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Daily Archive: March 25, 2011
Mar 25
Tyre fears subside as Sutil says two-stops possible
“We will definitely not see a ridiculous race with five stops (per car) or something” – Sutil
Despite all the fears of four or possibly even five-stop strategies in Melbourne, Adrian Sutil on Friday said the tyre situation in Melbourne is not so bad. F1′s new official supplier Pirelli has copped a barrage of criticism for the extreme degradation seen in winter testing, but the tyres did not wear so badly during the three hours of practice under cool and cloudy skies as the 2011 season finally kicked off.
Mar 25
F1 figure confident Suzuka race not threatened
Kamui Kobayashi’s manager is confident the Japanese grand prix will take place as scheduled later this year.
With much of the country in turmoil due to the recent and unfolding earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, it is feared that October’s Suzuka race might be in doubt even though the immediate area is not overly affected.
Mar 25
Kinky Kylie, Chandhok crashes, no HRT yet
“It has a tight butt, is supple and is good to look at.”
As action kicked off under cloudy Melbourne skies, it emerged that new world champion Sebastian Vettel has finally dreamed up a name for his 2011 ride. The British press speculated that the unofficial name for his new Red Bull – Kinky Kylie – is a nod to Australian pop star Kylie Minogue.
Mar 25
Red Bull half a second in front – Newey
According to Autosprint, Vettel remains cautious.
Red Bull’s new car enters the 2011 season with a significant advantage, designer Adrian Newey has admitted. Until now, figures at the reigning championship-winning team have played down speculation the RB7 is clearly faster than its nearest competitor, Ferrari.
Mar 25
Red Bull opposes wing rules due to power deficit
“Letting us use it on all the straights, on all the laps, makes no sense”
Red Bull reportedly made a last-minute attempt to have the moveable rear wing rules changed ahead of the 2011 season opener. Finland’s Turun Sanomat claimed that the reigning champions wanted the wing banned for practice and qualifying sessions, but not all the other teams agreed.
Mar 25
Hamilton reinforced commitment to McLaren in meeting
“I’m not thinking about going elsewhere”
Lewis Hamilton has revealed he sought out his boss Martin Whitmarsh to re-pledge his commitment to McLaren. Recent speculation had linked the 2008 world champion with a future move to Red Bull, but he played those rumours down by saying the reigning champions are just “a drinks company”.
Mar 25
Valsecchi disappointed with Chandhok drive
Chandhok crashed Trulli’s car within three corners
Davide Valsecchi has admitted he was disappointed to miss out on Team Lotus’ Friday driving duties in Melbourne. The Italian and GP2 driver was initially selected to drive in Jarno Trulli’s car in initial practice, but Karun Chandhok was signed at the last minute.
Mar 25
Glock admits Virgin’s 107pc qualifying fear
Timo Glock has admitted that Virgin might struggle to qualify for the Australian grand prix.
F1 has reintroduced the old 107 per cent qualifying rule for 2011, and – based on the initial Friday time sheet – it means cars must be within about 6 seconds of the Q1 pole time on Saturday to qualify for the Melbourne grid.
Mar 25
Australian Grand Prix from the tyre’s perspective
The teams are now making their final preparations in Melbourne for Pirelli’s return to Formula One.
The Albert Park circuit is one of the most complex of the entire Formula One calendar. Having brought the hard and soft compound PZero rubber to Melbourne (as the prime and option tyre respectively) Pirelli is expecting two to three pit stops per car in what should be an action-packed race. The Italian firm explains the reasons behind the choice of the compounds below, and reveals the highlights of a track that traditionally springs a few surprises.
Bryan Bouffier has confirmed that he will bid to defend his lead of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge drivers’ standings by entering Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Ingles next month. 
Mar 25
Rossi and Fortec have excellent test in France (+ results)
Third collective pre-season FR3.5 tests
Excellent World Series by Renault test in France, leaves Alexander Rossi and Fortec confident ahead of series opener next month in Spain Following already two successful winter tests in Spain earlier this month, Alexander Rossi spent the past two days circulating Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France for the third collective pre-season FR3.5 test with Fortec Motorsport.