Toro Rosso retain driver line up for 2013

Toro Rosso have announced that they will retain their current driver line up for 2013.

(c) Octane Photographic

Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo have shown odd flashes of speed this season, but the Italian team have only accumulated 12 points so far after dropping off the pace of the highly competitive midfield.

Hulkenberg confirmed as 2013 Sauber driver

After numerous rumours, Nico Hulkenberg has officially been confirmed as a Sauber driver for 2013.

Hulkenberg currently races for Force India, and has scored 49 points in 17 races. The German joins the Swiss team to replace Sergio Perez, but Kamui Kobayashi's future looks less certain.

Hamilton's incredible 5 wheel change pit stop

It's not often that you see a steering wheel change during an F1 race, but Lewis Hamilton did just that at his sole pit stop for the Indian Grand Prix.

The Brit's McLaren team changed all 4 tyres plus his steering wheel in an incredible 3.1 seconds, check out the video.

Can anyone beat Sebastian Vettel?

With four wins in four races, a car designed by a genius and huge amounts of momentum, there’s only one question in my mind. Are we already seeing the 2012 world champion? Can anyone beat Sebastian Vettel?

(c) Octane Photographic

With the title race being narrowed down to just two (mathematically four but something extreme would have to occur), with three races remaining all eyes were on Vettel and Alonso. These two are both looking for their third drivers titles, but who will get it? Can Fernando and Ferrari halt the winning streak of Sebastian?

Lotus confirm Raikkonen for 2013

Now we all know Kimi Raikkonen signed a 2 year deal with Lotus, but that does not necessarily mean he would stay for a second year.

(c) Octane Photographic

However Lotus confirmed Raikkonen will be a Lotus driver for 2013, in a very unique way. They revealed this piece of news to the world via a specially made video. Check it out.

Tooned, Episode 9

The popular McLaren cartoon series "Tooned" returned to Sky Sports F1 viewers screens, as Professor M reveals plans for the McLaren Indian Grand Prix after party.

Footage (c) McLaren and Framestore

Teams set to trial 2013 Pirelli's

Formula 1 teams look set to trial the 2013 Pirelli tyres over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

(c) Octane Photographic

Teams are being given the chance to test out the tyres before the beginning of the 2013 season. Pirelli are bringing to the Grand Prix some of their new 2013 spec rubber. The tyres are going to have a stiffer construction and be more predictable, but these changes will all make car design key.

Indian Grand Prix Race Report

After the success of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, fan, teams and drivers alike were looking forward to India's second race.

(c) Sahara Force India F1 Team

The Buddh International Circuit is one of a few success stories for designer Hermann Tilke. The layout mixes long straights with tight, twisty corners and challenging long bends.

With just 3 races left after the Indian Grand Prix weekend, the pressure was on for those in front to get a good result, particularly Alonso and Vettel who have left the chasing pack behind.

Indian Grand Prix Thursday Snap Shot

The Indian Grand Prix circuit is one which F1 drivers enjoy, with its twisty and challenging sections. Add to that enthusiastic fans, brilliant and interesting cultures and some high temperatures, and we look set for a brilliant weekends racing.

(c) HRT F1 Team

Here are a selection of Thursday's images, as drivers take part in interviews, walk the track and relax before the pressure is piled on. In this snap shot I have also included some sections of the drivers press conference transcript.

Chilton gets FP1 chance

British racing driver Max Chilton will make his F1 weekend debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

(c) Octane Photographic

The GP2 racer, who finished 4th in this years championship, was appointed the Marussia test and reserve driver for the Japanese Grand Prix onwards, and has finally been given a chance to drive on a race weekend.

Race Through Yas Marina Circuit

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is fast approaching, so its title sponsor Etihad Airways has used the latest technology to create an interactive, game like track guide.

All (c) Etihad Airways

Race around the state of the art Yas Marina circuit, take in facts and figures and learn more about the circuit as a whole.

F1 Race Stars game play trailer

After the successful release of the F1 2012 game by Codemasters, they wanted to make something for the casual market. Presenting F1 Race Stars, a Mario Kart type game revolving loosely around the world of F1. Check out the first game play trailer here.

(c) Codemasters

Force India still "hunting" Sauber

Despite the 27 point deficit, Force India are still hunting down Sauber in the constructors standings.

(c) Octane Photographic

With money being the main aim in Formula 1, teams are constantly looking at the constructors standings. 1 more place higher and a team could inherit millions of pounds. Force India are currently trailing Sauber, but still have 6th place in their sights.

Indian GP: The Preview

The inaugural Indian Grand Prix last year was a huge success, and with a good track and competitive field we could see a repeat of that success this year.

(c) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

The track layout is a fan and driver favourite, with the overall reception of the track being positive. Despite it being designed by "Tilkedrome" creator Hermann Tilke, with circuit differs from previous creations thanks to its lively character and challenging bends. Here is my preview of the second ever Indian Grand Prix.

Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test line up

The Abu Dhabi young driver test at the end of the season is a great way for feeder series racers to drive in their dream cars. This article will constantly be updated with line ups when announced.

(c) GP2 Media

The test has helped drivers open the door to a team and firmly get their foot in, with many now becoming test and reserve drivers because of it. It takes place on November 6-8 at the Yas Marina circuit.

JLF1 McLaren Store Competition Winners

The JLF1 Competition, in partnership with the McLaren Store, winners have been decided.

@WaiChingNg was randomly selected as the winner of the signed Jenson Button cap, while @Erika_Pau_ was randomly selected as the winner of the signed Lewis Hamilton cap.

The prizes were donated by the McLaren Store, follow them on twitter and check out their website. 

Thanks to everyone who entered and made the competition such a success. Stay tuned on the blog for a few more competitions before the end of 2012.

New Jersey GP postponed

The New Jersey Grand Prix has been postponed for a year, due to ongoing construction delays.

The race was originally scheduled to take place on the 16th of June 2013, but due to delays and problems constructing the circuit the race looks set to debut in 2014.

Schumacher will not race after F1 retirement

Seven time world champion Michael Schumacher has said he will retire from all forms of racing when his second stint in F1 ends in November.

(c) Octane Photographic

The German, who holds numerous F1 records, has already announced his retirement from Formula 1, but he revealed to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport that when he hangs up his racing gloves in November, that will be the last we see of them.

Susie Wolff tests Williams F1 car

Scottish racing driver Susie Wolff successfully completed her first F1 test for the Williams team.

(c) Williams F1 Team

She became the first woman to drive an F1 car since Maria de Villota's accident in July. She also revealed she has been in contact with Maria as the Spaniard continues her recovery.

Rosberg, drivers need to "calm down"

Nico Rosberg has backed up comments by Jenson Button earlier in the week, where he said driving standards need to improve.

(c) Octane Photographic

Both Button and Rosberg were hit on the first lap in Korea, and have called for better driving standards. It is a topic which former F1 driver and BBC Radio 5 live commentator Jaime Alguersuari agrees with.

Hamilton admits title fight is over

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that his challenge for the 2012 world title is effectively over.

(c) Octane Photographic

Hamilton finished last weekends Korean Grand Prix in 10th place, adding just 1 point to his drivers championship tally. He now admits that his chances of winning are pretty slim.

Massa retains seat for 2013

Felipe Massa's future at Ferrari has been one of the summer's hottest topics, but now it has been confirmed that he will stay with the team for the 2013 season.

(c) Octane Photographic

After Stefano Domenicali dropped hints during the Korean Grand Prix weekend, the deal was confirmed on Tuesday after a meeting to decide his future.

Hulkenberg to drive for Sauber in 2013

Nico Hulkenberg looks set to move from Force India to Sauber for 2013.

(c) Octane Photographic

Hulkenberg finished the Korean Grand Prix in 6th place, and has impressed recently. The German raced for Williams in 2010, before joining Force India as their reserve driver. He got his chance in 2012, moving up to a race seat and has shown some impressive pace.

Tooned, Episode 8

Despite Hamilton moving teams, Tooned is still going strong on Sky Sports F1. Check out the latest episode by the Framestore guys. 

Footage (c) Framestore and McLaren

Sky and BBC F1 Gangnam Style

This has to be one of the funniest F1 related thing I have ever seen. The Sky Sports F1 team, including Natalie Pinkham, Simon Lazenby and Ted Kravitz, were videoed doing the now world famous "Gangnam Style" dance by K-pop artist Psy, and they were joined by a few friends.

(c) Sky Sports F1

 Meanwhile BBCF1 got in on the action too, but replaced the flashy camera and editing work of Sky Sports F1 with the real deal, Psy himself.

Click "read more" to see both video's.

Korean Grand Prix Race Report

The Korean Grand Prix may be dubbed as a "Tilkedrome", but it is certainly a challenge as the F1 circus arrived at the circuit.

(c) Octane Photographic

With the title challenge hotting up, all eyes were on the track to see who could beat Alonso. The circuit has a mix of long straights, tricky twists and high speed direction changes which means that a good all-round car is key.

Here's my weekend report from the Korean Grand Prix.

Korean Grand Prix, Thursday Snap Shot

Here are a range of images from the Korean International Circuit on Thursday.

Monisha takes over from Peter Sauber as team principal.

(c) Sauber F1 Team

Monisha Kaltenborn named new Sauber team principal

Monisha Kaltenborn has become the first female Formula 1 team principal, with former principal Peter Sauber stepping down from the day to day running of the team.

(c) Octane Photographic

Sauber always said that he did not want to be running the team at the age of 70, a birthday he will celebrate next year.

Maria de Villota can recall entire crash

Maria de Villota has revealed that she can remember everything about the horrifying accident she has while testing a Marussia F1 car.

(c) Marussia F1 Team

The Spanish driver also revealed that along with losing her right eye, she also suffers regular headaches and now has no sense of smell or taste.

RoGro, Yes or No?

Romain Grosjean has been one of the most talked about drivers of the 2012 season, but not in a positive light.

(c) Octane Photographic

Grosjean has been involved in numerous first lap incidents, some his fault and some not. Now people are doubting his future in the sport, so should RoGro go, or are the mistakes just not good enough?

Lotus to try out new exhaust in Korea

Lotus have been delaying the launch of their DDRS system, but they are not planning to bring a new Coanda-style exhaust to help them mount a challenge on those infront.

(c) Octane Photographic

The team are hoping that their new upgrades in the fly away races will help their drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean to challenge for the victory.

Press Release 8/10/12

The JackLeslieF1 Blog is proud to announce its second competition, with 2 prizes to give away.

The competition is in partnership with the official McLaren Shop, and will see 2 people walk away with a McLaren cap. Not only are these from the official 2012 range, they are also HAND SIGNED by the current drivers themselves.  I have 1 cap signed by Jenson Button and 1 cap signed by Lewis Hamilton to give away. Its so easy to enter, just go to the "McLaren Cap Comp" page on the blog (top right) or here, fill in some details and on the 21st October you could be revealed as the winner

The competition starts on Monday the 8th October and the closing date is the 20th October 2012. Remember to read the details on the page, as it contains all the information to help you enter. Use the #JLF1Comp hashtag on twitter to spread the word. Good Luck.

Tooned - Episode 7

Here is the latest episode of McLaren's popular series Tooned.

Footage (c) McLaren and Framestore

Japanese Grand Prix Race Report

(c) Octane Photographic

Suzuka, a track full of F1 history and the location of this years Japanese Grand Prix.

It is both a fan and driver favourite. It is tricky, fast, challenging and dangerous which provides a great spectacle for the fans. Japanese fans are also some of the more enthusiastic in the world, bringing a new characteristic to the race.

The circuit is also a classic, with changes since its opening being limited. We have seen legends like Senna and Prost battle so closely on the narrow circuit.

Here is my whole weekend review of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Japanese Grand Prix Thursday Snap shot

Here are a few images from Thursday at the Suzuka circuit.

(c) Getty Images

The Japanese fans were out in force, enthusiastic and excited despite no on track action. They really did show that they are some of the best fans in the world.

Hulkenberg silent on Ferrari gossip

Nico Hulkenburg has remained silent over the current F1 gossip of a possible move to Ferrari for 2013.

(c) Octane Photographic

Rumours began to spread from insiders, saying that the German had already signed a contract to replace Felipe Massa at the legendary squad, but the current Force India racer has insisted that his 2013 plans are still not decided.

Schumacher announces retirement (again)

Michael Schumacher will retire from racing in Formula 1 at the end of 2012.

(c) Octane Photographic

The 7 time world champion announced the move on Thursday at the Suzuka circuit, the scene of his first championship win for Ferrari in 2000. This follows the announcement that Lewis Hamilton would fill his spot at the team for 2013. (See bottom of article for speech)

Britain's next F1 star

Sky Sports F1 are bringing fans closer to the young motorsport stars of today, with a new series.

(c) Sky Sports F1

"Britain's next F1 star" is a six part series which gives viewers an in-depth look at the next generation of British stars, who are attempting to reach the pinnacle of the sport. 

Button given gearbox penalty for Japan

Jenson Button has been given a 5 place grid penalty for the Japanese Grand Prix.
 

(c) Octane Photographic

The problem was found after a thorough investigation by McLaren, and is almost identical to the mechanical gremlin team mate Lewis Hamilton had while leading the Singapore Grand Prix.

Greece unblocks 30 million Euro's for F1 race

Greece has unblocked a subsidy of nearly 30 million euro's for the construction of a racing circuit capable of possibly staging an F1 race in the future.

Sourced from carscoops.com

According to the ministry of development, the circuit will be located in Xalandritsa, near Patras. This is one of Greece's largest urban areas. The track will be of "an international standard".

Hamilton, Senna and Kovalainen try out F1 2012

It is not just F1 fans who are getting into the gaming spirit, Lewis Hamilton, Bruno Senna and Heikki Kovalainen tried out Codemasters latest release over the Singapore GP weekend. Watch as Hamilton, Senna and Kovalainen try out F1 2012 in a BBCF1 feature, shown during their Singapore GP build up.

(c) f1db