Automotive Sport Cars: October 2011

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Felipe Massa not planning truce with Lewis Hamilton

Felipe Massa says he is not going to do any more to heal his rift with Lewis Hamilton after their latest clash at the Indian Grand Prix.

McLaren's Hamilton, already punished for two previous incidents between them, collided with Massa's Ferrari but it was the Brazilian who was penalised.

When asked what he could do to end the feud, Massa said: "Nothing from me."

Hamilton added: "He hasn't spoken to me in a long, long time. I made an effort and said good luck for the race."

Massa confirmed that the British driver had spoken to him on the grid after all 24 drivers observed a minute's silence in India to mark the deaths of Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli.

But Massa, who lost the 2008 world title to Hamilton, said the Briton's comments were not a form of apology.

"Here after the one-minute silence he was [at] my side and he just said 'have a good race'," Massa explained.

HAMILTON V MASSA IN 2011

May 2011 - The pair bang wheels at the hairpin during the Monaco GP with Hamilton picking up a drive-through penalty
September 2011 - In qualifying for the Singapore GP, the duo nearly collide as they try to find clear air for their flying laps
September 2011 - In the race, Hamilton turns into Massa. The Brazilian suffers a puncture while Hamilton is handed a drive-through penalty
October 2011 - The two drivers have a minor brush at Suzuka with Hamilton accepting responsibility. The stewards take no action.
October 2011 - They are involved in a heavy collision in India, with Massa handed a drive-through penalty for turning in on Hamilton.

"So this is trying to what? 'Have a good race' is not part of talking or whatever."

Hamilton and Massa have clashed in a number of incidents this season, most notably in Monaco and Singapore, where Hamilton was blamed by officials and received drive-through penalties.

After the Singapore GP, the pair had an altercation in the media zone when Massa attempted to speak to Hamilton and he responded: "Don't touch me, man."

Referring to the post-race incident in Singapore, Massa said: "When I felt it was already too much what he was doing, he didn't want to speak to me."

But he added: "I don't have anything against him - nothing, zero."

Massa was clearly frustrated with the decision to penalise him, rather than Hamilton, for their coming together in India as they battled for fifth place.

Hamilton dived down the inside of Massa at the fast Turn Five but after the pair made contact the stewards ruled that the Brazilian had made a move instead of leaving room for Hamilton to pass.

But Massa argued: "My view is that I braked later than him, I was in front, I was on the grippy area and then I started to turn and I don't see him on my left.

"He is behind and then he touched my rear wheel. To be honest, I don't understand why I have the penalty."

ANDREW BENSON'S BLOG

Hamilton has been involved in some high-profile incidents, many of which have been his fault. But his collision with Massa in India on Sunday was not one of them

Read Andrew's blog

When pressed for further explanation, Massa contradicted his first answer, acknowledging he had seen Hamilton in his mirrors.

"I didn't do anything wrong. When I see he put the car on my side, I braked on the clean side and he was behind me. If he was wheel-to-wheel I would not try to close the door."

In discussing the stewards' reasoning, Massa commented: "They were not so sure as well."

Hamilton had signalled his view of the incident immediately on the pit-to-car radio, saying: "Felipe just turned in on me. He didn't give me any space."

He added after the race: "I tried to overtake, I tried to come out of it because he didn't look like he was going to give me any space, but we collided."

And his overall verdict on his weekend was succinct. "Disappointed would be an understatement," he said.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh agreed Hamilton's race was "disappointing".

Whitmarsh said: "He and Felipe Massa are magnetic, they come together, but the stewards made a clear decision. It hurt Lewis - he had to come in and change tyres, his car was damaged but he had the discipline to bring it home for some points.

"Massa turned in and Lewis didn't have a chance. I'm sure others will feel differently. Lewis had a three-place penalty, I think he can do a better job than he is at the moment.

"He has two races left to demonstrate that he is a great racing driver."

From BBC Sport

Jenson Button dedicates Indian GP to Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli

Jenson Button dedicated the first Indian Grand Prix to the lives of Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli.

IndyCar driver Wheldon and MotoGP rider Simoncelli were both killed in accidents this month.

Button - who finished second behind Sebastian Vettel - said: "We've had two fatalities and it's very difficult.

"I knew Dan from a young age so I think we should dedicate this first Indian race to Dan and to Marco, who was the most amazing man to watch on a bike."

For everyone who is a fan of motorsports it's been a hard time we had to go through

Sebastian Vettel

The inaugural race at the Buddh International Circuit was preceded by a minute's silence, and Button was joined by Vettel and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso - who finished third - in dedicating the race to the pair.

"It's been a tough weekend for everyone in motorsport," added Button, who raced against Wheldon as a child.

Vettel admitted he had "mixed emotions" after his 11th win of the season, which saw him lead from the front to record another dominant win for Red Bull.

ANDREW BENSON'S BLOG

Despite the tight deadlines, India has now proved that it is more than capable of preparing for and hosting a major international sporting event

Read Andrew's blog

"For everyone who is a fan of motorsports it's been a hard time we had to go through," he said.

"On one hand I'm very happy and proud, but on the other hand you have to pay a certain respect to those two guys who lost their lives.

"I didn't know Dan Wheldon, but I got to know Marco Simoncelli this year and our thoughts are with them. Yes, we take great risks when we jump in the car and we hope nothing happens but you are reminded of these things."

Alonso added: "As Seb and Jenson said, we have mixed feelings. These are sad weeks for motorsport.

"We all raced for them today. We will always remember these two fantastic people."

From BBC Sport

Sebastian Vettel wins inaugural Indian Grand Prix

Red Bull's champion Sebastian Vettel was untouchable as he became the first man to win the Indian Grand Prix.

It was a straightforward win for pole-sitter Vettel but Jenson Button battled well to take second for McLaren.

Button passed Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who finished third, and Mark Webber's Red Bull on the first lap.

Lewis Hamilton hit Felipe Massa's Ferrari as he attempted to pass for fifth but this time Massa was punished and Hamilton finished seventh.

India made a vibrant debut on the F1 calendar, with the drivers universally praising the new Buddh International Circuit, built on farmland 25 miles outside the capital, Delhi.

But despite the colour and novelty off track, there was a familiar sight on it as Red Bull's double world champion ran away with the race to notch up his 11th win of 2011.

As Button and Webber fought over second place, Vettel set about building his lead and led the entire distance on his way to the chequered flag.

"Yes boys, yes we did," he celebrated on the team radio. "New track, new challenge."

Button had taken advantage of a wobble by Alonso into the first corner to jump the Ferrari before smoothly passing Webber on the straight to move up to second on the opening lap of the race.

Webber hustled Button hard but the 2009 champion hung on and pulled out a three-second lead before the first round of stops.

Button's the only man recently who can hold a candle to Vettel on race pace

BBC F1 commentator Martin Brundle

Button had set his heart on winning here but he could not close down Vettel and settled for his 10th podium of the season.

BBC F1 commentator Martin Brundle said: "Button's the only man recently who can hold a candle to Vettel on race pace."

Webber lost third place at the second round of stops when Alonso came out ahead of him after running longer in his middle stint and the Australian was not quite able to get close enough to try passing the Ferrari.

Hamilton's race had been hindered by a three-place grid penalty for ignoring yellow flags - used to warn the drivers to slow down - in Friday practice but there was more drama to come on race day.

The 2008 champion lost a place to Massa off the line and spent a frustrating first stint behind the Brazilian's Ferrari.

Lewis didn't make a complete clean pass and that is why we saw an incident, but it was a racing incident

BBC co-commentator David Coulthard

After the first round of stops, Hamilton took matters into his own hands and attempted to pass Massa on the inside of the fast Turn Five, only for the two to make contact instead.

"Felipe just turned in on me," Hamilton said on the pit-to-car radio. "He didn't give me any space."

He may have been making an appeal to the authorities as twice this season he has found himself in hot water with the stewards for clashes with Massa in Monaco and Singapore.

But this time the stewards voted in his favour and Massa, whose car survived with minimal damage while Hamilton had to collect a new front wing and fresh tyres, was handed a drive-through penalty for causing a collision.

"Lewis could not see him in his mirrors and was positioned there," said BBC co-commentator David Coulthard. "He was legitimately positioned there.

"Lewis didn't make a complete clean pass and that is why we saw an incident, but it was a racing incident."

Things got worse for Massa when he retired from the race after breaking his suspension as he rumbled over a kerb.

Hamilton passed Jaime Alguersuari after 31 laps but despite pushing hard he could not get past either of the Mercedes and crossed the line in seventh. He was the only man inside the top 10 to make three stops.

Michael Schumacher finished fifth ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg in a private battle between the two Mercedes drivers.

Alguersuari took ninth for Toro Rosso, with Adrian Sutil collecting the final point for Force India at their home race and team-mate Paul Di Resta finishing 13th.

From BBC Sport

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Libya Residents Celebrate the Death Moammar Gadhafi

Sirte, Libya - Forces a new ruler Moammar Gadhafi reportedly arrested on Thursday (20/10) when they seized Sirte, hometown and last stronghold of resistance from the followers of the strong man, making their seven-month rebellion ended with the victory.

Celebrations erupted in cities throughout the time the news spread that the Libyan leader, who controls the country's 42 years with hard, finally captured. "He was caught," said Leith commander Mohamed told the French news agency AFP.

"He was badly hurt, but still breathing," Leith said, adding that he saw Qaddafi, wearing uniforms and turbans feet.

Libya Libya television channel broadcast a lil Ahrar same news, but television pages Qaddafi supporters insisted that the strong man still free and there is no independent assurance of the arrest.

"The news of arrest or death of brother leader, Moammar Gadhafi, is unfounded and NATO henchmen sold," said Al-Libiya television, "Qaddafi hale and hearty."

Ali Errishi, Gaddafi before the immigration minister defected to the rebels, said the strong believe it was caught. "That's the end of the long suffering of the Libyan people," he told Al-Jazeera news channel.

NTC troops (the Transitional Council of State), who fought in the seven months of bloody and subvert the strong man with the victims of 25,000 people, cheered at the news of his arrest.

Pikep trucks roaming the streets echoed the patriotic music Sirte, with a passenger pointing fingers forming V as the symbol of victory and shouting 'Allahu Akbar' (God is greatest). Many truck pikep new national anthem plays and other revolutionary songs.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country is participating in NATO-led air strikes in Libya, Qaddafi ensure detained. "My maid has just told me that Qaddafi was caught," he said.

Qaddafi sought transnational Criminal Court for crimes against humanity by the Libyan leader and declared to be tried in his country. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said, "Gaddafi fate should be decided by the Libyan people."

Arrest occurs when the new ruling forces captured the last stronghold of followers in Sirte, which ended a two-month siege. The rebels entered from the east and west, defeated the last resistance in the number two city neighborhoods, where loyal supporters to survive.

Qaddafi Defence Minister, Abu Bakr Yunis, killed in recent fighting, said health officials. His body was identified at the field hospital, where he was taken by truck pikep on Thursday, doctors said Abdu Rauf told AFP.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Eddie Jordan hails 'huge' New Jersey F1 Grand Prix

An artist's impression of the grandstands that will be in place for
the first Grand Prix of America in June 2013

The introduction of Formula 1 to the US state of New Jersey from 2013 is "huge news" for the sport, says former team owner Eddie Jordan.

The New York skyline is the backdrop to the 3.2-mile circuit which will be the second US track on the calendar alongside a race in Austin.

"New York is one of the major cities in the universe," said Jordan.

"We have been wanting to go somewhere like this for a decade now, this is huge news."

Formula 1 has been held at various venues in the United States, but November 2012's United States Grand Prix in Austin will be the first time the country has hosted a race since Lewis Hamilton's victory in Indianapolis in 2007.

The States has always been one of those sketchy areas but this is the remedy of all remedies

Eddie Jordan

The New Jersey race, which is to be called the Grand Prix of America, is predicted to attract up to 100,000 spectators throughout the race weekend.

BBC F1 chief analyst Jordan believes that the event represents a unique showcase for the sport.

"It is the jewel in the crown, not just in terms of America, but in terms of grand prix racing and brand awareness, bases and venues," he added.

"A race in the centre of a major city has huge upsides. There are difficulties in terms of getting around, but it pales into insignificance compared with the benefits for the teams, the country, the city, commercially for Formula 1 and just the whole euphoria of the thing."

The 2012 season is made up of 20 races across five continents and Jordan, who ran the Jordan F1 team from 1991 to 2004, believes the addition of New Jersey the year after will strengthen both the racing pedigree and commerical value of Formula 1.

PREVIOUS STATESIDE GRAND PRIX VENUES

2000-7: Indianapolis
1989-91: Phoenix, Arizona
1984: Dallas, Texas
1982-88: Detroit, Michigan
1981-82: Las Vegas, Nevada
1976-81: Long Beach,
California
1961-80: Watkins Glen, New York
1960: Riverside, California
1959: Sebring, Florida

"The mix now is such that we have some very great classic venues like Spa and Monza and street circuits like Valencia, Monaco and Singapore," he said

"The other circuits coming on stream are hugely important. We have focused very strongly on Asia and that showed vision and foresight in my opinion.

"While Europe is steeped in Formula 1 history, the major commercial bugbear for Formula 1 is that we haven't penetrated deeply enough into the United States.

"The States has always been one of those sketchy areas but this is the remedy of all remedies.

"Whether it can boost sponsor revenues or not, it will certainly maintain it. Global corporations will be able to say, 'wow now we can continue in Formula 1' or 'wow this is the time to come in'.

"It is the only sport that is able to offer that."

From BBC Sport

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

New Jersey Grand Prix for 2013 set to be announced

Formula 1 will hold a Grand Prix in New Jersey in 2013, West New York mayor Felix Roque has claimed.

The United States will feature on the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 2007 with next year's race in Austin, Texas.

New Jersey governor Chris Christie could announce the deal at a press conference scheduled for Tuesday.

Roque said: "It's incredible. This is going to be an economic boom for this whole region."

They compare it to Spa but it will have the feel of Monaco

West New York attorney Joe DeMarco

It has been claimed that the race will take place on a four-lane motorway that runs alongside the Hudson River in Weehawken, West New York.

"It will provide a very challenging course," West New York attorney Joe DeMarco said.

"They compare it to Spa in Belgium but it will have the feel of Monaco."

Lewis Hamilton won the last US Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2007.

The event's eight-year run there came to an end when F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone failed to agree new terms with the circuit's owners.

Ecclestone's plans to take a race to the New York area were first revealed when he began talks with representatives of Monticello Motor Club (MMC) in New York in 2009.

Austin-based promoters Full Throttle Productions overcame competition from MMC to stage a race at a purpose-built track with a deal through to 2021.

But, two years on, a deal has now been reached with a consortium of investors and city and state governments for a race to take place in New Jersey.

From BBC Sport

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Missed it blat!

So the weather was good on the weekend, but I was away...doesn't mean that the fun stops right??

The forecast was for a dry night Saturday and Qwaig was up for a run in the morning...so best let him tell his tale:

A 'Turner' Sunrise

After a short volunteer roll call for a 'before sun-up sortie' on Sunday, Ian and I, as the only duty members, arranged a suitable ETA for an early morning blat across the downs... the ones up north of where we are, The Chilterns are they?

Meeting early in Farnborough in the dark, I inadvertantly made the day for two late shift workers at the Total services: photos of the car, whilst I filled up, were duly posed to their satisfaction (simple pleasures!).

Suitably fuelled, I was keen to get on and attack the nearest set of corners, but sense prevailed ...I paraphrase a conversation with this morning's squadron leader along the lines of : 'rather than stuff it 2 mins from take off, lets leave it until we're at least amongst the interesting roadscape'. Won over, a more 'sensible' (straight) initial route prevailed, at least until some of the grease and damp had burnt off the road surface.

Soon, however, we were deep into the blat and the in-flight entertainment was worthy of any long haul flight. With the pitch of the road and the surface greasy, I was left as a 'passenger along for the ride' for a good stretch (if caught unawares, of course) - smooth and steady was the flying mantra of the day... a few Hail Mary's helped.

But this did not account for all the mid blat turbulence. Following Ian down some single (ish), OK , 'narrow' roads in the middle of Berks somewhere, I saw ahead the tell tale flicker of my wingman's brake light, noted, I looked beyond: nothing in view, so I kept the airspeed up - brake lights still on - and here is where I am thinking why is he slowing? - now why is he stopping - shit, why has he stopped?? And out of the green - coming towards us: a full size John Deer - resplendent in green camo and hiding in the gloom (no lights)....feck!! Fronts lock up, off brake, turn, back on brakes....

Ian in the meantime, (having had recent experience of a very similar incident), slams into first and pulls forward a couple of feet.

I think they call that a near miss in flying terms.

Trousers browned and incident recorded, we head off in search of the Wantage road.

Now who needs the glorious 12th and a gun to go bag a brace of grouse?? Just take one 7even and drive it - the number of times we had to stop or slow to walking pace to avoid collateral damage to car/bird/driver was stupid. I cannot believe people pay to go and shoot these crazy fowl, Ian and I could have filled the larder of Popham Cafe with the mornings catch.

Egg bacon and a couple of grouse please. Tasty.

(Please don't tell me they weren't Grouse... as 'chicken' or 'pigeon' doesn't sound as good and, besides, it would make less of a gourmet occasion for our fantasy breakfast.)

In all, a great blat: roads were interesting and a nice challenge for a change.(Oh and I didn't get lost this time ;-) )

Until the next one!

Cheers, Qwaig the Qwick

Words : Qwaig Pics: Ian H Music: What farkin' music??

(77)

simoncelli

Watch F1 races live here:

TheFastCastor

Marco Simoncelli dies after crash in Sepang

Simoncelli was involved in a crash with two other bikes

Italian rider Marco Simoncelli has died after a horrific crash at the Malaysian MotoGP in Sepang.

The race was stopped after four minutes when Simoncelli's bike veered across the track at turn 11 into the path of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.

The 24-year-old had his helmet knocked off and was hit by both other riders.

American rider Edwards also fell but escaped serious injury - while fellow Italian Rossi was able to return to the pits.

Simoncelli lay motionless on the track after the impact, while the race was immediately red-flagged.

At first officials were looking to restart the race before the extent of Simoncelli's injuries became clear.

Honda rider Simoncelli first entered MotoGP for the 2010 season and won his first pole position at the Catalunya race in June this year.

SIMONCELLI FACTFILE

Born: 20 January 1987, Cattolica, Italy
125 Championship: 2002-05, 2 wins
250 Championship: 2006-09, 12 wins
MotoGP: 2010-11

Simoncelli's first podium finish came in the Czech Republic in August when he finished third but he bettered that with a second-place finish at the Australian GP.

World champion Casey Stoner said: "As soon as I saw the footage it just makes you sick inside. Whenever the helmet comes off that's not a good sign."

British MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow Tweeted: "RIP Marco Simoncelli! A great rider and all round nice guy. My thoughts are with all his family & friends. I will never forget today."

Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber Tweeted: "RIP Marco. A special talent that will be missed. Thinking of your loved ones and all the MotoGP paddock."

The Italian, a former European 125cc champion, was a race-winner and front-runner during three years in world championship 125cc racing before moving to the 250cc series in 2006.

He spent four seasons with the Gilera team, with the breakthrough coming in 2008 when he not only became a winner for the first time, but charged to the title, beating Alvaro Bautista.

Simoncelli stayed on in 250cc to defend his title in 2009, although he narrowly lost the crown to future Gresini MotoGP team-mate Hiroshi Aoyama after an early-season injury left him playing catch-up.

He secured a MotoGP seat with Gresini for 2010 and earned a factory specification Honda for 2011.

Pole positions at Catalunya and Assen came amid a run of six straight front row starts,

From BBC Sport