| <<<<<< |
| March 2013 |
| Latest news is at the bottom |
F1 Testing Is Over
March 5 - After three rounds of testing, the Formula
One teams must be prepared for the start of the
season which kicks off in two weeks in Australia.
Below list the results from this winter's tests.
Each set of results is an aggregate of four days of
testing.
March 5 - After three rounds of testing, the Formula
One teams must be prepared for the start of the
season which kicks off in two weeks in Australia.
Below list the results from this winter's tests.
Each set of results is an aggregate of four days of
testing.
| RACE NEWS & VIEWS |
2nd Test from Barcelona Spain
Feb 28- March 3
1. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:20.130, 251 laps
2. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:20.494, 222 laps
3. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:20.588, 230 laps
4. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:21.266, 206 laps
5. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:21.444, 194 laps
6. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:21.541, 197 laps
7. Adrian Sutil, Force India, 1:21.627, 171 laps
8. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:21.658, 50 laps
9. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:21.664, 169 laps
10. Pastor Maldonado, Williams, 1:22.305, 151 laps
11. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:22.468, 147 laps
12. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:22.514, 165 laps
13. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:22.553, 191 laps
14. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:22.658, 149 laps
15. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:22.694, 201 laps
16. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1:22.716, 186 laps
17. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:23.115, 199 laps
18. Jules Bianchi, Marussia, 1:23.167, 136 laps
19. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:23.223, 173 laps
20. Davide Valsecchi, Lotus, 1:23.448, 16 laps
21. Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso, 1:23.628, 152 laps
22. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1:24.103, 202 laps
23. Giedo van der Garde, Caterham, 1:24.235, 174 laps
Feb 28- March 3
1. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:20.130, 251 laps
2. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:20.494, 222 laps
3. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:20.588, 230 laps
4. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:21.266, 206 laps
5. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:21.444, 194 laps
6. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:21.541, 197 laps
7. Adrian Sutil, Force India, 1:21.627, 171 laps
8. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:21.658, 50 laps
9. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:21.664, 169 laps
10. Pastor Maldonado, Williams, 1:22.305, 151 laps
11. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:22.468, 147 laps
12. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:22.514, 165 laps
13. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:22.553, 191 laps
14. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:22.658, 149 laps
15. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:22.694, 201 laps
16. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1:22.716, 186 laps
17. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:23.115, 199 laps
18. Jules Bianchi, Marussia, 1:23.167, 136 laps
19. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:23.223, 173 laps
20. Davide Valsecchi, Lotus, 1:23.448, 16 laps
21. Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso, 1:23.628, 152 laps
22. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1:24.103, 202 laps
23. Giedo van der Garde, Caterham, 1:24.235, 174 laps
1st Test from Barcelona
Feb 19-22
1. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:21.848, 174 laps
2. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:21.875, 283 laps
3. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:22.160, 179 laps
4. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1:22.188, 160 laps
5. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:22.197, 150 laps
6. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:22.611, 162 laps
7. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:22.623, 87 laps
8. Pastor Maldonado, Williams, 1:22.675, 178 laps
9. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:22.726, 173 laps
10. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:22.826, 189 laps
11. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:22.840, 141 laps
12. Adrian Sutil, Force India, 1:22.877, 78 laps
13. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:23.024, 172 laps
14. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:23.366, 186 laps
15. Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso, 1:23.718, 143 laps
16. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:23.971, 144 laps
17. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1:25.115, 241 laps
18. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:25.124, 129 laps
19. Jules Bianchi, Force India, 1:25.732, 96 laps
20. Giedo van der Garde, Caterham, 1:26.177, 133 laps
21. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:26.243, 151 laps
22. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:27.563, 80 laps
Feb 19-22
1. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:21.848, 174 laps
2. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:21.875, 283 laps
3. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:22.160, 179 laps
4. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1:22.188, 160 laps
5. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:22.197, 150 laps
6. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:22.611, 162 laps
7. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:22.623, 87 laps
8. Pastor Maldonado, Williams, 1:22.675, 178 laps
9. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:22.726, 173 laps
10. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:22.826, 189 laps
11. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:22.840, 141 laps
12. Adrian Sutil, Force India, 1:22.877, 78 laps
13. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:23.024, 172 laps
14. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:23.366, 186 laps
15. Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso, 1:23.718, 143 laps
16. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:23.971, 144 laps
17. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1:25.115, 241 laps
18. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:25.124, 129 laps
19. Jules Bianchi, Force India, 1:25.732, 96 laps
20. Giedo van der Garde, Caterham, 1:26.177, 133 laps
21. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:26.243, 151 laps
22. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:27.563, 80 laps
1st Test from Jerez Spain
Feb 5-8
1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:17.879, 227 laps
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:18.148, 123 laps
3. Jules Bianchi, Force India, 1:18.175, 56 laps
4. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1:18.218, 149 laps
5. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:18.565, 198 laps
6. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:18.669, 252 laps
7. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:18.760, 177 laps
8. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:18.766, 162 laps
9. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:18.861, 120 laps
10. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:18.905, 160 laps
11. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:18.944, 179 laps
12. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:19.003, 240 laps
13. Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso, 1:19.134, 153 laps
14. James Rossiter, Force India, 1:19.303, 61 laps
15. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:19.338, 174 laps
16. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:19.502, 178 laps
17. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:19.851, 178 laps *
18. Pedro de la Rosa, Ferrari, 1:20.316, 51 laps
19. Pastor Maldonado, Williams, 1:20.693, 155 laps*
20. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:21.105, 166 laps
21. Luiz Razia, Marussia, 1:21.226, 113 laps
22. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1:21.269, 107 laps
23. Giedo van der Garde, Caterham, 1:21.311, 152 laps
* Using 2012 chassis
Feb 5-8
1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:17.879, 227 laps
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:18.148, 123 laps
3. Jules Bianchi, Force India, 1:18.175, 56 laps
4. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1:18.218, 149 laps
5. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:18.565, 198 laps
6. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:18.669, 252 laps
7. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:18.760, 177 laps
8. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:18.766, 162 laps
9. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:18.861, 120 laps
10. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:18.905, 160 laps
11. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:18.944, 179 laps
12. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:19.003, 240 laps
13. Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso, 1:19.134, 153 laps
14. James Rossiter, Force India, 1:19.303, 61 laps
15. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:19.338, 174 laps
16. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:19.502, 178 laps
17. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:19.851, 178 laps *
18. Pedro de la Rosa, Ferrari, 1:20.316, 51 laps
19. Pastor Maldonado, Williams, 1:20.693, 155 laps*
20. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:21.105, 166 laps
21. Luiz Razia, Marussia, 1:21.226, 113 laps
22. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1:21.269, 107 laps
23. Giedo van der Garde, Caterham, 1:21.311, 152 laps
* Using 2012 chassis
| What Happened to Red Bull?! |
And what the heck is up with
Nissan's Infiniti division sponsoring
Red Bull, which uses Renault
engines?! There's nothing Nissan
on the car except the name - LAME!
Nissan's Infiniti division sponsoring
Red Bull, which uses Renault
engines?! There's nothing Nissan
on the car except the name - LAME!
F1 Driver Notes:
An American has become a test driver for the
Caterham F1 Team! His name is Alexander Rossi.
He was born in California in 1991.
The only female test driver in F1 is Susie Wolff. She
was born in Scotland in 1982. She works for the
Williams F1 Team.
An American has become a test driver for the
Caterham F1 Team! His name is Alexander Rossi.
He was born in California in 1991.
The only female test driver in F1 is Susie Wolff. She
was born in Scotland in 1982. She works for the
Williams F1 Team.
| Alexander Rossi |
| Susie Wolff |
NASCAR Changes Cars for 2013
March 6 - NASCAR introduced a new design for
their Sprint Cup Series race cars.
Referred to as the Gen-6 car, here are the highlights
of the changes:
• Safety Enhancements: Additions of forward roof
bar and center roof support bar to the roll cage
reinforce integrity and increase the crush structure
of the roof. Larger roof flaps improve liftoff numbers
and decrease the likelihood of the car becoming
airborne.
• Slim and Trim: Total weight of the car has been
reduced by 160 pounds (100 less on right side; 60
pounds on left). Minimum weight of driver has also
decreased from 200 to 180 pounds.
• Stamp of Approval: With exception of carbon fiber
rear deck lid, all body panels are now produced by
the manufacturer and individually stamped for
verification.
• Your Name Here: Driver names will be featured on
the upper portion of the windshield; sponsor decals
and car numbers have been removed from headlight
and taillight areas and now appear on front and rear
bumpers; also, a single sponsor logo will be permitted
on the roof of the cars.
March 6 - NASCAR introduced a new design for
their Sprint Cup Series race cars.
Referred to as the Gen-6 car, here are the highlights
of the changes:
• Safety Enhancements: Additions of forward roof
bar and center roof support bar to the roll cage
reinforce integrity and increase the crush structure
of the roof. Larger roof flaps improve liftoff numbers
and decrease the likelihood of the car becoming
airborne.
• Slim and Trim: Total weight of the car has been
reduced by 160 pounds (100 less on right side; 60
pounds on left). Minimum weight of driver has also
decreased from 200 to 180 pounds.
• Stamp of Approval: With exception of carbon fiber
rear deck lid, all body panels are now produced by
the manufacturer and individually stamped for
verification.
• Your Name Here: Driver names will be featured on
the upper portion of the windshield; sponsor decals
and car numbers have been removed from headlight
and taillight areas and now appear on front and rear
bumpers; also, a single sponsor logo will be permitted
on the roof of the cars.
Dodge dropped out of NASCAR at the end of 2012.
The remaining cars are:
• Chevrolet SS
• Ford Fusion
• Toyota Camry
The remaining cars are:
• Chevrolet SS
• Ford Fusion
• Toyota Camry
Ford race car compared to the passenger car
2013 Indy 500 Tickets
March 6 - The first batch of race tickets were mailed
out today in their blue envelopes for those who have
already purchased their tickets.
Three-time winner Dario Franchitti adorns this year's
ticket.
March 6 - The first batch of race tickets were mailed
out today in their blue envelopes for those who have
already purchased their tickets.
Three-time winner Dario Franchitti adorns this year's
ticket.
F1 now on NBC Sports Network
Mar 13 - After decades on the Speed channel,
Formula One has moved to NBC. Four races will be
telecast on NBC, 2 races on their business channel,
CNBC and the remaining 14 races will be on NBC
Sports Network channel.
Full 2013 F1 Broadcast Schedule
Fortunately, most of the broadcasters are also
moving from Speed to NBC including Steve
Matchett, David Hobbs, Leigh Diffey and Will
Buxton.
The NBC Sports Group will present more than 200
programming hours of Formula One this year. After
each race, there will be a 30-minute wrap-up show.
F1 drivers will be featured on "F1 36". Like "IndyCar
36", a select driver's activities, on and off track, will
be followed for 36 hours. The first F1 36 will feature
Sebastian Vettel and will air March 29 at 7 p.m.
NBC Sports Network will offer extensive coverage of
F1 practice and qualifying throughout the season.
The network will also offer a re-air of the race, often
in the early afternoon, allowing viewers to enjoy
coverage during a more traditional sports-viewing
time period.
Mar 13 - After decades on the Speed channel,
Formula One has moved to NBC. Four races will be
telecast on NBC, 2 races on their business channel,
CNBC and the remaining 14 races will be on NBC
Sports Network channel.
Full 2013 F1 Broadcast Schedule
Fortunately, most of the broadcasters are also
moving from Speed to NBC including Steve
Matchett, David Hobbs, Leigh Diffey and Will
Buxton.
The NBC Sports Group will present more than 200
programming hours of Formula One this year. After
each race, there will be a 30-minute wrap-up show.
F1 drivers will be featured on "F1 36". Like "IndyCar
36", a select driver's activities, on and off track, will
be followed for 36 hours. The first F1 36 will feature
Sebastian Vettel and will air March 29 at 7 p.m.
NBC Sports Network will offer extensive coverage of
F1 practice and qualifying throughout the season.
The network will also offer a re-air of the race, often
in the early afternoon, allowing viewers to enjoy
coverage during a more traditional sports-viewing
time period.
This Week's F1 Coverage on NBCSN
Date Program Time
Friday, March 15 Practice #1 Midnight
Friday, March 15 Practice #2 1:30 a.m.
Sat., March 16 Qualifying 2 a.m.
Sat., March 16 Qualifying Re-Air 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 17 Australian Grand Prix 1:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 17 F1 Extra 4 a.m.
Sunday, March 17 Race Re-Air 1 p.m.
Date Program Time
Friday, March 15 Practice #1 Midnight
Friday, March 15 Practice #2 1:30 a.m.
Sat., March 16 Qualifying 2 a.m.
Sat., March 16 Qualifying Re-Air 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 17 Australian Grand Prix 1:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 17 F1 Extra 4 a.m.
Sunday, March 17 Race Re-Air 1 p.m.
Open-Wheel Racing Begins!
Mar 17 - The first session of qualifying for the 2013
Australian Grand Prix apparently was struck by a
torrential downpour which caused a lot of wrecks.
However I, and the rest of America, did not get to see
it as NBC Sports Network accidentally rebroadcast
Practice 2 in its place. We did get to see the rest of
qualifying, but not until right before the race,
approximately 2 a.m. Sunday.
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel started on pole from
Albert Park in Melbourne. As typical, he easily began
to pull away from the rest of the field. I feared it was
going to be a typical race where Vettel controlled the
race. Meanwhile, his teammate, next to him on the
front row, had a lousy start.
The Ferraris got a great start and were not going to let
Vettel get away this time. Felipe Massa did great
today and started in front of Fernando Alonso. Massa
would also lead during the race.
A litlte further back, Lewis Hamilton would struggle
against Kimi Raikkonen, Adrian Sutil, Nico Rosberg
and Mark Webber. Rosberg, Hamilton's Mercedes
teammate, would retire with an electrical problem.
The track was a little moist and rain threatened
through out the day, but didn't do anything other than a
short sprinkle.
Sutil would lead for a while, thanks to his starting the
race on super soft tires, which wore out in a quick 7
laps for most drivers. He and his Force India
Teammate would finish the day ahead of McLaren!
Lotus's 2-stop strategy paid off for Raikkonen as he
crossed the finish line at Australia over 6 seconds
ahead of Alonso. Vettel also made it to the podium.
The race was very competitive and exciting with no
crashes, although Pastor Maldonado made a mistake
and slid off the track into the gravel, not to return. He
had been complaining that his Williams car was
undriveable.
What a great start to a new season!
Mar 17 - The first session of qualifying for the 2013
Australian Grand Prix apparently was struck by a
torrential downpour which caused a lot of wrecks.
However I, and the rest of America, did not get to see
it as NBC Sports Network accidentally rebroadcast
Practice 2 in its place. We did get to see the rest of
qualifying, but not until right before the race,
approximately 2 a.m. Sunday.
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel started on pole from
Albert Park in Melbourne. As typical, he easily began
to pull away from the rest of the field. I feared it was
going to be a typical race where Vettel controlled the
race. Meanwhile, his teammate, next to him on the
front row, had a lousy start.
The Ferraris got a great start and were not going to let
Vettel get away this time. Felipe Massa did great
today and started in front of Fernando Alonso. Massa
would also lead during the race.
A litlte further back, Lewis Hamilton would struggle
against Kimi Raikkonen, Adrian Sutil, Nico Rosberg
and Mark Webber. Rosberg, Hamilton's Mercedes
teammate, would retire with an electrical problem.
The track was a little moist and rain threatened
through out the day, but didn't do anything other than a
short sprinkle.
Sutil would lead for a while, thanks to his starting the
race on super soft tires, which wore out in a quick 7
laps for most drivers. He and his Force India
Teammate would finish the day ahead of McLaren!
Lotus's 2-stop strategy paid off for Raikkonen as he
crossed the finish line at Australia over 6 seconds
ahead of Alonso. Vettel also made it to the podium.
The race was very competitive and exciting with no
crashes, although Pastor Maldonado made a mistake
and slid off the track into the gravel, not to return. He
had been complaining that his Williams car was
undriveable.
What a great start to a new season!
1. Kimi Raikkonen
2. Fernando Alonso
3. Sebastian Vettel
4. Felipe Massa
5. Lewis Hamilton
6. Mark Webber
7. Adrian Sutil
8. Paul Di Resta
9. Jenson Button
10 Romain Gorsjean
2. Fernando Alonso
3. Sebastian Vettel
4. Felipe Massa
5. Lewis Hamilton
6. Mark Webber
7. Adrian Sutil
8. Paul Di Resta
9. Jenson Button
10 Romain Gorsjean
Lotus
Ferrari
Red Bull
Ferarri
Mercedes
Red Bull
Force India
Force India
McLaren
Ferrari
Ferrari
Red Bull
Ferarri
Mercedes
Red Bull
Force India
Force India
McLaren
Ferrari
25
18
15
12
10
8
6
4
2
1
18
15
12
10
8
6
4
2
1
DRIVER
POINTS
1. Ferrari
2. Lotus-Renault
3. Red Bull-Renault
4. Mercedes
5. Force India-Mercedes
6. McLaren-Mercedes
2. Lotus-Renault
3. Red Bull-Renault
4. Mercedes
5. Force India-Mercedes
6. McLaren-Mercedes
CONSTRUCTORS
30
26
15
10
10
2
26
15
10
10
2
POINTS
| POINTS AFTER AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX |
| Raikkonen Pulls Away From Hamilton |
IMS Owners Reinstate Tony George
March 22 - Tony George resigned from the Hulman &
Company board in October 2012 due to an
appearance of a conflict of interest. Now that the
appearance of conflict no longer exists, the
shareholders have re-elected him to the board.
With the exception of CEO Mark D. Miles and IMS
President and CEO Jeffrey G. Belskus, the board
members have no day-to-day management duties with
Hulman & Company.
The other board members are John F. Ackerman, Mari
Hulman George, Nancy L. George, M. Josephine
George, Katherine M. George-Conforti, Andre B. Lacy,
James T. Morris and Michael L. Smith.
March 22 - Tony George resigned from the Hulman &
Company board in October 2012 due to an
appearance of a conflict of interest. Now that the
appearance of conflict no longer exists, the
shareholders have re-elected him to the board.
With the exception of CEO Mark D. Miles and IMS
President and CEO Jeffrey G. Belskus, the board
members have no day-to-day management duties with
Hulman & Company.
The other board members are John F. Ackerman, Mari
Hulman George, Nancy L. George, M. Josephine
George, Katherine M. George-Conforti, Andre B. Lacy,
James T. Morris and Michael L. Smith.
IndyCar St Pete Qualifying
Mar 23 - Simona De Silvestro had to suffer through
last year with the Lotus engine which was very weak
compared to all ther competition.
This year she got hired by KV Racing and now has
Chevy power.
In today's qualifying for the first IndyCar race of the
year, Silvestsro qualified 3rd for the street race in St.
Petersburg Florida. (She finished 4th at this race
several years ago.)
For the 4th year in a row, Will Power sits on the pole.
This is his 30th career pole. He is now 8th on the
all-time list.
Takuma Sato, who is driving for AJ Foyt this year,
qualified 2nd.
Mar 23 - Simona De Silvestro had to suffer through
last year with the Lotus engine which was very weak
compared to all ther competition.
This year she got hired by KV Racing and now has
Chevy power.
In today's qualifying for the first IndyCar race of the
year, Silvestsro qualified 3rd for the street race in St.
Petersburg Florida. (She finished 4th at this race
several years ago.)
For the 4th year in a row, Will Power sits on the pole.
This is his 30th career pole. He is now 8th on the
all-time list.
Takuma Sato, who is driving for AJ Foyt this year,
qualified 2nd.
| Simona De Silvestro |
Malaysian Grand Prix
Mar 24 - The track surface was damp and all the racers
started with treaded rain tires, which they call
intermediates.
Sebastain Vettel was on pole with Felipe Massa starting
beside him. Massa didn’t get a good start and his
teammate Fernando Alonso slotted into second. Alonso
bumped into the back of Vettel at turn two at the start and it
was enough to damage his front wing so that a corner
drooped to the ground creating sparks. For a reason
currently unknown, Alonso passed the pit entrance and as
he raced down a straightaway, his front wing collapsed
under his Ferrari, sending him off into the kitty litter and
out of the race.
PIT MISTAKES
Vettel and Massa pit for the soft slick tires (which they call
mediums) on lap 6, which was a tad early and Vettel got
passed by several other cars. Red Bull then told Mark
Webber to stay out. Most of the other cars though came in
for tires on lap 7. Force India lost time in the pits. Webber
accidentally pulled into the McLaren pits on lap 8. Charles
Pic damaged Jean-Eric Vergne’s Toro Rosso front wing
in the pits because Toro Rosso failed to hold up the
release of their car for Pic’s Caterham to enter its pit stall.
Then Lewis Hamilton pulled into the McLaren pits by
accident! Nico Rosberg pitted on lap 9. Adrian Sutil
came out of the pits with one tire still a rain tire, which is
illegal, so he had to return to the pits to fix that.
Pastor Maldonado ran off course on lap 14 but made it
back to the Williams pit to get a new nose cone.
Webber was leading the race in front of his teammate,
likely because he held off two laps before pitting for dry
tires. He relinquished it on lap 20 when he pitted again.
On Lap 21, Force India had a problem with Sutil's left
front wheel which caused them a big delay that ran into the
minutes. They finally had to wheel the car into the garage.
Then his teammate, Paul di Resta was called in to retire.
Apparently Force India felt there was a design flaw with
their front stub axel or the wheel nuts and decided to play it
safe and pull their car from the race.
Hamilton maintained 3rd place behind the two Red Bulls
(lap 28) with Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button following.
Mar 24 - The track surface was damp and all the racers
started with treaded rain tires, which they call
intermediates.
Sebastain Vettel was on pole with Felipe Massa starting
beside him. Massa didn’t get a good start and his
teammate Fernando Alonso slotted into second. Alonso
bumped into the back of Vettel at turn two at the start and it
was enough to damage his front wing so that a corner
drooped to the ground creating sparks. For a reason
currently unknown, Alonso passed the pit entrance and as
he raced down a straightaway, his front wing collapsed
under his Ferrari, sending him off into the kitty litter and
out of the race.
PIT MISTAKES
Vettel and Massa pit for the soft slick tires (which they call
mediums) on lap 6, which was a tad early and Vettel got
passed by several other cars. Red Bull then told Mark
Webber to stay out. Most of the other cars though came in
for tires on lap 7. Force India lost time in the pits. Webber
accidentally pulled into the McLaren pits on lap 8. Charles
Pic damaged Jean-Eric Vergne’s Toro Rosso front wing
in the pits because Toro Rosso failed to hold up the
release of their car for Pic’s Caterham to enter its pit stall.
Then Lewis Hamilton pulled into the McLaren pits by
accident! Nico Rosberg pitted on lap 9. Adrian Sutil
came out of the pits with one tire still a rain tire, which is
illegal, so he had to return to the pits to fix that.
Pastor Maldonado ran off course on lap 14 but made it
back to the Williams pit to get a new nose cone.
Webber was leading the race in front of his teammate,
likely because he held off two laps before pitting for dry
tires. He relinquished it on lap 20 when he pitted again.
On Lap 21, Force India had a problem with Sutil's left
front wheel which caused them a big delay that ran into the
minutes. They finally had to wheel the car into the garage.
Then his teammate, Paul di Resta was called in to retire.
Apparently Force India felt there was a design flaw with
their front stub axel or the wheel nuts and decided to play it
safe and pull their car from the race.
Hamilton maintained 3rd place behind the two Red Bulls
(lap 28) with Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button following.
Kimi Raikkonen has a new larger exhaust which
creates more downforce.
creates more downforce.
Webber pitted lap 32 for harder tires (prime) as did
Hamilton, then Vettel on lap 33. Button took over the lead,
having only pitted twice so far.
But on lap 36, Button pitted and pulled away before they
had finished putting his right front tire on. He quickly
stopped and his pit crew ran over and pushed him back to
fix it. Nico Hulkenburg almost ran into Raikkonen as
they exited the pits. They would continue to battle on the
track and even made tire contact at one point.
Webber pitted on lap 44 and came out right in front of
Vettel and the sparring for the lead began. Webber was
able to hold on waiting for his new tires to come up to
temperature. They battled like enemies lap after lap and
Vettel won. Behind them, the Mercedes teammates
battled each other for 3rd place.
On lap 47, Maldonado went off track again, this time for
good.
Massa made a late pit stop, but came back and easily
passed Sergio Perez and Raikkonen for 6th.
Button had to retire to his garage on lap 55 of 56 and
Perez pitted on the same lap for tires!
Vettel won, tying Jackie Stewart for 6th on the all time list
with his 27th victory.
Hamilton, then Vettel on lap 33. Button took over the lead,
having only pitted twice so far.
But on lap 36, Button pitted and pulled away before they
had finished putting his right front tire on. He quickly
stopped and his pit crew ran over and pushed him back to
fix it. Nico Hulkenburg almost ran into Raikkonen as
they exited the pits. They would continue to battle on the
track and even made tire contact at one point.
Webber pitted on lap 44 and came out right in front of
Vettel and the sparring for the lead began. Webber was
able to hold on waiting for his new tires to come up to
temperature. They battled like enemies lap after lap and
Vettel won. Behind them, the Mercedes teammates
battled each other for 3rd place.
On lap 47, Maldonado went off track again, this time for
good.
Massa made a late pit stop, but came back and easily
passed Sergio Perez and Raikkonen for 6th.
Button had to retire to his garage on lap 55 of 56 and
Perez pitted on the same lap for tires!
Vettel won, tying Jackie Stewart for 6th on the all time list
with his 27th victory.
1. Sebastian Vettel
2. Kimi Raikkonen
3. Mark Webber
4. Lewis Hamilton
5. Felipe Massa
6. Fernando Alonso
7. Nico Rosberg
8. Romain Gorsjean
9. Adrian Sutil
10. Paul Di Resta
2. Kimi Raikkonen
3. Mark Webber
4. Lewis Hamilton
5. Felipe Massa
6. Fernando Alonso
7. Nico Rosberg
8. Romain Gorsjean
9. Adrian Sutil
10. Paul Di Resta
Lotus
Ferrari
Red Bull
Ferarri
Mercedes
Red Bull
Force India
Force India
McLaren
Ferrari
Ferrari
Red Bull
Ferarri
Mercedes
Red Bull
Force India
Force India
McLaren
Ferrari
25
18
15
12
10
8
6
4
2
1
18
15
12
10
8
6
4
2
1
DRIVER
POINTS
1. Red Bull-Renault
2. Lotus-Renault
3. Ferrari
4. Mercedes
5. Force India-Mercedes
6. Sauber-Ferrari
7. McLaren-Mercedes
8. Toro Rosso Ferrari
2. Lotus-Renault
3. Ferrari
4. Mercedes
5. Force India-Mercedes
6. Sauber-Ferrari
7. McLaren-Mercedes
8. Toro Rosso Ferrari
CONSTRUCTORS
66
40
40
37
10
4
4
1
40
40
37
10
4
4
1
POINTS
| POINTS AFTER MALAYSIA GRAND PRIX |
Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Mar 24 - The rain held off for a dry race. Dario
Franchitti hit the wall early after coming out of the pits
on cold tires. The Penske drivers did not qualify as
great as they'd hoped. Scott Dixon was happy to finish
in 5th, but he said he lost his turbo wastegate which hurt
his finish.
Pole sitter Will Power had a rough day. At one point
during a caution, JR Hildebrand didn't slow down and
ran right across the right side of Power's car.
Simona de Silvestro fought hard to hold onto 3rd place,
but she was on the wrong tire strategy. Her teammate,
Tony Kanaan was unable to get by her. Marco
Andretti got past Kanaan and really put the pressure on
her, at one point running into the back of her car. She
showed how good she could race as her tires went
away, but finally on the last lap, her car went wide in a
turn and Andretti sneaked past, followed by Kanaan a
few seconds later. On the run to the finish, Scott Dixon
nosed ahead of her, putting her back to 6th.
James Hinchcliffe and Helio Castroneves were in a
class of their own. Hinch was able to hold him off to win
his first IndyCar race.
It was an exciting finish.
Andretti Racing was happy to have 1st, 3rd and 7th. Ryan
Hunter-Reay's race finished early due to mechanical
problems though.
Mar 24 - The rain held off for a dry race. Dario
Franchitti hit the wall early after coming out of the pits
on cold tires. The Penske drivers did not qualify as
great as they'd hoped. Scott Dixon was happy to finish
in 5th, but he said he lost his turbo wastegate which hurt
his finish.
Pole sitter Will Power had a rough day. At one point
during a caution, JR Hildebrand didn't slow down and
ran right across the right side of Power's car.
Simona de Silvestro fought hard to hold onto 3rd place,
but she was on the wrong tire strategy. Her teammate,
Tony Kanaan was unable to get by her. Marco
Andretti got past Kanaan and really put the pressure on
her, at one point running into the back of her car. She
showed how good she could race as her tires went
away, but finally on the last lap, her car went wide in a
turn and Andretti sneaked past, followed by Kanaan a
few seconds later. On the run to the finish, Scott Dixon
nosed ahead of her, putting her back to 6th.
James Hinchcliffe and Helio Castroneves were in a
class of their own. Hinch was able to hold him off to win
his first IndyCar race.
It was an exciting finish.
Andretti Racing was happy to have 1st, 3rd and 7th. Ryan
Hunter-Reay's race finished early due to mechanical
problems though.
James Hinchcliffe is the Winner
Brickyard 400 Name
Mar 25 - Once again, Crown Royal Whisky is sponsoring
NASCAR's race at the Indy Speedway and is having a
contest to name the race after someone.
You can nominate someone here.
This year's Brickyard 400 will be held on July 28th.
Mar 25 - Once again, Crown Royal Whisky is sponsoring
NASCAR's race at the Indy Speedway and is having a
contest to name the race after someone.
You can nominate someone here.
This year's Brickyard 400 will be held on July 28th.
2013 Mutt Strut at the Speedway
Mar 25 - The annual Mutt Strut may be the most unusual
dog walk in Indianapolis.
On Saturday April 27th dog owners can join 6,500 others
taking their dogs for a walk around the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway track, rain or shine.
Every registration dollar from this charity event goes
straight to the Indianapolis Humane Society. This is their
biggest fund raising event of the year.
$15 for kids, $30 for adults to pre-register.
Registration 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Walk is from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
You can walk around the 2.5-mile track as many times
as you want.
Water, poop bags and paw check stations are available
around the course. Note that the track is coarser than
regular pavement.
Leashes must be 6' non-retractable.
Wagons and strollers are also permitted on the Track,
but not roller skates or bicycles.
Mar 25 - The annual Mutt Strut may be the most unusual
dog walk in Indianapolis.
On Saturday April 27th dog owners can join 6,500 others
taking their dogs for a walk around the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway track, rain or shine.
Every registration dollar from this charity event goes
straight to the Indianapolis Humane Society. This is their
biggest fund raising event of the year.
$15 for kids, $30 for adults to pre-register.
Registration 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Walk is from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
You can walk around the 2.5-mile track as many times
as you want.
Water, poop bags and paw check stations are available
around the course. Note that the track is coarser than
regular pavement.
Leashes must be 6' non-retractable.
Wagons and strollers are also permitted on the Track,
but not roller skates or bicycles.
2013 Mutt Strut Web Site
* Party On The Plaza
* Raise the Most Money to Become "Top Dog"
* Drowsy Dog & Cat Nap Club - donate and Get a T-Shirt
* Pet Portraits
* Micro-chipping
* Music
* Pet fashion show
* Pet training and demonstrations
* T-shirts and Bandanas
* Join a Pack
* IndyCar driver Graham Rahal is honorary chair.
* Indianapolis Colts Owner Kalen Irsay is honorary chair.
* Party On The Plaza
* Raise the Most Money to Become "Top Dog"
* Drowsy Dog & Cat Nap Club - donate and Get a T-Shirt
* Pet Portraits
* Micro-chipping
* Music
* Pet fashion show
* Pet training and demonstrations
* T-shirts and Bandanas
* Join a Pack
* IndyCar driver Graham Rahal is honorary chair.
* Indianapolis Colts Owner Kalen Irsay is honorary chair.
Allmendinger to Race in IndyCar
Mar 26 - A.J. Allmendinger, who had been racing in
NASCAR for Penske Racing in years past, has been
signed by Penske to drive in this year's Indy 500 and the
Grand Prix of Alabama.
Mar 26 - A.J. Allmendinger, who had been racing in
NASCAR for Penske Racing in years past, has been
signed by Penske to drive in this year's Indy 500 and the
Grand Prix of Alabama.
Denny Hamlin out at least 6 weeks
Mar 27 - Sprint Cup driver Denny Hamlin is expected to
miss six weeks with a compression fracture in his lower
back, Joe Gibbs Racing announced Tuesday night. He
will not need surgery.
Hamlin was injured in a last-lap crash involving former
Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Joey Logano on Sunday
at Auto Club Speedway.
Hamlin's car hit the inside retaining wall head-on after
being spun by Logano on the final lap. Hamlin's car hit a
small portion of the track where the SAFER barriers
designed to reduce impact did not cover the concrete wall.
Hamlin climbed out of his car and immediately collapsed.
He was carried off on a stretcher and then airlifted to a
nearby hospital.
The time off will put Hamlin, 10th in points, in serious
jeopardy of missing the Chase for the first time in his
seven Cup seasons unless he can make it as a wild card
on wins inside the top 20. Jimmie Johnson is the only
other driver never to miss the Chase since it was
implemented in 2004.
Mar 27 - Sprint Cup driver Denny Hamlin is expected to
miss six weeks with a compression fracture in his lower
back, Joe Gibbs Racing announced Tuesday night. He
will not need surgery.
Hamlin was injured in a last-lap crash involving former
Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Joey Logano on Sunday
at Auto Club Speedway.
Hamlin's car hit the inside retaining wall head-on after
being spun by Logano on the final lap. Hamlin's car hit a
small portion of the track where the SAFER barriers
designed to reduce impact did not cover the concrete wall.
Hamlin climbed out of his car and immediately collapsed.
He was carried off on a stretcher and then airlifted to a
nearby hospital.
The time off will put Hamlin, 10th in points, in serious
jeopardy of missing the Chase for the first time in his
seven Cup seasons unless he can make it as a wild card
on wins inside the top 20. Jimmie Johnson is the only
other driver never to miss the Chase since it was
implemented in 2004.
