This weeks #FanFormula entry.
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Friday 23 March 2012
Caption this
And today's photo is......
Knock yourselves out, with this one.
Remember you can write your captions here as a comment or tweet them to me @AilishCatherine
Enjoy.
Knock yourselves out, with this one.
Remember you can write your captions here as a comment or tweet them to me @AilishCatherine
Enjoy.
Thursday 22 March 2012
What we got
Here are your captions for todays 'Caption this' photo
"Vettel hears Webber's race strategy." @Hudders_Matt
"I heard the McLaren is faster than you." @markhendy
"That is definitely not where you should be doing the Vettel finger." @PAGIE03
"Seb laughs after Heikki does the Vettel finger, only to poke Mark Webber in the eye." @PAGIE03
"and then I snipped the wire on his KERS battery" @EmTheEmu
"dude are you drunk or something?" @BrandenSWiens
"I prefer the BBC coverage" @readyState
Caption this
Who doesn't love a good caption competition? So for a bit of fun and giggles, I've decided to host one.
Leave your caption below as a comment, or tweet them to me @AilishCatherine
Sorry, no prizes on offer, but you do win me over with comedy and that's worth it's weight in gold.
Today's photo is:
Leave your caption below as a comment, or tweet them to me @AilishCatherine
Have fun. Make us laugh. Give us your best caption.
Tuesday 20 March 2012
Sunday 18 March 2012
And we're off
Round one goes to..... Jenson Button.
The lights have gone out on the start of the 2012 season. Australia went off with a huge bang. It definitely didn't fail to disappoint us, with an action packed race, from the get go.
Jenson Button stormed ahead of his pole-sitting team mate at the start of the race, and managed to keep his cool over the 58 laps to take the win.
Lewis Hamilton's race was affectively ruined when the safety car had to be deployed, after the Caterham of Vitaly Petrov stopped on the pit straight and had to be removed.
McLaren pitted both drivers on the lap before the safety car, whilst Red Bull kept Sebastian Vettel out before the Caterham stopped.
The current world champion took his first of two pit stops for another set of option tyres and rejoined the pack, ahead of Lewis Hamilton but behind Jenson Button. Hamilton couldn't keep up with the back-to-back world champion's pace and finished 3rd.
A strong finish by Mark Webber, who nursed a problem with the RB8, throughout the race after having contact at the start, and brought the Red Bull home in 4th. Mark's best finish at his home Grand Prix. Another strong performer was Fernando Alonso. The Ferrari has been a handful all weekend, and with Felipe Massa retiring after a coming together with Bruno Senna, they still have plenty more to do.
Focus was off of the front runners and on to the mid field pack, where, on the last lap, the battle for 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th position was separated by only 4 tenths of a second. Can't ask for a closer finish than that.
Paul Di Resta got the final point on offer in the Force India, with both Saubers finishing strongly in 6th and 8th. Daniel Ricciardo scored his highest ever finish at his home Grand Prix and a stunning performance from Kimi Raikkonen after starting 18th on the grid to finish up in 7th. Raikkonen's team mate, Romain Grosjean was hit by Pastor Maldonado, broke the front wishbone on the Lotus causing the frenchman to retire on his first Grand Prix back in Formula 1.
Mercedes struggled in the race, with Michael Schumacher only lasting 10 laps due to a gearbox problem. Nico Rosberg looked promising to get some good points but tumbled down the running order and finished 12th.
Another team who struggled was Williams. Pastor Maldonado was racing up along side Fernando Alonso and other big names, but dipped a tyre onto the grass on the last lap, causing him to spin and hit the wall.
Marussia had a steady, drama free race with Charles Pic finishing 15th in his first Grand Prix, and birthday boy Timo Glock finished 14th.
Both Caterham drivers retired, and after the race Heikki Kovalainen was given a 5 place grid penalty for overtaking before the safety car line, under the new safety car rule. The new rule has been put in place this season, that under a safety car, lapped cars can unlap themselves before the restart.
Below is the full classified table from the 2012 Australian Grand Prix
Next weekend is the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang. Can McLaren hold off Red Bull's charge or will the world champions come back with a vengeance?
Let's see what it has install.
The lights have gone out on the start of the 2012 season. Australia went off with a huge bang. It definitely didn't fail to disappoint us, with an action packed race, from the get go.
Jenson Button stormed ahead of his pole-sitting team mate at the start of the race, and managed to keep his cool over the 58 laps to take the win.
Lewis Hamilton's race was affectively ruined when the safety car had to be deployed, after the Caterham of Vitaly Petrov stopped on the pit straight and had to be removed.
McLaren pitted both drivers on the lap before the safety car, whilst Red Bull kept Sebastian Vettel out before the Caterham stopped.
The current world champion took his first of two pit stops for another set of option tyres and rejoined the pack, ahead of Lewis Hamilton but behind Jenson Button. Hamilton couldn't keep up with the back-to-back world champion's pace and finished 3rd.
A strong finish by Mark Webber, who nursed a problem with the RB8, throughout the race after having contact at the start, and brought the Red Bull home in 4th. Mark's best finish at his home Grand Prix. Another strong performer was Fernando Alonso. The Ferrari has been a handful all weekend, and with Felipe Massa retiring after a coming together with Bruno Senna, they still have plenty more to do.
Focus was off of the front runners and on to the mid field pack, where, on the last lap, the battle for 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th position was separated by only 4 tenths of a second. Can't ask for a closer finish than that.
Paul Di Resta got the final point on offer in the Force India, with both Saubers finishing strongly in 6th and 8th. Daniel Ricciardo scored his highest ever finish at his home Grand Prix and a stunning performance from Kimi Raikkonen after starting 18th on the grid to finish up in 7th. Raikkonen's team mate, Romain Grosjean was hit by Pastor Maldonado, broke the front wishbone on the Lotus causing the frenchman to retire on his first Grand Prix back in Formula 1.
Mercedes struggled in the race, with Michael Schumacher only lasting 10 laps due to a gearbox problem. Nico Rosberg looked promising to get some good points but tumbled down the running order and finished 12th.
Another team who struggled was Williams. Pastor Maldonado was racing up along side Fernando Alonso and other big names, but dipped a tyre onto the grass on the last lap, causing him to spin and hit the wall.
Marussia had a steady, drama free race with Charles Pic finishing 15th in his first Grand Prix, and birthday boy Timo Glock finished 14th.
Both Caterham drivers retired, and after the race Heikki Kovalainen was given a 5 place grid penalty for overtaking before the safety car line, under the new safety car rule. The new rule has been put in place this season, that under a safety car, lapped cars can unlap themselves before the restart.
Below is the full classified table from the 2012 Australian Grand Prix
Next weekend is the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang. Can McLaren hold off Red Bull's charge or will the world champions come back with a vengeance?
Let's see what it has install.
Saturday 17 March 2012
Catching my breath
What an eventful first qualifying of the season. Where do I start? So much action to talk about, so little time.
Q1 saw the top teams clocking in more laps than usual, as the pace of the track was constantly evolving and tyre management an issue the drivers have faced throughout the weekend. The big shock exit was the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen. A mixture of traffic and a mistake from the Iceman led to him starting 18th on the grid in his first Grand Prix back, after his two year absence.
HRT not only qualified out of the 107% rule, they were causing havoc for other drivers out on track, and were the main talking point, as they held several drivers up during Q1. Due to the team not qualifying within the 107% rule, the FIA have not allowed them to race tomorrow.
A dismal Q2 for Ferrari with Fernando Alonso beaching his car, and with only setting one time, it wasn't good enough to keep him in the top 10. Massa didn't do much better and starts 16th tomorrow. Ferrari's weekend has gone from bad to worse. They are way off the pace from where they'd like to be. Can they turn it around tomorrow? Or is this a long term problem for the prancing horse?
McLaren were in a league of their own in Q3. Lewis Hamilton on his flying lap, set the pace for the field, but no one could match him. Hamilton didn't have the best of seasons last year, but it's fair to say he's back.
Mercedes have shown signs of promise all weekend, but couldn't seem to make it count when needed in Q3, and could only manage 4th and 7th.
Great performances by Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo as he starts 10th at his first home Grand Prix and Pastor Maldonado in the William's see's him 8th, after a dreadful 2011 for the team.
Sebastian Vettel's one lap pole, couldn't stand to the pace of the McLaren's and he starts 6th on the grid, with his team mate Mark Webber, next to him in 5th.
Surprise of the session was Roman Grosjean in the Lotus qualifying up in 3rd with the McLaren's of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton just ahead of him.
Below are full times from qualifying.
Tomorrow is going to be an interesting race. Seeing who can manage their tyres to their advantage. Kimi Raikkonen will be making his way through the pack, along with both Ferrari's, with Red Bull aiming for a podium finish.
Make sure you set those alarms. 6am start. It's going to be a corker of a race!
Q1 saw the top teams clocking in more laps than usual, as the pace of the track was constantly evolving and tyre management an issue the drivers have faced throughout the weekend. The big shock exit was the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen. A mixture of traffic and a mistake from the Iceman led to him starting 18th on the grid in his first Grand Prix back, after his two year absence.
HRT not only qualified out of the 107% rule, they were causing havoc for other drivers out on track, and were the main talking point, as they held several drivers up during Q1. Due to the team not qualifying within the 107% rule, the FIA have not allowed them to race tomorrow.
A dismal Q2 for Ferrari with Fernando Alonso beaching his car, and with only setting one time, it wasn't good enough to keep him in the top 10. Massa didn't do much better and starts 16th tomorrow. Ferrari's weekend has gone from bad to worse. They are way off the pace from where they'd like to be. Can they turn it around tomorrow? Or is this a long term problem for the prancing horse?
McLaren were in a league of their own in Q3. Lewis Hamilton on his flying lap, set the pace for the field, but no one could match him. Hamilton didn't have the best of seasons last year, but it's fair to say he's back.
Mercedes have shown signs of promise all weekend, but couldn't seem to make it count when needed in Q3, and could only manage 4th and 7th.
Great performances by Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo as he starts 10th at his first home Grand Prix and Pastor Maldonado in the William's see's him 8th, after a dreadful 2011 for the team.
Sebastian Vettel's one lap pole, couldn't stand to the pace of the McLaren's and he starts 6th on the grid, with his team mate Mark Webber, next to him in 5th.
Surprise of the session was Roman Grosjean in the Lotus qualifying up in 3rd with the McLaren's of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton just ahead of him.
Below are full times from qualifying.
Tomorrow is going to be an interesting race. Seeing who can manage their tyres to their advantage. Kimi Raikkonen will be making his way through the pack, along with both Ferrari's, with Red Bull aiming for a podium finish.
Make sure you set those alarms. 6am start. It's going to be a corker of a race!
Thursday 15 March 2012
Let's get ready to rumble
With only 12 hours. Yes you heard right 12 HOURS! Until the first FP1 of the 2012 season gets underway.
I wonder what we can expect.
In true HRT fashion, the team still hasn't finished building Pedro De La Rosa's car and have asked the FIA for an extension before scrutineering. The FIA will scrutineer the car tomorrow morning before FP1. With missing all of winter testing you'd think they'd be ready.
According to Fernando Alonso, Ferrari aren't ruling out anything in Australia, despite not having the strongest of starts in winter testing and Lewis Hamilton is unsure what to expect in Melbourne this weekend as the first Grand Prix of the year takes place.
I reckon we'll have to make sure we're fastened in, because it's going to be a fast ride.
I wonder what we can expect.
In true HRT fashion, the team still hasn't finished building Pedro De La Rosa's car and have asked the FIA for an extension before scrutineering. The FIA will scrutineer the car tomorrow morning before FP1. With missing all of winter testing you'd think they'd be ready.
The FIA has granted the Mercedes rear wing is legal, after talk from other teams that the 'rear wing F-duct' should be made illegal.
With a strong performance throughout winter testing, could this be a turn around of events for the 2009 constructor world champions?
I reckon we'll have to make sure we're fastened in, because it's going to be a fast ride.
Wednesday 14 March 2012
Music to my ears
We've seen that teams, in their down time, like to have a good go on the old Karaoke machine.
So what is your speciality? Beyoncé? Whitney? Bit of Queen?
Let's get #F1Karaoke started.
@PAGIE03 would choose a bit of Glenn Frey - The heat is on.
His reason being it works well if there is a tight race or if the sun is blazing away.
Sergio Perez's trainer and former trainer of Jerome D'ambrosio @thereal_SJF would sing Good Feeling by Flo Rida. Guilty gangster pleasure.
Sergio Perez's trainer and former trainer of Jerome D'ambrosio @thereal_SJF would sing Good Feeling by Flo Rida. Guilty gangster pleasure.
Do you take Abbey to be your lawfully wedded car?
Well Sebastian clearly said yes, as this is the name of his RB8 chassis.
As we know Sebastian Vettel likes to give his car chassis names. In the past we've had 'Kate's Dirty Sister, Luscious Liz, Randy Mandy, and Kinky Kyle, but this year he has toned down the name and kept it simple with 'Abbey'. No adjectives describing her, or nothing.
Sebastian Vettel has a strong love for The Beatles. Could he be naming his car after the iconic 'Abbey Road' that 'The Beatles' made famous? Or could he just like the name Abbey?
I'm hoping to see a 'Zebra crossing' on the car, with four people walking across it, when Free Practice kicks off on Friday.
If not then I shall be disappointed.
As we know Sebastian Vettel likes to give his car chassis names. In the past we've had 'Kate's Dirty Sister, Luscious Liz, Randy Mandy, and Kinky Kyle, but this year he has toned down the name and kept it simple with 'Abbey'. No adjectives describing her, or nothing.
Sebastian Vettel has a strong love for The Beatles. Could he be naming his car after the iconic 'Abbey Road' that 'The Beatles' made famous? Or could he just like the name Abbey?
I'm hoping to see a 'Zebra crossing' on the car, with four people walking across it, when Free Practice kicks off on Friday.
If not then I shall be disappointed.
Tuesday 13 March 2012
Hit the high notes
Last year I came up with the concept of #F1Karaoke.
I tweeted a number of Formula 1 drivers and teams asking what song they would bang out at a Karaoke session.
I got a number of responses but I have now decided to take it global.
With the 2012 season starting on Friday. Just 3 days away! I'm going to get as many F1 folk involved as possible. Including YOU!
With the responses I get I will make an #F1Karaoke play list, to get us all in the mood for the long season ahead.
Remember this is only a bit of fun.
If you want to take part then tweet me (@AilishCatherine) using the hashtag #F1Karaoke. Or comment here on my blog.
I look forward to hearing your banging tunes.
Rock and Roll!
I tweeted a number of Formula 1 drivers and teams asking what song they would bang out at a Karaoke session.
I got a number of responses but I have now decided to take it global.
With the 2012 season starting on Friday. Just 3 days away! I'm going to get as many F1 folk involved as possible. Including YOU!
With the responses I get I will make an #F1Karaoke play list, to get us all in the mood for the long season ahead.
Remember this is only a bit of fun.
If you want to take part then tweet me (@AilishCatherine) using the hashtag #F1Karaoke. Or comment here on my blog.
I look forward to hearing your banging tunes.
Rock and Roll!
Monday 12 March 2012
Please no photos
Currently finding all the interviews I've done and I've come across yet another one. I hear you cry "ANOTHER ONE?" I'm just becoming too famous these days.
This is the interview from the Red Bull Home Run, last December. You can find me 37 seconds in.
Enjoy :)
This is the interview from the Red Bull Home Run, last December. You can find me 37 seconds in.
Enjoy :)
Getting myself out there
This is the link to the interview with myself and Fenners at pre season testing in Barcelona.
I'm 2 minutes 52 seconds in. Sorry to Sauber and Ferrari, as I do slightly, only slightly 'bash' your cars.
Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2rve2W4BuU
I'm 2 minutes 52 seconds in. Sorry to Sauber and Ferrari, as I do slightly, only slightly 'bash' your cars.
Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2rve2W4BuU
Friday 9 March 2012
On the 9th day of F1, my true love gave to me
The launch of the Sky Sports F1 HD.
The day has finally arrived. Tonight, at 8pm the launch show airs with a full review of the 2011 including a review of winter testing and a preview of the up coming 2012 season.
Of course we will also be introduced to the new Sky team.
So let's fasten out seat belts and get ready to enjoy the show.
The day has finally arrived. Tonight, at 8pm the launch show airs with a full review of the 2011 including a review of winter testing and a preview of the up coming 2012 season.
Of course we will also be introduced to the new Sky team.
So let's fasten out seat belts and get ready to enjoy the show.
Thursday 8 March 2012
On the 10th day of F1, my true love gave to me
A new look intro for Sky.
Today Sky launched the official video of their intro for Formula 1 this season. They have used Alistair Griffin's 'Just Drive' as the song behind the title sequence.
You can check out the intro here:
http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7577279/-Just-Drive-For-Sky-Sports-F1
Personally, I like the intro. I like all the vintage archive footage they have used. More present footage could have been used, but seeing all the old F1 action is always a nice blast from the past. The song 'Just Drive' reminds Formula 1 fans of the 2010 season, as the BBC used this for their montage of the season review.
Nothing will ever beat 'The Chain' as an intro song. 'The Chain' for all us British folk will always be connected with Formula 1.
It's nice to see the effort that Sky Sports is making to ensure we have fantastic viewing of the season. It looks as if it's going to be great.
I guess we shall wait and see.
The launch show is this Friday at 8pm.
Today Sky launched the official video of their intro for Formula 1 this season. They have used Alistair Griffin's 'Just Drive' as the song behind the title sequence.
You can check out the intro here:
http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7577279/-Just-Drive-For-Sky-Sports-F1
Personally, I like the intro. I like all the vintage archive footage they have used. More present footage could have been used, but seeing all the old F1 action is always a nice blast from the past. The song 'Just Drive' reminds Formula 1 fans of the 2010 season, as the BBC used this for their montage of the season review.
Nothing will ever beat 'The Chain' as an intro song. 'The Chain' for all us British folk will always be connected with Formula 1.
It's nice to see the effort that Sky Sports is making to ensure we have fantastic viewing of the season. It looks as if it's going to be great.
I guess we shall wait and see.
The launch show is this Friday at 8pm.
Tuesday 6 March 2012
On the 11th day of F1, my true love gave to me
A new addition to the BBC 5live team.
This morning it was announced that Jaime Alguersuari will be joining the BBC F1 team as commentator and expert summariser this season.
"It will be interesting to look at the action from a different angle and bring that excitement and insight to listeners," said Jaime Alguersuari.
Today was the official BBC F1 launch and with a new change to their coverage and line up, they're still confident that they will be able to deliver the goods to the viewers.
Personally I'm looking forward to the new season and the new coverage from both Sky and the BBC. I have the best of both worlds as I have Sky+HD and get the new F1 channel for free, but will still be watching both of the coverages.
I'm looking forward to seeing Sky's take on Formula 1 and of course the BBC's trusty coverage that we all know and love.
It's going to be an interesting season, viewing figures wise, but still, that's not going to stop us from enjoying the Formula 1 season and seeing what it has to offer.
11 days till those lights go out in Melbourne and we finally go racing.
This morning it was announced that Jaime Alguersuari will be joining the BBC F1 team as commentator and expert summariser this season.
"It will be interesting to look at the action from a different angle and bring that excitement and insight to listeners," said Jaime Alguersuari.
Today was the official BBC F1 launch and with a new change to their coverage and line up, they're still confident that they will be able to deliver the goods to the viewers.
Personally I'm looking forward to the new season and the new coverage from both Sky and the BBC. I have the best of both worlds as I have Sky+HD and get the new F1 channel for free, but will still be watching both of the coverages.
I'm looking forward to seeing Sky's take on Formula 1 and of course the BBC's trusty coverage that we all know and love.
It's going to be an interesting season, viewing figures wise, but still, that's not going to stop us from enjoying the Formula 1 season and seeing what it has to offer.
11 days till those lights go out in Melbourne and we finally go racing.
Monday 5 March 2012
On the 12th day of F1, my true love gave to me.
A brand new Marussia.
Today at quite a chilly Silverstone circuit, Marussia launched their new car, the MR01.
The team had to delay the launch due to the car failing the last FIA crash test, and with this they had to miss the final test in Barcelona, which is where they were planning on getting the car ready for.
Marussia tested last years car in both Jerez and at the first test in Barcelona.
Charles Pic was beneficial from testing as it gave him the chance to test out a Formula 1 car going into his rookie season.
I was extremely lucky to be able to be a part of the team for a day at testing in Barcelona. I was in the garage, standing out in the pit lane and it was absolutely incredible.
Speaking to the team and at the time they were happy with their running in Barcelona.
This was obviously before they failed the final FIA crash test, but still. It's great to see a team that is struggling to be so upbeat and positive.
I'm routing for Marussia this season and hoping that they can start making process and hopefully move up the grid.
Today at quite a chilly Silverstone circuit, Marussia launched their new car, the MR01.
The team had to delay the launch due to the car failing the last FIA crash test, and with this they had to miss the final test in Barcelona, which is where they were planning on getting the car ready for.
Marussia tested last years car in both Jerez and at the first test in Barcelona.
Charles Pic was beneficial from testing as it gave him the chance to test out a Formula 1 car going into his rookie season.
I was extremely lucky to be able to be a part of the team for a day at testing in Barcelona. I was in the garage, standing out in the pit lane and it was absolutely incredible.
Speaking to the team and at the time they were happy with their running in Barcelona.
This was obviously before they failed the final FIA crash test, but still. It's great to see a team that is struggling to be so upbeat and positive.
I'm routing for Marussia this season and hoping that they can start making process and hopefully move up the grid.
Saturday 3 March 2012
I spy with my little eye
Something beginning with R.B.
Answers on a postcard please
Formula 1 has taken the social networking site, twitter, by storm. It's a way of connecting fans to the sport, giving them insights into all the behind the scenes action of a Formula 1 team.
Not only are we, the fans, given updates of what is going on back at base, we get details of what the teams really get up to during a Grand Prix weekend, before the cars hit the track.
From the journey to the track, to the busy set up of the garage. Press interviews and pictures of the team you could never take yourself.
Fans feel closer to the action thanks to the power of twitter. There is a close relationship between fans and team, which, in a sport that isn't possible for every fan to attend, is incredibly important that we are kept up to date.
Not only can teams connect with fans via twitter, it is also a great way to brand. Branding is very important for teams, as it allows sponsors to also get an insight into what is happening with the team they are backing. Therefore everyone is happy and sponsors are also being targeted.
Many drivers have taken to twitter as well. This is another brilliant way for fans to see what a Formula 1 driver gets up to in his spare time. Whether it be, what they are having for lunch or what their view is for the day.
Some drivers use their account mainly for PR reasons, but others use it for strictly personal use, to inform us all what they're like behind the race helmet and overalls.
One team that has taken an interesting concept onto the world of twitter is Red Bull Racing, with the @RedBullF1Spy.
He, or in fact she, lurks around the Red Bull garage, energy station and Formula 1 paddock, amongst other places. Giving us interesting pictures and very witty comments that entertain us during the year.
No one knows who this mystery 'tweeter' is.
Probably the best kept secret in the Formula 1 paddock.
I tried to work my spying magic during testing last week, as I went on a 'Let's reveal the @RedBullF1Spy' mission. It's fair to say I failed miserably as the team wasn't going to budge and tell me who the spy is.
Teams using the social network to get closer to the fans is great, and with the ever growing Formula 1 community, it's also a fantastic way to voice views and opinions on the sport we all love, and are so passionate about.
Only thing is.......
WHO IS THE @RedBullF1Spy? THIS MUST BE REVEALED!
SHOW YOURSELF!
Answers on a postcard please
Formula 1 has taken the social networking site, twitter, by storm. It's a way of connecting fans to the sport, giving them insights into all the behind the scenes action of a Formula 1 team.
Not only are we, the fans, given updates of what is going on back at base, we get details of what the teams really get up to during a Grand Prix weekend, before the cars hit the track.
From the journey to the track, to the busy set up of the garage. Press interviews and pictures of the team you could never take yourself.
Fans feel closer to the action thanks to the power of twitter. There is a close relationship between fans and team, which, in a sport that isn't possible for every fan to attend, is incredibly important that we are kept up to date.
Not only can teams connect with fans via twitter, it is also a great way to brand. Branding is very important for teams, as it allows sponsors to also get an insight into what is happening with the team they are backing. Therefore everyone is happy and sponsors are also being targeted.
Many drivers have taken to twitter as well. This is another brilliant way for fans to see what a Formula 1 driver gets up to in his spare time. Whether it be, what they are having for lunch or what their view is for the day.
Some drivers use their account mainly for PR reasons, but others use it for strictly personal use, to inform us all what they're like behind the race helmet and overalls.
One team that has taken an interesting concept onto the world of twitter is Red Bull Racing, with the @RedBullF1Spy.
He, or in fact she, lurks around the Red Bull garage, energy station and Formula 1 paddock, amongst other places. Giving us interesting pictures and very witty comments that entertain us during the year.
No one knows who this mystery 'tweeter' is.
Probably the best kept secret in the Formula 1 paddock.
I tried to work my spying magic during testing last week, as I went on a 'Let's reveal the @RedBullF1Spy' mission. It's fair to say I failed miserably as the team wasn't going to budge and tell me who the spy is.
Teams using the social network to get closer to the fans is great, and with the ever growing Formula 1 community, it's also a fantastic way to voice views and opinions on the sport we all love, and are so passionate about.
Only thing is.......
WHO IS THE @RedBullF1Spy? THIS MUST BE REVEALED!
SHOW YOURSELF!
Rain on my parade
The penultimate day of testing is over.
The afternoon started with tyre degradation still mixing things up. Not only with Mercedes, but Red Bull were also showing signs of tyre wear. Mark Webber was struggling, not as severe as what Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes was experiencing, but over a period of 10 laps, he went from running in the 1 minute 29's to the 1 minute 32's. A loss of 3 seconds over those 10 laps.
The Pirelli hard tyre compound seemed to be a favourite amongst drivers until rain dampened hopes of a complete dry running. The last hour saw rain and a bit of hail coat the circuit, where the intermediate tyres made their first appearance of 2012, and drivers began lapping in the 1 minute 40's.
Once the rain disappeared, action was limited on track, so we'll have to see what happens tomorrow on the finally day of testing before the season gets underway in Australia.
Will the teams be pulling out all the stops to get a feel of what they'll be running like in Australia? Or will they be coasting round to fool the competition and wait to show us the true potential they have in 2 weeks time?
A talking point off track was surrounding Ferrari. They made a statement that neither of their drivers would be talking to the media over the weekend. Not sure if they have something up their sleeve that they don't want the media to uncover or if they are making a statement after last nights 'rumour mill' was working over time.
Last night a rumour went around the world of twitter that Ferrari had announced they had sacked Felipe Massa. This seemed to upset them due to some of the, quite angry, we'll say, tweets that they posted.
Top tip of the day is to know who your reliable sources are.
Below are the times set this afternoon during testing.
The afternoon started with tyre degradation still mixing things up. Not only with Mercedes, but Red Bull were also showing signs of tyre wear. Mark Webber was struggling, not as severe as what Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes was experiencing, but over a period of 10 laps, he went from running in the 1 minute 29's to the 1 minute 32's. A loss of 3 seconds over those 10 laps.
The Pirelli hard tyre compound seemed to be a favourite amongst drivers until rain dampened hopes of a complete dry running. The last hour saw rain and a bit of hail coat the circuit, where the intermediate tyres made their first appearance of 2012, and drivers began lapping in the 1 minute 40's.
Once the rain disappeared, action was limited on track, so we'll have to see what happens tomorrow on the finally day of testing before the season gets underway in Australia.
Will the teams be pulling out all the stops to get a feel of what they'll be running like in Australia? Or will they be coasting round to fool the competition and wait to show us the true potential they have in 2 weeks time?
A talking point off track was surrounding Ferrari. They made a statement that neither of their drivers would be talking to the media over the weekend. Not sure if they have something up their sleeve that they don't want the media to uncover or if they are making a statement after last nights 'rumour mill' was working over time.
Last night a rumour went around the world of twitter that Ferrari had announced they had sacked Felipe Massa. This seemed to upset them due to some of the, quite angry, we'll say, tweets that they posted.
Top tip of the day is to know who your reliable sources are.
Below are the times set this afternoon during testing.
Mystery update
This morning has been an interesting one, I'll say, at the Circuit de Catalunya.
All eyes have been on Red Bull Racing and the new updates they have brought to their car. Some have been saying it's a complete revamp of the RB8, but the most noticeable update has been to a new innovative design feature to the exhaust. Apart from that Red Bull have been pretty quiet during the morning session. No real threat to the other teams with times set. They aren't breaking away from the pack and have had a fairly quiet session.
I'm sure their pace will become a lot clearer in Australia in 2 weeks time.
The word on everyone's lips, up and down the paddock, is tyres.
Some teams, especially Mercedes, have been really struggling with tyre degradation and losing a lot of time with them.
Pirelli's soft tyre compound has not been playing into the favour of Mercedes. Nico Rosberg lost a second over a period of 3 laps on the soft tyres. Inevitable that Rosberg clocked in the most laps this morning, as Mercedes were trying to figure out this problem and try to provoke it.
The 2009 World Champion also didn't have the smoothest of runs this morning as the McLaren picked up an hydraulics problem, resulting in Jenson Button only being able to complete 17 laps.
A stress free session so far. There is talk of rain, to perhaps hit the circuit this afternoon but we'll have to wait and see.
Below are the times set this morning.
Friday 2 March 2012
The flying frenchman
Romain Grosjean topped the time sheets this afternoon in Barcelona, being the only driver, so far, during testing to do that on both consecutive days.
After a chaotic start to the second day of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, business resumed as normal in the afternoon, and Fernando Alonso clocked in the most laps for Ferrari with the Lotus of Grosjean just behind him.
A lot of teams focused on race simulation this afternoon as the morning session was stop, start with all the red flags. Tyre simulation was also on the agenda along with pit stop practice up and down the pit lane.
Below are the times set this afternoon
Tomorrow see's a swap amongst many teams with the other drivers taking their seats.
Let's see what happens
After a chaotic start to the second day of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, business resumed as normal in the afternoon, and Fernando Alonso clocked in the most laps for Ferrari with the Lotus of Grosjean just behind him.
A lot of teams focused on race simulation this afternoon as the morning session was stop, start with all the red flags. Tyre simulation was also on the agenda along with pit stop practice up and down the pit lane.
Below are the times set this afternoon
Tomorrow see's a swap amongst many teams with the other drivers taking their seats.
Let's see what happens
Is this thing on?
It hasn't been the smoothest of days, testing wise, at the Circuit de Catalunya.
The start of the morning session was delayed due to a mystical looking sheet of fog, that decided to get in on the Formula 1 action. That was a sign telling us, it was going to be an action packed morning.
Red flags are popular amongst Spain but it wasn't to fend off a Bull. Well it stopped a Bull. A Red Bull. But for all the wrong reasons.
Cars were stopping on track left, right and centre. Michael Schumacher had his fair share of stoppages in the morning, along with Vergne, Maldonado and World Champion Sebastian Vettel decided he wanted to join in on the party.
The fog caused chaos to a few teams running plans. Force India had planned to do a full race stint but due to the delay they have had to push this into afternoons' running.
Tyres have also been getting in their cameo appearances. Word from the paddock is that the super softs, a few teams have been running today, are '2 lap wonders' and after that, they begin to drop off. Michael Schumacher was running in the 1 minute 23's and 3 laps later he was running in the 1 minute 26's.
This will be interesting to see in qualifying and during the race this season to see who can manage their tyres well enough to save them during the out lap and then use them to their full potential for that important 'pole position' lap.
Not really much else to report on for the morning session. Let's see what the afternoon holds.
Below are the times set this morning in Barcelona.
The start of the morning session was delayed due to a mystical looking sheet of fog, that decided to get in on the Formula 1 action. That was a sign telling us, it was going to be an action packed morning.
Red flags are popular amongst Spain but it wasn't to fend off a Bull. Well it stopped a Bull. A Red Bull. But for all the wrong reasons.
Cars were stopping on track left, right and centre. Michael Schumacher had his fair share of stoppages in the morning, along with Vergne, Maldonado and World Champion Sebastian Vettel decided he wanted to join in on the party.
The fog caused chaos to a few teams running plans. Force India had planned to do a full race stint but due to the delay they have had to push this into afternoons' running.
Tyres have also been getting in their cameo appearances. Word from the paddock is that the super softs, a few teams have been running today, are '2 lap wonders' and after that, they begin to drop off. Michael Schumacher was running in the 1 minute 23's and 3 laps later he was running in the 1 minute 26's.
This will be interesting to see in qualifying and during the race this season to see who can manage their tyres well enough to save them during the out lap and then use them to their full potential for that important 'pole position' lap.
Not really much else to report on for the morning session. Let's see what the afternoon holds.
Below are the times set this morning in Barcelona.
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