Jack Leslie F1: January 2014

31 January 2014

2014 Jerez Test - Day 4

The first winter test of the 2014 Formula 1 season has come to a close after four days of on-track action at Jerez.

Felipe Massa set the fastest time on day four. The Brazilian was at the wheel of the new Williams FW36 once again, after a successful debut outing on day three.

2014 Jerez Test - Day 3

The Jerez circuit was bathed in sunshine as the third day of 2014 pre-season testing took place under blue skies.

Overall, it was a much more productive day for many. However, it was far from straightforward with the majority of teams experiencing at least one problem over the course of the session.

Marussia MR03 breaks cover

Marussia has become the 10th team to reveal its 2014 car, after the MR03 broke cover at Jerez.

The car has already had a troubled start after a problem meant its launch, planned for Tuesday morning prior to the start of testing, was delayed. Max Chilton and Jules Bianchi remain at the team for a second season.

Schumacher starts "waking up process"

Michael Schumacher is gradually being brought out of a medically-induced coma, his manager has confirmed.

The seven-time F1 world champion suffered serious head injuries in a skiing accident at the end of December. He has been in a coma for one month.

2014 Jerez Test - Day 2

Jenson Button topped the timesheets on day two of winter testing at Jerez, as the McLaren MP4-29 make its on-track debut.

Teams continue to discover and explore the new 2014 machines, following a quiet opening day at the Spanish circuit as the sport's new era officially got underway.

Williams FW36 and Caterham CT05 break cover

The Williams FW36, which the team previewed in a series of image renders last week, and Caterham's CT05 broke cover on the opening day of winter testing on Tuesday.

Both cars took to the track late in the day due to technical problems and were not given official launches, unlike the new cars from Mercedes, Red Bull and Force India.

Boullier moves to McLaren as race director

McLaren Mercedes has confirmed the appointment of Eric Boullier as its race director.

The Frenchman announced his departure from Lotus, after four years' as team principal, last week. His signing is part of a major senior management restructuring at McLaren.

2014 Jerez Test - Day 1

Kimi Raikkonen topped the timesheets on the opening day of winter testing at the Jerez circuit, kicking off the new Formula 1 era.

It was a quiet day of on-track action, with all nine teams at the circuit suffering problems over the course of the session.

Force India officially launch 2014 machine

Following the image reveal of its new Force India VJM07 last week, the team has officially launched its 2014 car.

The machine that Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez will race this season was uncovered in the Jerez pit lane ahead of the first winter test.

Red Bull Racing launch the RB10

Red Bull Racing has unveiled the car that it hopes will take them to five consecutive world titles.

The covers came off the RB10 in the Jerez pit lane ahead of the first day of winter testing today.

Mercedes unveil its W05

Following a number of cheeky teaser image and video posts of their 2014 car, Mercedes has finally taken the covers off their W05.

The car will be driven by Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg this year, and both were on hand to reveal their new machine in the Jerez pit lane.

Toro Rosso unleash the STR9

Toro Rosso has taken the covers off its new car, named the STR9, ahead of the first winter test.

The Italian squad revealed its 2014 machine in the Jerez pitlane on Monday, one day before the start of pre-season testing.

Rush hits the small screen

I made regular visits to my local cinema in 2013, but my favourite trip there - by far – was to see Ron Howard’s stunning film Rush.

Telling the true tale of James Hunt and Niki Lauda’s titanic 1976 Formula 1 title battle, I enjoyed it so much that I gave it nine out of ten in my review.

Sauber launches new C33

Sauber is the latest F1 team to officially unveil their 2014 car, following McLaren's MP4-29 and Ferrari's F14 T launches on Friday and Saturday.

The Ferrari-powered C33 was revealed online on Sunday and will be driven by Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez this season.

Who has the best F1 2014 driver line-up?

"Who has the best driver line-up on the 2014 grid?" It is a difficult question, but one that I thought I would share my views on ahead of the new season.

In my opinion, there are some hugely exciting driver pairings on the 2014 grid and I can’t wait to see how they all compare when the on-track action begins.

Ferrari uncover new F14 T

Ferrari has become the second team to officially launch its 2014 car, the newly named F14 T.

The iconic team gave fans the chance to help name the car in an online vote, with five options. It was a close fight between the top two, but the F14 T eventually won by 1.7% after registering 369,711 votes.

Caterham and Mercedes release V6 Turbo previews

Mercedes confirmed that their 2014 car completed a shakedown run at the Silverstone circuit on Friday, as part of a filming day.

We didn't get to see the new car, but thanks to a video released by the team, we get to hear it - briefly. Caterham also posted a preview of their V6 Turbo engine on YouTube following its first fire-up on Thursday.

Say hello to the Lotus E22

Just as McLaren were launching their MP4-29, Lotus decided to get in on the action and release the first images of their E22.

The car, which won't be at the first test in Jerez, will be driven by Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado this season.

McLaren reveal the MP4-29

McLaren Mercedes has unveiled their 2014 Formula 1 challenger, the MP4-29.

The car is the first to be officially launched following image reveals of the Force India VJM07 and Williams FW36 earlier in the week.

Boullier leaves Lotus

Lotus has announced that Eric Boullier has left the team after four years as team principal.

He will be replaced with immediate effect by co-chairman and team co-owner Gerard Lopez. Rumours following the news are linking Boullier with a move to McLaren, to replace Martin Whitmarsh.

Video: Red Bull look ahead to their 10th year in F1

Ahead of their 10th season racing in Formula 1, Red Bull Racing has released a new video on their YouTube channel, looking back at some of their highlights from the past nine campaigns and looking ahead to 2014.

Video © Red Bull Racing

Williams release first images of new FW36

Williams has released the first images of their 2014 Formula 1 challenger, the FW36.

They followed the lead of Force India, who posted an image of their new VJM07 on Wednesday, and revealed their pre-launch car on social networks.

McLaren: No title sponsor reveal at car launch

McLaren will not reveal a new title sponsor at the launch of their 2014 car, which will take place on January 24th.

The team parted ways with Vodafone after seven years at the end of 2013 and look set to unveil the MP4-29 without a replacement, although they insist that they are in good shape financially.

Force India reveal first image of VJM07

The Force India team has become the first to unveil their 2014 car, sharing a picture of the VJM07 on their social network sites.

The team will now run with a striking new livery, which includes a number of new sponsors. It will be officially presented at the Jerez circuit prior to the start of testing.

Kobayashi makes F1 comeback with Caterham

The Caterham F1 Team has finally announced their 2014 line-up, with Kamui Kobayashi making a return to the sport alongside GP2 race winner Marcus Ericsson.

The team announced the news at their Leafield-based factory, meaning the grid for the up-coming season is now complete.

Van der Garde takes up reserve role at Sauber

Giedo van der Garde has been announced as Sauber's test and reserve driver for the 2014 season.

The news confirms that he is out of the running for a seat at Caterham, despite a strong rookie campaign racing for the team last year.

Top 5 F1 driver advert appearances

For big businesses sponsoring Formula 1 teams, putting drivers in TV adverts is a great ways to promote their products.

However, some of these advertisements are better than others. Here, I take a look at my top five F1 driver advert appearances, from the hilariously funny to the awkward and embarrassing.

Kimi's back in red

Kimi Raikkonen has never liked completing media commitments, but he looked pretty relaxed at the wheel of a Ferrari FF while answering questions on his return to the Scuderia.

The interviews took place on a trip around the streets of Maranello, during his first three days back at work - where he also completed simulator work and various technical and engineering meetings, to get familiarised with the new rules.

Manager: Schumacher remains in "stable" condition

Michael Schumacher remains in a "stable" condition in hospital, his long-term manager has confirmed.

Sabine Kehm also stressed that unofficial reports and speculation should be ignored, before adding that the seven-time world champion's family are "happy and confident" with the efforts of his doctors.

Three new teams interested in F1 entry for 2015?

In December last year, the FIA announced that it was asking potential new teams to express an interest in joining the grid for the 2015 season.

According to a report by German publication AMuS, three potential outfits are battling to be the 12th team on the grid. Full applications need to be submitted by February 10th, with a decision being made on February 28th.

Dennis returns as McLaren Group CEO

Ron Dennis has returned as CEO of the McLaren Group, a title that he previously held between 1982 and 2012, and will replace Martin Whitmarsh

He was appointed as Chairman shortly after leaving the CEO position, which is a position that he will retain.

Lotus wave goodbye to Quantum

Lotus F1 Team owner Gerard Lopez has confirmed that the team's deal with Quantum Motorsports has been cancelled.

The investment consortium, led by Mansoor Ijaz, had announced their plans to buy a 35 per cent stake in the team last June, but following months of speculation and uncertainty, the deal has - as many predicted - not been completed.

Fans given chance to help name 2014 Ferrari

The Ferrari F1 team has given fans the chance to help name their 2014 challenger.

They confirmed today that this year's F1 car will be unveiled on January 25th. The official announcement of the fans vote will take place one day prior to the launch.

Hulkenberg: "Never before has there been a situation like this"

Nico Hulkenberg believes the level of uncertainty surrounding the up-coming season has never been higher in Formula 1.

The new regulations - which include a switch to 1.6 litre V6 Turbo engines and cuts to downforce - will give teams the chance to do something special, as well as also opening up the opportunity to get it completely wrong.

20 seats down, two to go

20 seats have already been filled and there are just two spaces yet to be confirmed on the 2014 Formula 1 grid.

The driver market for the up-coming season has been one of the busiest in recent years, with some high profile moves that dominated the headlines throughout 2013.

2014 Autosport International Show Blog

On Thursday afternoon and Friday, I attended the 2014 Autosport International Show. I have attended the event in the past, but always as a fan.

This time, I was there on the trade days for RichlandF1. It was a new experience for me, but it was a great one nonetheless. Here is a blog of my experience.

Whiting talks DRS, double points and marshal safety

The 16th annual Watkins Lecture – run by the Motorsport Safety Fund - took place at the Autosport International Show on Friday (9th January) at the NEC in Birmingham.

It was given by Formula 1 race director Charlie Whiting, who sat down with F1 Racing Magazine’s Stuart Codling to chat about motorsport safety. It was a fascinating interview; here is a look at some of the major talking points.

Marussia confirm Chilton for 2014

The Marussia F1 Team confirmed today (Saturday 11th January) that they will retain Max Chilton for the 2014 Formula 1 season.

The announcement was made on the F1 Racing stage at the Autosport International Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham.

Permanent F1 driver numbers revealed

The official 2014 FIA F1 world championship entry list was released yesterday, revealing the driver's permanent numbers that they will use for the rest of their career in the sport.

Previously, driver numbers were assigned by the finishing position of their team in the previous year's constructors' championship.

F1 2014 pre-season dates

The 2014 F1 season is closing in fast, with winter testing and the all-important car launches just a few weeks away.

Here are all of the dates that you need, ahead of what will be a truly dramatic and unpredictable season.

Authorities give update on Schumacher investigation

French authorities held a press conference earlier today in Albertville to give an update on the investigation into Michael Schumacher's skiing accident.

The ex-F1 driver fell and hit his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alps on December 29th. The latest update on his condition came on Tuesday (7th), when his manager said he remained in a "stable" but "critical" condition and added that no further information will be given for the time being.

Mercedes set for Jerez car launch

The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team will launch their 2014 car prior to the first day of winter testing at the Jerez circuit.

The Brackley-based outfit unveiled their 2013 car in a similar style last season. In replies to fans on Twitter, the team confirmed that the W05 will make its debut on January 28th.

Formula E car makes public debut

Formula E's new fully-electric car, the Spark-Renault SRT_01E, made its public demonstration debut yesterday (Monday).

The event took place in Las Vegas, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, as guests and selected media got their first chance to see and hear the new machine.

Lotus to miss Jerez test

The Lotus F1 Team will be absent from the first winter test of 2014 at the Jerez circuit.

In an interview with the team, technical director Nick Chester confirmed the news that they will skip the opening test in favour of developing the car further before its debut in Bahrain.

Preview: 2014 Autosport International Show

Next week, the Autosport International Show – the largest of its kind in Europe – will kick off at the NEC in Birmingham.

I will be attending the show on Thursday and Friday for RichlandF1, so be sure to check out the website for lots of feature pieces from the event. Here is a preview of the show.

2014 F1 Technical Regulation changes

Formula 1 will enter a new era in a few weeks’ time, when the 2014 F1 machinery takes to the track for the first time in winter testing, with a number of major regulation changes coming into force.

These were officially confirmed in mid-December last year, when the final version of next year’s Technical Regulations was published. Following my article detailing the modifications to the Sporting Regulations, here is a look at the technical changes for this season.

Schumacher remains "critical but stable"

Michael Schumacher's manager has confirmed that he remains in a "critical but stable" condition following his sixth night in a coma.

The seven-time F1 champion continues to be treated at the Grenoble University Hospital in France. Fans travelled to the city on Friday and held a silent vigil for his 45th birthday.

Schumacher's family "overwhelmed" following hospital vigil

There were touching scenes outside the Grenoble hospital on Friday as Ferrari fans held a vigil for Michael Schumacher on his 45th birthday.

The seven-time world champion remains in a medically-induced coma following a skiing accident in the French Alps at the end of December. The German's family released a statement on Friday night thanking fans outside the hospital for their support.

F1 2013 DVD Review: Who Can Stop Him?

F1 2013 DVD Review: Who Can Stop Him? 2013 wasn’t a classic Formula 1 season for on-track action, but there were still plenty of interesting story lines and dramatic moments that are well worth watching back.

The official F1 2013 review DVD, titled “who can stop him?” after Vettel’s dominant display, enables fans to re-live the new four-time champion’s success and will help to fill those quiet days ahead of the new season.

Powell Post - Volume 10

Here it is, the final Powell Post! It is a sad one to end on, with Alice sending her well wishes to Michael Schumacher - one of her racing idols, but overall it has been a very good series. Hopefully you all enjoyed the insight into life as a racing driver.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas too, and that the weather didn’t affect you too much.

The wait for winter testing

With 2014 now underway, focus turns to the up-coming season and the first winter test.

The Circuit de Jerez in southern Spain will host the opening test of the new season, which will kick-off on January 28th, but before that can happen; the cars have to be launched.

31 January 2014

30 January 2014

29 January 2014

28 January 2014

27 January 2014

26 January 2014

25 January 2014

24 January 2014

23 January 2014

22 January 2014

21 January 2014

20 January 2014

18 January 2014

17 January 2014

16 January 2014

15 January 2014

14 January 2014

13 January 2014

12 January 2014

11 January 2014

9 January 2014

8 January 2014

7 January 2014

6 January 2014

5 January 2014

4 January 2014

3 January 2014

2 January 2014

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