Powell Post - Volume 1

Welcome to Alice Powell's first JLF1 Blog entry, check it out. Lots more to come.

Hello Powell Post Readers, welcome to Volume 1 of my new post for Jack Leslie F1's blog!

Firstly, I would like to thank Jack for the fantastic opportunity to write as part of his blog. I hope not to bore you all too much and that I can give you a good insight into what goes on in not only my racing life but also outside of it too. 

2013 Barcelona Test (2), Day 1

The teams had barely left before they arrived back at the Circuit de Catalunya for the third and final winter test of 2013.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The test provides teams with their last chance to fine tune updates and gather that all important data, before embarking on the long flight to Melbourne for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix.

Sutil Confirmed at Force India for 2013

The Force India Team has, with just two weeks remaining until the first Grand Prix, finally confirmed Adrian Sutil as their second driver.

(c) Force India F1 Team

The German rejoins the team, after being dropped for the 2012 season, and will partner Paul Di Resta at the Silverstone based outfit.

Test Conditions to Blame for Pirelli Tyres

Pirelli's Director of Motorsport Paul Hembery has said the heavy tyre wear suffered by teams in pre-season testing has been down to the cool conditions.

(c) crash.net

Drivers struggled with tyre graining, praising the speed at which they heated up but branding them "extreme" or "surprising" at the wear rate.

Domenicali Says Ferrari Situation Currently "Alright"

Stefano Domenicali says Ferrari are in better shape now than they were twelve months earlier, in 2012.

(c) F1Fanatic

The Ferrari squad had a difficult start to the 2012 season, with car difficulties that meant their expectations were low ahead of the opening round in Australia. However fast forward 12 months and Domenicali thinks the team's current situation is "alright", but better than 2012.

McLaren Confirm Lowe's Departure

Earlier in the year, speculation started to circle about Paddy Lowe's future as McLaren's Technical Director. 

Source: BenzInsider

However today we have finally received an answer, with Tim Goss taking over from his role with "immediate effect". Rumours suggested Lowe would be snapped up by Mercedes, but with Paddy leaving towards the end of the year it looks like 2014 will be his year to switch to the Silver Arrows.

F1 Driver Height and Weight

Here is an interesting image that I have seen sweeping across the social networks, I first noticed it on @F1_Fans_Updates Twitter Feed, showing the 2013 Formula 1 Drivers Height and Weight. 

It concludes that Webber is the Heaviest, Di Resta is (just) the Tallest, Vettel is the Lightest and Brazilian Felipe Massa is the Shortest.

Combined Barcelona Test (1) Times

(c) Force India F1 Team

Here's a very interesting time sheet, detailing the fastest laps set by each driver involved in the second Formula 1 2013 winter test.

    No.  Name           Team            Lap    Lap Count    Tyre

1. Sergio Pérez / McLaren / 1:21.848 / 174 laps / Soft
2. Fernando Alonso/Ferrari/1:21.875/283 laps/Soft
3. Nico Hülkenberg/Sauber/1:22.160/179 laps/Soft
4. Romain Grosjean/Lotus/1:22.188/160 laps/Soft
5. Sebastian Vettel/Red Bull/1:22.197/150 laps / Soft
6. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes/1:22.611 / 162 laps / Medium
7. Kimi Räikkönen / Lotus / 1:22.623 / 87 laps / Medium
8. Pastor Maldonado / Williams / 1:22.675 / 178 laps / Soft
9. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes / 1:22.726 / 173 laps / Hard
10. Valtteri Bottas / Williams / 1:22.826 / 189 laps / Soft
11. Jenson Button / McLaren / 1:22.840 / 141 laps / Hard
12. Adrian Sutil / Force India / 1:22.877 / 78 laps / Soft
13. Mark Webber / Red Bull / 1:23.024 / 172 laps / Medium
14. Jean-Éric Vergne / Toro Rosso / 1:23.366 / 186 laps / Medium
15. Daniel Ricciardo / Toro Rosso / 1:23.718 / 143 laps / Medium
16. Paul di Resta / Force India / 1:23.971 / 144 laps / Medium
17. Max Chilton / Marussia / 1:25.115 / 241 laps / Soft
18. Esteban Gutiérrez / Sauber / 1:25.124 / 129 laps / Hard
19. Jules Bianchi / Force India / 1:25.732 / 96 laps / Medium
20. Giedo van der Garde / Caterham / 1:26.177 / 133 laps / Soft
21. Charles Pic / Caterham / 1:26.243 / 151 laps / Medium
22. Felipe Massa / Ferrari / 1:27.553 / 80 laps / Medium

The Current Big Debate

So as Formula 1 looks on to the first race of the season, there is still one race seat left to be decided.

This vacant drive currently dominates the talk, ahead of what looks to be a very exciting season ahead. Both Adrian Sutil and Jules Bianchi are in with a shot at the drive, so who will get it? Time will tell, but here I look at both drivers past careers and chances.

Hamilton Downplays Chance of Mercedes Victory

Despite topping the final day of testing, and overall looking pretty quick, Lewis Hamilton has somewhat downplayed his chances of victory this season.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The British racer spoke after the second Barcelona test, and said the team were not targeting victories. Particularly for the first race, where the main aim is a top 10 finish. 

2013 Barcelona Test (1), Day 4

It was a rather wet and damp final day of the second F1 test.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The heavens opened early in the day, creating rather tricky driving conditions that caught many drivers out. It soon dried out and cars returned on a mix of Pirelli's dry compounds, but the heavens opened again later on. The darkened clouds even produced some hail.

2013 Barcelona Test (1), Day 3

It was a busy day out on track, as Formula 1's second winter test completed its third day.

(c) Sky Sports F1

There were a number of driver changes for Thursday's testing action, which was a largely uninterrupted day. There were a few small issues, but none of those suffered at Jerez.

Susie Wolff Aims for Superlicence

Scottish Racing Driver Susie Wolff is aiming for a Formula 1 superlicence.

(c) RichlandF1

Wolff, who's husband is new Mercedes Motorsport Boss, is the 2013 Williams Development Driver but will not compete in any practice sessions this season.

2013 Barcelona Test (1), Day 2

Testing resumed at the Barcelona circuit, a busy day for many as drivers pounded round the demanding track, trying to learn as much as possible.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The lap times fell dramatically after day 1's "green" and fresh track, but after the previous days issues it was a rather trouble free day for many.

Press Release 20/02/13

The JackLeslieF1 Blog is proud to announce an exclusive collaboration with Britain’s leading female racing driver, Alice Powell.

Powell Post will be a monthly feature exclusive to the JackLeslieF1 Blog, where Alice will guide you through her 2013 season and give an insight into how to make it as a racing driver through a series of blog posts.

2013 Barcelona Test (1), Day 1

After a rather busy four days of testing in Jerez, the Formula 1 teams return to a familiar location. The Circuit de Catalunya for the second winter test of the 2013 season.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The first test makes it hard to judge who is fastest, but the Barcelona circuit is a more well rounded test of what the teams have created and will give us a better look at who is where in 2013.

Full Set of F1 2013 Cars

After Williams launched their FW35, it now means we have a full set of F1 2013 cars.

Here is a collage I created, with images of all the 2013 spec machines. The car launches kicked off with Lotus at their Enstone factory, revealing the impressive looking E21 and its new livery. We then moved on to McLaren, who's glamorous launch tugged on the heart strings of motorsport fans watching. The MP4-28 debuted after Button and new driver Perez took away the covers, revealing a radically changed car.

Williams Launch the FW35

Williams were the last to launch their 2013 F1 machine.

(c) F1 Fanatic

The British Team unveiled their FW35 championship challenger at the Circuit de Catalunya, before hastily readying it for testing just an hour or so afterwards. Maldonado and the promoted Valtteri Bottas took the covers off the car in front of journalists and photographers.

Sutil Does Get Test For Force India

Force India are yet to announce their second driver for 2013, but it looks like a straight shoot out between Adrian Sutil and Jules Bianchi.

Both drivers have been added to the teams Barcelona testing schedule, with Sutil driving the VJM06 on Thursday and Bianchi on Friday. It comes after the team revealed that the former Force India driver, who last raced for them in 2011, had visited for a seat fitting.

Top 5 Season Opener Moments

So the F1 2013 Season Opener in Melbourne is closing in, so I thought why not share  some of my favourite moments from past first races of the season with you.

An avid fan of Formula 1 since 2004, that will be the starting point of this articles time line. So between 2004 and 2013, what have been my Top 5 moments from the season openers? There have been some fantastic, dramatic and controversial highlights, comment yours below, tweet me @JackLeslieF1 or leave a comment on the JLF1 Blog Facebook page.

Hamilton Tops the Time sheets at Top Gear

One lap in the famously reasonable Suzuki Liana was not enough for 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

(c) BBC

The Brit returned to BBC's Top Gear, now in its 19th series, to try and top the time sheets. Separate from the usual celebrity board, Formula 1 drivers have graced the cushy Suzuki seats in an attempt to beat The Stig's lap time. Only Rubens Barrichello and Sebastian Vettel had, until now.

2013 Formula 1 Season Info Graphic

The F1 2013 season is highly anticipated, with five world champions, new tyres and tweaks to the regulations. 

The tweaks are minimal and mean we could see a similar season to 2012, which is fine by me! My friend James over at TicketHangar, a JLF1 Blog Partner where you can order Formula 1 Race Tickets, has created this cool interactive info graphic ahead of the this season. Click "read more" to check it out.

Alguersuari Frustrated with Loss of F1 Drive

Former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari has shared his frustration at missing out on a 2013 drive in Formula 1.

(c) Getty Images

The Spanish racer has retained his position as Pirelli Test Driver, meaning he still gets to drive F1 machinery. However he was promised a drive at a potentially "point scoring", midfield, team.

GRID 2 Game Set to Impress

Codemasters are world renowned for their Formula 1 series, but a few years ago they also set the race game world alight with GRID™. Now they are working on its successor, GRID 2™, which looks set to impress.

(c) Codemasters

The team revealed the first Gameplay Trailer for GRID 2™ yesterday and it the game looks fantastic, with phenomenal graphics and a range of tracks and cars to choose from.

Jenson Button Trust Triathlon 2013

Now I'm not a very sporty person, but I know a lot of Formula 1 fans are and this is the perfect opportunity to compete against one of the sports fastest racing drivers, Jenson Button.

Sourced from Flickr

Granted, you will not be seated in a McLaren MP4-28 or Lotus E21. However if you share Jenson's other love, triathlons, then this is the event for you!

Sutil has Seat Fit at Force India

Force India have confirmed that their former driver Adrian Sutil has had a seat fit in the new car.

The reports come from Autosport and say that the German has sat in the new VJM06, although there has been no confirmation as to whether he will get the vacant seat or test the car at the second test, held at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Kaltenborn Defends Drivers With "Pay Driver" Tag

Sauber F1 Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn has defended drivers that have been given the "pay driver" tag and criticised those who use it, saying it is unfair.

(c) IndiaToday

She came to the defense of drivers like Sergio Perez, who she used as an example. The topic has been put firmly back in the spotlight after Martin Whitmarsh said it was "sad" that teams have become so reliant of drivers bringing investment.

Chilton Would Have Preferred Glock as Team Mate

British Rookie Max Chilton has said he would have preferred Timo Glock as his team-mate in 2013.

(c) Sky Sports F1

Marussia let experienced racer Glock go, to save funds and bring in more money. The Banbury based squad hired fellow rookie Razia to replace the German driver.

A Fond Formula 1 Farewell

2013 will see five rookie drivers take to the track, vying for the title of “best rookie”. However that is for another article, this is for the talent that they replace.

So we say a fond farewell to numerous racing talents this season, as drivers refuse to change attitudes or are pushed out by rookie talent with high levels of investment. It is a real shame to see some fantastic driver’s wave goodbye to a sport that needs them so dearly, but it also needs fresh faces and plenty of pounds.

Maldonado Confident Ahead of 2013 Season

Pastor Maldonado is confident that Williams can move further forward in 2013.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The Grove based squad finished eighth in the constructors, after some inconsistent and problematic races. The highlight was Maldonado's stunning victory in Spain, but strong results were a rarity after that. However the Venezuelan is feeling confident about this season.

Combined Jerez Test Times

Here is a list of the combined 2013 Jerez Test Times. Basically it is the fastest time set by every driver who completed the test.

      No.     Name       Team        Lap     Lap Count    Tyre

1. Felipe Massa Ferrari / 1.17.879 / 227 laps / Soft
2. Kimi Räikkönen Lotus / 1.18.148 / 123 laps / Soft
3. Jules Bianchi Force India / 1.18.175 /56 laps/Soft
4. Romain Grosjean Lotus / 1.18.218 / 149 laps / Soft
5. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull / 1.18.565 / 198 laps / Hard
6. Esteban Gutiérrez Sauber / 1.18.669 / 252 laps / Soft
7. Jean-Éric Vergne Toro Rosso / 1.18.760 / 177 laps / Soft
8. Nico Rosberg Mercedes / 1.18.766 / 162 laps / Medium
9. Jenson Button McLaren / 1.18.861 / 120 laps / Hard
10. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes / 1.18.905 160 laps / Medium
11. Sergio Pérez McLaren / 1.18.944 / 179 laps / Medium
12. Paul di Resta Force India / 1.19.003 / 240 laps / Soft
13. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso / 1.19.134 / 153 laps / Medium
14. James Rossiter Force India / 1.19.303 / 61 laps / Soft
15. Mark Webber Red Bull / 1.19.338 / 174 laps / Medium
16. Nico Hülkenberg Sauber / 1.19.502 / 178 laps / Medium
17. Valtteri Bottas Williams / 1.19.851 / 178 laps / Soft
18. Pedro de la Rosa Ferrari / 1.20.316 / 51 laps / Medium
19. Pastor Maldonado Williams / 1.20.693 / 155 laps / Medium
20. Charles Pic Caterham / 1.21.105 / 166 laps / Soft
21. Luiz Razia Marussia / 1.21.226 / 113 laps / Medium
22. Max Chilton Marussia / 1.21.269 / 107 laps / Soft
23. Giedo van der Garde Caterham / 1.21.311 / 152 laps / Medium 

Bianchi Feels Ready for Force India Drive

Jules Bianchi has spoke out about the remaining Force India seat, saying he feels prepared to step up and race with the team.

(c) Sky Sports F1

He drove with the Silverstone based squad on the final day of the Jerez test, some suggesting it was to access his performance or that he is already negotiating a contract.

2013 Jerez Test, Day 4

It may be the end of the Jerez test, but for the teams there are plenty of opportunities to come. The sun set over the Spanish circuit, as another year of testing at the venue comes to a close.

(c) Sky Sports F1

Barcelona is the next stop for the F1 Fraternity, the Circuit de Catalunya to be precise. It is a home from home for many drivers, due to its history as a race track and testing venue. However this article is about what just happened, the fourth day of testing at Jerez. It left teams with a lot to think about.

2013 Jerez Test, Day 3

Many think Formula 1 Testing reveals the running order for the season ahead, but it really isn't. After Button topped the opening day of testing for McLaren, and Grosjean set the fastest time the day after, it was Felipe Massa's turn to show some speed.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The third day of testing at Jerez was a rather uneventful one, as drivers got their heads down and made the most of the precious time out on track. That is not to say some teams ran in to problems, but after the reliability woes of the opening day and Hamilton's dramatic exit from the second, it was slightly more subdued.

2013 Jerez Test, Day 2

The Formula 1 field continued to find the limit of their new machinery at the second day of testing at Jerez.

(c) Sky Sports F1

After contrasting fortunes on day one, it was more of the same on day two as some teams struggled with reliability and others racked up the laps on the Circuit de Jerez. Lotus driver Romain Grosjean topped the time sheets, after narrowly missing out on the top spot on day one.

Marussia Confirm F1 Drive for Razia

GP2 2012 Series Runner-Up Luiz Razia has clinched the second F1 seat at Marussia.

(c) Marussia F1 Team

The Brazilian was confirmed on Wednesday (6^th February) by the team, and will partner fellow rookie Max Chilton at the Banbury based squad.

Sky Sports to Show F1 in 3D

Sky Sports F1 have cemented their status as Formula 1’s most innovative broadcaster by revealing they will show the final winter test of the season in 3D.

(c) Sky Sports F1

Pre-season tests rarely feature on TV, but Sky’s dedicated channel will broadcast the final test of the season in 3D, a world first that brings fans even closer to the action.

2013 Jerez Test, Day 1

The Formula 1 field returned to sunny Spain for the first test of the 2013 season.

(c) F1 Fanatic

After over two months away from the action, working night and day to get to the first test of the year we have finally arrived. Glamorous, and not so glamorous, car launches have been and gone. The cars debuted on track to kick off the 2013 season.

Marussia Uncover MR2 and Caterham Reveal CT03

Formula One's "new" teams Marussia and Caterham uncovered their MR2 and CT03 respectively, cars that they hope will bring them closer to the midfield.

(c) Marussia F1 Team

The Banbury based Marussia had a low key launch at the Jerez circuit, as two team members peeled off the covers to reveal their new challenger. Interestingly their sole signed driver so far, Max Chilton, did not take the covers off, whilst their second driver is still to be confirmed.

Mercedes and Toro Rosso Reveal 2013 Cars at Jerez

Both Mercedes and Toro Rosso revealed their 2013 machines ahead of the first test at Jerez.

(c) Mercedes F1 Team

The Brackley and Faenza based teams uncovered their brand spanking new cars to waiting media and photographers in the Circuit de Jerez pit lane, both low key launches in comparison to some of the previous ones (McLaren, Red Bull).

Red Bull RB9 Revealed

There was no live stream for the fans, but the hotly anticipated Red Bull RB9 was launched at the teams headquarters in Milton Keynes.

(c) Red Bull Racing

Adrian Newey's masterpiece was revealed in all its glory, sporting a few differences to its predecessor the RB8. The team hope to "hold on" to the driver and constructors championships that they have taken for the past three years.

F1 2013 Car Launches Continue with the Sauber C32

The Formula 1 2013 season has kicked off at a fast pace. First Lotus, then McLaren, Force India and Ferrari have all uncovered their secret weapons. Now it was Sauber's turn.

(c) Sauber F1 Team

The team revealed the C32 to waiting media and team members on Saturday (2nd February) at its headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland. The launch was also broadcast on their website and YouTube channel, giving the fans a chance to see the new car.

Di Resta Reveals VJM06

Paul Di Resta cut a rather lonely figure, as he solely unveiled the Force India’s new 2013 machine.

(c) Force India F1 Team

The Scot is the only confirmed driver at the midfield squad, the team are still finalising their line up. Gossip in the F1world suggests that Jules Bianchi, who is part of Ferrari’s Young Driver Academy, will take up the vacant seat. However Adrian Sutil, Jaime Alguersuari and Heikki Kovalainen are still in contention too.

Ferrari Uncover Sleek New F138

Ferrari kicked off their 2013 Formula 1 campaign with the launch of their F138 machine.

(c) Ferrari

The name of the car symbolises the year, 2013, and the V8 engine that competes in its final season this year.

Giedo van der Garde confirmed at Caterham

Dutch racing driver Giedo van der Garde has been confirmed as Charles Pic's team mate at Caterham for 2013.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The confirmation ends huge speculation and interested over who would get the remaining seat. 2012 Caterham driver Vitaly Petrov was favourite, Bruno Senna and Heikki Kovalainen were also mentioned but the speculation has now ended with the news.