FORMULA 1 - 2013

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'Sutil must remain strong'

Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley is confident Adrian Sutil has the "mental strength" to deal with the misfortune that has come his way.

Sutil's comeback got off to the perfect start in Australia where he finished seventh after leading the grand prix. Since then, though, he has failed to score a single point.

Wheel nut issues put him out of the Malaysian GP while one race later Esteban Gutierrez crashed into him, forcing him to retire.

A puncture in Bahrain and a right rear wheel nut issue in Spain again cost the German dearly and he finished both races down in 13th place.

But despite his woes, Fernley believes the 30-year-old will bounce back.

"I felt really sorry for him, because he had the fourth quickest race pace. He would finished fourth or fifth," he said.

"Unfortunately it's one of those things.

"When was the last time Sahara Force India had a crossed threaded wheel nut? These things just seem to happen at the moment.

"He's just got to be strong and get through it, and it will all come back in the right way.

"As I said to Adrian, 'That's why we employ you, because you've got the mental strength to deal with it.'"

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Giedo: Still scope to improve

Giedo van der Garde is adamant there is still "some scope" for Caterham to improve their CT03.

Introducing their first major upgrade at last Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, Caterham showed signs of progress in their battle with Marussia.

While the Malaysian team had initially been lagging behind, in Barcelona van der Garde qualified ahead of both Marussias while on the Sunday his team-mate Charles Pic beat their rival backmarkers.

"There is still some scope, absolutely," the Dutchman told ESPNF1.

"So we have to see what we have to do and how we can fix it because at the moment it is not there completely.

"I think to be honest we will make another step during the season and hopefully it will be as good as this one.

"But still I think we have to optimise this and then we will have more potential and we will be faster, but the team is pushing hard so that is why I'm very happy with it."

This is a sentiment echoed by his team-mate Pic, who says there is still some way to go with the CT03.

"What I know is that for sure the car is not optimised now," he said. "But then after, I don't know if we optimise it what it will give."

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Minardi: Youngsters need more track time

Former team boss Gian Carlo Minardi has called on F1 to reinstate Friday practice sessions for rookie drivers, saying they are not getting the time they need.

During the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo spoke about the Scuderia's desire to see in-season testing return. Other teams, though, are against the idea.

However, the lack of testing, with teams limited to just 12 days, has had a severe impact on F1's rookie racers who, Minardi insists, need more time out on track.

"I've always supported the importance of cutting down costs in other fields, without penalising private testing which play an important role: satisfying young drivers. A driver has to run at least 3-5000 km before knowing his car," said the Italian.

"According to present regulations, that is almost impossible to do. Moreover, at the beginning of the racing season, most of the circuits young drivers have to race at are almost unknown to the majority of them.

"If we want to ensure a generation change, we'll have to give these young guys the opportunity to practice. I hope that what Mr.

Montezemolo said will be soon supported by facts. That would mean that more and more attention will be focused on young drivers, who will have the chance to express themselves and display their potential through on-track practice.

"I've been supporting the idea of reintroducing Friday free practices for rookie racers, for a long time. We don't have to forget that racers such as Vettel and Kubica (only to mention a few) caught the attention of racing experts just thanks to free practices."

Minardi highlighted Sauber rookie Esteban Gutierrez's plight as proof that drivers need more time to learn their craft.

"Before blaming Gutierrez, more time should have been given to him to express himself. Now the team has to make him work quietly.

"It would be extremely unfair to pan him now, only after 5 GP, he mostly run on unknown tracks. Unfortunately he didn't have the opportunity to prepare for racing at best."

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Horner non-committal on Webber's future

Mark Webber is facing a period of both pressure and opportunity should the Aussie want to extend his stay at Red Bull, according to team boss Christian Horner.

Sebastian Vettel has again emerged as Red Bull's leading driver this season, claiming two race victories - by means fair or foul - while Webber has yet to get off the mark.

As such the German is leading the Drivers' Championship on 89 points with Webber is sixth place having bagged less than half his team-mate's points.

It remains to be seen whether this season will be 36-year-old Webber's last in Formula One as the Malaysian GP controversy put a damper on his relationship with Vettel and the team.

However, it may not be Webber's choice as to whether he goes or not as Horner says the next few races could decide his future.

Asked by Sky Sports News if the upcoming races were a "period of opportunity or one of additional pressure" for Webber, his team boss said: "It's probably both.

"At the end of the day there is pressure to perform, but that exists for all the drivers. Monaco is a circuit that Mark in particular enjoys and excels at so hopefully he can have a very strong run there."

Horner, though, insists it is still too early to talk about his potential 2014 driver line-up as the season is just five races old.

"We're only five races in and just a quarter of the season through this Championship," he added.

"Our decisions regarding drivers will be made in the summer and Mark, if he's delivering and motivated and has the desire to continue, of course [as] a driver that we know and achieved so much with us we'll consider very, very closely.

"But no decisions will be made about drivers until later in the summer."

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Sauber pressing on with updates

Sauber will have further updates for their C32 when they race around the streets of Monte Carlo next weekend.

Sauber have managed just five points in five grands prix as the team has battled - and failed - to recreate the magic of last season when they achieved four top-three results.

As such the midfield outfit introduced several updates for their car in Barcelona where Esteban Gutierrez narrowly missed out on his first point, finishing 11th.

Heading to Monaco next weekend, Sauber will once again be trying out new parts in a bid to get back on track.

"We have some further updated aero parts to add to the package we took to Barcelona," revealed Tom McCullough, Sauber's head of track engineering.

"Coming off the back of our better race pace in Barcelona, our aim is to qualify stronger, as this is particularly important in Monaco where overtaking is so difficult.

"The circuit in Monaco is a real challenge for the drivers and the team. The track improves throughout the weekend and it's important to give the drivers a set-up that gives them confidence as the barriers are very close."

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Whitmarsh: From hero to zero very quickly

Martin Whitmarsh has adopted a "fairly philosophical" attitude as he continues to be questioned about his role as McLaren's team boss.

Whitmarsh has come in for a barrage of criticism due to McLaren's poor start to this season that has left the Woking team down in sixth place after five grands prix.

However, the McLaren team boss says if the company finds someone better for the job, he'll get over it.

"I've always had a fairly philosophical outlook," he told the Telegraph. "I take the view: 'I'm in the job - if there is someone better, get them.'

"I'll go and do something else. I haven't needed to have this position to be who I am or to achieve what I have wanted."

He added: "I keep myself balanced. That makes you, if not cavalier, at least bolder.

"I'm in a career where the shareholders can decide tomorrow that they want to bring in someone better, that they don't like me any more, and I'm out.

"This is a private company and the shareholders can get rid of me this afternoon if they wish. I might be shocked for a few hours, and then realise that life moves on."

Life, though, is not the only thing that moves on as F1 also changes - and very quickly - as Whitmarsh is well aware.

While for the last few years the team has been fighting to finish on the Championship podium, this season McLaren are battling just to finish in the points.

"Formula One is often a very chastening experience. You go from hero to zero very quickly," said the 55-year-old.

"Since 1966 we have won 186 grands prix, more than any other team over that period, and I have been around for more than 100. That's what we expect of ourselves.

"If people give us aggravation, then rest assured we give ourselves worse. I don't like turning up at a race without the genuine belief that we can win. That's why I go motor racing.

"So this is not a comfortable or sustainable position. But it increases the determination to sort it out."

McLaren, though, are at least on a run of 62 consecutive points-finishes with Whitmarsh contemplating extreme measures should someone end it.

"You think you're going to throttle somebody if they're responsible for ending it. That's how we're hardwired."

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Kimi: Not a nightmare but not happy

Kimi Raikkonen says he won't be happy until he is leading the Championship despite a spate of runner-up results putting him second on the log.

The 2007 World Champion has made an impressive start to this season, his second with Lotus, winning the opening race in Australia.

The Finn, though, has failed to repeat that feat since but is still second in the standings, four points behind Sebastian Vettel, after a hat-trick of runner-up finishes.

"We're not in first place so we can't be too happy," he said.

"For sure it's not a nightmare, but we've still got a lot of races yet to come and anything can happen in Formula 1.

"Monaco's a different challenge, so we'll have to see what happens there this year."

Last year Raikkkonen had a difficult time in Monaco as he qualified just eighth on a track that is notoriously difficult to overtake on.

Added to that the Finn was hampered by his own race-pace while also being impeded by Sergio Perez. He finished P9.

This season Raikkonen is hoping for better.

"We certainly won't make the mistakes we made last time. There were a few things we didn't do right over the weekend and we suffered because of that.

"Sometimes that's the way it goes, but the important thing is not to make the same mistakes again."

Another important aspect is to secure a starting position higher up the order with the 33-year-old admitting Lotus have to "focus on qualifying.

"It's a difficult place to race as it's so narrow and - as I said before - passing is nearly impossible.

"We'll have to see how the tyres perform and if there are any good strategies to be made, but the most important thing is to qualify well.

"It's difficult to know how good the car will be in Monaco as you can't simulate its characteristics; certainly not at any of the circuits we've visited so far this year anyway.

"We can say the E21's been fast everywhere else so let's hope it's also fast there."

Qualifying, however, has not be his E21's strong point as the Finn has secured just one front row starting position and one second row grid slot.

"We'll do the best we can, but of course everyone will be trying to be on the front row. It's not impossible for us, but we won't know how good we are until we get there.

"We know that tyre changes have to be made so there are opportunities if you run a different strategy to your rivals, but it's certainly more difficult here than anywhere else."

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Ferrari: There’s nothing new about winning a race making many pit stops

Ferrari has sided with Lotus in criticising the decision by Pirelli to impose mid-season tyre tweaks, following early-season criticism, culminating in the furore after Barcelona where the Maranello team won.

Pirelli announced it is making key changes to its controversial 2013 tyres for next month’s Canadian Grand Prix and beyond.

Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez was the first to react, likening the change to widening football goals because one team was always striking the post.

Now, in the anonymous ‘Horse Whisperer’ column posted on the official Ferrari website, Ferrari has lashed out at those who claim four-stop strategies in Formula 1 show that the tyres are too extreme.

Undoubtedly, the Ferrari writer is referring to the kind of criticism made by world champions Red Bull.

“It’s a shame that these worthy souls kept quiet two years ago when, at the very same Catalunya circuit and on the Istanbul track, five of the six drivers who got to those two podiums made exactly the same number of pitstops,” the column read.

Ferrari also recalled the 2004 French Grand Prix, when Michael Schumacher won at Magny Cours with a four-stopper that left Ferrari and Bridgestone “showered with praise” within the paddock.

“Today however, it seems one must almost feel ashamed for choosing a strategy that, as always for that matter, is aimed at getting the most out of the package one has available,” the column added.

This is the full transcript by Ferrari team’s Horse Whisperer:

These are difficult times for people with poor memories. Maybe it’s because of the huge amount of information available today that people are too quick to talk, forgetting things that happened pretty much in the recent past. Or maybe the brain cells that control memory only operate selectively, depending on the results achieved on track by their owners.

A classic example of this is the current saga regarding the number of pit stops. Voices have been raised to underline the fact that various teams, some of whom got to the podium and others who were quite a way off, made four pit stops in the recent Spanish Grand Prix, making the race hard to follow.

It’s a shame that these worthy souls kept quiet two years ago when, at the very same Catalunya Circuit and on the Istanbul track, five of the six drivers who got to those two podiums made exactly the same number of pit stops as did Alonso and Massa last Sunday in the Spanish Grand Prix.

In fact, there’s nothing new about winning a race making so many pit stops, even discounting those where it was down to changeable weather. One only has to look back to 2004, when Michael Schumacher won the French Grand Prix thanks to what was a three stop strategy, later changed to a four stopper.

That was the key which allowed the multiple champion’s F2004 to get ahead of the then Renault driver, Fernando Alonso, who made three stops. And on that day and we remember it well, our strategy and the tyre supplier were showered with praise for allowing us to get the most out of the car.

Today however, it seems one must almost feel ashamed for choosing a strategy that, as always for that matter, is aimed at getting the most out of the package one has available. On top of that, if this choice emerges right from the Friday, because all the simulations are unanimous in selecting it, then why on earth should one feel embarrassed when compared to those who have gone for a different choice, only to regret it during the race itself.

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Lauda: Speaking as a neutral I say Pirelli changes are very positive

Mercedes F1 team share holder Niki Lauda has hailed Pirelli’s move to alter the design of its 2013 tyres ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix next month and beyond.

Lotus, arguably the team with the best grip on the Italian supplier’s controversial tyres this year, is not happy with the decision.

“It’s clear that Pirelli have found themselves in a difficult situation and under pressure from different quarters,” team boss Eric Boullier said. ”I hope they (the changes) are not too extreme.”

Within the pitlane, the bulk of the ‘pressure’ put on Pirelli came from Red Bull and Mercedes.

Mercedes’ W04 is perhaps the fastest car in the entire field over one lap this year, but it chews alarmingly through the tyres over a race distance.

Asked what he thinks of Pirelli’s change of tack for Canada and beyond, chairman Lauda said: “This is very positive, and I’m speaking as a neutral observer and not the Mercedes chairman.

“No one understands what’s going on anymore, and there are no more man-to-man fights, because everyone is just focused on the tyres. It can’t be the intention of racing that the slowest man wins,” the Austrian told Osterreich.

“Everyone is just hoping he gets into the window where the tyres work, and often it’s a coincidence only,” added Lauda.

Former driver Mika Salo, meanwhile, has played down Lotus’ fears the team will be overly disadvantaged by the Montreal tweak.

Backing the move, the Finn told MTV3 broadcaster: “There didn’t seem to be any drivers left who were happy with the tyres. It was clear that something was wrong with them.

“But I don’t think it’s anything for Lotus to panic about, as they were also good on last year’s tyres.

“If they are able to use the tyres better now, then they will also use these (new) tyres better,” added Salo.

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Most teams unable to afford 2014 F1 V6 turbo engines

Most current Formula 1 teams cannot afford to pay the prices being quoted by engine manufacturers for next year’s all new V6 turbo engines.

That is the claim of the German newspaper Bild, insisting that grandees Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes aside, the other seven teams are balking at the price demanded by Formula 1′s three V6 suppliers Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes.

“Even in Barcelona,” said Bild correspondent Helmut Uhl, “you could feel the strange, invisible tension.”

He wrote that, world champions and ‘works’ partner Red Bull aside, 2014 customers Williams, Caterham, Toro Rosso and even the highly competitive Lotus cannot afford to pay French supplier Renault the fee of EUR 23 million per season.

Mercedes, supplying McLaren and Force India, has reportedly lowered its price to between 18 and 20 million, while Sauber and Marussia are being asked for 15m by Ferrari.

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McLaren adamant they will not share Mercedes secrets with Honda

McLaren has played down suggestions Honda will unfairly benefit from the British team’s continuing collaboration with Mercedes next year, before the Japanese company returns to supply F1 engines to the Woking squad.

It was announced in Tokyo on Thursday that McLaren will be powered by ‘works’ turbo V6 engines provided by Honda from 2015.

But, before then, McLaren will run with customer Mercedes power next year, as the sport switches to the all-new and radical engine regulations.

The situation has raised some red flags: will the development of Honda’s new V6 benefit from the insight gained from the ongoing McLaren-Mercedes pairing?

Is Mercedes’ intellectual property in danger?

“We have discussed that at length with Mercedes,” said McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale, “and we have made sure Mercedes has all the comfort it needs.

“It is not in Honda’s interests either,” he insisted. “Honda is very honourable as an organisation, as is Mercedes. McLaren will operate in a scrupulous way between both of those two organisations.”

Neale said it is in both Mercedes and McLaren’s interests to ensure the 2014 collaboration – prior to the shift to Honda – is successful.

“We need each other to be successful, so we have a confidence in our partnership,” he added.

“We recognise there is mutual dependency. Although we are competitive on circuit, behind the scenes there is the highest of regard between the two organisations.”

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Monaco Grand Prix: Marussia preview Monte Carlo

The Marussia F1 Team is gearing up for one of the highlights of the Formula 1 season – the Monaco Grand Prix – next weekend (23-26 May), where Jules Bianchi will also celebrate his home race.

Jules was born in Nice, France, just a little further along the coast from the principality and still maintains close ties to the area. He has raced in Monaco previously in the junior formulae but he will be especially proud to line up on the grid in a Formula 1 car for the first time in front of close friends and family.

Jules Bianchi, Driver #22

“When I was nine or ten years old and used to go to watch the Monaco Grand Prix, I could never have imagined that one day I would be racing here myself. So much of this season is a dream come true but next weekend is certainly one of the highlights for me. It’s a unique race, a fantastic experience on and off the track and the atmosphere is very special. I would like to think that we can have a strong weekend after some positive signs with the new upgrade in Spain. We were not able to make the best of it on race day there but I hope for better things in Monaco.”

Max Chilton, Driver #23

“I can’t wait for my first Monaco Grand Prix experience at the wheel of a Formula 1 car. It’s shaping up to be quite a weekend so I hope we can put on a good show for the benefit of all the partners and guests who are making the trip there. It’s a fascinating track and everything can turn on a knife-edge because of factors like the close proximity of the barriers and the importance of qualifying ahead of our immediate competitors. Although this is a very different challenge to Spain, I hope we can carry through some of the benefits we saw from the new developments last time out and have a better showing in Monaco. I have been preparing in the simulator this week and I’m feeling positive about our potential there.”

John Booth, Team Principal, Marussia F1 Team

“The Monaco Grand Prix is always one of the highlights of the season, for our Team, our Partners and the fans. Racing around the tight and twisty streets is an unparalleled experience for any driver and Jules and Max are both very excited and looking to the race weekend with confidence after spending time in the simulator. Jules is also very fortunate to count this as his home Grand Prix and racing so close to the place he grew up in will no doubt be very special for him. It’s a track which really showcases a driver’s ability so we look forward to seeing more of the obvious potential of both of our drivers shining through again. Monaco will not be without its challenges I’m sure and there will be the same heavy focus on tyre management. We do have a few minor developments however, which we hope will keep us moving in the right direction.”

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Monaco Grand Prix: Red Bull preview Monte Carlo

Red Bull drivers preview the Monaco Grand Prix, Round 6 of the 2013 Formula 1 world championship, on the streets of Monte Carlo.

Sebastian Vettel: Monaco is one of my favourite tracks and driving it is an absolute challenge. You can’t even make the smallest mistake; if you do, you’re lucky if it’s just that your lap time is bad. If you’re not paying attention, you’ll end up in the barrier. Overtaking is possible, but only with risk – the best place for that is before the chicane. We come out of the narrow tunnel at more than 300kph and race to the first gear-chicane – whoever brakes later wins. Ideally you have a good qualifying session and start from far forward

Mark Webber: Monaco is still the one to win. I take a lot of pride in the success that I’ve had at the track over the years and my win in 2012 was certainly one of the toughest victories of my career. There were a few different strategies going on because the tyres were lasting longer than we expected and to complicate matters it started to rain at the end of the race. But I kept it on the island and took a very satisfying victory. Monaco is such a challenging venue that you’re not really racing other people; it’s you against the track. You get away with nothing, which means you’re more concerned with the circuit than the people around you. If it doesn’t rain, the grip level increases throughout the weekend as more rubber goes down. You have to get your head around that because it’s difficult to know how much harder you can push from one session to the next. It’s also a real momentum weekend; you need to be on a roll going into qualifying and that means exploring the limits in practice. There’s always a great atmosphere at this race. When you walk from the paddock to the pitlane everyone on the hill is shouting at you. That’s something we don’t get at other venues and the interaction with the fans is very enjoyable. I’m not big on all the **** and glamour, but the Monaco Grand Prix a unique sporting event. It’s not as tacky as you might think; they do it right, although you wouldn’t want every race to be like this. I tell people that if they’re going to go to one race, they should go to Monaco.

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Monaco Grand Prix: Sauber preview Monte Carlo

The Sauber F1 Team looks forward to the Monaco Grand Prix. After the upgrades the team took to Barcelona were a step in the right direction, further updates will follow in Monaco. Sauber F1 Team drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Gutiérrez can’t wait to drive the C32 around one of the oldest tracks on the calendar. Nico is confident the soft and super soft tyre compounds, that will be used in Monaco, suit the car well. After leading a GP for the first time and recording the fastest lap of the race, Esteban wants to continue where he left off.

Nico Hülkenberg (car number 11):

“I’m really looking forward to the Monaco Grand Prix. The circuit along with the backdrop of the principality are just fantastic, and the atmosphere is one of the best in the season. The track is one of a kind with extremely narrow streets that will punish every little mistake. This is a great challenge between me, the car and the track, and I always have a lot of fun driving there. In terms of performance, I’m quite positive. We’ve seen that the softer tyre compounds suit us quite well, which gives me confidence we’ll have a good weekend.”

Esteban Gutiérrez (car number 12):

“Driving on the limit through the narrow streets of Monaco is something special that I am really looking forward to. It’s one of my favourite tracks. I’ve driven there in GP2 twice and competing there in a Formula One car will be even more challenging and interesting. It’s a high down force track with a lot of slow corners, and management of the rear tyres will be crucial. After the positive race in Barcelona, I am focusing on building on my performance there.”

Tom McCullough, Head of Track Engineering:

“The circuit in Monaco is a real challenge for the drivers and the team. The track improves throughout the weekend and it’s important to give the drivers a set-up that gives them confidence as the barriers are very close. For Esteban it will be his first experience in a F1 car in Monaco, but his GP2 experience has given him a good reference. This will be the first race of the season where we use both the soft and super-soft tyres. We have some further updated aero parts to add to the package we took to Barcelona. Coming off the back of our better race pace in Barcelona, our aim is to qualify stronger, as this is particularly important in Monaco where overtaking is so difficult.”

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Monaco Grand Prix: Mercedes preview Monte Carlo

Formula One’s most famous race, the Monaco Grand Prix, takes place around the streets of the principality on Sunday 26 May for the 71st time.

• Just three of the past 30 Monaco Grands Prix have been won by a car starting outside the top three
  
• The race has a very high 80% risk of Safety Car intervention with a total of 14 Safety Car periods in the past ten years
  
• Last year’s race featured just 25 pit stops for tyres, the second lowest figure of the entire season (after Austin, 24 stops)
  
• Only three DRS overtakes took place at the last three races combined, and 21 competitive non-DRS passes
  

Nico Rosberg

Monaco is always a fantastic weekend and it’s great to race in the city where I live. Knowing that all my family and friends are watching makes it very special and I love being able to drive from home into the paddock on a scooter! The surroundings definitely make Monaco the coolest track on the calendar and the atmosphere over the weekend is great. I have good memories from the race last year after finishing in second place and I hope we can get another good result this time around. At the moment we have a good car for qualifying which helps in Monaco as it’s the most important qualifying session of the year as track position is so important. So that might be helpful for us but there are so many unknowns, especially with the tyres, so we will just have to wait and see.

Lewis Hamilton

Whilst there hasn’t been a lot of time since Barcelona, we’ve been working hard to put the disappointment of the last race behind us and focus on the opportunities ahead. Monaco is one of my favourite races of the year and I love driving the streets there. As a driver, you know that you have to perform on every single lap and it’s a challenge that I really enjoy. It’s a real experience to see the barriers flashing past at high speed and I love the fact that the fans can get so close to the track making for a great atmosphere. Perhaps more than at many other tracks, qualifying and getting the best possible track position is crucial in Monaco, but we have to keep our focus on Sunday as well and keep working to improve our race pace. Everyone is working really hard and I know we can get there. We just need to keep motivated and work it out together.

Ross Brawn

Monaco is a not usually a race to which teams bring many updates because the track conditions change so much across the weekend. The priority is always to get the drivers comfortable with the unique challenge the circuit presents and to give them a set-up they feel confident pushing to the limit. Both Nico and Lewis have historically been incredibly competitive in Monaco and this weekend will certainly allow their talent to shine. The engineering team will be focused on getting the most from our car on the slow, bumpy layout and there will of course be particular emphasis on achieving tyre consistency and durability. Meanwhile, our work continues back at Brackley and Brixworth to fully understand the reasons for our below-par race performance in Barcelona, in order to develop the right solutions for the upcoming circuits where high tyre usage could once again be a limitation for us.

Toto Wolff

Monaco is the most famous race in our sport and a special moment of every Formula One season. The narrow streets will give our drivers the perfect opportunity to display their talents and, historically, the team’s cars have performed strongly there in terms of pure speed. However, it is clear to everybody in the team that, while we have a strong car right now, we are not able to use that performance properly on Sunday afternoon. Although overtaking in Monaco is difficult, we cannot afford to be complacent in terms of tyre management and we will need to do significantly better than we managed in Barcelona in order to score a strong result. We have only scored points with one of our cars at the past three races and this is something we must improve quickly, beginning next weekend in Monte-Carlo.

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Formula E series targets reverse calendar for debut season in 2014

There has been a raft of activity recently around the new FIA Formula E series, set to debut in 2014.

Agag says the new zero emission motor sport championship is targeting a reverse calendar to F1, which will see the series start in September and end in June.

Also recently the series announced that Bangkok, Thailand is a candidate for one of the two remaining slots on the 2014 calendar.

The city is close to a Formula 1 night race and Formula E is dealing with the same promoter. Formula E has received formal letters of interest from 23 cities across five continents. The final calendar will be presented to the FIA for its approval at its World Motor Sport Council meeting in September this year.

The championship is set to start in September 2014 with 10 city centre races – eight of which have already been announced in the form of London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Beijing, Putrajaya (Malaysia), Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer has also joined the series as a global partner.

Agag, whose BARWA ADDAX team won the GP2 teams title in 2008 and 2011, added that he hopes to unveil the electric car which teams will race in the inaugural season this September at Frankfurt Motor Show, before giving the machine its first run in public in October.

“We are seriously considering a calendar which goes the other way of other motorsport championships, with a start in September through to June like sports such as football,” Agag stated. “It’s gives us a unique position. We could race when other racing championships are not there.”

The Formula E races will feature single seater cars, with the initial design for the car pictured below, powered exclusively by electric energy. For the first season, teams will use a car supplied by a single manufacturer, but from the second year onwards, Agag wants to encourage other manufacturers to enter the sport.

“We will use the same car for everyone in first year, but we want it to be an open championship so we will invite other manufacturers to join in year two,” he said.

Races will last an hour and will feature the drivers swapping cars after 20 minutes, because that is how long the current generation battery will last.

Drivers will return to their original car after 40 minutes when it has been charged, for a final burst. Moving forward, Agag hopes the technology will improve to the point where a car swap to enable a recharge won’t be necessary.

“Races that last 20 minutes would be too short,” said Agag. “People may feel curious about the concept of swapping cars but this will change as we show the development of batteries. In the second season, the battery will last 30 minutes and in the third season 40 minutes. We will then probably not need to swap car and people will be able to see the advance in battery technologies.”

It’s this kind of technological advancement and sustainable approach to racing which Agag hopes will ensure the future of the championship.

“We think the sustainability angle is the key attractive element,” he said. “It is sustainable and the championship will have a positive effect on the quality of air in host cities, by promoting the use of electric cars.”

In line with that mantra, Michelin, who won the tender to be the championship’s tyre supplier, want to apply whole new technology to championship. “Michelin want to create long lasting tyres, green tyres which make cars go for longer with better economy and cost the consumer less,” added Agag.

The promoter also wants to bring fans closer to the action by having the pit lane further away from the track and allowing spectators to get up close along a long pit lane entry, which could be around 500m.

“As the cars won’t be going that quick in that area, we are talking to the FIA about not have fences so that the public can get closer,” he said. “We are working on many different things like this and adapting them to the city environment.”

One of those things Agag mentions is bringing the sport to another demographic through online gaming.

“We are working very hard on an online, real-time video game,” he said. “It’s a huge technology. We want kids to be able to play with a shadow car in real time during the race. That will catch the attention of a different segment of the market.

“When today’s kids buy a car, the first car they buy could be an electric car if they have been playing with an electric car computer game or they have been watching an electric racing car in a championship. They will be more inclined to buy electric so it’s a long term project.”

[CanuckSARTech]

Formula E series targets reverse calendar for debut season in 2014

There has been a raft of activity recently around the new FIA Formula E series, set to debut in 2014.

Agag says the new zero emission motor sport championship is targeting a reverse calendar to F1, which will see the series start in September and end in June.

Also recently the series announced that Bangkok, Thailand is a candidate for one of the two remaining slots on the 2014 calendar.

The city is close to a Formula 1 night race and Formula E is dealing with the same promoter. Formula E has received formal letters of interest from 23 cities across five continents. The final calendar will be presented to the FIA for its approval at its World Motor Sport Council meeting in September this year.

The championship is set to start in September 2014 with 10 city centre races – eight of which have already been announced in the form of London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Beijing, Putrajaya (Malaysia), Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer has also joined the series as a global partner.

Agag, whose BARWA ADDAX team won the GP2 teams title in 2008 and 2011, added that he hopes to unveil the electric car which teams will race in the inaugural season this September at Frankfurt Motor Show, before giving the machine its first run in public in October.

“We are seriously considering a calendar which goes the other way of other motorsport championships, with a start in September through to June like sports such as football,” Agag stated. “It’s gives us a unique position. We could race when other racing championships are not there.”

The Formula E races will feature single seater cars, with the initial design for the car pictured below, powered exclusively by electric energy. For the first season, teams will use a car supplied by a single manufacturer, but from the second year onwards, Agag wants to encourage other manufacturers to enter the sport.

“We will use the same car for everyone in first year, but we want it to be an open championship so we will invite other manufacturers to join in year two,” he said.

Races will last an hour and will feature the drivers swapping cars after 20 minutes, because that is how long the current generation battery will last.

Drivers will return to their original car after 40 minutes when it has been charged, for a final burst. Moving forward, Agag hopes the technology will improve to the point where a car swap to enable a recharge won’t be necessary.

“Races that last 20 minutes would be too short,” said Agag. “People may feel curious about the concept of swapping cars but this will change as we show the development of batteries. In the second season, the battery will last 30 minutes and in the third season 40 minutes. We will then probably not need to swap car and people will be able to see the advance in battery technologies.”

It’s this kind of technological advancement and sustainable approach to racing which Agag hopes will ensure the future of the championship.

“We think the sustainability angle is the key attractive element,” he said. “It is sustainable and the championship will have a positive effect on the quality of air in host cities, by promoting the use of electric cars.”

In line with that mantra, Michelin, who won the tender to be the championship’s tyre supplier, want to apply whole new technology to championship. “Michelin want to create long lasting tyres, green tyres which make cars go for longer with better economy and cost the consumer less,” added Agag.

The promoter also wants to bring fans closer to the action by having the pit lane further away from the track and allowing spectators to get up close along a long pit lane entry, which could be around 500m.

“As the cars won’t be going that quick in that area, we are talking to the FIA about not have fences so that the public can get closer,” he said. “We are working on many different things like this and adapting them to the city environment.”

One of those things Agag mentions is bringing the sport to another demographic through online gaming.

“We are working very hard on an online, real-time video game,” he said. “It’s a huge technology. We want kids to be able to play with a shadow car in real time during the race. That will catch the attention of a different segment of the market.

“When today’s kids buy a car, the first car they buy could be an electric car if they have been playing with an electric car computer game or they have been watching an electric racing car in a championship. They will be more inclined to buy electric so it’s a long term project.”

I think this is a bit stupid.

It makes more sense to develop a swap-out capability for the battery packs instead. Then, just to have multiples of those, charged and ready, and then swap them out during a pit stop, similar to changing tires (yes, correct spelling ) and fuel fills.

To change cars multiple times seems like it will take out the driver's benefit of getting a car's setup working harmoniously, and could just lead to more exponential issues, IMO.

[MIKA27]

I think this is a bit stupid.

It makes more sense to develop a swap-out capability for the battery packs instead. Then, just to have multiples of those, charged and ready, and then swap them out during a pit stop, similar to changing tires (yes, correct spelling ) and fuel fills.

To change cars multiple times seems like it will take out the driver's benefit of getting a car's setup working harmoniously, and could just lead to more exponential issues, IMO.

Keith - I completely agree with all you said bud.

[Lotusguy]

Bring back the tyre wars!

+1M!!

[MIKA27]

BMW have 'no intention' of returning

Although Bernie Ecclestone wouldn't be "surprised" if BMW returned to F1, the German company has denied plans.

Last Wednesday, Honda confirmed that they would return to Formula One in 2015, supplying 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engines to McLaren.

And Ecclestone believes Honda's comeback could inspire one from BMW, who left F1 t the end of the 2009 season, selling their BMW F1 team back to previous owner Peter Sauber.

"I would be surprised if we don't see BMW again," Ecclestone told City A.M. "I think they could come in.

"The amount of money they spent was not significant in the grand scheme of things. It makes sense for them to return."

BMW, though, insist they have no plans of making a comeback.

"I don't know with whom Bernie spoke," motorsport boss Jens Marquardt told Autosport."We are right on top of our current programme, namely DTM.

"In GT sports cars at the Nordschleife and in ALMS as well as customer sport programmes we are posting super results.

"We have absolutely no intention of looking at other categories. We made a conscious decision to withdraw from Formula 1.

"We orientated ourselves around that which our customers recognise as being BMW. There is no reason to alter this concept. It is currently running very well."

[MIKA27]

Massa: We must improve qualifying

Felipe Massa admits Ferrari are "well aware" of their qualifying issues after achieving just one front row start this season.

In five races, only Massa has made it onto the front row of the grid, a feat the Brazilian achieved in Malaysia.

Last time out in Spain, despite putting both cars on the podium, Ferrari qualified a disappointing fifth and ninth, leaving Fernando Alonso and Massa with a lot to do on the Sunday.

"Overall, it's been a positive start," Massa said during a Ferrari demo run in Warsaw over the weekend.

"In some races we did very well, while in others, Bahrain for example, we had a few problems which cost us valuable points.

"We have seen an all-round improvement this year, from the car to the way the team works and we have shown we are competitive, but clearly we can still improve, especially in qualifying.

"We are well aware of this and working towards that goal."

The next race on the calendar is Monaco, a street circuit on which Massa has achieved two podium results but never a victory.

"I like the Monaco track a lot, partly because it's my second home race, given I live there.

"You are always on the limit, very close to the barriers, with no room for error.

"Grid position is much more important than at any other track and so we hope we can do well right from Saturday.

"My aim is very simple, to always be in the fight for a podium finish."

As for the great Pirelly tyre debut, the 32-year-old isn't complaining, saying drivers "must try our best with what we are given, that's it.

"In Spain, we won with a four stop strategy, but it's definitely not the first time something like that has happened..."

[MIKA27]

Williams: It's not a quick fix

Claire Williams is adamant Williams know what is the problem with their FW35 - and they also know it's not a quick fix.

Five races into the season, Williams is the only established outfit yet to score a single World Championship point.

The team has struggled to drawn any pace out of the car with Pastor Maldonado recently saying it is "so difficult to drive."

And although Williams, who was named deputy team boss earlier this year, is confident the team knows what the issue is, she admits it isn't something that can solved very quickly.

"When we found out what the problem with the car is after Malaysia we knew that it wasn't going to be fixed quickly," she told the official F1 website.

"So we didn't have the expectation that once we start the Europe campaign it would be the start of a new beginning.

"We still have a long road ahead of us to get back into regularly qualifying in Q3 and regularly scoring points.

"Right now we are in the fixing process - but it's not a quick fix, the problem that we have.

"Time frame? I couldn't tell you and I think it is dangerous to play with expectations.

"We've got work to do as we know where the problem is."

And the 36-year-old daughter of Sir Frank is determined to see Williams return to the heights of yesteryear.

"It really hurts. Losing is so painful. We haven't had the start into the season that we had hoped.

"We thought that we'd made some progress last year and we are really now evaluating what we have done over the winter that made us step back, because we are not going to step forward if we don't fully understand what went wrong.

"Otherwise it would just be putting a plaster on a problem."

[MIKA27]

Lowe to join Merc next month

Paddy Lowe will add his name to the Mercedes payroll next month after McLaren agreed to let him go early.

Lowe, who has been on gardening leave from McLaren since the start of this season, will head to Brackley on 3 June, taking the role of Executive Director (Technical).

Under his new role, Lowe will work closely with team boss Ross Brawn and executive director Toto Wolff.

Merc were quick to point out that Brawn will 'retain overall responsibility for technical and sporting matters.'

Welcoming Lowe to the F1 team, Brawn said: "I am delighted to welcome Paddy to the team and to begin working together. He has an excellent record of success in the sport and would be an asset to any of our rivals in the pit lane.

"It is no secret that every team is facing a significant balancing act between this year and next. But it is perhaps less obvious that we will also see major changes for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, as development progresses with the new generation of car design and Power Unit

"To deliver in these circumstances, a successful team needs strength in depth. Paddy's arrival will further strengthen our organisation and puts us in a strong position for the future."

Meanwhile, Lowe says he's "excited" about the new adventure that awaits.

"I am excited to become part of a highly talented and capable technical organisation," he said.

"The team has already produced probably the fastest car of the 2013 season while the technical challenges of the new regulations for 2014 will give us the opportunity to maximise the synergies available to a works manufacturer. That is a challenge I am relishing.

"I have worked closely with Mercedes-Benz for almost 20 years and deeply admire the company's phenomenal commitment to Formula One. I look forward to much success together in the years ahead."

[MIKA27]

Jenson Button aims to 'chip away' in Monaco

Jenson Button is "confident" McLaren will once again improve in Monaco but reckons it will only be a "small step" forward.

Last time out in Barcelona, armed with several upgrades for their MP4-28, McLaren succeeded in getting both cars into the top-ten for only the second time this season.

Hailed as an improvement by the team, the 33-year-old is hoping that this weekend in Monte Carlo they can once again "chip away" as McLaren attempt to fightback.

"Everyone at McLaren has been working flat-out since the Spanish Grand Prix," said Button.

"We're not yet where we want to be in terms of competitiveness, but I'm confident that we can make another small step forward in Monaco.

"We'll continue to chip away at the performance of the MP4-28 until it's capable of challenging at the front; there's no other agenda for a winning team like McLaren.

"The aim for Monaco is to get both cars home in the points, as we did in Barcelona."

The Brit, who claimed the victory around the streets of the Principality on his way to the World title in 2009, is relishing the challenge that awaits not only on Sunday but also during Saturday's qualifying.

"Monaco is unlike any other racetrack in Formula One.

"A qualifying lap around there is an exhilarating experience for a driver: you turn into corners on the limit and you kiss every barrier at the exit

"To get pole position, as I did in 2009, is hugely satisfying and you need to be inch-perfect for 78 laps in order to win the race.

"It's a great challenge."

[MIKA27]

Di Resta says Alonso deserves 2013 title

Paul di Resta has tipped Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso to win this year’s world championship, and should have won it last year too.

The Scot – who drives for Force India – thinks Spaniard Alonso should actually be crowned a four-time title winner at the end of the 2013 season.

“He should have been champion last year,” the 27-year-old, referring to Ferrari’s Alonso, told Speed Week. “For me, Alonso is the champion of 2012.”

There is some history between di Resta and reigning triple world champion Sebastian Vettel, who is 17 points ahead of Alonso in the 2013 drivers’ standings.

Di Resta is actually a year older than Vettel, but it was the German who won the race of the former F3 teammates to get to Formula 1.

Vettel, although beaten to the F3 euroseries title by di Resta, got into Formula 1 sooner than di Resta thanks to Red Bull’s strong backing,

“Looking at it they were luckier than I am,” di Resta, also referring to Lewis Hamilton, said some years ago. “He (Vettel) shouldn’t have gotten there before me.”

So, in 2013, di Resta is tipping Alonso.

“He had his problems in Malaysia and Bahrain,” he said, “but Ferrari looks very strong. I think he deserves the championship.”