2013 Korean Grand Prix Preview

From the bright lights and bustling city-life of Singapore, Formula 1 heads to the rural Yeongam region in Korea for the 14th round of the 2013 season.

(c) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Sebastian Vettel now has a commanding 60 point lead over Fernando Alonso in the driver's standings, with Red Bull Racing dominating the constructor's. Rivals will be hoping for a dose of bad luck and unreliability in Korea to keep their title chances alive.

Di Resta: Singapore disappointment "still quite fresh"

Paul Di Resta has admitted that the disappointment of crashing out of the Singapore Grand Prix is "still quite fresh."

(c) Sahara Force India F1 Team

The Scot was looking on course for a solid points finish but collided with the barriers at turn seven shortly before the end of the race.

F1 2013 Game Brands Hatch Classic Hotlap

The F1 2013 game release is closing in and I can't wait, particularly with its new classic content. Here, Anthony Davidson commentates a hotlap around the Brands Hatch circuit, one of two tracks that comes with the standard edition of the game - two more are available on the 'Classic Edition'. Pre-order the game here.

(c) Formula1Game

Sauber get interactive on YouTube

The Sauber F1 Team has released an interactive cockpit which can be viewed on their YouTube channel. The incredibly cool video lets you explore their channel and its high-quality content in a completely unique way. Check it out below and be sure to view it in full screen! Plus check out their channel, follow on Twitter, Facebook & Google+.

(c) Sauber F1 Team

Button hoping to reverse Korean Grand Prix track record

Jenson Button's torrid Korean Grand Prix track record has made him even more determined to reverse the trend next weekend.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Brit has so far failed to finish a race at the Korea International Circuit on the podium. Whilst that doesn't look likely to change in 2013, he is still hoping for a good result and change in fortunes.

FIA release provisional 2014 calendar

A provisional 2014 calendar has been officially released after a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Croatia.

(c) Pirelli Media

New Jersey is listed on the 22-race calendar and could be set to debut on the 1st June, in the middle of a triple header with Monaco and Canada - which teams feel is completely impractical.

Kaltenborn "convinced" by Sirotkin

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn has said that she is "convinced" by 18-year-old Sergey Sirotkin's talent and potential.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Russian youngster looks set to join the Swiss team in 2014 as their race driver, but only if he gets the required super-license.

New Concord Agreement has "come into force" - FIA

The FIA has released a statement, saying that the new Concord Agreement has "now come into force."

(c) Octane Photographic

The statement confirmed that the governing body and Formula One Management - Bernie Ecclestone's organisation - has both given their "approval."

New F1 2013 screenshots and video

With the release of F1 2013 and F1 2013 Classic Edition just a few weeks away, game developers Codemasters have released some brand new screenshots alongside a rather cool marketing campaign.

(c) Codemasters

There's also a new TV advertisement featuring exclusive gameplay, they do spoil us don't they! The game will be released for Xbox 360, PS3 and Windows PC on October 4th in Europe and October 8th in North America.

Powell Post - Volume 7

Alice Powell has had a very busy September. It started off with a red carpet appearance at the world premier of the Ron Howard directed film 'Rush' - see my review of it here - in London, before a difficult F3 Cup round at the Snetterton circuit. Aside from that she also been busy testing along with spending some time relaxing in the sun. Here, she lifts the lid on the true cost of competing in Motorsport.

Hi Powell Post blog readers! I hope you are all well and had a great summer! It has been a nice one for me, mixing racing, fitness training and spending time in the sun!!

Video: How to make an F1 car - Composites

Red Bull Racing's mini-series on how they make their Formula 1 cars continues with part two, focusing on Composites. I managed to get take a sneak peek around Red Bull's Milton Keynes factory earlier in the year when I was invited to their #OPENHOUSE event, where I was given a tour of their facilities - read my report on the event here. You can also catch up with part one here.

(c) Red Bull Racing

Lotus: Raikkonen replacement to be chosen on merit, not money

Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has said that he wants to choose Kimi Raikkonen's replacement for 2014 based on merit and not on the money that the driver will bring to the team.

(c) Lotus F1 Team

He also commented on the two big names being linked to the driver, Felipe Massa and Nico Hulkenberg, and said that taking either of them would be a gamble.

Rush film review

I felt a bit left out, reading review after review, tweet after tweet and Facebook status after Facebook status regarding the brilliance of the new film Rush.

(c) Studio Canal

You see, it came out during a trip to visit family in France and hence, I wasn't able to see it until last weekend. Straight off the back of the Singapore Grand Prix, I headed to the cinema with my Dad - an avid F1 fan who became interested in the sport during the 70's - to see a film that I had very high expectations of.

2013 Singapore Grand Prix Top F1 Pics

The dark skies, the stunning Singapore skyline and the bright lights glinting off the bodywork of 22 Formula 1 machines; no wonder this race always produces some of my favourite photographs of the season.

(c) Getty Images

It has so much going for it, so much scope for the photographers and some fantastic lighting in which to capture Formula 1 cars at their best: being thrown around a tight and twisty street circuit. Here are my Top F1 Pics from the Singapore Grand Prix, and while you are at it take a peek at my selection from the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago.

2013 Singapore Grand Prix Driver Reaction

At the front of the field, it looked like a walk in the park for Vettel. However, just over two hours of racing around the 23-turn Marina Bay Street Circuit was a tough challenge for even a triple world champion.

(c) Getty Images

Behind, the racing was frantic with differing strategies providing us with some fantastic on-track action and overtakes. There was plenty to discuss after the race, here are some quotes from the drivers after the 2013 Singapore Grand Prix.

Webber handed 10-place grid penalty for Korea

Mark Webber has been handed a 10-place grid penalty for the next race of the season in Korea after being given his third reprimand of the season.

(c) Getty Images

The Aussie hitched a lift back to the pit lane with rival Fernando Alonso after his Red Bull RB9 burst into flames on the final lap of the race.

Friday practice changes given green light by teams

The shape of the Friday practice schedule at a Formula 1 race weekend could be set to change for next season, in order to give young drivers more time out on track.

(c) Octane Photographic

The sport looks set to give the green light to an extended first practice session, enabling test and reserve drivers from F1 teams the chance to drive during a race weekend.

2013 Singapore Grand Prix Weekend Report

Formula 1 returned to Singapore for the only night race on the calendar, under 1,600 custom-made floodlights and the darkened skies of the city-state.

(c) Sahara Force India F1 Team

After racing on the classic European tracks of Spa and Monza, the 2013 season now heads east for a number of fly-away races in Asia. The first of which is Singapore, a unique race around a similarly unique circuit.

Singapore best chance to score a point - Bottas

Valtteri Bottas has admitted that the Singapore Grand Prix could be his best chance to score a point.

(c) Octane Photographic

The only night race on the calendar is usually full of drama. There could be a high rate of attrition with the close proximity of the barriers and the tight and technical track being tough on the cars.

Hulkenberg: Ferrari relationship still good

Nico Hulkenberg has dismissed rumours that he was informed by Ferrari that he would not be racing for them in 2014 by text message, and that his relationship with the team is still good.

(c) Octane Photographic

Hulkenberg was said to have been in negotiations with the team for two months, before the Scuderia chose Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen.

Button signs McLaren extension

Jenson Button's future at McLaren for 2014 was always certain, but all we needed was confirmation. The Brit has given us just that during an interview at the Marina Bay Street Circuit paddock in Singapore.

(c) Octane Photographic

The 33-year-old confirmed to Sky Sports F1 that his contract was sorted. Meanwhile team-mate Sergio Perez also looks to be staying at the Woking based squad after commenting on his future at the team during the FIA driver press conference.

2013 Singapore Grand Prix Thursday Snap Shot

The Singapore Grand Prix is completely unique. Formula 1 remains on European time for the sports only night race, meaning the paddock get to work as the sun goes down.

(c) Lotus F1 Team

They wake up in the middle of the day, probably one of the only chances they will get to sleep in past 2PM, so the Thursday action got underway under darkening skies. 

Raikkonen: I'm leaving Lotus due to money

Kimi Raikkonen has admitted that the reason for his decision to leave Lotus at the end of the season is due to money.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Finn will re-join Ferrari in 2014, replacing Felipe Massa and partnering Fernando Alonso. His future has been hotly discussed in the F1 paddock, with options to stay at Lotus, go to Red Bull or make the switch to Ferrari.

Video: How to make an F1 car - Design and R&D

Infiniti Red Bull Racing has launched a brand new mini-series, detailing how to make a Formula 1 car. Check out part one below, which goes through Design and R&D.

(c) RedBullRacing

Webber: "I've been on the edge with Formula 1"

Mark Webber has admitted that he has lost motivation for Formula 1, something he never thought would happen.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Aussie admitted in an exclusive interview with F1 Racing magazine that he was on the edge of leaving the sport for the last few years, and said that his drop in motivation caused his decision to leave F1.

Pirelli announce tyre compounds for Korea, Japan and India

Pirelli has announced the tyre compounds that they will bring to the Korean, Japanese and Indian rounds of the F1 2013 season.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Italian supplier will take the medium and super-soft compounds to this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

Mercedes duo optimistic over Singapore success

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg feel confident that they can challenge at the front during this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

(c) Octane Photographic

Both racers feel that the Marina Bay Street Circuit will suit their car and are even more determined to score a good result and bounce back after a difficult last few races.

The Evolution of Formula 1 - Carcraft

To celebrate the recent release of the film 'Rush', which tells the titanic of the titanic 1976 F1 world championship battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, the clever people at Carcraft - the UK's leading car supermarket - have come up with a special infographic looking at the evolution of Formula 1.

Click 'read more' to see the infographic in full and check their website out here. You can also follow them on Twitter and 'Like' their Facebook page.

2013 Singapore Grand Prix Preview

After the classic double-header of Spa and Monza, the Formula 1 paddock will re-group in Singapore this weekend for a completely different and unique challenge.

(c) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

The Marina Bay Street Circuit hosts Formula 1's only night race of the season, with the paddock running on European time throughout the weekend. That means sleeping in the daytime and emerging for work as the sun goes down.

Raikkonen has unfinished business in Singapore

Kimi Raikkonen has said that he has unfinished business in Singapore after failing to finish on the podium during his last three visits.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Finn also admitted that he will keep pushing for the remainder of the season, to end his Lotus career on a high after his return to Ferrari for 2014 was recently announced.

Webber predicts Ferrari move for Vettel in 2016

Mark Webber predicts that Ferrari's aggressive two-year contract with Raikkonen will be followed up by the Scuderia signing Sebastian Vettel for 2016.

(c) Octane Photographic

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports F1, which will air fully during their Singapore Grand Prix coverage, Webber was typically open and honest about his views on Raikkonen's recently announced return to Ferrari and what impact that will have on Finn's new team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Codemasters release F1 2013 Classic Edition trailer

Codemasters has released a special F1 2013 Classic Edition game trailer ahead of the games launch on October 4th alongside the standard game edition.

It shows an exclusive free gift to all those who sign up to Codemasters RaceNet: a 1976 Ferrari 312 T2 that stars alongside the McLaren M23 in the new Hollywood film 'Rush' that was released in UK cinemas today (Friday 13th).

'Rush' out now in UK cinemas

'Rush', the film of 2013 for fans of all things motorsport, has been released today (Friday 13th) in UK cinemas. The film, which depicts the titanic 1976 Formula 1 title battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, was directed by Ron Howard. 

(c) Studio Canal

It will be released on the 20th September in limited US cinemas before being released to wider range on the 27th, which is also its release date in Canada. Check out the first, second and third trailers for the film and for a full list of release dates click here. I'm sure you will all enjoy it, so I hope you have a great time and I can't wait to see it very soon!

Lotus "disappointed" but not bitter over Kimi exit

They have just lost their star driver to Formula 1's most successful team, but Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has said that the team are not bitter about the move.

(c) Octane Photographic

It was announced on Wednesday (11th September) that Raikkonen would return to Ferrari for the 2014 season for a second stint at the Maranello based squad.

The 'Iceman' returns to Ferrari

After yesterday's announcement that Felipe Massa will leave Ferrari at the end of 2013, his replacement has been announced. You guessed it, it's Kimi Raikkonen.

(c) Lotus F1 Team

The Finn will return to the Scuderia in 2014 to partner Fernando Alonso, creating - in my view - the strongest driver line-up on the grid.

Massa confirms Ferrari exit

Felipe Massa has confirmed that he will leave Ferrari at the end of 2013 after eight years driving for the sport's most successful team.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Brazilian made his debut for the Scuderia at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix, racing alongside seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. At the peak of his success, he finished runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 championship after losing the title on the last lap.

Second night race in 2014?

The 2014 calendar could be set for two night races, with Bahrain interested in hosting the unique event alongside Singapore.

(c) Marussia F1 Team

Confirmation on the news will come in the next week or so. Rumours earlier in the season hinted at  the possibility of the Sakhir circuit hosting a night race.

Driving standards in GP3

I usually expect a bit of chaos during the GP3 races, after all they are young and still have plenty to learn. However I was really disappointed with some of the driving standards during the Italian rounds of the GP3 series and for several reasons.

(c) GP3 Media

It seemed like there were two different driver types racing over the weekend: firstly the mature, controlled and fair and secondly the disrespectful and erratic. The latter really frustrated me - alongside several of the drivers who fall into the first category' - because they have such a great opportunity and their recklessness is ruining the chance that they have been given. 

2013 Italian Grand Prix Top F1 Pics

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is set in stunning parkland and was bathed in sunshine during this weekend's Italian Grand Prix - well on Friday and Saturday at least.

(c) Octane Photographic

The track is perfect for photography because of the backdrop and scenery alongside the lighting and the track itself, gently undulating through the trees. Here are some of my favourite images from the weekend.

Tooned 50: Episode 4 - The James Hunt Story

Here's the latest episode of McLaren's animation 'Tooned 50', the second series of 'Tooned' celebrating 50 years of McLaren.

(c) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

The team recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in the Monza pit lane after a week packed full of celebratory events. Check out my top five McLaren moments and a profile on the Woking based squad.

2013 Italian Grand Prix Driver Reaction

The Italian Grand Prix saw Sebastian Vettel waltz to yet another race win at the Monza circuit. However, there were plenty of talking points throughout the 53-lap race with plenty for the driver's to discuss in their post-race quotes.

(c) Octane Photographic

It was a frantic first few laps before it all calmed down as drivers settled into a rhythm. We had Hamilton and Raikkonen charging through the field after earlier problems, Di Resta crashing out and plenty of great overtakes up and down the field.

Red Bull to take part in Pirelli test

Paul Hembery has confirmed to reporters in the Monza paddock that Red Bull will take part in a Pirelli tyre test later this month.

(c) Octane Photographic

It is believed that 2014 Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo and the Milton Keynes based squad's reserve driver Sebastien Buemi will take part in the 1000km test.

Todt will contest Ward for FIA presidency

Jean Todt has confirmed that he will contest David Ward for FIA presidency re-election, keen to remain as FIA president for a second term.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Frenchman told reporters in the Monza paddock that he will challenge Ward, who recently outlined his intentions and plans for the future should he be elected as FIA president.

Decision on Ferrari's 2014 driver line-up imminent

A decision on Ferrari's 2014 driver line-up will be made in the next few days, president Luca di Montezemelo has said.

(c) Octane Photographic

Word in the paddock is that it is a straight fight between current driver Felipe Massa and former employee Kimi Raikkonen.

2013 Italian Grand Prix Weekend Report

From one classic track to another, the Formula 1 circus arrived at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix - the final European round of the season.

(c) Octane Photographic

A circuit steeped in F1 history, it is a fan, driver and team favourite for obvious reasons. Not just for the Italian food but also for the stunning and unique characteristics of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

2013 Italian Grand Prix Thursday Snap Shot

With plenty of to talk after the Belgian Grand Prix, it was a busy day for drivers, team members and the F1 media on Thursday ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

(c) Getty Images

Daniel Ricciardo had been confirmed as Webber's replacement at Red Bull, rumours continued to circulate on Raikkonen's future, McLaren continued to celebrate turning 50, we had a provisional 2014 calendar announced and plenty more.

Alonso tops motorsport rich list

Fernando Alonso has emerged as the highest paid driver in motorsport.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Spaniard was revealed as the worlds highest paid motorsport star by business magazine Forbes, with Lewis Hamilton coming second in the list.

21-race draft 2014 calendar revealed

Formula 1 is set to partake in its longest season even in 2014 after a 21-race draft calendar was revealed.

(c) Octane Photographic

A first draft of the provisional calendar has been distributed to all the teams ahead of this weekend's race at the Monza circuit in Italy.

My Top 5 McLaren Moments

McLaren turns the big 5-0 over the Italian Grand Prix weekend, so I thought it would be a good time to look back at my own personal highlights of the team. 

(c) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Of course, I only started watching Formula 1 religiously back in 2004 so my time-zone is considerably restricted. I’m sure you all have your own special highlights of the Woking based squad, whether that be from their rise to the top in the 70s, Senna vs Prost in the late 80s or Hakkinen doing the double in the late 90s. 

Horner: Vettel and Ricciardo will get equal treatment

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has stressed that Sebastian Vettel and new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo will both be treated as equals.

(c) Octane Photographic

Horner dismissed claims that Ricciardo will be the team's number two driver next season. The Australian was announced as Mark Webber's successor on Monday.

McLaren feel podium finishes unlikely

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes sporting director Sam Michael feels that scoring the team's first podium finish of the season is unlikely.

(c) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

If his prediction is correct, this will be the first season since 1980 that the Woking based squad failed to score a podium.

Profile: McLaren - Britain's most successful F1 team

McLaren recently turned 50 years old and will celebrate the milestone over the Italian Grand Prix weekend, but how did it all start out and how did they rise to the top?

(c) Octane Photographic

Here I profile Britain’s most successful Formula 1 team, giving you an insight and overview of their history in the sport. 

Daniel Ricciardo confirmed at Red Bull Racing for 2014

The wait is finally over. Daniel Ricciardo has been confirmed as Infiniti Red Bull Racing's second driver for the 2014 Formula 1 season.

(c) Getty Images

The Aussie will replace countryman Mark Webber, who retires from the sport at the end of this season. The announcement was made live on Austrian TV station Servus TV, with Ricciardo being unveiled as Red Bull's second driver.

Calado joins Force India as third driver

Force India team principal Vijay Mallya has confirmed that GP2 driver James Calado will join the team as their third driver.

(c) Octane Photographic

Calado will also drive the VJM06 during first practice for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix. Meanwhile Di Resta and Sutil are feeling confident going into the 12th round of the season.

2013 Italian Grand Prix Preview

After the sweeping bends and undulations of Spa-Francorchamps, the world's top 22 racing drivers arrive in Italy for the 12th round of the season and to tame a very different beast.

(c) Octane Photographic

Set in the stunning parkland of the Royal Villa of Monza, the area is steeped in motorsport history with the modern Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit running just metres away from the classic oval that hosted the Italian Grand Prix decades ago.

McLaren turns the big 5-0

The McLaren Formula 1 team - currently racing under the name of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - celebrates its 50th birthday today.

(c) Octane Photographic

It marks the day that Bruce McLaren Racing Limited was originally formed back in 1963, when Bruce McLaren managed to gather a small crew to design, build and race cars from a tiny and cramped workshop in Surrey.