Friday, 2 April 2010
Friday, 12 February 2010
Formula One Circuits 2010
With the expansion of two races since last year; a long overdue return of the Canadian and introduction of Korea to the Grand Prix calendar, provided it is finished to FIA regulations, an important season is in store for 2010. Old teams have folded, old drivers have been encouraged to return, some teams have changed allegiances and some seem as though they will struggle to make the first grid.
In six decades of Formula One racing the number of races contested in a season has varied from 7 to 19 races. The selection of suitable grand prix for the World Championship is dependent on a number of factors which include racetrack safety, television scheduling and crowd attendance.
In recent years Formula One has ventured into the Asian market, leading to several more traditional grand prix events being cancelled in favour of new, innovative races targeted in the Asian market. The rapid expansion of the sport has also led to an expanded racing schedule, with the season extended to incorporate new races.
The 2010 Formula One World Championship includes:
•The Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. 14th March 2010
•The Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. 28th March 2010
•The Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur. 4th April 2010
•The Chinese Grand Prix, International circuit in Shanghai. 18th April 2010
•The Spanish Grand Prix, Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona. 9th May 2010
•The Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo port district. 16th May 2010
•The Turkish Grand Prix, Istanbul Park in Istanbul. 30th May 2010
•The Canadian Grand Prix, Gilles Villeneuve Circuit near Montreal. 13th June 2010
•The European Grand Prix, Valencia port district in Spain. 27th June 2010
•The British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit in England. 11th July 2010
•The German Grand Prix, shared with Hockenheimring and Nürburgring. 25th July 2010
•The Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring circuit in Budapest. 1st August 2010
•The Belgian Grand Prix, Circuit Spa-Francorchamps in Spa. 29th August 2010
•The Italian Grand Prix, Monza circuit in Italy. 12th September 2010
•The Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay circuit in Singapore. 26th September 2010
•The Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka circuit in Suzuka. 10th October 2010
•The Korean Grand Prix, International Circuit at Yeongam. 24th October 2010
•The Brazilian Grand Prix, Interlagos at Sao Paolo. 7th November 2010
•The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,Yas marina circuit. 14th November 2010
The circuits used to host grand prix play as big a role in the outcome of Formula One races as car performance and driver skill. While track safety has been emphasised in recent years, the addition of street races and night races has managed to keep Formula One racing as exciting as before.
In six decades of Formula One racing the number of races contested in a season has varied from 7 to 19 races. The selection of suitable grand prix for the World Championship is dependent on a number of factors which include racetrack safety, television scheduling and crowd attendance.
In recent years Formula One has ventured into the Asian market, leading to several more traditional grand prix events being cancelled in favour of new, innovative races targeted in the Asian market. The rapid expansion of the sport has also led to an expanded racing schedule, with the season extended to incorporate new races.
The 2010 Formula One World Championship includes:
•The Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. 14th March 2010
•The Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. 28th March 2010
•The Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur. 4th April 2010
•The Chinese Grand Prix, International circuit in Shanghai. 18th April 2010
•The Spanish Grand Prix, Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona. 9th May 2010
•The Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo port district. 16th May 2010
•The Turkish Grand Prix, Istanbul Park in Istanbul. 30th May 2010
•The Canadian Grand Prix, Gilles Villeneuve Circuit near Montreal. 13th June 2010
•The European Grand Prix, Valencia port district in Spain. 27th June 2010
•The British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit in England. 11th July 2010
•The German Grand Prix, shared with Hockenheimring and Nürburgring. 25th July 2010
•The Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring circuit in Budapest. 1st August 2010
•The Belgian Grand Prix, Circuit Spa-Francorchamps in Spa. 29th August 2010
•The Italian Grand Prix, Monza circuit in Italy. 12th September 2010
•The Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay circuit in Singapore. 26th September 2010
•The Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka circuit in Suzuka. 10th October 2010
•The Korean Grand Prix, International Circuit at Yeongam. 24th October 2010
•The Brazilian Grand Prix, Interlagos at Sao Paolo. 7th November 2010
•The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,Yas marina circuit. 14th November 2010
The circuits used to host grand prix play as big a role in the outcome of Formula One races as car performance and driver skill. While track safety has been emphasised in recent years, the addition of street races and night races has managed to keep Formula One racing as exciting as before.
Friday, 4 December 2009
JEREZ TEST REPORT - :
The third and final day of the Young Driver test in Jerez got underway this morning with overnight rain resulting in a damp track for the early laps. Mike Conway and Marcus Ericsson were again in action for the team with Mike completing 77 laps in the morning and Marcus taking over the car for the afternoon and completing 49 laps as the pair concluded the test programme by working through a series of set-up evaluations.
Mike Conway
“I’ve really enjoyed the last few days in Jerez and it was great to be asked back by the team to take part in the testing programme. The team had a great season and the chance to drive the World Championship winning car and experience its performance for myself has been amazing. We achieved some good work and it has been a nice way to end the season. Thanks to the team for giving me this opportunity.”
Marcus Ericsson
“It’s been a very exciting week and a dream come true to have the opportunity to drive a Formula One car particularly with the World Championship winning team. It’s been a really good experience for me to work with such a professional team and I am thankful to Brawn GP and Mercedes for giving me this opportunity. The car is very impressive. It’s so quick and the biggest difference from the F3 car has to be the power of the braking. I feel that I have adapted well to the car this week and I’m very happy with the progress that I have made.”
Ross Brawn
“Mike and Marcus have done a very good job during the test in Jerez this week. It has been a busy programme with a wide variety of test items to cover and their technical input has been to a very high standard. We know Mike well from his previous tests with the team and his feedback has been to his usual excellent standard. Marcus had his first opportunity in a Formula One car this week and he has performed very well showing exceptional maturity in his approach and feedback.”
RESULTS (All timings are unofficial)
Pos Driver Car Time Laps
1. Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Renault 1:17.418 77
2. Paul Di Resta Force India Mercedes 1:18.736 53
3. Gary Paffett McLaren Mercedes 1:18.746 59
4. Mike Conway Brawn Mercedes 1:19.096 77
5. Nico Hulkenberg Williams Toyota 1:19.226 106
6. Bertrand Baguette BMW Sauber 1:19.356 70
7. Oliver Turvey McLaren Mercedes 1:19.358 32
8. Marcus Ericsson Brawn Mercedes 1:19.382 49
9. Lucas Di Grassi Renault 1:19.602 123
10. JR Hildebrand Force India Mercedes 1:19.873 41
11. Pablo Sanchez Lopez Ferrari 1:21.068 39
12. Daniel Zampieri Ferrari 1:21.279 42
13. Marco Zipoli Ferrari 1:21.725 41
14. Brendon Hartley Toro Rosso Ferrari 1:22.493 50
15. Mirko Bortolotti Toro Rosso Ferrari 1:23.271 34
16. Ho-Pin Tung Renault 1:32.477 4
Mike Conway
“I’ve really enjoyed the last few days in Jerez and it was great to be asked back by the team to take part in the testing programme. The team had a great season and the chance to drive the World Championship winning car and experience its performance for myself has been amazing. We achieved some good work and it has been a nice way to end the season. Thanks to the team for giving me this opportunity.”
Marcus Ericsson
“It’s been a very exciting week and a dream come true to have the opportunity to drive a Formula One car particularly with the World Championship winning team. It’s been a really good experience for me to work with such a professional team and I am thankful to Brawn GP and Mercedes for giving me this opportunity. The car is very impressive. It’s so quick and the biggest difference from the F3 car has to be the power of the braking. I feel that I have adapted well to the car this week and I’m very happy with the progress that I have made.”
Ross Brawn
“Mike and Marcus have done a very good job during the test in Jerez this week. It has been a busy programme with a wide variety of test items to cover and their technical input has been to a very high standard. We know Mike well from his previous tests with the team and his feedback has been to his usual excellent standard. Marcus had his first opportunity in a Formula One car this week and he has performed very well showing exceptional maturity in his approach and feedback.”
RESULTS (All timings are unofficial)
Pos Driver Car Time Laps
1. Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Renault 1:17.418 77
2. Paul Di Resta Force India Mercedes 1:18.736 53
3. Gary Paffett McLaren Mercedes 1:18.746 59
4. Mike Conway Brawn Mercedes 1:19.096 77
5. Nico Hulkenberg Williams Toyota 1:19.226 106
6. Bertrand Baguette BMW Sauber 1:19.356 70
7. Oliver Turvey McLaren Mercedes 1:19.358 32
8. Marcus Ericsson Brawn Mercedes 1:19.382 49
9. Lucas Di Grassi Renault 1:19.602 123
10. JR Hildebrand Force India Mercedes 1:19.873 41
11. Pablo Sanchez Lopez Ferrari 1:21.068 39
12. Daniel Zampieri Ferrari 1:21.279 42
13. Marco Zipoli Ferrari 1:21.725 41
14. Brendon Hartley Toro Rosso Ferrari 1:22.493 50
15. Mirko Bortolotti Toro Rosso Ferrari 1:23.271 34
16. Ho-Pin Tung Renault 1:32.477 4
Monday, 23 November 2009
Rosberg signs for Mercedes GP drive
From the 2010 season, German driver Nico Rosberg will drive for the new Mercedes team in the Formula 1 World Championship, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport announced today.
Three years after his father Keke had won the Formula 1 World Championship, Nico Rosberg, 24, was born in Wiesbaden, Germany on 27 June 1985, inheriting his racing DNA from his father.
At the age of eight, Nico Rosberg began racing karts. From 1997 until 2000, he raced for the MBM team (the talent support programme of Mercedes-Benz McLaren); with this team, the two Formula 1 partners encouraged young talents. Nico’s team-mate at that time was Lewis Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes driver since 2007 and 2008 Formula 1 World Champion. In 2000, Nico was runner-up in the Formula A European Championship. Two years later, he entered his first car races in Formula BMW ADAC and clinched the title in his debut year with nine victories out of 18 races. A Williams Formula 1 test drive was the reward for the championship win - at the age of 17, Nico was the youngest driver ever to get such an opportunity.
In 2003 and 2004, Nico Rosberg participated in the then new Formula 3 Euro Series; in his first year he came home second in the rookie rankings and in 2004 he finished fourth overall. One year later in 2005, he moved up to the GP2 series which is staged alongside Formula 1 events and won the title.
The 2006 season opener at Bahrain on 12 March was Nico’s first Formula 1 race; he finished seventh and posted the fastest lap. To date, he has taken part in 70 Grands Prix, all for the Williams team; scoring a total of 75.5 points and achieving second place at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix as his best Formula 1 result. The 2009 season was Nico’s best in Formula 1 so far; finishing seventh overall with 34.5 points.
Nico Rosberg grew up in Germany, Monaco and at Ibiza; in addition to his mother tongue he is fluent in English, Italian and French.
Nico Rosberg: “I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes. No other brand in Formula 1 can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing. I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn. I am more motivated than ever and can hardly wait to start testing with the new Silver Arrow and for the first race of the new season at Bahrain on 14 March 2010.”
Ross Brawn, Team Principal: “We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him. Nico is a great talent, and with four years of experience in Formula 1, is a driver who will be able to make a valuable contribution to our team right from the outset. I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps. 2009 was Nico’s best season in Formula 1 to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year.”
Three years after his father Keke had won the Formula 1 World Championship, Nico Rosberg, 24, was born in Wiesbaden, Germany on 27 June 1985, inheriting his racing DNA from his father.
At the age of eight, Nico Rosberg began racing karts. From 1997 until 2000, he raced for the MBM team (the talent support programme of Mercedes-Benz McLaren); with this team, the two Formula 1 partners encouraged young talents. Nico’s team-mate at that time was Lewis Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes driver since 2007 and 2008 Formula 1 World Champion. In 2000, Nico was runner-up in the Formula A European Championship. Two years later, he entered his first car races in Formula BMW ADAC and clinched the title in his debut year with nine victories out of 18 races. A Williams Formula 1 test drive was the reward for the championship win - at the age of 17, Nico was the youngest driver ever to get such an opportunity.
In 2003 and 2004, Nico Rosberg participated in the then new Formula 3 Euro Series; in his first year he came home second in the rookie rankings and in 2004 he finished fourth overall. One year later in 2005, he moved up to the GP2 series which is staged alongside Formula 1 events and won the title.
The 2006 season opener at Bahrain on 12 March was Nico’s first Formula 1 race; he finished seventh and posted the fastest lap. To date, he has taken part in 70 Grands Prix, all for the Williams team; scoring a total of 75.5 points and achieving second place at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix as his best Formula 1 result. The 2009 season was Nico’s best in Formula 1 so far; finishing seventh overall with 34.5 points.
Nico Rosberg grew up in Germany, Monaco and at Ibiza; in addition to his mother tongue he is fluent in English, Italian and French.
Nico Rosberg: “I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes. No other brand in Formula 1 can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing. I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn. I am more motivated than ever and can hardly wait to start testing with the new Silver Arrow and for the first race of the new season at Bahrain on 14 March 2010.”
Ross Brawn, Team Principal: “We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him. Nico is a great talent, and with four years of experience in Formula 1, is a driver who will be able to make a valuable contribution to our team right from the outset. I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps. 2009 was Nico’s best season in Formula 1 to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year.”
Rosberg joins Mercedes for 2010
Nico Rosberg has been announced as Mercedes Grand Prix's first driver for the 2010 season.
The signing of the 24-year-old German has been expected ever since he confirmed in October that he would not remain with Williams for a fifth straight season.
"I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes," said Rosberg.
"No other brand in Formula 1 can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing. I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn.
"I am more motivated than ever and can hardly wait to start testing with the new Silver Arrow and for the first race of the new season at Bahrain in March."
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, who guided the squad to drivers' and constructors' titles this year under the guise of Brawn GP, believes that Rosberg is the ideal driver to join the team for 2010.
"We are delighted to welcome Nico to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him," he said.
"Nico is a great talent, and with four years of experience in Formula 1, is a driver who will be able to make a valuable contribution to our team right from the outset.
"I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps.
"2009 was Nico's best season in Formula 1 to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year."
Rosberg's team-mate is expected to be fellow German Nick Heidfeld, although no announcement has been made.
The signing of the 24-year-old German has been expected ever since he confirmed in October that he would not remain with Williams for a fifth straight season.
"I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes," said Rosberg.
"No other brand in Formula 1 can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing. I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn.
"I am more motivated than ever and can hardly wait to start testing with the new Silver Arrow and for the first race of the new season at Bahrain in March."
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, who guided the squad to drivers' and constructors' titles this year under the guise of Brawn GP, believes that Rosberg is the ideal driver to join the team for 2010.
"We are delighted to welcome Nico to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him," he said.
"Nico is a great talent, and with four years of experience in Formula 1, is a driver who will be able to make a valuable contribution to our team right from the outset.
"I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps.
"2009 was Nico's best season in Formula 1 to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year."
Rosberg's team-mate is expected to be fellow German Nick Heidfeld, although no announcement has been made.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Brawn takeover by Mercedes
"Brawn GP has been through an incredible journey over the last 12 months. From fighting for our survival to forging a strong relationship with Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, winning both the Constructors and Drivers World Championships, and now accepting Daimler and Aabars offer to buy our team, which will secure its future”, Team Principal Ross Brawn looks back on a difficult beginning of the year which eventually turned into an extremely successful season.
"Both I and my fellow Directors at Brawn GP are incredibly proud of our staff, drivers and everyone associated with our team and thank them for their commitment, outstanding teamwork and their focus on achieving results in sometimes difficult circumstances. The senior management group will remain in place to lead our team and on behalf of everyone at Brawn GP, we are honoured to be representing such a prestigious brand as Mercedes-Benz in Formula One next year and will be working together to do our best to reward their faith in our team."
"Both I and my fellow Directors at Brawn GP are incredibly proud of our staff, drivers and everyone associated with our team and thank them for their commitment, outstanding teamwork and their focus on achieving results in sometimes difficult circumstances. The senior management group will remain in place to lead our team and on behalf of everyone at Brawn GP, we are honoured to be representing such a prestigious brand as Mercedes-Benz in Formula One next year and will be working together to do our best to reward their faith in our team."
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Brawn: Car makers will return to F1
The world's major car manufacturers will return to Formula 1 in the future, according to Brawn team boss Ross Brawn.
Formula 1 has lost three car makers over the last 12 months following the exits of Honda, BMW and now Toyota, who announced last week it was pulling out of the sport with immediate effect.
Japanese tyre maker Bridgestone has also revealed it will quit the sport at the end of next season.
Brawn, however, remains hopeful that the likes of Honda will return to Formula 1 once the recession is over.
"They've obviously decided that this is how they need to respond to difficulties they are facing, but they have got a lot of history in Formula 1, particularly Honda and Bridgestone, so let's hope," Brawn told Reuters.
"It will take a while, it's going to take a few years but Honda's was their second or third involvement in Formula 1.
"Manufacturers look at the value to them of Formula 1, there's no sentiment I'm afraid. So when it's viable they come in, and when it's not they don't."
He added: "It's a major sport and it (manufacturer involvement) will come round again. But luckily there is a lot of interest from privateers and they will sustain Formula 1 for a good few years.
"I've been in Formula 1 for over 30 years and I've seen it go from total privateers to a huge number of manufacturers back to privateers and it just goes in cycles depending on the climate.
"There has always been a core group. Ferrari have always been involved and Mercedes have a long history of being involved and riding the occasional storm," he added.
"I think there are some manufacturers that take a day-to-day view and unfortunately those are leaving now but they are being filled up by a lot of private teams."
Ferrari and Renault are the only two car makers with a team left in Formula 1.
Formula 1 has lost three car makers over the last 12 months following the exits of Honda, BMW and now Toyota, who announced last week it was pulling out of the sport with immediate effect.
Japanese tyre maker Bridgestone has also revealed it will quit the sport at the end of next season.
Brawn, however, remains hopeful that the likes of Honda will return to Formula 1 once the recession is over.
"They've obviously decided that this is how they need to respond to difficulties they are facing, but they have got a lot of history in Formula 1, particularly Honda and Bridgestone, so let's hope," Brawn told Reuters.
"It will take a while, it's going to take a few years but Honda's was their second or third involvement in Formula 1.
"Manufacturers look at the value to them of Formula 1, there's no sentiment I'm afraid. So when it's viable they come in, and when it's not they don't."
He added: "It's a major sport and it (manufacturer involvement) will come round again. But luckily there is a lot of interest from privateers and they will sustain Formula 1 for a good few years.
"I've been in Formula 1 for over 30 years and I've seen it go from total privateers to a huge number of manufacturers back to privateers and it just goes in cycles depending on the climate.
"There has always been a core group. Ferrari have always been involved and Mercedes have a long history of being involved and riding the occasional storm," he added.
"I think there are some manufacturers that take a day-to-day view and unfortunately those are leaving now but they are being filled up by a lot of private teams."
Ferrari and Renault are the only two car makers with a team left in Formula 1.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Brawn promises more to come in 2010
Ross Brawn believes his team could be in even better shape next season as it will not have to rush its engine installation as it did during its tumultuous 2008/2009 winter.
This time last year the squad was thrown into turmoil when Honda pulled out of Formula 1.
Its ultimately title winning 2009 car was already designed, but Honda's exit meant a change to Mercedes engines - and although that didn't stop Brawn sweeping to the championship, the team boss felt the engine switch forced several compromises.
Brawn has now been able to plan its 2010 design around the Mercedes V8, and expects to gain from this.
"We've had a good run into installing this engine in the car now, so things like the cooling system, the exhaust system, the airbox - all those types of things have been developed more thoroughly on the new car," Brawn explained.
"The main thing for us is that it's the second year of working with Mercedes and it should be a much better installation because we've had an opportunity to begin early and have the sort of exhaust system we need, design the gearbox properly for the engine, design the chassis properly for the engine, put the right coolers on... so we should benefit from all those things."
Brawn reckons the hurried engine installation changes were part of the reason why the team was eventually overhauled by several rivals.
"I think in the early part of the year we had the quickest car, at the end we were in a group," he said.
"I think some of the compromises we made with the installation of the engine have hurt us too much."
The team benefited from a headstart this year because it had given up on its poor 2008 design early on and diverted maximum resources to the new car.
That wasn't the case this season, but Brawn said his squad had still managed to make great progress with its 2010 machine.
"We have been trying to balance what we do this year with next year," he said.
"We've not thrown everything at it, because we needed to get on with next year's car, and on balance we got away with it.
"Next year's cars have no refuelling, a different chassis shape and a different tyre size - quite a lot of differences.
"So because we don't want to be a one season wonder, we've had to make sure we can balance this year and next year."
This time last year the squad was thrown into turmoil when Honda pulled out of Formula 1.
Its ultimately title winning 2009 car was already designed, but Honda's exit meant a change to Mercedes engines - and although that didn't stop Brawn sweeping to the championship, the team boss felt the engine switch forced several compromises.
Brawn has now been able to plan its 2010 design around the Mercedes V8, and expects to gain from this.
"We've had a good run into installing this engine in the car now, so things like the cooling system, the exhaust system, the airbox - all those types of things have been developed more thoroughly on the new car," Brawn explained.
"The main thing for us is that it's the second year of working with Mercedes and it should be a much better installation because we've had an opportunity to begin early and have the sort of exhaust system we need, design the gearbox properly for the engine, design the chassis properly for the engine, put the right coolers on... so we should benefit from all those things."
Brawn reckons the hurried engine installation changes were part of the reason why the team was eventually overhauled by several rivals.
"I think in the early part of the year we had the quickest car, at the end we were in a group," he said.
"I think some of the compromises we made with the installation of the engine have hurt us too much."
The team benefited from a headstart this year because it had given up on its poor 2008 design early on and diverted maximum resources to the new car.
That wasn't the case this season, but Brawn said his squad had still managed to make great progress with its 2010 machine.
"We have been trying to balance what we do this year with next year," he said.
"We've not thrown everything at it, because we needed to get on with next year's car, and on balance we got away with it.
"Next year's cars have no refuelling, a different chassis shape and a different tyre size - quite a lot of differences.
"So because we don't want to be a one season wonder, we've had to make sure we can balance this year and next year."
Monday, 2 November 2009
Brawn thanks departing Barrichello
Ross Brawn has thanked Rubens Barrichello for the part he played in Brawn GP’s triumphant season, following Monday’s announcement that the Brazilian will be moving to Williams next year.
Barrichello was confirmed as part of Williams’s 2010 line-up along with GP2 champion Nico Hulkenberg – meaning that Formula 1’s most experienced driver in history will extend his career into an 18th season.
Brawn, who also worked closely with Barrichello in his Ferrari days, paid a warm tribute to the 37-year-old veteran, saying he had made an invaluable contribution during his four-year spell with the Brackley-based team.
“We are very pleased for Rubens that he will be driving in Formula 1 once again next year,” he said.
“Rubens was with our team for four years and we regard him as a highly experienced and talented driver whose contribution to the team over that period was significant.
“2009 was a very special season for Brawn GP and I am extremely proud of the spirit in which our drivers Rubens and Jenson [Button] fought for the drivers’ championship.
“Rubens contributed hugely to our success in the constructors’ championship with two great victories in Valencia and Monza along with numerous podiums and he was a pleasure to work with.
“We wish Rubens the very best with his new team and thank him for his contribution to Brawn GP this year.”
Brawn has been mulling its options for 2010 and has yet to confirm either driver, although new world champion Button is almost certain to re-sign provided he and the team can agree financial terms.
Barrichello was confirmed as part of Williams’s 2010 line-up along with GP2 champion Nico Hulkenberg – meaning that Formula 1’s most experienced driver in history will extend his career into an 18th season.
Brawn, who also worked closely with Barrichello in his Ferrari days, paid a warm tribute to the 37-year-old veteran, saying he had made an invaluable contribution during his four-year spell with the Brackley-based team.
“We are very pleased for Rubens that he will be driving in Formula 1 once again next year,” he said.
“Rubens was with our team for four years and we regard him as a highly experienced and talented driver whose contribution to the team over that period was significant.
“2009 was a very special season for Brawn GP and I am extremely proud of the spirit in which our drivers Rubens and Jenson [Button] fought for the drivers’ championship.
“Rubens contributed hugely to our success in the constructors’ championship with two great victories in Valencia and Monza along with numerous podiums and he was a pleasure to work with.
“We wish Rubens the very best with his new team and thank him for his contribution to Brawn GP this year.”
Brawn has been mulling its options for 2010 and has yet to confirm either driver, although new world champion Button is almost certain to re-sign provided he and the team can agree financial terms.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Button: Beating Red Bull is realistic
World champion Jenson Button thinks his Brawn team can take the fight to rival Red Bull Racing in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - although he concedes that Lewis Hamilton's McLaren is too quick.
Although Button only qualified fifth for the final race of the season, he thinks he had the potential to have put his car on the front row of the grid – which leaves him optimistic about his chances for the race.
"The car is working well here and it is nothing compared to the McLaren," said Button. "That has been staggeringly quick all weekend. I think we have looked good all weekend in practice because the strategy we did with the tyres, we looked quick – and we are quick compared to everyone else. It is just that the McLaren is so far in front.
"In qualifying, Q1 and Q2, the car was working well. I was near the top in both, and I was happy with it. But in Q3 when I went out I had a massive vibration, which we are looking at now. We are hoping it is a wheel weight, or a couple of wheel weights as it cannot just be one, because as soon as I hit the brakes I had this massive shuddering on the steering wheel.
"When you have that, you lose a lot of front grip because the tyre is not in contact with the road. Hopefully it is that, and not the brakes – but I did lose brake power on the last stint compared to the previous few runs."
He added: "It is annoying being fifth on the grid because I think we would have been on the front row with Lewis – six tenths behind him still but we would have been on the front row. It is frustrating. I just hope we can sort the problem for the race because I cannot do a whole race like that. If we can sort it, I think we can have a fun race.
"P5 is not that bad. It is the best qualifying I've had for many races, so I think we can have some fun with the Red Bulls. Lewis? I'm not sure we can challenge him, but the Red Bulls and Rubens [Barrichello], I think we can have a good race."
Button has said he is not surprised that Hamilton took a dominant pole position – with the McLaren being perfectly suited to the low-speed characteristics of the Yas Marina circuit.
"I want to beat Lewis, and like any grand prix I want to win the race," said Button. "But I think he is four or five tenths quicker than us, and that is what we thought going into qualifying as well. It is pretty much what we expected, which is not great obviously."
Although Button only qualified fifth for the final race of the season, he thinks he had the potential to have put his car on the front row of the grid – which leaves him optimistic about his chances for the race.
"The car is working well here and it is nothing compared to the McLaren," said Button. "That has been staggeringly quick all weekend. I think we have looked good all weekend in practice because the strategy we did with the tyres, we looked quick – and we are quick compared to everyone else. It is just that the McLaren is so far in front.
"In qualifying, Q1 and Q2, the car was working well. I was near the top in both, and I was happy with it. But in Q3 when I went out I had a massive vibration, which we are looking at now. We are hoping it is a wheel weight, or a couple of wheel weights as it cannot just be one, because as soon as I hit the brakes I had this massive shuddering on the steering wheel.
"When you have that, you lose a lot of front grip because the tyre is not in contact with the road. Hopefully it is that, and not the brakes – but I did lose brake power on the last stint compared to the previous few runs."
He added: "It is annoying being fifth on the grid because I think we would have been on the front row with Lewis – six tenths behind him still but we would have been on the front row. It is frustrating. I just hope we can sort the problem for the race because I cannot do a whole race like that. If we can sort it, I think we can have a fun race.
"P5 is not that bad. It is the best qualifying I've had for many races, so I think we can have some fun with the Red Bulls. Lewis? I'm not sure we can challenge him, but the Red Bulls and Rubens [Barrichello], I think we can have a good race."
Button has said he is not surprised that Hamilton took a dominant pole position – with the McLaren being perfectly suited to the low-speed characteristics of the Yas Marina circuit.
"I want to beat Lewis, and like any grand prix I want to win the race," said Button. "But I think he is four or five tenths quicker than us, and that is what we thought going into qualifying as well. It is pretty much what we expected, which is not great obviously."
Thursday, 29 October 2009
2009 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX - PREVIEW BRAWN
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the 2009 Formula One season, takes place this weekend at the new Yas Marina Circuit on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi.
The spectacular 5.554km track, designed by renowned Formula One architect Hermann Tilke, is located on Yas Island just thirty minutes from Abu Dhabi city. Running alongside Yas Island’s new marina, the anti-clockwise circuit has many unique features including a pitlane exit which crosses under the circuit and part of the track passing under the Yas Marina Hotel.
Abu Dhabi will host Formula One’s first twilight race with the lights going out in late daylight conditions at 17:00hrs on Sunday and the chequered flag falling in the evening around ninety minutes later. With Brawn GP and Jenson Button successfully securing the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships at the last race in Brazil, the team are now looking forward to putting on a great show in Abu Dhabi this weekend at the final race of the season.
ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL
Q. After such an emotional weekend in Brazil, what are your thoughts ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
"Brazil was a fantastic weekend and to have won the Constructors’ and the Drivers’ Championships with Brawn GP is a very special achievement. I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Brawn GP and Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines. We’ve all had a few busy days since returning to the UK and it was great for both Jenson and I to get back to the factory and thank everyone in person for their contribution to our successes. At the same time, we have been looking ahead to the final race and ensuring that all our preparations are in place for Abu Dhabi which is an important weekend for the team as we look to secure second position in the Drivers’ Championship with Rubens. The new Yas Marina Circuit looks extremely impressive and we’re looking forward to getting out to Abu Dhabi and having our first look at the track. With the challenge of a new circuit, we are able to use data provided by the FIA to create a circuit map which can be used in our simulator at the factory. We went through this process for the new street circuits in Valencia and Singapore last year so it is a process that the team is familiar with. Knowing the circuit when they arrive helps the drivers to get into a rhythm quickly during the first practice sessions and allows us to check gear ratios and compare set-up items. We can also use the simulator to understand tyre behaviour. From this we get an understanding of the car balance and that allows us to determine our start set-up for the weekend.”
JENSON BUTTON
Q. What are your thoughts on the new Yas Marina Circuit?
"It’s a fantastic feeling to be going into the final race having achieved my ambition of winning the Drivers’ Championship and with the team having wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship in Brazil. We want to finish the season in style with a great result but we can be a little more relaxed in our approach to the weekend! I had a short break in the Gulf region after the Bahrain Grand Prix and went to have a look at the Yas Marina Circuit. Even back then, when the construction work was still underway, the facilities looked outstanding and the organisers have done a great job in creating a spectacular venue. It’s always fun to try a new race track, particularly one which looks as unique as Yas Marina with the unusual pitlane exit and the day/night race. I’m sure Abu Dhabi is going to host an exciting weekend and a great finale to the 2009 Formula One season.”
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
Q. Are you looking forward to racing on a new track in Abu Dhabi?
“It’s always a good challenge to race at a new venue and the Yas Marina Circuit looks extremely impressive from the reports that I have seen. The layout of the circuit seems both fun and challenging and it will be interesting to start the race in daylight and to finish in evening conditions. Our track walk on Thursday will be important to get an initial feel for the characteristics of the circuit and we will spend the first few laps on Friday getting to grips with the layout. From then on, it will be business as usual with our standard practice programme. The team has had a great season so far and we want to finish on a high with a strong performance this weekend.”
Yas Marina Circuit Stats
Circuit Length: 5.554km
Race Distance: 305.470km
Number of Laps: 55
Full Throttle: 60%
Brake Wear: High
Tyre Compounds: Soft / Medium
Downforce Level: High - 8/10
Tyre Usage: Medium
Average Speed: 188kph (117mph)
The spectacular 5.554km track, designed by renowned Formula One architect Hermann Tilke, is located on Yas Island just thirty minutes from Abu Dhabi city. Running alongside Yas Island’s new marina, the anti-clockwise circuit has many unique features including a pitlane exit which crosses under the circuit and part of the track passing under the Yas Marina Hotel.
Abu Dhabi will host Formula One’s first twilight race with the lights going out in late daylight conditions at 17:00hrs on Sunday and the chequered flag falling in the evening around ninety minutes later. With Brawn GP and Jenson Button successfully securing the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships at the last race in Brazil, the team are now looking forward to putting on a great show in Abu Dhabi this weekend at the final race of the season.
ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL
Q. After such an emotional weekend in Brazil, what are your thoughts ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
"Brazil was a fantastic weekend and to have won the Constructors’ and the Drivers’ Championships with Brawn GP is a very special achievement. I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Brawn GP and Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines. We’ve all had a few busy days since returning to the UK and it was great for both Jenson and I to get back to the factory and thank everyone in person for their contribution to our successes. At the same time, we have been looking ahead to the final race and ensuring that all our preparations are in place for Abu Dhabi which is an important weekend for the team as we look to secure second position in the Drivers’ Championship with Rubens. The new Yas Marina Circuit looks extremely impressive and we’re looking forward to getting out to Abu Dhabi and having our first look at the track. With the challenge of a new circuit, we are able to use data provided by the FIA to create a circuit map which can be used in our simulator at the factory. We went through this process for the new street circuits in Valencia and Singapore last year so it is a process that the team is familiar with. Knowing the circuit when they arrive helps the drivers to get into a rhythm quickly during the first practice sessions and allows us to check gear ratios and compare set-up items. We can also use the simulator to understand tyre behaviour. From this we get an understanding of the car balance and that allows us to determine our start set-up for the weekend.”
JENSON BUTTON
Q. What are your thoughts on the new Yas Marina Circuit?
"It’s a fantastic feeling to be going into the final race having achieved my ambition of winning the Drivers’ Championship and with the team having wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship in Brazil. We want to finish the season in style with a great result but we can be a little more relaxed in our approach to the weekend! I had a short break in the Gulf region after the Bahrain Grand Prix and went to have a look at the Yas Marina Circuit. Even back then, when the construction work was still underway, the facilities looked outstanding and the organisers have done a great job in creating a spectacular venue. It’s always fun to try a new race track, particularly one which looks as unique as Yas Marina with the unusual pitlane exit and the day/night race. I’m sure Abu Dhabi is going to host an exciting weekend and a great finale to the 2009 Formula One season.”
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
Q. Are you looking forward to racing on a new track in Abu Dhabi?
“It’s always a good challenge to race at a new venue and the Yas Marina Circuit looks extremely impressive from the reports that I have seen. The layout of the circuit seems both fun and challenging and it will be interesting to start the race in daylight and to finish in evening conditions. Our track walk on Thursday will be important to get an initial feel for the characteristics of the circuit and we will spend the first few laps on Friday getting to grips with the layout. From then on, it will be business as usual with our standard practice programme. The team has had a great season so far and we want to finish on a high with a strong performance this weekend.”
Yas Marina Circuit Stats
Circuit Length: 5.554km
Race Distance: 305.470km
Number of Laps: 55
Full Throttle: 60%
Brake Wear: High
Tyre Compounds: Soft / Medium
Downforce Level: High - 8/10
Tyre Usage: Medium
Average Speed: 188kph (117mph)
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Brawn at Abu Dhabi
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the 2009 Formula One season, takes place this weekend at the new Yas Marina Circuit on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi.
The spectacular 5.554km track, designed by renowned Formula One architect Hermann Tilke, is located on Yas Island just thirty minutes from Abu Dhabi city. Running alongside Yas Island’s new marina, the anti-clockwise circuit has many unique features including a pitlane exit which crosses under the circuit and part of the track passing under the Yas Marina Hotel.
Abu Dhabi will host Formula One’s first twilight race with the lights going out in late daylight conditions at 17:00hrs on Sunday and the chequered flag falling in the evening around ninety minutes later. With Brawn GP and Jenson Button successfully securing the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships at the last race in Brazil, the team are now looking forward to putting on a great show in Abu Dhabi this weekend at the final race of the season.
ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL
Q. After such an emotional weekend in Brazil, what are your thoughts ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
"Brazil was a fantastic weekend and to have won the Constructors’ and the Drivers’ Championships with Brawn GP is a very special achievement. I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Brawn GP and Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines. We’ve all had a few busy days since returning to the UK and it was great for both Jenson and I to get back to the factory and thank everyone in person for their contribution to our successes. At the same time, we have been looking ahead to the final race and ensuring that all our preparations are in place for Abu Dhabi which is an important weekend for the team as we look to secure second position in the Drivers’ Championship with Rubens. The new Yas Marina Circuit looks extremely impressive and we’re looking forward to getting out to Abu Dhabi and having our first look at the track. With the challenge of a new circuit, we are able to use data provided by the FIA to create a circuit map which can be used in our simulator at the factory. We went through this process for the new street circuits in Valencia and Singapore last year so it is a process that the team is familiar with. Knowing the circuit when they arrive helps the drivers to get into a rhythm quickly during the first practice sessions and allows us to check gear ratios and compare set-up items. We can also use the simulator to understand tyre behaviour. From this we get an understanding of the car balance and that allows us to determine our start set-up for the weekend.”
JENSON BUTTON
Q. What are your thoughts on the new Yas Marina Circuit?
"It’s a fantastic feeling to be going into the final race having achieved my ambition of winning the Drivers’ Championship and with the team having wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship in Brazil. We want to finish the season in style with a great result but we can be a little more relaxed in our approach to the weekend! I had a short break in the Gulf region after the Bahrain Grand Prix and went to have a look at the Yas Marina Circuit. Even back then, when the construction work was still underway, the facilities looked outstanding and the organisers have done a great job in creating a spectacular venue. It’s always fun to try a new race track, particularly one which looks as unique as Yas Marina with the unusual pitlane exit and the day/night race. I’m sure Abu Dhabi is going to host an exciting weekend and a great finale to the 2009 Formula One season.”
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
Q. Are you looking forward to racing on a new track in Abu Dhabi?
“It’s always a good challenge to race at a new venue and the Yas Marina Circuit looks extremely impressive from the reports that I have seen. The layout of the circuit seems both fun and challenging and it will be interesting to start the race in daylight and to finish in evening conditions. Our track walk on Thursday will be important to get an initial feel for the characteristics of the circuit and we will spend the first few laps on Friday getting to grips with the layout. From then on, it will be business as usual with our standard practice programme. The team has had a great season so far and we want to finish on a high with a strong performance this weekend.”
Yas Marina Circuit Stats
Circuit Length: 5.554km
Race Distance: 305.470km
Number of Laps: 55
Full Throttle: 60%
Brake Wear: High
Tyre Compounds: Soft / Medium
Downforce Level: High - 8/10
Tyre Usage: Medium
Average Speed: 188kph (117mph)
Race Weekend Schedule (all times are local)
Friday 30 October
Practice 1: 1300 - 1430
Practice 2: 1700 - 1830
Saturday 31 October
Practice 3: 1400 - 1500
Qualifying: 1700 - 1800
Sunday 1 November
Race: 1700
The spectacular 5.554km track, designed by renowned Formula One architect Hermann Tilke, is located on Yas Island just thirty minutes from Abu Dhabi city. Running alongside Yas Island’s new marina, the anti-clockwise circuit has many unique features including a pitlane exit which crosses under the circuit and part of the track passing under the Yas Marina Hotel.
Abu Dhabi will host Formula One’s first twilight race with the lights going out in late daylight conditions at 17:00hrs on Sunday and the chequered flag falling in the evening around ninety minutes later. With Brawn GP and Jenson Button successfully securing the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships at the last race in Brazil, the team are now looking forward to putting on a great show in Abu Dhabi this weekend at the final race of the season.
ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL
Q. After such an emotional weekend in Brazil, what are your thoughts ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
"Brazil was a fantastic weekend and to have won the Constructors’ and the Drivers’ Championships with Brawn GP is a very special achievement. I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Brawn GP and Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines. We’ve all had a few busy days since returning to the UK and it was great for both Jenson and I to get back to the factory and thank everyone in person for their contribution to our successes. At the same time, we have been looking ahead to the final race and ensuring that all our preparations are in place for Abu Dhabi which is an important weekend for the team as we look to secure second position in the Drivers’ Championship with Rubens. The new Yas Marina Circuit looks extremely impressive and we’re looking forward to getting out to Abu Dhabi and having our first look at the track. With the challenge of a new circuit, we are able to use data provided by the FIA to create a circuit map which can be used in our simulator at the factory. We went through this process for the new street circuits in Valencia and Singapore last year so it is a process that the team is familiar with. Knowing the circuit when they arrive helps the drivers to get into a rhythm quickly during the first practice sessions and allows us to check gear ratios and compare set-up items. We can also use the simulator to understand tyre behaviour. From this we get an understanding of the car balance and that allows us to determine our start set-up for the weekend.”
JENSON BUTTON
Q. What are your thoughts on the new Yas Marina Circuit?
"It’s a fantastic feeling to be going into the final race having achieved my ambition of winning the Drivers’ Championship and with the team having wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship in Brazil. We want to finish the season in style with a great result but we can be a little more relaxed in our approach to the weekend! I had a short break in the Gulf region after the Bahrain Grand Prix and went to have a look at the Yas Marina Circuit. Even back then, when the construction work was still underway, the facilities looked outstanding and the organisers have done a great job in creating a spectacular venue. It’s always fun to try a new race track, particularly one which looks as unique as Yas Marina with the unusual pitlane exit and the day/night race. I’m sure Abu Dhabi is going to host an exciting weekend and a great finale to the 2009 Formula One season.”
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
Q. Are you looking forward to racing on a new track in Abu Dhabi?
“It’s always a good challenge to race at a new venue and the Yas Marina Circuit looks extremely impressive from the reports that I have seen. The layout of the circuit seems both fun and challenging and it will be interesting to start the race in daylight and to finish in evening conditions. Our track walk on Thursday will be important to get an initial feel for the characteristics of the circuit and we will spend the first few laps on Friday getting to grips with the layout. From then on, it will be business as usual with our standard practice programme. The team has had a great season so far and we want to finish on a high with a strong performance this weekend.”
Yas Marina Circuit Stats
Circuit Length: 5.554km
Race Distance: 305.470km
Number of Laps: 55
Full Throttle: 60%
Brake Wear: High
Tyre Compounds: Soft / Medium
Downforce Level: High - 8/10
Tyre Usage: Medium
Average Speed: 188kph (117mph)
Race Weekend Schedule (all times are local)
Friday 30 October
Practice 1: 1300 - 1430
Practice 2: 1700 - 1830
Saturday 31 October
Practice 3: 1400 - 1500
Qualifying: 1700 - 1800
Sunday 1 November
Race: 1700
Button aiming to end season in style
World champion Jenson Button says his sights are set on ending the season in style in Abu Dhabi this weekend, even though he has already wrapped up the title.
The Brawn GP driver clinched the crown in Brazil, when rivals Rubens Barrichello and Sebastian Vettel failed to score the points they needed to keep the championship race open to this weekend's race.
However, even though his main job is done, Button is keen to not ease off this weekend - as he targets a strong end to his campaign.
"It's a fantastic feeling to be going into the final race having achieved my ambition of winning the drivers' championship and with the team having wrapped up the constructors' championship in Brazil," explained Button.
"We want to finish the season in style with a great result but we can be a little more relaxed in our approach to the weekend."
Although the Yas Marina circuit is new to everyone, Button is sure that it will help deliver an exciting end to the season.
"It's always fun to try a new race track, particularly one which looks as unique as Yas Marina with the unusual pitlane exit and the day/night race," he said. "I'm sure Abu Dhabi is going to host an exciting weekend and a great finale to the 2009 Formula 1 season."
The Brawn GP driver clinched the crown in Brazil, when rivals Rubens Barrichello and Sebastian Vettel failed to score the points they needed to keep the championship race open to this weekend's race.
However, even though his main job is done, Button is keen to not ease off this weekend - as he targets a strong end to his campaign.
"It's a fantastic feeling to be going into the final race having achieved my ambition of winning the drivers' championship and with the team having wrapped up the constructors' championship in Brazil," explained Button.
"We want to finish the season in style with a great result but we can be a little more relaxed in our approach to the weekend."
Although the Yas Marina circuit is new to everyone, Button is sure that it will help deliver an exciting end to the season.
"It's always fun to try a new race track, particularly one which looks as unique as Yas Marina with the unusual pitlane exit and the day/night race," he said. "I'm sure Abu Dhabi is going to host an exciting weekend and a great finale to the 2009 Formula 1 season."
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
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