FORMULA 1 - 2013

[MIKA27]

No new 2014 Red Bull contract on the table for Webber

Mark Webber will leave Red Bull at the end of the 2013 season according to a report in major German newspaper Bild claiming they have information that the Australian will not get a new contract with the team.

But after the Australian driver hinted he might quit the team or Formula 1 in the wake of the team orders saga in Malaysia, Webber’s father Alan and partner and manager Ann Neal have confirmed the 36-year-old will be back at the wheel in China next month.

“There is no question whatsoever about Mark not continuing this season,” Neal told the Telegraph.

Beyond 2013, however, Webber’s future is much less clear.

Central to Webber’s management throughout his career, Flavio Briatore thinks the driver’s relationship with teammate Sebastian Vettel is now terminally broken.

Asked if one of them will leave Red Bull at the end of the season, the Italian told Rai radio: “For sure. I don’t think it can be fixed now.”

British journalist Bob Mackenzie agrees: “(Red Bull’s) next decision will be who will replace the Australian.”

Indeed, while Webber is this week surfing in his native Australia, Vettel on Tuesday was at work in the Red Bull simulator at Milton-Keynes.

McLaren’s Jenson Button – now the most experienced Formula 1 driver on the grid – agrees that the impact of the Sepang saga for Red Bull is “big”.

“Even if they sit down and discuss it, it is not going to change the outcome,” he is quoted by British newspapers. “What has happened is still in their minds. It does not go away.”

Spain’s El Mundo newspaper adds: “Vettel and Webber have never got along, but now a wide gap has opened up between them.”

[MIKA27]

Ferrari and Lotus would veto Pirelli compound changes

It has emerged that Ferrari and Lotus would quickly veto any move to have Pirelli change the compounds of its 2013 tyres.

Before the RB9 finished first and second in Malaysia, Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko claimed Formula 1′s Italian tyre supplier “has promised” to make changes to its controversial 2013 product in the wake of the high degradation seen so far this season.

Red Bull and Mercedes had reportedly complained to Pirelli that, according to their data, the new tyres are wearing out faster when fitted to the very best cars.

“I think Pirelli has realised (the situation) and we have been promised that other compounds will come to Bahrain at the latest,” Marko said in Malaysia.

Ironically, those who complained the loudest about tyres before the race at Sepang – Red Bull and Mercedes – ultimately monopolised the highest four finishing places, quietening the saga for now.

And, anyway, changing the Pirelli tyres on grounds other than safety would require the unanimous agreement of the teams.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reported that Lotus, whose Kimi Raikkonen won in Australia, would “veto” any such move.

And Ferrari principal Stefano Domenicali is quoted as saying: “Pirelli cannot change something without the agreement of the teams unless there is an imminent safety risk.

“It makes no sense to panic after two races,” he added.

[MIKA27]

Struggling Williams could revert to 2012 exhaust

Williams could revert to the exhaust system used on their 2012 car, after struggling for pace and handling with the new FW35 so far this season.

Technical boss Mike Coughlan admitted to ESPN that the main problem has been the ‘Coanda’ aerodynamic exhaust principle, which Grove based Williams is using for the first time in 2013.

He admitted “We need to go away and get a more consistent platform for the driver”.

“We’re of the opinion at the moment that a FW34-type of car would be faster,” said Coughlan.

“I don’t think we’ll go back to an FW34, but we might go back to an FW34-style of exhaust system and treat Fridays as tests across cars.”

[MIKA27]

Petrov not giving up after Kosachenko split

Former Lotus and Caterham driver Vitaly Petrov has revealed he will now handle his own affairs after splitting with his manager.

It emerged recently that driver manager Oksana Kosachenko has joined Petrov’s former team Caterham as commercial director, in charge of acquiring new sponsors.

Petrov, who raced at Renault and Caterham between 2010 and last year, had targeted a return to Formula 1 in 2014.

He told Russian website Formula 1news.ru that his ambitions remain on track.

“I will control my own future, sorting out who will work with me and for whom I will be working next year,” said the 28-year-old Russian.

“There will be some changes. I don’t want to talk about it now, but in the near future it will all become clear.”

[MIKA27]

Hamilton: Mercedes now second best team behind Red Bull

Lewis Hamilton believes his Mercedes team is now Red Bull's closest challenger.

The former world champion thinks the pace shown by his team in the opening two races - allied to his first podium with the outfit in the Malaysian Grand Prix – proves Mercedes is now a serious frontrunner.

"We are the second best team," said Hamilton, when asked by AUTOSPORT about how encouraged he was by the Malaysia performance.

"To be that close - I was competing with the Red Bulls at some stages in the race – and to be in that position is a great feeling."

Hamilton and team-mate Nico Rosberg shadowed rivals Red Bull for much of the Malaysian GP, before they were ordered to go into fuel-save mode towards the end of the race.

Hamilton believes that the outcome of the race would have been different had the team got its fuel strategy right.

"Unfortunately, we didn't have enough fuel in the car, more so my side," he explained.

"I was fuel-saving from lap 25 and it was very much an impossible task to challenge those up ahead.

"I was fuel saving at the end like you would not believe: I was coasting everywhere.

"I'm sure if we were all on the same fuel it would have been a different situation, so I'm confident about that."

Hamilton thinks the form shown by Mercedes is proof that the team is now in a position to win races.

"Definitely," he said. "I think this [Malaysia] proves that if we keep going in the direction we are heading, then there's a possibility that we could win a race at some stage this year."

[MIKA27]

Lauda not impressed by team orders

Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda has expressed his disappointment at Ross Brawn's decision not to let Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg fight it out for position at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Rosberg was told to stay behind his team-mate over the final few laps rather than fight for third spot as Hamilton was looking to conserve fuel.

The German did as was requested of him and came home in fourth while Hamilton claimed the final spot on the podium. Speaking after claiming his trophy, Hamilton stated that his team-mate should be the one taking home the honour as he had a better race.

While this situation may seem preferable to the drama that has erupted in the Red Bull garage after Sebastian Vettel failed to obey his team's instruction to hold station behind Mark Webber, Lauda remains unimpressed.

"From a sporting perspective, that was wrong," Lauda has been quoted as saying by the Times. "They should have let [Rosberg] go. We need to talk to Ross, if this is the strategy to be used from now on."

This view is in contrast to that expressed by executive director Toto Wolff.

"There was no controversy," Wolff remarked after the race. "Both [drivers] had a bit of fuel issue and we were not sure if we could run them until the end and both of them were advised they had the issue. Nico showed that he is a fantastic team player and he held onto the position and we would have done it in the opposite way as well.

"It's not perfect from the sporting point of view it's not what the people want to see and not what I want to see, but sometimes you have to take a call and you have to make a decision and Ross did that. It's for the team bringing home third and fourth, but from a sporting point of view for sure it's not fantastic."

MIKA: I don't know what but Lauda really irks me....

[ptrthgr8]

MIKA: I don't know what but Lauda really irks me....

Why? Because he thinks races should actually be raced and not predetermined? Maybe this is the problem with having multiple cars from the same team in a single race. I know it's not the same thing, but it feels like fixing to me.

Cheers,

~ Greg ~

[CanuckSARTech]

Gawd, I hate all this "team orders" BS. IMO, I think that's what's stopping F1 from having even more of a mass worldwide appeal.

As much as there's pros and cons to both F1 and NASCAR, I think that this team orders crap is really the only thing that's stopping F1 from being able to really truly break into the American market.

When you look at NASCAR, one of the biggest teams with the most star power is the Hendrick Motorsports team. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Yes, you'll see a NASCAR driver helping each other out during the duration of a race and whatnot, and definitely the co-ordination and co-operation within pit lane and behind the scenes, but when the heat is on in the final laps and moments of a race, you won't see the blatent holding back of competitiveness under all this team orders nonsense that you see in F1.

In North America, we like the whole idea of teams and all that. But when it's an individual sport like this is, in the final moments on the track, there's no viable reason for people to stop or hold back from being competitive, just because you have some corporate stooge talking in your ear.

[MIKA27]

Why? Because he thinks races should actually be raced and not predetermined?

Hi Greg. Nope, nothing to do with predetermined races, I also dislike team orders and pre-determination. What irks me about Lauda is the simple fact that such a great driver of the past is constantly in the spotlight for coming across as a back stabber and trouble maker.

He should be concentrating on 'Drivers and driving' also on "F1" yet he really is playing a game of thrones and ventures into a team Ross Brawn created, brought back from the past, and successful or not, he needs to respect these people rather than trying to snipe them from their places. Ross Brawn is the mastermind behind Schumachers WDC's, so I think he knows what is required and what it takes for a team to win. Lauda is being rather ignorant of this.

You don't see Sir Jackie Stewart doing this, who is a true gentleman.

I truly wish team orders could cease. In Nicos and Lewis' predicament, I wished Nico overtook Hamilton and deservedly come third seeing he's been with the team, developing the car the past three years. That P3 should have been Rosbergs, indeed.

Lastly, always great to read all your opinions and posts. I really appreciate them.

[MIKA27]

The problem you have is that there are two championships to fight for - the drivers & the team (constructors) ones.

Teams care most about the team championship and hence don't want their drivers taking each other out fighting for individual glory - or risk a car failure by pressing too hard. Hence team orders so early in the season. I don't like it but its always been that way.

I agree 100%. In the end, sure, 'The team winning constructors" amongst their rivals is Kudos for them, but most importantly, it's all about Money, the amount you win for coming 1st as a constructors both from the Concorde agreement as well as the teams sponsors.

[MIKA27]

Gawd, I hate all this "team orders" BS. IMO, I think that's what's stopping F1 from having even more of a mass worldwide appeal.

Worldwide appeal...? Formula 1 is worldwide.

As much as there's pros and cons to both F1 and NASCAR, I think that this team orders crap is really the only thing that's stopping F1 from being able to really truly break into the American market.

Every sport has some form of team orders, and there are always pros and cons to every sport. F1 has been in the U.S for quite some time. Indianapolis is one of them. Now Austin Texas and New Jersey is really pushing for it's backing. so, it has broken into the market. I think the Austin race is one of the best on the calendar. I loved watching it and would love to fly over and watch it in person.

When you look at NASCAR, one of the biggest teams with the most star power is the Hendrick Motorsports team. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Yes, you'll see a NASCAR driver helping each other out during the duration of a race and whatnot, and definitely the co-ordination and co-operation within pit lane and behind the scenes, but when the heat is on in the final laps and moments of a race, you won't see the blatent holding back of competitiveness under all this team orders nonsense that you see in F1.

I agree. I wish Formula 1 would grow it's balls back. Formula 1 drivers are supposed to be the best of the best in terms of driving, yet the FIA have tweaked the rules, the sport, the regulations and IMO, dumbed down the sport. They removed refuelling, they removed in-sport competition with tyre manufactures, now only having one supplier who creates the most screwed up compounds I have ever seen in the sport. Understandably, the FIA dictate to Pirelli to some extent, their wishes for how they want tyres to last, but I'd love to see the likes of Michellin, Bridgestone return to the sport and allow teams to chose their supplier.

In North America, we like the whole idea of teams and all that. But when it's an individual sport like this is, in the final moments on the track, there's no viable reason for people to stop or hold back from being competitive, just because you have some corporate stooge talking in your ear.

We have a similar Formulae here, V8 Supercars and thats very much a team sport. Especially watching Bathurst.

No...You can't have a NASCAR thread. But thanks for posting.

[MIKA27]

'Vettel's actions will hurt him'

Whether or not Red Bull discipline Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button says there will be consequences for his actions in last Sunday's Malaysian GP.

Told to hold station behind team-mate Mark Webber, Vettel ignored the orders and overtook his team-mate, effectively stealing his victory.

Vettel's decision did not go down well with Webber nor with his Red Bull bosses, who could yet discipline the German for his behaviour.

But whatever Red Bull decide to do, Button reckons the reigning World Champion could have a bigger problem on his hands in future races.

"I think that will hurt Sebastian in the long run. I am surprised he did that, but there you go," the McLaren driver told The Guardian.

"We all want to win, but he drives for Red Bull, and they have to call the shots. So many times it has worked in his favour.

"Instead of worrying about all the other guys on the grid, they are worrying about what their team-mate is going to do.

"If you are told to save tyres and your team-mate is behind you and he overtakes you, you are going to get annoyed.

"It can cause an issue. Even if they sit down and discuss it, it is not going to change the outcome. It is still in their minds what has happened. It does not go away."

And although Button has in the past spoken of his dislike for team orders, the 33-year-old says once they are issued, a driver must adhere.

"If you are told to do something by the team and you completely ignore what they say, and it costs your team-mate a win - that's big.

"I find team orders difficult anyway but to disregard a team order is something different. I am not a fan of giving a driver preferential treatment, but the issue here is that Vettel did not want team orders."

As for whether Vettel and Webber, who didn't have the best relationship before Sunday's race, will ever recover from this, Button is doubtful.

"How is he going to give the win back to Mark?" said the Brit.

"I cannot imagine him leading the race and giving it to Mark and saying 'here you go'. That's very difficult, and I could not do that."

[MIKA27]

Alonso chasing top-three results

Fernando Alonso believes he will arrive in Europe in better form than he did last season while a few more podiums would be a welcome boost.

Alonso began his 2013 campaign with a runner-up result in Australia. However, a week later he was in the gravel and out of the Malaysian GP on lap 2 after suffering a broken front wing.

The Spaniard, though, is adamant he can bounce back, adding that top-three results in China and Bahrain would boost Ferrari's confidence ahead of the European leg of the Championship.

"If we have a weekend with normal conditions, let's hope we have a good qualifying and pick up good points," the 31-year-old told Autosport.

"The goal is to get more than last year.

"In China and Bahrain we were ninth and seventh last year, so this year is relatively easy to improve on that, and if we arrive in Europe with three podiums it will be good for our morale."

The double World Champion downplayed Red Bull's 1-2 result at the Sepang circuit last Sunday, confident they are not set to run away with the Championships despite leading both battles.

"I don't think Red Bull was too impressive.

"In Australia they dominated all sessions and had a pretty spectacular pace, [in Malaysia] we knew they had problems with degradation and in fact Mercedes was fighting with them until the end.

"So I think we could have been on the podium.

"The first two races have been very unstable and we don't really know the positions of the cars yet. We haven't seen anyone's potential yet in qualifying and we don't really knew where we are."

[MIKA27]

Boullier hails Grosjean's progress

Lotus team boss Eric Boullier says it is "encouraging" to witness Romain Grosjean's hard work paying off.

Last season Grosjean came in for a lot of stick due to his numerous first lap crashes, which resulted in the Frenchman being banned for the Italian GP.

However, so far this season the 26-year-old has kept it clean.

Finishing 10th in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Grosjean followed that up with a P6 in Malaysia where he beat team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

"I think you saw a strong Romain doing a good race," Boullier told Autosport.

"We know he has good pace over one lap so obviously it's about qualifying well and having a normal race condition.

"All the work he did is paying off. It's encouraging."

But while Grosjean had a solid race last Sunday, the Frenchman failed to make it into Q3, qualifying in 11th place.

Boullier, though, reckons that was down to the weather and not Grosjean's ability.

"We know he has the raw pace. He would not be qualifying 11th normally," he said. "He can now run a complete weekend like we expect him to do."

[MIKA27]

Force India agree long-term Merc deal

Force India have agreed a new long-term deal to run a Mercedes engines including KERS and gearbox from 2014 onwards.

When Formula One swaps to smaller 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engines next season, Force India will continue with the same supplier they have used since 2009.

The new deal will see Mercedes supply Force India with a complete power unit consisting of the engine and Energy Recovery System plus transmission and all associated ancillary systems for 2014.

"Our new agreement with Mercedes-Benz for the coming years is the most significant in the history of Sahara Force India," said Mallya.

"With new powertrain regulations being introduced next year, I can't think of a better partner to work with as Formula One enters a new and exciting era.

"The agreement gives us the long-term stability we require and will enable us to continue our journey towards the front of the Formula One grid."

Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff welcomed the deal, calling it a "significant" moment for the German outfit.

"It is a significant milestone to announce our first long-term agreement for powertrain supply under the 2014 regulations," said Wolff.

"Sahara Force India was our first genuine customer in Formula One back in 2009 and we are delighted to enter an expanded, long-term relationship with them from 2014 onwards.

"This long-term agreement offers excellent value in terms of the balance between price and performance. We hope it will mean Mercedes-Benz and Sahara Force India working together for the entire life cycle of the new powertrain generation."

[stargazer14]

"I agree. I wish Formula 1 would grow it's balls back. Formula 1 drivers are supposed to be the best of the best in terms of driving, yet the FIA have tweaked the rules, the sport, the regulations and IMO, dumbed down the sport. They removed refuelling, they removed in-sport competition with tyre manufactures, now only having one supplier who creates the most screwed up compounds I have ever seen in the sport. Understandably, the FIA dictate to Pirelli to some extent, their wishes for how they want tyres to last, but I'd love to see the likes of Michellin, Bridgestone return to the sport and allow teams to chose their supplier."

You have to admit, the racing has been much improved the past few years with the new rules, DRS and the like. I dont think its team orders that keeps F1 from not being larger in the US. The team order thing does not come up that often and as a 40 year U.S. F1 fan it hasnt turned me away. Look at all the press its getting! I think the U.S. likes the racing 'dumbed down' and F1 is a very technical sport, it takes folks too long to 'get it' and so they lose interest too fast. I do feel the new broadcasting here will get F1 out a bit more, its easier to access than ever and with a race in NYC in the future, things will come around again.

[CanuckSARTech]

Worldwide appeal...? Formula 1 is worldwide.

...Every sport has some form of team orders, and there are always pros and cons to every sport. F1 has been in the U.S for quite some time. Indianapolis is one of them. Now Austin Texas and New Jersey is really pushing for it's backing. so, it has broken into the market. I think the Austin race is one of the best on the calendar. I loved watching it and would love to fly over and watch it in person.

I didn't say "worldwide appeal". I said "MASS worldwide appeal". F1 has the capability to beat NASCAR on it's own hometurf. F1 drivers are the best of the best - that's what it is. But three tracks/races in a country like the U.S., when NASCAR has as many as they do, is definitely lacking. And I realize that there's less tracks/races in other countries.

But....I guess it's just the same thought as I put up before....the team orders thing just wouldn't fly in some other sports or leagues as it's currently having happen in F1. It's gotta be almost embarassing for the drivers sometimes...

....I agree. I wish Formula 1 would grow it's balls back. Formula 1 drivers are supposed to be the best of the best in terms of driving, yet the FIA have tweaked the rules, the sport, the regulations and IMO, dumbed down the sport. They removed refuelling, they removed in-sport competition with tyre manufactures, now only having one supplier who creates the most screwed up compounds I have ever seen in the sport. Understandably, the FIA dictate to Pirelli to some extent, their wishes for how they want tyres to last, but I'd love to see the likes of Michellin, Bridgestone return to the sport and allow teams to chose their supplier.

No...You can't have a NASCAR thread. But thanks for posting.

They definitely need to get back into the older spirit of F1, that's for sure. And completely agred on the Pirelli b.s. - about the tires.

And no, not (still ) trying for a NASCAR thread. Not enough boobs and beer here anyways, with raceday tanlines. This place doesn't need anything else to fight over either....lol.

[MIKA27]

Not enough boobs and beer here anyways, with raceday tanlines. This place doesn't need anything else to fight over either....lol.

You know what... You never mentioned boobs and beer bud. I may be tempted to run a NASCAR thread if the moderators would allow us that splurge!

[MIKA27]

Damaged floor hampered Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed his Malaysian GP was undone when he damaged the floor of his STR8 on the way to the grid.

With the rain bucketing down in the build-up to the grand prix, the 23-year-old is one of several drivers falling off the track as he tiptoed to the grid.

"We saw the rain begin from the garage and it looked pretty hard for a while. The situation was funny because, going out, we knew the track was wet but it didn't look chaotic," he explained.

"Out of the box I wanted to push hard because I knew we'd be starting on the Inter tyres and I wanted to get a good feel for it in the conditions. I came into the corner, started to aquaplane and had that 'aw crikey' moment as I slid toward the gravel.

"I really, really didn't want the race to be over before it started. Fortunately I managed to keep my moment and pull out of it.

"Jumping out of the car on the grid I had a look and the floor was pretty badly damaged. The mechanics did what they could to fix it on the grid but there was only so much they could do in the short amount of time available.

"I started the race a little bit compromised. That's how it goes sometimes but I was pretty angry nonetheless."

Starting 13th on the grid, the Australian was classified 18th, however, didn't see the chequered flag as he retired laps from the end.

"The start itself was fine: I managed to gain a couple of positions on the first lap and I think I got in front of both Lotuses. They are quicker than us but I managed to keep them behind.

"We weren't particularly great on the Inters but we did OK. I think we pitted at the right time for the dry tyres but we were getting killed in the high-speed corners with a lot of understeer because of the damage."

[MIKA27]

Marussia to use Ferrari or Mercedes power in 2014

Marussia chief executive Andy Webb has revealed that the team will be powered either by Ferrari or Mercedes engines in 2014.

Cosworth, whose only customer in Formula 1 this year is the Banbury-based team, is expected to leave the sport before the start of the new turbo V6 era.

So with Renault saying recently it is in talks with Toro Rosso but does not want any more customers, Marussia’s choice appears to be between Ferrari and Mercedes.

“It’s obvious,” said Webb, “that with the departure of Cosworth then we can choose between Ferrari and Mercedes.

“We’ll talk with both,” he told Russia’s Championat.

“It is clear that the price will be an important factor, because the cost will be significantly higher than the current engines,” added Webb.

“And we need to make sure we choose the right partner. I hope to be able to announce our decision in the next four weeks.”

It is believed that 2013 Marussia driver Jules Bianchi’s connections with Ferrari make the Italian marque the favourite for the deal.

Webb admitted that the final decision should be made as soon as possible.

“The 2014 car is already in the wind tunnel,” he said.

“We have already seen a lot of data on the requirements for the engines in 2014,” Webb explained. “We have not chosen a partner yet, but we have a lot of information.

“Of course, a quick decision on the engine would help. Preferably by the end of April.”

[MIKA27]

Wolff: Rather be conservative than an idiot

Toto Wolff insists Mercedes would rather order their drivers to hold station than look "like an idiot" if they crash into each other.

Team orders made headlines in the wake of the Malaysian GP when both Red Bull and Mercedes issued them.

But while Sebastian Vettel chose to ignore his team, Nico Rosberg obeyed, staying put behind Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton went on to complete the podium behind the Bulls, who almost collided when Vettel attacked Mark Webber.

And Wolff reckons it is that near-collision between the Bulls that highlighted the reason why team orders are issued.

"As a racing driver, deep inside him [Rosberg] is not happy about it," the Merc executive director told Autosport "But he understands why that call was made.

"We are all grown ups and they are grown up. They are professional sportsmen and they understand that sometimes there can be a certain controversy in a certain situation.

"Obviously as a race driver you are not happy because you could have gone faster, but you also have to bear in mind that it is about the team also, and where the team came from.

"Imagine the two Red Bulls crashing; you look like an idiot and he looks like an idiot. So we took a conservative approach. Because of where we were last year, it was a good call."

The Austrian is confident that his drivers won't hold any grudges over the decision as the air has already been cleared with Wolff and team boss Ross Brawn.

"We have sorted it out after the race, Ross and I sat down with the drivers and there is no issue any more.

"I am really happy that we don't have this problem; that we have two team-mates who have a good relationship with each other; that we have a driver like Nico who has accepted a call that was not satisfying for him.

"We have no controversy in the team."

[MIKA27]

Silverstone intent on avoiding 2012 repeat

Silverstone bosses are determined to avoid a repeat of last year's chaos, which saw fans told to stay away on Saturday as the rain turned the venue into mud.

Last season Silverstone organisers faced the embarrassment of having to ask spectators with tickets for Saturday's qualifying not to attend.

This decision was made as torrential rain caused havoc and the organised hoped to salvage the car parks for Sunday's race.

This season, though, the organisers insist they have learnt their lessons and are putting more money towards shuttle services, improving drainage and the camping and parking areas.

"We are investing significant time and money to further improve the fans' British Grand Prix experience," said Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone.

"We want to ensure there is no repeat of the weather-related issues that affected some fans on the Friday of last year's event."

Phillips added that he is expecting a sell-out crowd this season as fans come out to support Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Paul di Resta and rookie driver Max Chilton.

"If the first two races are anything to go by, it's going to be a breathtaking season.

"Last year's British Grand Prix attracted an outstanding attendance of 297,000 over all three days, despite the extreme weather conditions."

"If the drivers maintain this level of excitement, I'm sure we will be looking at another capacity crowd at the end of June.

"With four British drivers to cheer on, the atmosphere promises to be electric."

The British Grand Prix takes place from June 28th to the 30th.

[MIKA27]

Van der Garde to 'lose' four FP1s

Giedo van der Garde could sit out as many as four sessions as Caterham run reserve drivers in Friday practices.

The 27-year-old rookie joined Caterham at the start of this season, securing a best result of P15 in the Malaysian Grand Prix.

However, van der Garde's preparations will take a knock in Bahrain and at three other events as he hands his car over to either Alexander Rossi or Ma Qing Hua.

The Dutchman, though, doesn't begrudge the reserve drivers as it was a Friday role that helped him secure his Caterham drive.

"As it stands I will lose four Friday sessions," van der Garde told GPUpdate.net.

"The first one I won't be driving is Bahrain.

"I would have rather be driving these sessions myself and get as much track time as possible, but this is in the contract and I'm sure it will be good experience for these guys.

"I had that same role with the team last year and because of the work I did then, I earned this race seat."

[MIKA27]

Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg's Malaysian GP drive vindicated his signing

Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn believes Nico Hulkenberg's drive in the Malaysian Grand Prix was the kind of performance that shows the team was right to hire him.

The German put on a strong showing at Sepang to score his first points with Sauber after finishing in eighth position, ahead of the McLaren of Sergio Perez and right behind the Lotus duo.

Hulkenberg had been unable to start the season-opening race in Australia because of a car problem.

Kaltenborn praised Hulkenberg's fighting spirit throughout the race.

"Of course you can see it's tough for us to keep certain cars behind us but I think that Nico did a very good job and fought as well as he could. I think he showed his skills and proved the reason why we've taken him," said Kaltenborn.

"We see in him a very efficient driver and a fast driver. He made use of what he could with the car and I was quite impressed that he did try to hang on that long to the Lotus.

"He fought a lot but still he could hang on to them, which was very good."

Sauber enjoyed one of its strongest season to date last year, finishing in sixth position in the standings after four podiums.

The Swiss squad has so far been unable to start a race from the top 10 this year, but Kaltenborn remains bullish about the potential of its car.

[MIKA27]

Hamilton: 'It's not fun having to nurse tyres'

Lewis Hamilton has added his voice to the tyre criticism chorus, saying it isn't fun to continually nurse the tyres throughout the race.

Pirelli has come under pressure to adapt their compounds or revert back to the 2012-spec tyres following official complaints from both Mercedes and Red Bull.

Hamilton admitted the situation had become difficult for the drivers to the point where racing isn't as enjoyable as it was when they could continually push each and every lap without tyre concerns.

"These tyres make it very hard [for the drivers]," said the 2008 champion. "It's very difficult to make them last and particularly for me in Malaysia, I wasn't really able to make my tyres last as much as I wanted. I was fuel saving from an early point in the race which lost me a lot of time but generally these tyres make it... it's not fun, I didn't enjoy the race," he admitted.

The 28-year-old says strategy is playing a more important role than ever, hinting that he'd prefer a return to the more durable days when it was "pure speed racing."

"It's not the same as back in the day when you had stints where you are pushing to the maximum the whole time, you had tyres that would last.

"Now you're just... it's like you have a hundred dollars and you have to spend it wisely over a period of time. It makes racing a lot different.

"It's more strategic rather than pure speed racing."