team mate Charles Pic and also finished behind both Caterhams.
Monaco was a strong finish for Glock, after starting in 19th he climbed up the grid to finish in 14th after an action packed Grand Prix, which saw nine retirements. A brake problem in Canada, two weeks ago, caused Timo Glock's first retirement of the season after qualifying in 23rd.
What's new for Timo Glock?
Timo Glock has helped Marussia progress in Formula 1. He's used his knowledge and experience of being in the sport, to the push the team on to better things. Glock has been paired with new team mate, after new team mate, but has never let that faze him. He's always had his eye on the prize and stayed loyal to the team.
Marussia had the edge over Caterham and HRT, by sitting in 10th position, after strong finishes from the German and the young Frenchman. Marussia now sit in 11th in the constructors championship and aim to steal 10th place from Caterham as the season goes on.
This weekend is round 8 of the Formula 1 season in Valencia. Can Marussia and Timo Glock finish ahead of their rivals.
We'll have to wait and see.
Malaysia and China followed with qualifying performances ahead of HRT and Caterham again. Glock managed to maintain this into both races finishing 17th and 19th.
Bahrain was a disappointing qualifying for Glock, as he lined up on the back row of the grid. He gained four places during the race. In Spain Timo Glock was out qualified by his rookie team mate Charles Pic and also finished behind both Caterhams.
Monaco was a strong finish for Glock, after starting in 19th he climbed up the grid to finish in 14th after an action packed Grand Prix, which saw nine retirements. A brake problem in Canada, two weeks ago, caused Timo Glock's first retirement of the season after qualifying in 23rd.
What's new for Timo Glock?
Timo Glock has helped Marussia progress in Formula 1. He's used his knowledge and experience of being in the sport, to the push the team on to better things. Glock has been paired with new team mate, after new team mate, but has never let that faze him. He's always had his eye on the prize and stayed loyal to the team.
Marussia had the edge over Caterham and HRT, by sitting in 10th position, after strong finishes from the German and the young Frenchman. Marussia now sit in 11th in the constructors championship and aim to steal 10th place from Caterham as the season goes on.
This weekend is round 8 of the Formula 1 season in Valencia. Can Marussia and Timo Glock finish ahead of their rivals.
We'll have to wait and see.
Thursday 21 June 2012
Caption This
Everyone can calm down now. Caption This is back. After a couple weeks of absence, due to Formula 1 drivers taking serious photos, we are back with a bang. With Valencia quickly approaching, here is a brilliant Caption This, to get you going before the weekend.
And here it is:
Valencia in a nut shell right there.
Remember, all you have to do is come up with a funny, witty but clean caption to go with this beautiful photo.
Tweet your captions into me @AilishCatherine or use the hashtag #CaptionThis and see if your captions make the cut.
Knock yourselves out.
And here it is:
Valencia in a nut shell right there.
Remember, all you have to do is come up with a funny, witty but clean caption to go with this beautiful photo.
Tweet your captions into me @AilishCatherine or use the hashtag #CaptionThis and see if your captions make the cut.
Knock yourselves out.
Tuesday 19 June 2012
In the spotlight: Pastor Maldonado
Pastor Maldonado has added race winner to his name in this Formula 1 season full of unpredictability and mystery. Since collecting 25 points in Spain, Maldonado is now 10th in the drivers championship, 19 points in front of team mate Bruno Senna.
A great way to start the season in Australia, by getting through to the third part of qualifying and lining up on the fourth row of the grid in 8th place. When race day came it looked like Pastor Maldonado could do some damage to the grid, instead he did damage to himself by crashing into the barriers on the final lap of the race and ended up finishing in an unlucky 13th.
Malaysia wasn't a brilliant race for the Venezuelan, after qualifying in 11th he finished way down in 19th position after an engine failure. The Chinese Grand Prix was better success for Maldonado, scoring four points after starting in 13th. A puncture during the Bahrain Grand Prix meant a retirement for the Williams driver, after a pretty poor qualifying, it was a race weekend to forget.
The Spanish Grand Prix was a weekend to remember as Pastor Maldonado bagged his first pole position after Lewis Hamilton was excluded from qualifying. He then led a brilliant race from start to finish to win his first ever Grand Prix, in only his second season in Formula 1. Maldonado added fireman to his duty that weekend, as a fire broke out in the Williams garage after the team celebrations, leaving team members injured and a sad way to end such a joyous occasion.
Pastor Maldonado went from such a high in Spain, to a huge low in Monaco. Qualifying last on the grid due to penalties inflicted by actions taken in free practice. If the weekend couldn't get any worse than that, after an accident on the first lap, Maldonado had to retire the car because of damage.
Last time out in Canada, Pastor Maldonado failed to get out of Q1 but worked his way up the grid, and just missed out on the points finishing in 13th position.
So what's different this year, from last for Pastor Maldonado?
Williams have made a vast improvement on last season, helping both Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna get some decent points finishes under their belts. Williams are 7th place in the constructors championship, fighting well in that mid field battle and proving that the team are back to winning ways.
Next up for Pastor Maldonado and Williams is Valencia this weekend. Can the team fly high?
We'll have to wait and see.
Malaysia wasn't a brilliant race for the Venezuelan, after qualifying in 11th he finished way down in 19th position after an engine failure. The Chinese Grand Prix was better success for Maldonado, scoring four points after starting in 13th. A puncture during the Bahrain Grand Prix meant a retirement for the Williams driver, after a pretty poor qualifying, it was a race weekend to forget.
The Spanish Grand Prix was a weekend to remember as Pastor Maldonado bagged his first pole position after Lewis Hamilton was excluded from qualifying. He then led a brilliant race from start to finish to win his first ever Grand Prix, in only his second season in Formula 1. Maldonado added fireman to his duty that weekend, as a fire broke out in the Williams garage after the team celebrations, leaving team members injured and a sad way to end such a joyous occasion.
Pastor Maldonado went from such a high in Spain, to a huge low in Monaco. Qualifying last on the grid due to penalties inflicted by actions taken in free practice. If the weekend couldn't get any worse than that, after an accident on the first lap, Maldonado had to retire the car because of damage.
Last time out in Canada, Pastor Maldonado failed to get out of Q1 but worked his way up the grid, and just missed out on the points finishing in 13th position.
So what's different this year, from last for Pastor Maldonado?
Williams have made a vast improvement on last season, helping both Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna get some decent points finishes under their belts. Williams are 7th place in the constructors championship, fighting well in that mid field battle and proving that the team are back to winning ways.
Next up for Pastor Maldonado and Williams is Valencia this weekend. Can the team fly high?
We'll have to wait and see.
Saturday 16 June 2012
In the spotlight: Jenson Button
Jenson Button stormed to the top at the start of the season with a win in Australia. But the Brit has travelled in a downward spiral since then and sits way down the pecking order of the championship in 8th position. 44 points behind team mate Lewis Hamilton.
The first race in Australia for Jenson Button, was how any driver would like to start their season. McLaren had a front row lock out on the grid in qualifying and Button took the race from Hamilton to stand on the top step of the podium. 25 points in the bag was an ideal way to begin the season.
After lining up on the front row of the grid for the second race in a row, Malaysia didn't turn out the way Button would've planned. He finished way down the grid in 14th, but soon turned things around with a 2nd place in China after qualifying 5th.
Bahrain was disappointing for the McLaren driver, where he finished down the grid in 18th and retired after starting the race in 4th position. Spain saw Button clinch two points, but ended up in 16th at both Monaco and Canada, a year after he had won in such dramatic style.
So where did it all go wrong for the 2009 world champion?
This year tyres have been a huge question mark for everyone, and as each race goes on, the Pirelli tyres develop making it difficult to determine where the drop off point is or when the tyres will infamously, 'fall off the cliff.'
It's no doubt that Jenson Button works wonders with a car and that showed last season, beating his team mate in the championship, but this year Lewis Hamilton has come back fighting and Button hasn't been prepared for this.
Both drivers have helped McLaren to be 2nd in the constructors championship only 31 points behind leaders Red Bull Racing. Seven races into the season and anything can happen.
Next weekend it's round eight in Valencia. Can Jenson Button get back to winning ways and put his stamp on the championship?
We'll have to wait and see.
The first race in Australia for Jenson Button, was how any driver would like to start their season. McLaren had a front row lock out on the grid in qualifying and Button took the race from Hamilton to stand on the top step of the podium. 25 points in the bag was an ideal way to begin the season.
After lining up on the front row of the grid for the second race in a row, Malaysia didn't turn out the way Button would've planned. He finished way down the grid in 14th, but soon turned things around with a 2nd place in China after qualifying 5th.
Bahrain was disappointing for the McLaren driver, where he finished down the grid in 18th and retired after starting the race in 4th position. Spain saw Button clinch two points, but ended up in 16th at both Monaco and Canada, a year after he had won in such dramatic style.
So where did it all go wrong for the 2009 world champion?
This year tyres have been a huge question mark for everyone, and as each race goes on, the Pirelli tyres develop making it difficult to determine where the drop off point is or when the tyres will infamously, 'fall off the cliff.'
It's no doubt that Jenson Button works wonders with a car and that showed last season, beating his team mate in the championship, but this year Lewis Hamilton has come back fighting and Button hasn't been prepared for this.
Both drivers have helped McLaren to be 2nd in the constructors championship only 31 points behind leaders Red Bull Racing. Seven races into the season and anything can happen.
Next weekend it's round eight in Valencia. Can Jenson Button get back to winning ways and put his stamp on the championship?
We'll have to wait and see.
SMDriver Production
This is part of my #SMDriver competition entry.
All video images that you see in this production, have been recorded by me. So don't try and steal them because I will track you down and give you a polite slap.
In the spotlight: Charles Pic
Seven races into Charles Pic's rookie season in Formula 1 and he sits 21st in the drivers standings, behind team mate Timo Glock, and Caterham driver Heikki Kovalainen. With only three retirements and consistent race finishes, it looks to be a strong season ahead for Charles Pic and Marussia.
Pic's first race in Formula 1 was down under as the season got underway in Australia. He qualified in 21st, just behind his team mate, but an oil pressure problem on lap 53 meant he finished in 15th position. With both Caterhams not finishing and the HRT's not even making the 107% rule, it was a solid start for Marussia.
Malaysia and China saw Pic qualify in 21st and finish the race respectably in 20th position. Ahead of both HRT's but both Caterhams just having the edge over Marussia.
An engine fail in Bahrain, driveshaft problem in Spain and an electrical fault in Monaco, resulted in retirements for Charles Pic.
Last time out in Canada, Pic finished ahead of his team mate, who had to retire because of a brake problem. Both HRT's didn't finish, and he was just behind both Caterhams of Petrov and Kovalainen.
What can we expect to see from the young Frenchman?
Charles Pic has had success in other series leading up to Formula 1. In GP2 he finished 4th in the championship and before that, finished 3rd in the Formula Renault 3.5 series championship. He's definitely familiar with going for gold. Marussia have given him the opportunity to showcase his talent and prove to the rest Formula 1 grid, that he has what it takes to stay in the sport.
Charles Pic and team mate Timo Glock are helping Marussia to break away from HRT and chase the Caterhams. Marussia sit 11th in the constructors championship, and if the team can keep the consistent finishes and improve reliability, they will be in contention to steal that 10th place spot.
Next up for Charles Pic and Marussia is Valencia next weekend. What will the race weekend have in store for the team?
We'll have to wait and see.
Malaysia and China saw Pic qualify in 21st and finish the race respectably in 20th position. Ahead of both HRT's but both Caterhams just having the edge over Marussia.
An engine fail in Bahrain, driveshaft problem in Spain and an electrical fault in Monaco, resulted in retirements for Charles Pic.
Last time out in Canada, Pic finished ahead of his team mate, who had to retire because of a brake problem. Both HRT's didn't finish, and he was just behind both Caterhams of Petrov and Kovalainen.
What can we expect to see from the young Frenchman?
Charles Pic has had success in other series leading up to Formula 1. In GP2 he finished 4th in the championship and before that, finished 3rd in the Formula Renault 3.5 series championship. He's definitely familiar with going for gold. Marussia have given him the opportunity to showcase his talent and prove to the rest Formula 1 grid, that he has what it takes to stay in the sport.
Charles Pic and team mate Timo Glock are helping Marussia to break away from HRT and chase the Caterhams. Marussia sit 11th in the constructors championship, and if the team can keep the consistent finishes and improve reliability, they will be in contention to steal that 10th place spot.
Next up for Charles Pic and Marussia is Valencia next weekend. What will the race weekend have in store for the team?
We'll have to wait and see.
Friday 15 June 2012
Who said that?
Social media isn't about who has the most followers, or who can get the most retweets on a post. It's about who can use it effectively to get a point across. Who can use a simple tool like tweeting and use it to their advantage?
Twitter is a wonderful creation. Kudos to the guys who created it. It's great on all levels, whether you're a fan girl checking up on what Justin Bieber ate for breakfast, or if you're using it as a link between professionals to network yourself and to keep up to date with what is going on in Formula 1. I am the latter. Sorry, but Formula 1 trumps Justin Bieber any day.
Networking on twitter enables you to get out there to Formula 1 teams, drivers and other personnel. Give them something to talk about. Give them a reason to tweet you back. Make sure they never forget you.
Lots of different Formula 1 related blogs have surfaced lately, all very unique but still link back to the same subject that we are all so enthusiastic about.
Blogs connect fans together as they can voice opinions and their own views on the sport. We all support a different team and a different driver, so it's interesting to be able to read all about our goings on in the sport.
This blog began in February just before I set off for the first pre season testing in Barcelona. My intention with this blog was to engage fans with what I get up to in the world of Formula 1.
It's important for me to interact with other fans and voice one of the many views of Formula 1.
I write what interests me and what I feel will interest my readers. Being 19 years old I want to keep people reading and have come up with a number of ways to do this.
I created the #CaptionThis hash tag, where photos from the race weekend get put up, and YOU knock yourself out thinking up witty, clean, captions to tickle us and keep us occupied until the next race weekend.
Another question on everyones lips is "What would a Formula 1 driver sing during a late night karaoke session?" Too long to fit in a hash tag so the #F1Karaoke was born. I tweet drivers, teams and personnel to wonder what they would sing on a wild night out. These are the important things we want to know.
Connecting with fans and people of Formula 1 is what I live for. It's what I'm passionate about and take whatever chance I can to ensure this dream to be a reality. If I am lucky enough to become the #SMDriver for Marussia, at the British Grand Prix courtesy of Monster jobs, it will give me the opportunity to strut my stuff in the paddock and show that girls rule in Formula 1.
Twitter is a wonderful creation. Kudos to the guys who created it. It's great on all levels, whether you're a fan girl checking up on what Justin Bieber ate for breakfast, or if you're using it as a link between professionals to network yourself and to keep up to date with what is going on in Formula 1. I am the latter. Sorry, but Formula 1 trumps Justin Bieber any day.
Networking on twitter enables you to get out there to Formula 1 teams, drivers and other personnel. Give them something to talk about. Give them a reason to tweet you back. Make sure they never forget you.
 |
| On the Red Bull F1 Spy App |
Lots of different Formula 1 related blogs have surfaced lately, all very unique but still link back to the same subject that we are all so enthusiastic about.
Blogs connect fans together as they can voice opinions and their own views on the sport. We all support a different team and a different driver, so it's interesting to be able to read all about our goings on in the sport.
This blog began in February just before I set off for the first pre season testing in Barcelona. My intention with this blog was to engage fans with what I get up to in the world of Formula 1.
It's important for me to interact with other fans and voice one of the many views of Formula 1.
I write what interests me and what I feel will interest my readers. Being 19 years old I want to keep people reading and have come up with a number of ways to do this.
I created the #CaptionThis hash tag, where photos from the race weekend get put up, and YOU knock yourself out thinking up witty, clean, captions to tickle us and keep us occupied until the next race weekend.
Another question on everyones lips is "What would a Formula 1 driver sing during a late night karaoke session?" Too long to fit in a hash tag so the #F1Karaoke was born. I tweet drivers, teams and personnel to wonder what they would sing on a wild night out. These are the important things we want to know.
Connecting with fans and people of Formula 1 is what I live for. It's what I'm passionate about and take whatever chance I can to ensure this dream to be a reality. If I am lucky enough to become the #SMDriver for Marussia, at the British Grand Prix courtesy of Monster jobs, it will give me the opportunity to strut my stuff in the paddock and show that girls rule in Formula 1.
Thursday 14 June 2012
In the spotlight: Mark Webber
Mark Webber has gone for gold this season with a win at the Monaco Grand Prix, the race that every driver wants to win. Consistent points scoring has landed him 4th spot in the championship, only six points behind team mate Sebastian Vettel and nine points off the leader, Lewis Hamilton.
First port of call on the Formula 1 calendar was Australia, Mark Webber's home race. Webber qualified in 5th position and finished 4th on race day. This was his best finish, to date, at his home Grand Prix since he began his Formula 1 career back in 2002.
Malaysia, China and Bahrain brought three more 4th place finishes, keeping Webber up there in contention for the championship, even though we're seven races in and anything can still happen.
In Spain Mark Webber failed to get into the final part of qualifying and lined up 11th on the grid, he just missed out on points during the race and ended up where he started.
The Monaco Grand Prix saw Mark Webber take his first victory of the season. He qualified on pole and at a circuit where overtaking is limited, Webber was able to keep his position and fend off competition from Nico Rosberg and Fernando Alonso. This was the second time Mark Webber had won the Monaco Grand Prix and it was topped off with his signature back flip into the Red Bull Energy Station swimming pool.
The seventh race this season was a trip to unpredictable Canada. Tyre wear was a huge talking point, especially in this race, and with no dry weather running in Montreal with the Pirelli tyres, it was a guessing game for everyone. Webber started 4th on the grid but slipped down the order to finish 7th on race day.
So what's different this year from last for Mark Webber?
Last year Webber was overshadowed by the dominance from his team mate Sebastian Vettel, but this season he has come back with a bang. A better understanding of the Pirelli compound tyres and a new lease of fire, Mark Webber is ready to fight for wins and prove he is the leader the pack.
Working as a team, Webber and Vettel have enabled Red Bull Racing to top the constructors championship and hold off rivals, McLaren and Ferrari. Can they keep it up?
Next stop on the Formula 1 calendar is Valencia in less than two weeks time. Can Mark Webber become the first driver to win two races this season and show he is well and truly in the battle for the championship?
We'll have to wait and see.
Malaysia, China and Bahrain brought three more 4th place finishes, keeping Webber up there in contention for the championship, even though we're seven races in and anything can still happen.
In Spain Mark Webber failed to get into the final part of qualifying and lined up 11th on the grid, he just missed out on points during the race and ended up where he started.
The Monaco Grand Prix saw Mark Webber take his first victory of the season. He qualified on pole and at a circuit where overtaking is limited, Webber was able to keep his position and fend off competition from Nico Rosberg and Fernando Alonso. This was the second time Mark Webber had won the Monaco Grand Prix and it was topped off with his signature back flip into the Red Bull Energy Station swimming pool.
The seventh race this season was a trip to unpredictable Canada. Tyre wear was a huge talking point, especially in this race, and with no dry weather running in Montreal with the Pirelli tyres, it was a guessing game for everyone. Webber started 4th on the grid but slipped down the order to finish 7th on race day.
So what's different this year from last for Mark Webber?
Last year Webber was overshadowed by the dominance from his team mate Sebastian Vettel, but this season he has come back with a bang. A better understanding of the Pirelli compound tyres and a new lease of fire, Mark Webber is ready to fight for wins and prove he is the leader the pack.
Working as a team, Webber and Vettel have enabled Red Bull Racing to top the constructors championship and hold off rivals, McLaren and Ferrari. Can they keep it up?
Next stop on the Formula 1 calendar is Valencia in less than two weeks time. Can Mark Webber become the first driver to win two races this season and show he is well and truly in the battle for the championship?
We'll have to wait and see.
In the spotlight: Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez is making a name for himself this season with two podium place finishes in Malaysia and Canada. He is definitely showing us what he's got. Perez, currently sits 9th in the championship, only eight points behind the 2009 world champion, Jenson Button and 16 points ahead of his team mate Kamui Kobayashi.
The season got underway in Australia back in March, and after a pretty mediocre performance in the 2011 season he definitely wanted to come back with a vengeance and prove he has what it takes to be in Formula 1. Perez failed to make it out of Q1 in Melbourne and was left a dismal 22nd on the grid, but race day saw him move up to finish in 8th position and start the season off, with four points on the board.
Malaysia saw Sergio Perez clinch his first ever podium in Formula 1, a fantastic 2nd place finish behind Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso. In a wet weather race where Perez worked the Pirelli compounds better than any other driver, to get him up to a podium position after starting 9th on the grid. The Sauber driver could have even taken the win from Fernando Alonso if it was for running wide onto the wet part of the track towards the latter half of the race.
China and Bahrain were close races for the young Mexican, just missing out on the points. The Spanish Grand Prix was disappointing for Perez, after starting 5th on the grid it looked like a promising race but a transmission problem on the car meant he had to retire, and left him out of the points once again.
Finishing 11th in Monaco after starting 23rd, Sergio Perez showed us that he can race and can go on to challenge for decent points finishes, which is exactly what he did in Canada where he finished in 3rd position behind Romain Grosjean and 2008 world champion, Lewis Hamilton.
So what is it that Sergio Perez is getting right?
The Pirelli tyre compounds this season have been interesting and a talking point amongst the paddock. Perez has been able to work these compounds better than anyone else, enabling him to do longer stints, have fewer pitstops during the race and achieve better results than what some people might have expect from him.
Sauber have a strong car this year with both drivers helping to be ahead in the mid-field team battle in the constructors championship. Sauber sit 6th in the standings, 11 points behind Mercedes but staying clear of Williams, who are 14 points behind them.
Is this a new beginning for Sauber? A new partnership with Chelsea football club, can they go for goal and reach the top step of the podium this season?
Next stop on the Formula 1 calendar is Valencia in two weeks time. Can Sergio Perez achieve his first win in Formula 1 and be the eighth different winner this season?
We'll just have to wait and see.
The season got underway in Australia back in March, and after a pretty mediocre performance in the 2011 season he definitely wanted to come back with a vengeance and prove he has what it takes to be in Formula 1. Perez failed to make it out of Q1 in Melbourne and was left a dismal 22nd on the grid, but race day saw him move up to finish in 8th position and start the season off, with four points on the board.Malaysia saw Sergio Perez clinch his first ever podium in Formula 1, a fantastic 2nd place finish behind Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso. In a wet weather race where Perez worked the Pirelli compounds better than any other driver, to get him up to a podium position after starting 9th on the grid. The Sauber driver could have even taken the win from Fernando Alonso if it was for running wide onto the wet part of the track towards the latter half of the race.
China and Bahrain were close races for the young Mexican, just missing out on the points. The Spanish Grand Prix was disappointing for Perez, after starting 5th on the grid it looked like a promising race but a transmission problem on the car meant he had to retire, and left him out of the points once again.
Finishing 11th in Monaco after starting 23rd, Sergio Perez showed us that he can race and can go on to challenge for decent points finishes, which is exactly what he did in Canada where he finished in 3rd position behind Romain Grosjean and 2008 world champion, Lewis Hamilton.
So what is it that Sergio Perez is getting right?
The Pirelli tyre compounds this season have been interesting and a talking point amongst the paddock. Perez has been able to work these compounds better than anyone else, enabling him to do longer stints, have fewer pitstops during the race and achieve better results than what some people might have expect from him.
Sauber have a strong car this year with both drivers helping to be ahead in the mid-field team battle in the constructors championship. Sauber sit 6th in the standings, 11 points behind Mercedes but staying clear of Williams, who are 14 points behind them.
Is this a new beginning for Sauber? A new partnership with Chelsea football club, can they go for goal and reach the top step of the podium this season?
Next stop on the Formula 1 calendar is Valencia in two weeks time. Can Sergio Perez achieve his first win in Formula 1 and be the eighth different winner this season?
We'll just have to wait and see.
Tuesday 12 June 2012
In the spotlight: Romain Grosjean
Romain Grosjean is a force to be reckoned with this season, with two podium finishes under his belt already. He sits in 7th place in the championship standings, only two points behind his team mate Kimi Raikkonen and eight points clear of Jenson Button.
The season opener in Australia saw Grosjean qualify up in 3rd position but an accident on the first lap resulted in a retirement at his first race for Lotus Renault. Another retirement followed in Malaysia before a solid 6th place finish in China.
Bahrain saw a double podium finish for Lotus Renault with Grosjean on the third step just behind team mate Kimi Raikkonen and double world champion Sebastian Vettel.
4th and 9th place finishes in Spain and Monaco meant valuable points in the championship for the Lotus Renault driver.
Canada added to this with a 2nd place finish in a dramatic end to the race which saw Grosjean make his tyres last to climb up the grid after qualifying down in 7th position.
When we first saw Romain Grosjean back in 2009, he was overshadowed by his then team mate, Fernando Alonso, which I think has helped him this season, being team mates with the 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He isn't letting the fact, he is racing along side a world champion again. Romain Grosjean is proving that he can one day be a world champion himself with his performance so far this season.
Both drivers are working well together to get the team up to 3rd in the constructors championship, hot on McLaren's tail and 11 points clear of Ferrari.
Is this a new turn for Grosjean and Lotus Renault? Can they keep this form up and prove they are in it to win it?
Next stop on the Formula 1 calendar is Valencia in two weeks time. Can Romain Grosjean achieve his first win in Formula 1 and be the eighth different winner this season?
We'll just have to wait and see.
The season opener in Australia saw Grosjean qualify up in 3rd position but an accident on the first lap resulted in a retirement at his first race for Lotus Renault. Another retirement followed in Malaysia before a solid 6th place finish in China.
Bahrain saw a double podium finish for Lotus Renault with Grosjean on the third step just behind team mate Kimi Raikkonen and double world champion Sebastian Vettel.
4th and 9th place finishes in Spain and Monaco meant valuable points in the championship for the Lotus Renault driver.
Canada added to this with a 2nd place finish in a dramatic end to the race which saw Grosjean make his tyres last to climb up the grid after qualifying down in 7th position.
So what's changed for the young Frenchman?
When we first saw Romain Grosjean back in 2009, he was overshadowed by his then team mate, Fernando Alonso, which I think has helped him this season, being team mates with the 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He isn't letting the fact, he is racing along side a world champion again. Romain Grosjean is proving that he can one day be a world champion himself with his performance so far this season.
Both drivers are working well together to get the team up to 3rd in the constructors championship, hot on McLaren's tail and 11 points clear of Ferrari.
Is this a new turn for Grosjean and Lotus Renault? Can they keep this form up and prove they are in it to win it?
Next stop on the Formula 1 calendar is Valencia in two weeks time. Can Romain Grosjean achieve his first win in Formula 1 and be the eighth different winner this season?
We'll just have to wait and see.
A late night with Sebastian Vettel
Here's the full interview of Sebastian Vettel on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Monday 11 June 2012
Impossible is two letters too long
Who thought this season could get anymore unpredictable. 7 winners in the 7 races we've had so far this season. Who would have predicted that? If you did then you can write down my lottery numbers for next weekend.
Lewis Hamilton clinched his first win of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix with Romain Grosjean for Lotus and Sergio Perez of Sauber joining him on the podium.
Hamilton managed his tyres and used pit stop strategy to his advantage to come out on top. Pole sitter Sebastian Vettel lead the pack comfortably during the first stint but tyre wear held up the double world champion and he finished 4th. Fernando Alonso went from leading to 5th in the space of two laps due to Ferrari's one stop strategy not paying off for the Spaniard. He lost time and positions.
It was a weekend to forget for Jenson Button. He finished in 16th behind both Toro Rosso's and had to make three pit stops during the race. Michael Schumacher's bad luck continued with a hydraulic pipe causing the DRS wing to remain open. Formula 1 is full of clever engineering and technology but even some bashing from the mechanics during the pit stop couldn't shut the wing and he had to retire.
Felipe Massa was disappointed with himself after a spun at the first corner cost him a decent race and he went from 5th to 12th. He moved up into the points to finish 10th. Paul Di Resta looked promising but two early pitstops meant he lost out from getting some valuable points and he ended up back in 11th.
Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg worked a two stop strategy to finish 6th and 7th behind one stopping Kimi Rakkionen and the Sauber of Kamui Kobayashi.
Here's the full classification of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton now leads the championship two points ahead of Fernando Alonso and three ahead of reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel. It looks like Hamilton's consistency so far this season has worked. Can he keep it up though?
Next stop is Valencia where the hot temperature will be key in getting the tyres work to their full potential.
Can we see an eighth different winner in this topsy turvey season or who can be the first person to break away from the rest of the pack?
Lewis Hamilton clinched his first win of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix with Romain Grosjean for Lotus and Sergio Perez of Sauber joining him on the podium.
Hamilton managed his tyres and used pit stop strategy to his advantage to come out on top. Pole sitter Sebastian Vettel lead the pack comfortably during the first stint but tyre wear held up the double world champion and he finished 4th. Fernando Alonso went from leading to 5th in the space of two laps due to Ferrari's one stop strategy not paying off for the Spaniard. He lost time and positions.
It was a weekend to forget for Jenson Button. He finished in 16th behind both Toro Rosso's and had to make three pit stops during the race. Michael Schumacher's bad luck continued with a hydraulic pipe causing the DRS wing to remain open. Formula 1 is full of clever engineering and technology but even some bashing from the mechanics during the pit stop couldn't shut the wing and he had to retire.
Felipe Massa was disappointed with himself after a spun at the first corner cost him a decent race and he went from 5th to 12th. He moved up into the points to finish 10th. Paul Di Resta looked promising but two early pitstops meant he lost out from getting some valuable points and he ended up back in 11th.
Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg worked a two stop strategy to finish 6th and 7th behind one stopping Kimi Rakkionen and the Sauber of Kamui Kobayashi.
Here's the full classification of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton now leads the championship two points ahead of Fernando Alonso and three ahead of reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel. It looks like Hamilton's consistency so far this season has worked. Can he keep it up though?
Red Bull still lead the constructors comfortably with great team work between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.
Can we see an eighth different winner in this topsy turvey season or who can be the first person to break away from the rest of the pack?
Sunday 10 June 2012
What hole?
Sebastian Vettel starts the Canadian Grand Prix tomorrow on pole position, with Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso hot on his tail.
All three sessions were filled to the brim with action. Jean-Eric Vergne came together with the tyre wall in FP3 and his bad luck continued, failing to get into Q2 for the fourth time this season and on top of that was out qualified by both Caterhams. Another shocker of the session see's Pedro De La Rosa in the HRT start ahead of both Charles Pic and Timo Glock in the Marussia's.
Jenson Button has Pastor Maldonado to thank for saving his butt in Q2. The Venezuelan on his final hot lap was about to eliminate the 2009 world champion, but took the final chicane too quickly and crashed into the famous 'wall of champions'. Maldonado starts 17th with Bruno Senna lining up next to him in 16th.
Q3 would see the battle of the teams commence with a number of candidates who could take pole position. Nico Rosberg set the early pace in the session and a flying lap from defending world champion Sebastian Vettel saw him get provisional pole with a 1.13.905 only to put himself further ahead with a 1.13.784 and out of Lewis Hamilton's reach who joins him on the front row of the grid.
Fernando Alonso had to settle for 3rd, with pole position in the picture a poor final sector from the Spaniard cost him from heading the grid for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Here's a list of the full times set in Qualifying
Canada sure knows how to throw an exciting qualifying so I wonder what it will throw for us in the race?
All three sessions were filled to the brim with action. Jean-Eric Vergne came together with the tyre wall in FP3 and his bad luck continued, failing to get into Q2 for the fourth time this season and on top of that was out qualified by both Caterhams. Another shocker of the session see's Pedro De La Rosa in the HRT start ahead of both Charles Pic and Timo Glock in the Marussia's.
Jenson Button has Pastor Maldonado to thank for saving his butt in Q2. The Venezuelan on his final hot lap was about to eliminate the 2009 world champion, but took the final chicane too quickly and crashed into the famous 'wall of champions'. Maldonado starts 17th with Bruno Senna lining up next to him in 16th.
Q3 would see the battle of the teams commence with a number of candidates who could take pole position. Nico Rosberg set the early pace in the session and a flying lap from defending world champion Sebastian Vettel saw him get provisional pole with a 1.13.905 only to put himself further ahead with a 1.13.784 and out of Lewis Hamilton's reach who joins him on the front row of the grid.
Fernando Alonso had to settle for 3rd, with pole position in the picture a poor final sector from the Spaniard cost him from heading the grid for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Here's a list of the full times set in Qualifying
Canada sure knows how to throw an exciting qualifying so I wonder what it will throw for us in the race?
Friday 8 June 2012
7 minutes in heaven
Here we are. Six races in and we have seen six different winners. Can you believe it? I know I can't. From the season we had last year where it was Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel dominating, now we have such an unpredictable start to the season, it's quite hard to get your head around things.
Fernando Alonso leads the championship, and the win for Mark Webber last time out in Monaco bumps him up to joint second with his team mate Sebastian Vettel.
What better way to continue this unpredictable season than with a trip to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend. Last years race will probably go down in history for one of the best races in a season, so I wonder what the race will have install for us on Sunday? Anything can happen with the weather. Rain or shine. This race is going to be jam packed with action.
With its long straights and slow corners, this track, on paper, looks like it will suit Mercedes and Lotus. Can Kimi Raikkonen get his first win after returning to Formula 1? Or can his team mate Romain Grosjean deliver the goods? Nico Rosberg won back in China but seven times world champion is still yet to achieve this. Can it all change this weekend?
Free practice 1 and 2 gets underway soon with rain threatening both sessions. I wonder who can manage their tyres in the cooler conditions and get in the times before the rain comes. Tyres have been a major talking point throughout the season and will play an even bigger part this weekend than they have done in previous races. I wonder who will be able to benefit from these cooler conditions and who can keep their tyres from 'falling off the cliff'.
As race strategy is becoming more and more important now, qualifying isn't the same because drivers want to save as many sets of tyres as they can.
Are we being robbed from some great racing action because of tyres? This weekend will surely be the test of that.
What better way to continue this unpredictable season than with a trip to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend. Last years race will probably go down in history for one of the best races in a season, so I wonder what the race will have install for us on Sunday? Anything can happen with the weather. Rain or shine. This race is going to be jam packed with action.
With its long straights and slow corners, this track, on paper, looks like it will suit Mercedes and Lotus. Can Kimi Raikkonen get his first win after returning to Formula 1? Or can his team mate Romain Grosjean deliver the goods? Nico Rosberg won back in China but seven times world champion is still yet to achieve this. Can it all change this weekend?
Free practice 1 and 2 gets underway soon with rain threatening both sessions. I wonder who can manage their tyres in the cooler conditions and get in the times before the rain comes. Tyres have been a major talking point throughout the season and will play an even bigger part this weekend than they have done in previous races. I wonder who will be able to benefit from these cooler conditions and who can keep their tyres from 'falling off the cliff'.
As race strategy is becoming more and more important now, qualifying isn't the same because drivers want to save as many sets of tyres as they can.
Are we being robbed from some great racing action because of tyres? This weekend will surely be the test of that.
Tuesday 5 June 2012
Monday 28 May 2012
Friday 25 May 2012
Luiz Razia sprints to the top in race two.
Luiz Razia celebrated on the top
step of the podium after storming to victory in the GP2 sprint race this
afternoon.
Last time out Razia finished in 8th
after starting 13th and with the reverse grid, meant a pole position
was in order to start the sprint race.
From the start Luiz Razia got a
clear lead and had plenty of space into turn one. From then the pack just
followed and by the end of lap one Razia had six tenths lead, ahead of Berthon
and championship leader Valsecchi in third.
Berthon began to be hot on Luiz
Razia’s tail and closed the gap down to half a second on lap six. Out in the
lead Razia could set the pace of the pack and manage his tyre wear, as it would
be crucial for the coming laps towards the end.
Half race distance and Razia was
still in the lead with Berthon closely behind with the gap at less than half a
second, but as tyre drop off points were playing into the hand of Luiz Razia
the gap began to increase to over a second with eight laps to go.
The final laps of the race saw a
comfortable lead for Luiz Razia, two and a half seconds separating him and 2nd
place Berthon.
Luiz Razia won the GP2 sprint
race at the Circuit de Catalunya for Arden International. This is a track that
has always favoured the team with wins in the past coming from Williams F1
driver Bruno Senna.
This is Razia’s second win of the
season and has scored in the points consistently in every race so far.
Luiz Razia is still second in the
championship and has moved onto 104 points. He is only 25 points behind
Valsecchi who leads the championship on 129 points.
Monaco is the next round in two
weeks time, an iconic track. The jewel in the crown and Luiz Razia hopes that
the crown will be his in two weeks time.
-End-
Notes to editors.
About: Luiz Razia.
Luiz Razia is a Brazilian racing
driver in the GP2 series, driving for Arden International. He has been a test
driver for Virgin Racing, now Marussia and is currently 2nd in the
GP2 championship.
@LuizRazia
About: Arden International.
Arden International competes in
both the GP2 and GP3 championships. Christian Horner the current Red Bull
Racing team principal and his father Gary founded the team in the 1970’s. The
team has gone on to produce Formula 1 drivers Vitantonio Liuzzi and the current
Marussia Racing driver Charles Pic.
Eight place finish for Razia and pole position in the reverse grid tomorrow.
Luiz Razia finished in 8th
place during race one here at the Circuit de Catalunya, and will start
tomorrow’s sprint race on pole position thanks to the reverse grid.
Razia started in 13th
place after a qualifying session that was hard on tyres and timing.
A great start from Razia got him
up to 9th position and missing out on all the traffic of the
midfield. Different circumstances and different drivers to be racing against,
Razia did well not to get caught up in the traffic.
As the laps rolled on, Razia
began to be put under pressure by Melker in 10th place and the gap
was being closed down to four tenths. Onidi was ahead of Razia in 8th
place, over two seconds was the gap from 8th to 9th
The prime tyre was holding up
well and after lap 11 there was no sign of a pit stop for Razia. Once other
drivers began to pit Razia moved up to 4th position. After lap 16
Razia pitted for a new set of prime tyres and dropped down to 14th.
With 15 laps to go Razia had
moved up to 10th position and was battling out for the reverse grid
pole position for the sprint race tomorrow. Razia needed to move up to 8th
position to enable him to bag the pole position. Just ahead of him, Max Chilton
who was currently in the reverse grid pole position.
Luiz Razia got up to 8th
position and had Max Chilton in his reach, only three tenths behind, instead
Razia decided to keep position and guarantee that reverse grid pole position.
After and action packed race,
Luiz Razia finished in 8th position and will start the sprint race
tomorrow on pole, with Max Chilton behind him in second. Talk of rain for the
race tomorrow could make things interesting and mix things up a bit.
Razia moves on to 87 points in
the championship and stays second in the championship behind Valsecchi who
increases his lead after finishing 4th in todays race.
-End-
Notes to editors.
About: Luiz Razia.
Luiz Razia is a Brazilian racing
driver in the GP2 series, driving for Arden International. He has been a test
driver for Virgin Racing, now Marussia and is currently 2nd in the
GP2 championship.
@LuizRazia
About: Arden International.
Arden International competes in
both the GP2 and GP3 championships. Christian Horner the current Red Bull
Racing team principal and his father Gary founded the team in the 1970’s. The
team has gone on to produce Formula 1 drivers Vitantonio Liuzzi and the current
Marussia Racing driver Charles Pic.
All about timing. Luiz Razia starts in 13th for tomorrow’s race.
Luiz Razia starts tomorrow’s
first race in 13th position, as track condition and tyre drop off
points were key.
Razia started on a different
strategy to everyone else by going out on the prime tyres firs, instead of the option
tyre that seemed to be favourite.
Last time out in Bahrain, Razia
qualified 6th, only three tenths off pole position and went off to
finish the first race in 4th and just missed out on the win, behind
Tom Dillmann in the second race.
For the first time this season in
GP2 there is a double step gap between tyre compounds this weekend. Pirelli
have supplied a hard compound (prime) and soft compound. (option) Each driver
gets three sets of prime tyres and one set of option, with one set of the prime
tyre to be saved for the sprint race.
The beginning five-ten minutes of
the session was said to be the tracks peak condition after rubber that had been
laid down during FP2.
Razia went out on the prime tyres
and set a time of 1.54.918, then came his first flying lap, which put him in 6th
with a 1.31.377. On the hard Pirelli compound Luiz Razia managed to set a
personal best in all three sectors.
As faster times began to shape
the grid, Razia was pushed down the order. Times were being set on the option tyres
which Razia was yet to go onto.
Half of the session was left and
Razia came into the pits to change to the option tyre and wait for some clear
space out on track. A personal best was improved in sector two, but with having
to pass a couple of cars on his lap, Luiz Razia couldn’t better his time of
1.31.377.
Luiz Razia will start tomorrow’s
first race of the weekend at the Circuit de Catalunya in 13th
position on the grid, only seven tenths off of James Calado on pole.
-End-
Notes to editors.
About: Luiz Razia.
Luiz Razia is a Brazilian racing
driver in the GP2 series, driving for Arden International. He has been a test
driver for Virgin Racing, now Marussia and is currently 2nd in the
GP2 championship.
@LuizRazia
About: Arden International.
Arden International compete in
both the GP2 and GP3 championships. Christian Horner the current Red Bull
Racing team principal and his father Gary founded the team in the 1970’s. The
team has gone on to produce Formula 1 drivers Vitantonio Liuzzi and the current
Marussia Racing driver Charles Pic.
Sixth tenths off in practice at the Circuit de Catalunya
Luiz Razia finished 10th
overall in practice at the Circuit de Catalunya for Arden International. Razia
ended the session with a time of 1.31.717. Joseph Kral in the Barwa Addax Team
set the quickest time of the session, a 1.31.109, going into Qualifying, this
afternoon.
The European leg of the season is
kicked off this weekend in Barcelona at the Circuit de Catalunya, a track the
drivers know very well. Razia goes into this weekend 2nd in the
championship with 83 points, 24 points behind Valsecchi. Razia was leading the
championship after the first round in Sepang but couldn’t continue with this
form and is now closely behind the leader.
Arden International are also
having a strong start to the season. The team is 3rd in the
standings overall with 84 points, 9 points behind 2nd place Lotus GP
and 51 points behind the leaders DAMS.
The teams are incredibly close,
already this season and with 18 more races to go in 9 different countries, it’s
definitely going to be a scorcher when the final rounds get underway in
Singapore towards the end of the year.
Luiz Razia had a good start to the
session and his first flying lap put him up in 2nd position, but was
slowly dropping down the standings after more and more times were put in by the
field.
Razia managed to improve his
time, but it wasn’t enough to move him up the grid and with 20 minutes to go he
was seven tenths off the leader Kral.
Razia completed six laps and his
quickest time was 1.31.717, 0.608 seconds off Kral. After the 30-minute
practice session, Luiz Razia finished in 10th position with a better
understanding of the tyre degradation, which has been one of the talking points
in practice this morning.
Pirelli have provided a hard and
a soft compound this weekend in Barcelona and with saving tyres crucial for
qualifying this afternoon and both races on Sunday. The hard compound was the
choice for practice and with one set of hard tyres to be saved for the sprint
race on Sunday.
The soft compound looks favourite
for qualifying, but the drop off point is significant in getting the best
qualifying time.
-End-
Notes to editors.
About: Luiz Razia.
Luiz Razia is a Brazilian racing
driver in the GP2 series, driving for Arden International. He has been a test driver
for Virgin Racing, now Marussia and is currently 2nd in the GP2 championship.
@LuizRazia
About: Arden International.
Arden International compete in
both the GP2 and GP3 championships. Christian Horner the current Red Bull
Racing team principal and his father Gary founded the team in the 1970’s. The
team has gone on to produce Formula 1 drivers Vitantonio Liuzzi and the current
Marussia Racing driver Charles Pic.
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