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Archive for January, 2011

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Motorsports Mondial - January 31, 2011

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f1weekly @ 5:54 pm

R31 Launch: BLACK TO THE FUTURE

The world’s media got their first glimpse of Lotus Renault GP’s 2011 challenger this afternoon as the R31 was presented in the pit lane of the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo.

Robert and Vitaly joined Gerard Lopez (Chairman of LRGP) and Eric Boullier (Team Principal and Managing Director) to pull back the covers and present the car the team hopes will continue the squad’s push towards the front of the grid.

“For Genii Capital and Lotus Renault GP, the 2011 season will be the one in which we achieve our aims,” said Gerard Lopez. “We now have 100% ownership of the team, and we’re tackling the coming championship with the intention of continuing to do things our way – but always with humility. I would like to welcome Lotus Cars, a new ambitious title sponsor with us for the long term. Renault and Total have also chosen to accompany us again in this adventure and we thank them for their valuable contribution. Our aim for 2011 is to continue our march towards the front of the grid, seize the slightest opportunity and do better than last season in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. We feel we are well prepared for the challenge ahead.”


Eric Boullier echoed those sentiments and paid tribute to the enormous effort back at the team’s base in Enstone: “All the hard work over the winter has been focused on delivering a big improvement for 2011. The result is a car with more than 92% new parts compared to the R30. But technical innovation isn’t the only key to performance. Since last year, we have reviewed all our internal processes and our overall efficiency has now improved by 15%. That means we should be more competitive than last year, on the track and at the factory.”

Technical Director, James Allison, explained how the team approached the design of the R31: “Words like ‘aggressive’ and ‘innovative’ are very much in vogue in Formula 1 at the moment, but where the R31 is concerned we feel those adjectives are appropriate. It’s true to say that the car has been designed in an ambitious manner and a quick glance at the layout will confirm that its entire concept differs considerably, not just from last year’s car, but from any car this team has ever produced.”

Both Robert and Vitaly were enthusiastic as they got acquainted with their new car and eager for the season to get underway.

“After a long winter break you always feel ready to jump back in the car,” explained Robert. “At the moment it’s difficult to know just how competitive our package will be, but the engineers have decided to go for an innovative design, which is good.”

Vitaly added: “It feels exciting to be starting my second year of Formula 1 and I can’t wait to try this beautiful car for the first time tomorrow. Now that I have a year of F1 experience behind me, I feel more confident and ready to deliver. I’m determined to do well and fight hard for this team.”

The team’s new third drivers were presented as well, with Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean adding further strength to the team’s driver line-up. The team’s reserve drivers (and members of the LRGP Academy) were confirmed as Jan Charouz, Ho-Pin Tung and Fairuz Fauzy (who was unable to attend the launch due to his GP2 Series commitments).

The team also welcomes two important new partners in SunCore and Sibur, while Genii Capital promotes its Business Exchange platform through more significant branding on the car.

Motorsports Mondial -

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f1weekly @ 7:29 am

Ganassi takes Daytona Glory!

With 23 hours logged at the 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona it would be natural to assume the drivers would be looking to preserve their equipment in order to make it to the finish, but here at Daytona International Speedway it is the exact opposite.  With four DP cars in the hunt for victory, and only one hour left to race, anything can happen as the contenders fight through traffic in pursuit of the lead, occasionally swapping paint while doing so.  The fight intensifies as time runs out and it becomes do-or-die for the front runners.

Among the 18 DP entries, the #02 Telmex/Target BMW Riley had set the pace and led the race since 12:50 pm.  Giving chase was the #9 Action Express Racing Porsche/Riley followed closely by the #01 Target/Telmex BMW Riley, with the #23 United Autosports car also in contention.

“Before I got in the car I discussed what might be our best options,” said Scott Pruett (Sacramento/Auburn, Calif.) of his last stint in the #01 car.  “We knew we had a strong car but you cannot really over think things, you just have to get in the car and go as fast as you can.  All we did as drivers is keep that car as clean as possible.  If you look at it now you will see an immaculate race car even after racing for 24 hours, that’s what it takes to win.”

“This is the big race of the year and everyone comes here to win,” said Pruett having just become a four-time Rolex 24 At Daytona winner (1994, ’07, ’08, ‘11).  “We had the lead toward the end and all we had to do is run smart.  Our car is very fast coming off a yellow-to-green flag.  I was glad that Grand-Am was able to go to green at the end.  I hate when a race finishes under yellow, it’s just a big disappointment for the fans.  I pushed as hard as I could on that last lap.  It takes a team effort and the team starts off by our boss Chip Ganassi and of course the mechanics.  There is so much effort and energy given before we even come here.  The #01 car has finished every lap at the Rolex 24 At Daytona for the last five years so that gives a true testimony for what the Ganassi organization is all about.”

Sharing the driving duty in the winning #01 car was Memo Rojas (Mexico City, Mexico), Graham Rahal (Columbus, Ohio/Indianapolis, In.) and Joey Hand (Sacramento, Calif.).  Rahal was eight years old when his father, Bobby Rahal, won the 1981 Rolex 24 At Daytona.  “I grew up looking at Dad’s Rolex and trying to imagine having one of my own.  I never imagined I would have one so soon.”

Capturing the attention of all in attendance was the remarkable come-from-behind performance in the GT Class as the #67 TRG Porsche GT3 went from starting the race in last position, to take a convincing lead in the Rolex 24 At Daytona.  The pole-winning qualifying time of driver Andy Lally (Northport, N.Y./Dacula, Ga.), which set a new lap record, had been disallowed after qualifying.  As the 24-hour endurance challenge went on, it was rumored that the clutch on the #67 car had become problematic, causing the drivers to lift a bit early going into turn one and the bus stop chicane – adding to the drama of the GT race.

“The big problem of course was the matter of losing the clutch with 17 hours to go in the race and that makes things very difficult as you can imagine,” said Lally about the problems with the #67 car.  “What it means is there cannot be any mistakes made.  If you spin out for some reason and have to be towed back to the pits you’re going to lose three or four laps and you might as well just pack it up and go home because your race is done.”

In the end, the lead was converted to a win for the team that included drivers Brendan Gaughan (Las Vegas, Nev.), Wolf Henzler (Nuertingen, Germany) and Spencer Pumpelly (Arlington, Va./Suwanee, Ga.).

“It’s an incredible thing that we did. . . to drive so many hours without incident and shifting gears without a clutch,” said Lally.  “We actually had to knock it out of gear and then match the revs of the engine with the speed that the rear tires were going in order to get the car into gear and to do that for so long is amazing.  It was pretty tricky but we all seemed to figure out how to do it.  This is absolutely the greatest feeling there is to win the Rolex 24 At Daytona.”

For many, and two in particular, the 49th edition of this classic 24-hour endurance race was a watershed event.

“It’s been my dream to be on the podium at the Rolex 24 At Daytona,” said actor Patrick Dempsey who was overwhelmed with emotion after taking the podium with a third-place finish in the GT class driving the #40 Mazda RX-8.  Dempsey was making his fourth career appearance in this edition of the legendary endurance race, having seen his previous best-finish last year with a sixth.  His post-race remarks included joking that he would be retiring from the television show Gray’s Anatomy as a result of his performance here so that he could race more frequently.  “Now there’s a headline,” he said before seriously addressing the contributions of the rest of his team.  “This is a team sport,” said Dempsey.  “We have a lot of people who made it possible for us to be here.”

“This 24-hour race went down to the green white checkered flag,” said Italian racer Max Papis who resides in Miami, Florida, after finishing third in the DP in the #9 Action Express Racing Porsche Riley.  “In my 17 years at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, I never thought I would see it.  For sure, to open the season like this…I’m enjoying a lot what we’ve done today.  To me it was one of the best races I’ve ever been part of.”

Motorsports Mondial - January 29, 2011

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f1weekly @ 9:05 am

Faces Going Places

Photo: Tom Blomqvist

Tom Blomqvist. Quick & Confident

Tom Blomqvist burst upon the racing scene last year taking the title in the very competitive Michelin Formula Renault UK series. The 16-year old son of Stig, of Audi Quattro and world rally championship fame, grew up racing karts in New Zealand.

Call him the next Super Swede or Quick Kiwi, one thing is for sure, we will be seeing his name in the top tier of results frequently. F1weekly would like to thank him for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish him all the best in his racing career.

Q: Congratulations on winning the Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship. What were your expectations before the season started?

A: Thank you. I had high expectations coming into the championship after some strong winter testing times and the way the pre-season testing went. My main ambition was to win the championship.

Q: Three wins and 12 podiums, what was the most memorable race?

A: To be honest my most memorable race was probably the first race of the season at Thruxton. It was raining and I was starting second. I had a collision on the first lap and I was in last place. I managed to work my way up to 5th place by the end of the race. It was definitely my most exciting race. I don’t think I passed that many cars for the rest of the season combined.


Photo: Tom Blomqvist

Q: You took the championship lead in the penultimate round at Silverstone; was there a moment during the season where you had given up the title hunt to play safe and finish in the top three?

A: I had never given up the championship hunt but there was a stage where we were considering another year in Formula Renault UK. But I continued to work hard and so did the team and in the end we got the result we deserved.

Q: Before the Brands Hatch season finale you and Lewis Williamson were tied on points; did you experience extra butterflies before and during the race?

A: Before the weekend I was quite confident but not over confident as I knew Lewis was quick around Brands and the Manor car worked well there. I was confident I could out-qualify him though and around that track it is near impossible to pass. Fortunately for me I put it on the front row for both races but I certainly felt a little bit more tension before the final race. That was only going to be normal for a championship decider.

Q: How much did you develop as a racing driver by working with Fortec team, a very successful operation headed by ex-F3 driver Richard Dutton?

A: It was a tough year as we were probably on the back foot at the start of the season. I had to fight and push extra hard and that definitely helped when it came down to a head to head fight at the final round of the season. I learnt a lot last year and I will continue to learn and try to develop into a top driver.

Q: You have raced in Sweden and New Zealand how is the level of competition in these places compared to jolly olde England?

A: I’ve never actually raced cars in New Zealand only karts, but racing in England is different there are a lot more good drivers who can be quick and win whereas in Sweden and New Zealand there is only a select few.

Q: You raced at Macau last year in Formula BMW Pacific and placed an impressive third; how was that deal with Euro International put together, and your impression of the Guia circuit?

A: Well really the whole idea of competing in that race was to learn the circuit for the coming season in Formula 3. That track was pretty wicked, I have never seen anything like it and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I can’t wait to get back out there in a Formula 3 car.


Photo: www.bringatrailer.com

Q: Papa “Stig” was very successful in rallying, why did you choose single-seater racing as a career move?

A: It just felt like the natural step for me after having a career in karts. I never had the desire to be a rally driver like my father and although I have had a go in one I don’t think I will step away from the race track any day soon.

Q: What is the best motorsports advice you have received from your dad?

A: He’s quite a chilled out guy and doesn’t say a lot. Although he is always willing to help he doesn’t bother me too much and lets me get on with myself. I’m always open to his suggestions and advice.

Q: How much is he involved in guiding and managing your career at this stage?

A: He plays a background role. He’s involved but he’s not involved in the day to day running of my career. He has a lot of contacts in the sport so he still plays an important role and I’m extremely appreciative of that.

Q: How long were you in karting and what were the highlights of your karting career?

A: I raced karts for six years, my first meeting was at the end of 2002 and I stopped prior to moving up to Europe in 2009. My highlights were in my JICA days and I managed to win a few titles during the season.

Q: In winter months you are planning to do some driving on frozen lakes in Sweden how is this coming along and what can you learn from this which can be applied to single-seater racing?

A: I love skidding around on the ice, its great fun and a good tool to develop car control. Driving on ice is completely different to driving on a race track in a single-seater. But that single-seater is not glued to the track and it does move around and you have to be able to control that to be confident and quick. Practicing car control can only help me to develop more.

Q: Are you are stepping into British Formula 3 this season; how much change will there be in your physical training.

A: I’ll be stepping into Formula 3, I can’t tell you exactly which championship yet. I have had to alter my training a little. The car is more physical to drive than a Formula Renault especially on the neck and arms which has been my focus over the break. I want to be most prepared so that I can focus entirely on driving the car.

Q: Do you follow American racing series like Indy Cars or NASCAR?

A: I follow Indy car and NASCAR but I don’t watch every race as I didn’t get it on the channels I had at home last year, but I always read the write ups in the weekly Autosport. My goal is Formula 1 but I have definitely considered racing in the States.

Q: Please tell us about Tom Blomqvist away from racing; your interest in music, food and what other sports you enjoy apart from racing?

A: I’m quite chilled to be honest but I certainly love my music and food. I’m a big fan of Italian; I think every race driver loves Italian food to be fair. I love my training and I always make time for it as I know how important it is to be physically strong enough to drive and it’s only going to get harder as I move up the ladder. I love getting out on my road bike; generally the weather is perfect for it down here in New Zealand over summer.

For more information on this rising star please visit www.tomblomqvist.com

– Nasir Hameed

Racing and rallying regards.

F1weekly Podcast # 483 - January 28, 2011

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f1weekly @ 4:56 am

Photo: Peter Brazier

F1weekly podcast number 483

Motorsports Mondial with Nasir Hameed and…

This weeks special repeat interview:

Force India driver Paul Di Resta.

And from our friends at Lotus Renault GP:

As the F1 launch season gets into full swing, here’s recap of plans for the unveiling of the team’s new challenger in Valencia, Spain on Monday 31st of January.

The first glimpse of the R31 will take place at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo. The covers will be pulled off the car in the pit lane at 12:30 local time, slightly later than originally scheduled to avoid an overlap with the Sauber F1 Team launch. This will be followed by a photo call with the drivers and key team personnel. Then, at 13:00, it’s time for the interviews.

Official testing begins the following day when Vitaly becomes the first man to get behind the wheel of the R31. Robert will take over driving duties for the remaining couple of days.

Here is the provisional driver line-up for the winter tests:

VALENCIA
1 Feb                Vitaly
2-3 Feb             Robert

JEREZ
10-11 Feb         Vitaly
12-13 Feb         Robert

BARCELONA
18-19 Feb         Vitaly
20-21 Feb         Robert

BAHRAIN
3-4 Mar             Robert
5-6 Mar             Vitaly

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Motorsports Mondial - January 25, 2011

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f1weekly @ 7:39 am

FACES GOING PLACES

Marco Wittmann


Photo courtesy: Marco Wittmann

Q: In 2010, your second year in F3 Euro Series, you finished second in the Championship, on a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your season?

A: Well difficult to say, cause I had ups and downs during the season. But at the end I would say something around 7 and 8.

Q: The season saw your first pole and win, how much confidence did you gain from these achievements?

A: I mean I felt already from the first race confident. I started the season 2010 with a new team, with new partners, with a new engine – quite a lot of changes. But I felt comfortable and straight ahead it worked already in Le Castellet.

Q: Apart from victory and pole, what were some of your best performances of the season?

A: After Hockenheim, I would say Norisring. We had a strong weekend with two second places. There we scored a lot of points and especially in front of my home.

Q: And moments you don’t wish to remember?

A: Valencia was really a weekend to forget with only one point. Also Oschersleben we struggled a lot.

Q: This year you had VW power, how is their engine in performance and drivability compared to power you had last year, Mercedes?

A: It’s difficult to compare which is better or which not – at the end I have to say both of them are on the same level. I think the difference of success make the team and driver performance.

Photo courtesy: Marco Wittmann

Q: Was VW power main reason for switching from Mücke to Signature team this season?

A: VW Motorsport gave me the opportunity to drive for them with Signature. I got a great support from all of them during 2010 – so at the end it was the best step I did in my career.

Q: How was your experience in Macau where you finished fourth?

A: For me it was great experience. The country, the people and of course the track – completely different to Europe ;-)

Q: Do you enjoy street racing as much as racing at Spa?

A: Haha – that’s a good question ;-) I love both ;-) I really like street circuits but I won already in past in Spa and love this track as well. So I can’t give you an answer which I prefer ;-)

Q: You are part of Gravity Management, if Eric Bouiller was to ask you what series you want to race in 2011, what will be your answer?

A: Sometimes it’s not only what you want, it’s something where you have the best opportunity to grow up and step up for the future! Of course my dream is to reach F1 but for the moment it’s really difficult to arrive at that target because you have to bring a lot of money to get a seat.

Q: You went from 18th in points in last year’s championship to second this year with 10 podium finishes, what did you learn most from last year that helped you this year?

A: I’m sure I was already 2009 quick. But we had a lot of problems with the teams and of course I did mistakes as well. This year I think I was strong in races, did less mistakes also compared to the other drivers.

Q: What is your favorite German track?

A: Hockenheim.

Q: Your friend and home boy, the new world champion, Sebastian Vettel, is fond of saying ‘I don’t need a Manager, I can get to the track on my own,’ do you agree with him? How important has been Gravity in the guidance and success of your career?

A: Well Sebastian was always a Red Bull driver, so they gave him the money to drive – at the end he didn’t need a manager! May be now it’s for him necessary. I have not a big sponsor who is paying for me the seasons – for that I’m part of Gravity – which support me through the years.

Q: You also had a long and successful karting career, can one become a good racing driver without karting experience?

A: I don’t know, but I know nearly all who have been good in karting, have been also quick in single seaters.


Artwork courtesy: Sarah Sahadin

Q: Please tell us about Marco Wittmann, the young man and not the racer? Like your taste in food and music, and what sports you enjoy apart from motorsports?

A: Well next to motorsport I’m still working as a body worker on cars. I like to do a lot of sport and if there is free time I go also out with some friends to meet them. Italian food is the best of all ;-)

For more information please visit www.marco-wittmann.de


- -  Nasir Hameed

Greetings and Das Regards from Kalifornia.

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