India, the latest country to be added to the F1 Calendar as it hosts the first Indian Grand Prix, and it is sure to put on a show. It joins the calendar, taking its role as the 17th race of the season, and with a brand spanking new venue to show off it is sure to impress.
(c) Octane Photographic
The race levels the playing field, as a new track comes with need to collect data, scrub in the track and learn the corners. The drivers will come to the race feeling as prepared as they can, but FP1 will really show them what its like.
Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez have received 3 place grid penalties for Sundays race after the stewards deemed they did not slow down enough during a a double waved yellow lap.
The US state of New Jersey will host a Grand Prix in 2013, adding to the Circuit of America's in Austin, Texas, which joins the calendar in 2012. This meant there will be 2 races in the US from 2013 onwards.
Indian reserve driver Karun Chandhok has missed out on a chance to race at his home event, at this weekends inaugural Indian Grand Prix. Over previous months, speculation has been around the possible drive, and after fellow Indian Narain Karthikeyan secured his drive at the race, Karun is very disappointed but respects the decision.
Here is a new guest blog by Alex Goldschmidt on the rise of Red Bull..
(c) Octane Photographic
In all honesty, it is more than just surprising how quickly Red Bull Racing have risen through the ranks, it is truly astonishing how they, in such a short time, have risen like a phoenix from the ashes of Jaguar Racing, which was the former mantle for the now 2-time world Driver and Constructor Champions, that arrived on the Formula One scene just six years ago. Click "read more" to see the whole story..
The Korean Grand Prix, one of the newest venues to host a race recently. Just last year we saw the track debut in rushed circumstances. We were promised a skyscraper filled town surrounding the track. The F1 circus arrived to a circuit amidst the fields and marshes, which has carried on to the following year.
(c) Wikimedia
With Sebastian Vettel being crowned the F1 2011 World Drivers Champion in Japan last weekend, all eyes will be on the rest of the field; to see if they can step up to the plate. Mclaren and Ferrari are eager to push and break the Red Bull strong hold which they have failed to beat throughout the majority of the season so far.
Force India have revealed that the group Sahara, a multi business conglomerate, have brought a 42.5% stake in the British/Indian team worth £100million. This makes it co owners with the team, who currently sit 6th in the 2011 F1 constructors battle.
The Japanese Grand Prix returns to Suzuka, with Sebastian Vettel just 1 point away from being crowned World Champion for the 2nd year in a row. Jenson Button is the only one in mathematical contention, but it is more or less sealed already as Button would have to win all 5 of the remaining races, with young German Vettel scoring nothing.
(c) Octane Photographic
Suzuka has seen some amazing Grand Prix's over the years, from last lap overtakes for the lead in 2005, to the numerous championship deciders. It is a track loved by all, Mclaren's Lewis Hamilton saying he loves the "aggressive" nature and team mate Button classing it as a "2nd home Grand Prix" with girlfriend Jessica Michibata being Japanese. Felipe Massa "really likes" the track and states his favourite section being "The Esses" with its sweeping bends.
Jenson Button has signed a long term contract with Mclaren to secure his future with the team. The deal is a Multiple year contract which will see him drive the Vodafone sponsored Car for many years to come.
