Jack Leslie F1: March 2013

31 March 2013

Powell Post - Volume 2

Welcome to the second instalment of Alice Powell's JLF1 Blog series, check it out and lots more to come from Alice as the year progresses.

Hi everyone! Thanks for coming back to read the second instalment of my JLF1 Blog, Powell Post!

It has been a very busy month for me! I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Sky Sports News at the start of the month, promoting International Women’s Day. If you missed the interview, check it out below.

29 March 2013

The "Mini Drivers" Series

I'm obviously a big fan of Formula 1 but I also like a good cartoon, so why not combine the two? That is exactly what the "Mini Drivers" series is.

I have been following the series for a few years now and it has really grown from strength to strength. Here are the basics, the series is a shorter cartoon version of each Formula 1 race featuring all the drivers and races from that season. They go up on the Wednesday after the race and there is also a "Mini Bikers" series as well.

Force India Announce Long Term Mercedes Partnership

With the 2014 engine regulations being hugely different in comparison to the current horsepower, there will be plenty of talk and rivalry between the manufacturers.

So Force India have got in there early and signed a deal to continue their partnership with Mercedes. The German manufacturer has been powering the Silverstone based squad since 2009.

28 March 2013

Grid 2 Reveal "Expanding into Europe" Trailer

The upcoming sequel to the BAFTA-award winning racing game "GRID" has been previewed further with the revealing of a new trailer, called "Expanding into Europe." The trailer previews some of the European cars and tracks which will feature in the game.

It is set to be released on May 31st for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC. The game will contain the groundbreaking "TrueFeel" handling system which combines the experience of creating racing games from Codemasters and input from real drivers to help create hugely realistic driving feel.

27 March 2013

Red Bull React to Briatore Comments

Former Renault Boss Flavio Briatore spoke out about Mark Webber's future at Red Bull Racing, saying he did not expect the Aussie to stay on for the 2014 season.

The Italian was speaking after the controversial disobeying of team orders by Sebastian Vettel at the Malaysian Grand Prix. He said that Webber and Vettel will not be able to remain as team-mates after this season finishes.

Claire Williams Announced as Deputy Team Principal

Claire Williams, daughter of Sir Frank Williams, will take a new role at the family run team as Deputy Team Principal.

The Williams F1 Team announced the news in an official statement and said the reveal was originally planned for the start of the 2013 season but due to the recent death of Lady Virginia Williams, it was delayed to afford the family privacy.

26 March 2013

Ecclestone Criticises Team Order Use

Formula 1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone has criticised both Red Bull and Mercedes for their use of team orders during the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Rosberg and Vettel were given orders to stay behind their leading team-mates during the controversial race. The former obeyed orders from Ross Brawn whilst the latter chose to ignore demands from Christian Horner.

25 March 2013

Di Resta Hoping for Better Prospects in China

Force India’s Paul Di Resta is hoping for better prospects in the next round of the 2013 Formula 1 World Championship in China after retiring from last weekends Malaysian Grand Prix.

The Scot qualified poorly but made his way swiftly through the field, before the Silverstone based team decided to “stack” their cars in the first pit stop. The stop was to change from intermediate to dry tyres but a problem with the wheel nut on Sutil’s car meant Di Resta was delayed.

24 March 2013

Ferrari Regret Not Pitting Alonso

The Ferrari F1 Team has expressed their regret at not pitting Fernando Alonso after his first lap incident.

The Spaniard touched the back of Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull RB9 at the second corner and despite the pit crew being ready chose to stay out on track with a broken front wing.

Hamilton Makes Quick Trip to McLaren

Lewis Hamilton seemingly had a bit of brain fade in Malaysia, perhaps it was that humidity and hot weather?

The Brit pitted for his first of four stops and did a "Jenson" as he latter described it, pulling in to his former team McLaren's pit box. Was someone feeling a bit homesick?

Vettel Apologises After Disobeying Team

The Malaysian Grand Prix is over and done with but with it emerged a very big story.

It has been revealed that Sebastian Vettel, who eventually went on to win the race, was told by the Red Bull team to hold stations behind the then leading Mark Webber. However Vettel disobeyed the team orders and diced with his team-mate, eventually getting the upper hand.

22 March 2013

Button Tells Hamilton to Button Up

Jenson Button has hit back at former McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton's comments on the team.

Button, who is currently racing in his fourth season for the team, replied to the comments from Hamilton saying the team environment was “controlled” and that he had very little freedom during his time there.

2013 Malaysian Grand Prix Report

Malaysia is one of the toughest races on the Formula 1 calendar, with soaring temperatures, dense humidity and unpredictable rain showers which can be likened to monsoon's.

The Sepang International Circuit is both a fan and driver favourite due to its smooth surface, wide straights and heavy braking zones that create plenty of overtaking, 2013 was no acception. Kimi Raikkonen won the season opener just seven days earlier, but the grid definitely became more concentrated in Malaysia with some fantastic scraps and battles.

21 March 2013

GP2 Season Ready to Start in Style

After last years explosive battle for the title and some fantastic midfield scraps the GP2 series returns this weekend to support the Malaysian Grand Prix.

All images in this article (c) GP2 Series

The feeder series, which is the direct step below Formula 1, will kick off in Malaysia for the first race of the season. There are a few old faces mixing it with plenty of new ones and there are also a few new teams joining the ranks as well.

2013 Malaysian Grand Prix, Thursday Snap Shot

Here's the Thursday Snap Shot for this weekends Malaysian Grand Prix.

Drivers and teams had numerous tasks to do throughout the day. For the drivers it was mainly walking the track, doing interviews and completing sponsor commitments. For the team it was a busy day preparing for Free Practice and gaining data from the track walk.

20 March 2013

Webber’s Poor Start due to McLaren ECU Problem

McLaren have apologised to Red Bull and their driver Mark Webber after the Aussie’s ECU unit suffered a software problem, causing problems for both team and driver at the start.

Webber’s start from the front row was poor and he soon dropped back. This was due to a telemetry blackout on the formation lap due to the failed ECU software, which meant he was unable to find the correct clutch point and optimise his tyre and brake temperatures.

Jules Bianchi, One to Watch?

I certainly think so. When I found out the news of Jules Bianchi’s signing to Marussia for 2013 I must admit, I couldn’t think of a better option for them to choose.

The Frenchman has so far shown he was the right choice, even if we are just one race in to the 2013 season. Why so quick to make a judgement? Well it would probably be fairer to comment on his talent and predictions for the season in a few races time but he has made quite an impact in such a short space of time.

No Back-up Plan for McLaren

There had been speculation about the McLaren team reverting back to their 2012 car after the 2013-spec model proved problematic and difficult to understand at the Australian Grand Prix.

Both Jenson Button and new signing Sergio Perez struggled with the MP4-28. The Woking based team had a rather painful fall from grace, going from winning the 2012 season finale in Brazil to finishing ninth and 11^th in the 2013 season opener.

19 March 2013

Hamilton "They don't know what they are talking about"

Lewis Hamilton has slammed the critics who dubbed his move to Mercedes as the "wrong one".

The Brit has discussed the criticism he received about his highly publicised move to Mercedes, some even coming from former drivers. He also admitted he is relishing the fact that he is proving them all wrong.

Caterham Happy with First Race of 2013

Despite a disappointing qualifying session for last weekends Australian Grand Prix, the Caterham team are happy with how their race turned out.

Charles Pic managed to finish ahead of Max Chilton's Marussia and challenged the Brit's team-mate Jules Bianchi on numerous occasions. Rookie Giedo van der Garde had a good battle with Chilton and despite finishing last of the 18 finishers he was happy to cross the chequered flag on his debut.

18 March 2013

Why Did Sebastian Vettel Drop Off the Pace?

Red Bull looked dominant in free practice and qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix, but come race day Sebastian Vettel failed to translate pole into victory.

The German looked strong in dry conditions, but as the race wore on he dropped back and ended up a distant 22 seconds off eventual race winner Kimi Raikkonen, with Fernando Alonso’s second placed Ferrari 10 seconds up the road too.

2013 Malaysian Grand Prix Preview

After the exciting and tactical Australian Grand Prix, the F1 paddock moves on to Malaysia and the Sepang International Circuit.

The first race of the season was one where tyres were the main talking point, and numerous stories and sub-plots meant we only saw the true conclusion by the chequered flag. Kimi Raikkonen took victory there, but now all focus moves on to Malaysia, where there is a high chance of high temperatures, wet weather and lots of drama.

17 March 2013

Button "Satisfied" with Ninth Place

Jenson Button is a three time Australian Grand Prix race winner, so it's unusual to hear the Brit say ninth was satisfactory.

The 2013 race was a tough one for McLaren, their evolutionary car was causing concern due to the poor ride and struggle to find a good set-up. Both Button and his team-mate Perez struggled for pace throughout the race but both advanced on their starting positions.

Sutil Dubs Race "Perfect Start" To Season

Adrian Sutil is certainly happy with how his first Formula 1 race weekend in 12 months went.

The German hailed the Australian Grand Prix as the "perfect way to start" the season, after finishing in seventh place and collecting a good haul of points. Team-mate Paul Di Resta followed him across the line to take eighth.

15 March 2013

Sebastian Vettel, From BMW Sauber to Triple World Champion - Part 2

After Part 1 of Sebastian Vettel's journey, Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths takes a look at the rest of his career so far.

After showing the world his true raw talent throughout his first three seasons in F1, Sebastian Vettel was ready to mount an even more serious challenge for the championship title. After just missing out on the 2009 championship, Vettel knew that he would have to start the new season the best way possible, if he was to have a good chance to win the championship. The days fighting at the back for Toro Rosso were now long forgotten and now lets ride with Seb as the quest continues to become the best. So lets begin part 2 and start with the 2010 season.

Sky Sports F1 Reveal New Innovations

As I mentioned in my Sky Sports F1 Press Day piece, the broadcaster will up the quality of their coverage even further in 2013 with some exceptionally insightful innovations.

The new features show the steps that Sky have made, with incredible access at each race being furthered by the plans that were revealed today.

2013 Australian Grand Prix Report

It's here. The first race of the season arrived and we finally got to see some racing action after over three months of waiting.

With such an inconclusive test, we went in to the race weekend unknowing of the true running order. Australia may not have shown the full picture, but we got a very good insight into who's hot and who's not.

14 March 2013

Australian Grand Prix, Thursday Snap Shot

Winter has flown by, the excitement is building and Formula 1 is back for what looks like a very exciting season to come.

Some of you may have checked out my Thursday Snap Shot but if not it basically contains a series of images detailing what the teams and drivers got up to just a day before the weekend gets underway. This season I will also be using images from Twitter too. Enjoy!

Alonso and Vettel Predict Close Early Fight

Last year’s title protagonists, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, have predicted a close and open fight for the first few races of the season.

Both agreed that testing proved to be inconclusive and said teams are in the dark about a potential running order. What it did show was that there are potentially five teams vying for the win in Australia, with the midfield pack looking close but some way off the leading teams.

McLaren and Vodafone to Part Ways

Vodafone and McLaren will end their title sponsor relationship at the end of the year.

The tie up started in 2007 after the telecommunication company made the switch from Italian firm Ferrari. They have found success with the Woking based squad, with some memorable PR and marketing features.

Hamilton Amused by Changing Opinions

Lewis Hamilton has downplayed the rising expectations of Mercedes moving to the forefront in 2013 and becoming true title contenders.

The Brit, who topped the penultimate day of testing in Barcelona, has said the speculation is “all over the place” but has cautioned people on expecting wins from the off.

13 March 2013

RichlandF1 eBook

Richland F1's Grand Prix Almanac 2012/2013

So as some of you may know, I'm the current News Editor at RichlandF1. The website has grown hugely since its birth around this time last year, and Editor-in-chief Luke Smith has extended this further with a new eBook.

The "RichlandF1 Grand Prix Almanac" is the first eBook from the website. It is in a PDF file format so is easily downloadable to a huge number of platforms, like laptops, kindles and iPads. It features some of my work, including a feature on Max Chilton and lots of profiles. Plus it is FREE to download and is a great pre-season read, here is the link for you: http://www.lulu.com/shop/luke-smith/richland-f1s-grand-prix-almanac-20122013/ebook/product-20762511.html

Nerves Kick in For Max Chilton

Max Chilton has spoke about his nerves ahead of his F1 debut in the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

The Brit, who will race for Banbury based Marussia in motorsport’s pinnacle, was speaking to Sky Sports News about his mixed emotions. There will be plenty of watching eyes, after the hype built up around the 21-year-old.

Di Resta Confident after "Best Winter" Yet

Paul Di Resta has expressed his confidence ahead of his third year in Formula 1.

The Scot has hailed winter testing as the “best winter” of his career yet, after completing plenty of running ahead of the first race weekend this weekend.

11 March 2013

Pinkham Gets Driving Tips From Raikkonen

So Sky Sports F1 have quickly become renowned for their insightful features, and this one is no different. The feature, which will be shown in Malaysia, see's presenter Natalie Pinkham drive on ice with Kimi Raikkonen.

At the Sky Sports F1 Press Day Pinkham said "“if you haven’t heard Kimi laugh before, you will when you watch this” and the preview certainly does not disappoint...

Whitmarsh has "No Idea" Of Running Order

Martin Whitmarsh has agreed with comments made by 2013 world champion Sebastian Vettel, after he said this seasons winter tests were the “least conclusive ever.”

Whitmarsh was talking to Sky Sports F1 and revealed he has “no idea” of the possible running order as the teams set off travelling to Australia for the season opener.

Marussia in Best Form Yet

After completing a full winter test programme for the first time, Marussia are feeling confident ahead of their fourth season in F1.

Team Principal John Booth has talked about the Banbury based teams chances and winter testing, as they look to impress in Australia.

10 March 2013

2013 Australian Grand Prix Preview

So testing is over, speculation is going in to overload and that means only one thing; the first race of the 2013 season is upon us.

The Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, as usual, hosts the Australian Grand Prix and is the perfect place to kick off the new season. The bustling, friendly city atmosphere, the stunning park surroundings and relaxed Aussie lifestyle make it a much loved location amongst the F1 fraternity.

Hamilton Aiming to Beat Alonso

They may not have got on particularly well when they were team-mates at McLaren in 2007, but Lewis Hamilton has said the main man he wants to beat this year is Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton said the excitement level of trying to beat Alonso is higher than that of former team-mate Button. Many think if he can beat the fellow Brit in 2013 it will show he has made the right move.

8 March 2013

McLaren Aiming for Points, Not Wins

The McLaren F1 Team have downplayed their chance of victory in the opening round of the Formula 1 2013 championship.

Martin Whitmarsh, Team Principal, has said that points will be enough for the Woking based team in Melbourne. The MP4-28 is a revolutionary car with plenty of risk being added, in contrast to that of Red Bull or Ferrari who have evolutionary machines.

7 March 2013

2013 Sky Sports F1 Press Day

The Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. Quite possibly the poshest and most impressive place I have ever been in my life and the venue that hosted this year’s Sky Sports F1 Press Day.

Some of you may remember that I attended the event last year, something I was hugely excited and nervous about. The feelings were similar this year too, it really is hard to imagine sitting across from the likes of Martin Brundle, Ted Kravitz and Natalie Pinkham. All who I have watched and listened to for years, kind of grew up with in a way? And they know who I am. Crazy.

2013 Season Preview

Can Formula 1 get any better right now?

2012 was most definitely a season to remember. We had seven different winners in the first seven races, a close title fight, plenty of stunning overtakes, questionable moves and drama both on and off track. All ingredients for the perfect season, but can 2013 top it?

We will have to find out. For now,testing is over, teams are hard at work and we now look on to Australia. Here’s my preview of the 2013 season.

6 March 2013

Interview: Nick Yelloly

The 2013 GP3 season looks to be one to remember, with a grid full of potential Formula 1 race winners and champions.

The talent pool in the series really is second to none, and one of those drivers if Brit Nick Yelloly. After success in karting and Formula Renault, despite the late introduction to racing, he moved to GP3 but had a tough year. He then found success in Formula Renault 3.5 and now moves back to GP3 with Carlin, a team he thinks can propel him to the top. I caught up with him ahead of this season, talking about his career, costs of racing in feeder series and who he would pick to drive for him if he owned a Formula 1 team.

BBC Unveil 2013 Coverage Plans

The BBC has announced their 2013 Formula 1 coverage plans.

The main announcement was that the broadcaster will provide 40 extra hours of network output. This is due to the new addition of showing live practice sessions on BBC2 or BBC2HD for the nine races that will be shown live.

5 March 2013

The Rookies of 2013

It really is the nature of Formula 1. As more experienced drivers leave the sport, fresh faces are welcomed to the dizzy heights of the motor sports pinnacle.

Of course the new drivers of today can barely be classed as “rookies”. Most would have already tested a Formula 1 car before, the majority on a number of occasions, and even on a race weekend due to reserve or test roles at the team. So who are the rookies of 2013? Let’s find out.

4 March 2013

Combined Barcelona Test (2) Times

The third and final Barcelona Test was a busy one, with mixed conditions over the four days of testing. However it did give us a slight indication in to the 2013 running order. Here are the combined times from the test, with some other test stats too.

Pos. Driver / Team / Time / Laps / Tyre

Nico Rosberg / Mercedes/1:20.130/251 laps/Soft
Fernando Alonso / Ferrari / 1:20.494 / 222 laps / Soft
Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes / 1:20.588 / 230 laps / Soft
Felipe Massa / Ferrari / 1:21.266 / 206 laps / Super Soft
Jenson Button / McLaren / 1:21.444 / 194 laps / Soft
Nico Hülkenberg / Sauber / 1:21.541 / 197 laps / Soft
Adrian Sutil / Force India / 1:21.627 / 171 laps / Soft
Kimi Räikkönen / Lotus / 1:21.658 / 50 laps / Soft
Paul di Resta / Force India / 1:21.664 / 169 laps / Soft
Pastor Maldonado / Williams / 1:22.305 / 151 laps / Soft
Valtteri Bottas / Williams / 1:22.468 / 147 laps / Soft
Sebastian Vettel / Red Bull / 1:22.514 / 165 laps / Soft
Esteban Gutierrez / Sauber / 1:22.553 / 191 laps / Soft
Mark Webber / Red Bull / 1:22.658 / 149 laps / Soft
Sergio Pérez / McLaren / 1:22.694 / 201 laps / Soft
Romain Grosjean / Lotus / 1:22.716 / 186 laps / Soft
Charles Pic / Caterham / 1:23.115 / 199 laps / Soft
Jules Bianchi / Marussia / 1:23.167 / 136 laps / Soft
Jean-Éric Vergne / Toro Rosso / 1:23.223 / 173 laps / Soft
Davide Valsecchi / Lotus / 1:23.448 / 16 laps / Soft
Daniel Ricciardo / Toro Rosso / 1:23.628 / 152 laps / Soft
Max Chilton / Marussia / 1:24.103 / 202 laps / Soft
Giedo van der Garde / Caterham / 1:24.235 / 174 laps / Soft

Honda Rumoured To Make F1 Return

McLaren Mercedes look set to sign a new engine deal with Honda for 2015, if the current rumour swirling around the sport is true.

The BBC is reporting that the Japanese firm could return to Motorsport’s pinnacle. Honda left Formula 1 in 2008 after running their own team, taking over the BAR squad in 2006.

3 March 2013

2013 Barcelona Test (2), Day 4

So it has all come to an end, Formula 1's final test of the season has finished and now teams look ahead to the first race of the season.

Next stop, Melbourne where we will really see the true running order. However the final day of testing in Barcelona was a busy and crucial one, most of the teams brought brand news parts and pieces to trial, fine tuning their Melbourne spec cars and preparing for the long, exciting new season to start.

Sebastian Vettel, From BMW Sauber to Triple World Champion - Part 1

Sebastian Vettel has had a very impressive rise to the top, in this two part series Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths take a look at his career in Formula 1.

As we enter another Formula One season of what promises to be another thrilling campaign, I have decided to look back at one of the current drivers stunning career. This driver had won three world drivers championships in only six seasons, he is only 25 years old and could become the greatest ever. Yes you guessed it its Sebastian Vettel.

2 March 2013

2013 Barcelona Test (2), Day 3

Teams were greeted by warmer conditions and stunning Spanish sunshine as day three of the third and final winter test kicked off.

Conditions were much more favourable and the majority of those driving managed to get plenty of runs in. We saw a range of them too, from long stints and qualifying simulations. With it being the penultimate day of running before Australia, teams really started to show what they were made of.

Raikkonen Forced to Pull Out of Test

Kimi Raikkonen has had to pull out of the final winter test, due to illness.

The flying Finn was struck down by food poisoning and had to sit out of testing on day three.

1 March 2013

Bianchi Replaces Razia at Marussia

Luiz Razia's Formula 1 career looks to be one of the shortest on record, the funding promised from Brazil failed to materialise and he has now officially been dropped from Marussia's driver line up.

Jules Bianchi, experienced F1 tester for Ferrari and Force India, will replace him in what looks to be a fairly rushed deal. Bianchi will drive the MR02 for the team during the remaining two days of testing.