FORMULA 1 - 2013

[MIKA27]

Alonso to quit Ferrari reports slammed by manager

Fernando Alonso’s personal manager has rubbished recent speculation that the Spaniard might soon tire of Ferrari’s failure to provide him with title winning opportunities.

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard suggested recently that Alonso, regarded by many as the most complete driver in Formula 1 at present, might leave the famous Italian team if it fails to deliver him a championship-winning car in the near future.

“That’s nonsense,” Alonso’s manager Luis Garcia Abad is quoted by DPA news agency. ”I would not advise a change of team for not winning [a title since joining Ferrari].”

“Alonso is fourth of the drivers who have won the most grands prix [ever],” Abad continued. “And he has won two world championships. Some drivers have retired from F1 without ever winning a single race.”

At the same time, Alonso believes the Maranello outfit is now getting its 2013 campaign back on track, having suffered a development dip in recent races.

“The car was good, more or less, in Germany,” he is quoted by Brazil’s Totalrace.

“We went back a bit to the settings and aerodynamic parts from the earlier races and the car went back to behaving more competitively, more normally,” added Alonso.

He lamented, however, that in the end “basically nothing has changed” in terms of the progression of the car since he won the Spanish Grand Prix in May.

“We had a competitive car,” said Alonso, “but then introduced some pieces that did not give the expected result.The others have moved forwards, so we have suffered since Monaco.

“It’s good news that we went back to normal after Silverstone, but we have to improve now,” he added.

[MIKA27]

Sirotkin’s current boss says he is not ready for F1

Teenager Sergey Sirotkin’s current boss, Igor Salaquarda, thinks the Russian teen’s Formula 1 opportunity has come way too early and the current publicity surrounding him is damaging.

Sirotkin, not yet 18, is in line to make his grand prix debut next March with Sauber, as his father is linked to the Swiss team’s new Russian partners.

But Speed Week reports that, amid the new F1 fueled fanfare surrounding Sirotkin as he raced in Austria at the weekend, his boss Salaquarda “shook his head”.

“All this hype is not good for him,” the owner of the Czech team ISR was quoted as saying at the Red Bull Ring. ”That’s way too much pressure -

“He is definitely too young [for F1],” Salaquarda continued. ”I don’t mean that he can’t do it physically – anyone can drive an F1 car today. It’s much harder to cope with the enormous pressure of the world championship.”

Salaquarda compares Sirotkin with Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian who drove for ISR in 2011 before he made to the leap to F1 with HRT.

“Daniel came from British F3 and was then in the World Series for two years,” he said.

“But Sergey has only driven in Formula Abarth – a series I don’t know – and Auto GP and Italian F3, but in both those series he had little serious competition.

“As such, he was fast. But if anyone is expecting him to win here right now, it’s simply too much to ask.

“Already in the Eurocup 2.0 there is a great deal of competition, same as the [European] F3 championship, but Sergey skipped both those steps.

“He should spend more time in the 3.5 litre class to gain more experience.”

Salaquarda also questioned Sirotkin’s approach to motor racing this year.

“Daniel [Ricciardo] was always alone at the tracks, spending the whole team with the team,” he said.

“But Sergey comes with a whole entourage; sometimes it’s hard for us to catch up with him. These guys should concentrate on working with the team,” he insisted.

[MIKA27]

Kovalainen plays down Van der Garde replacement rumours

Heikki Kovalainen has played down ongoing rumours that he is shaping up to oust rookie Giedo van der Garde at Caterham.

The team, having earlier paid the highly rated Finn Kovalainen since its formation in 2010, opted for a pair of sponsored drivers this year.

But in the Silverstone and Nurburgring paddocks most recently, the rumour that Kovalainen could soon return to the wheel – in van der Garde’s place – gained in strength.

“I think this [sort of rumour] is quite common in Formula 1, when someone has a bad race,” Kovalainen told the Russian website Formula 1news.ru.

“I have not had any negotiations with the team, and I have no plans to take someone else’s place, so I don’t know where it all comes from. I am calm about it, but if someone needs me, of course I’m ready,” added Kovalainen.

Indeed, the 31-year-old is continuing to work with Caterham behind the scenes.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I spend a lot of time with the designers and engineers, we have a brand new and very good simulator, and all of the team’s efforts are aimed now at 2014.”

“Of course my goal is to get back in the races, but my only plan at the moment is to keep working with Caterham, and doing everything I can to help. I have nothing more to add,” said Kovalainen.

[MIKA27]

EJ doubts Raikkonen, Red Bull mix

Eddie Jordan has questioned the wisdom in Red Bull wanting to sign Kimi Raikkonen, doubting that the two would be a good mix.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner recently narrowed the pool to replace Mark Webber down to just two drivers, Raikkonen and Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo.

But while it appears as if Raikkonen is Red Bull's top pick, Jordan has raised some questions about whether the 2007 Champ, known for his abhorrence to press and marketing events, would suit the team.

"At first I was pretty sure that it will be Raikkonen but now I'm ready to change my mind and here's why," the former team boss told F1news.ru.

"Sebastian Vettel will be staying at Red Bull until 2015, and this is probably not the best time for drivers to become his team-mate.

"I think Red Bull will opt for Daniel Ricciardo.

"Also I don't think Raikkonen would want to participate in the extensive program of Red Bull, associated with marketing, work with sponsors, photo shoots, and so on that the drivers of that team have to do.

"Red Bull sells it marketing programme and Kimi Raikkonen just wants to be a race so they won't find a common language."

[MIKA27]

Button open to Moscow Grand Prix

Jenson Button says he would welcome a F1 race in Moscow but first it has be established whether the Sochi GP is successful.

Button took part in the annual Moscow City Racing demonstration and was impressed with the event which once again brought the topic of a Moscow F1 race to the forefront.

The city's government wants to build a track in the southern suburbs of Moscow, which, if it comes to fruition, could mean two races as the first Russian GP will be held next year in Sochi.

"I don't think there's any reason not to have two grands prix in one country," Button told R-Sport.

The Brit, though, did add that he thinks "first we should concentrate on what we can do with the Sochi track. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"This here, the Moscow City Racing, is perfect a year in advance of the grand prix. There are motorsport fans here, but I'm sure there are other people who have never watched Formula One on TV will be interested in the sport by seeing a Formula One car pass today.

"So this is fantastic promotion, if you like, for the grand prix next year in Sochi."

[MIKA27]

Ecclestone and Red Bull agree deal for 2014 Austria Grand Prix

DTM race at Red Bull Ring earlier this year

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has agreed to a deal with energy drinks tycoon Dietrich Mateschitz for a Grand Prix at the renovated and relaunched Red Bull Ring in 2014.

The energy drink company, headed by Austrian billionaire and Formula 1 team owner Mateschitz, stunned the Formula 1 world with the news that was delivered via a brief statement early on Tuesday.

Austria last hosted a Grand Prix, held at the same Spielberg circuit then known as the A1-Ring, in 2003.

“Dietrich Mateschitz and Bernie Ecclestone have reached an agreement to the effect that Formula 1 will return to Styria next year,” Tuesday’s statement read.

However, subsequent media reports, including by the German news agencies SID and DPA, clarified that the race will in fact only take place on July 6 next year if “all necessary regulatory approvals” are given.

[MIKA27]

Petrov and Kobayashi blame lack of money for failed F1 return

A lack of sponsorship and funding are keeping former grand prix drivers Vitaly Petrov and Kamui Kobayashi out of Formula 1.

After losing his Caterham seat and also the services of former manager Oksana Kosachenko, Russian Petrov has revealed he is now working with a new manager “from the West”.

The former Renault driver told Russia’s Championat that he is already in talks with several teams.

“They said that they are willing to cooperate, willing to negotiate,” he revealed.

“But to continue these talks, I need some support.”

Another driver currently on F1′s sidelines is Kamui Kobayashi, the hugely popular Japanese who lost his Sauber seat a mere five races after standing on the podium.

Today, he is a sports car driver for Ferrari, and whilst demonstrating a Formula 1 car for the famous marque in Moscow last weekend, he lost control and crashed.

Still, he yearns for real F1 action again.

“At the moment,” said Kobayashi, “there are many teams who prefer to choose their drivers based on how much money they can bring, rather than on their ability on track.

“I hope this trend will change, because my aim is to be back there as soon as possible and I am working hard to succeed.”

[MIKA27]

Negative publicity will scare tyre manufacturers away from F1

Formula 1 teams will only have themselves to blame if they are left without tyres next year, according to a leading commentator.

Pirelli’s increasingly vocal Paul Hembery has warned that the sport should “find someone else” if the rules and the criticism are not tempered to better treat F1′s official tyre supplier.

Marc Surer, a former driver from Switzerland who is now a prominent German-speaking commentator, said alternate marques like Michelin and Bridgestone could enter F1 “at short notice” to replace a departing Pirelli “if they wanted to”.

But would they want to?

Surer pointed out that Pirelli’s tenure since 2011, and the last few months in particular, have been characterised by extreme criticism.

“That was not very clever of the teams,” Surer told Germany’s Sport1.

“After all, F1 costs a tyre manufacturer a lot of money, but if all they will get is bad publicity, then that is absolutely a deterrent,” he concluded.

[MIKA27]

Pastor eager to continue at Williams

Things may not be going according to plan at Williams this year, but Pastor Maldonado is keen to remain at the Woking squad.

After the highs of 2012 during which he won the Spanish Grand Prix, it is back to reality for Maldonado this year as the team failed to score a single point during the first half of the season.

The Venezuelan, though, believes there is plenty of potential at Williams and wants to stay put.

"I really want to continue here," Maldonado said. "It is one of the best places for a young driver to be.

"For sure we are not happy with the results of this year. We struggled quite a lot to improve the car and be competitive, but everyone knows that - everyone saw what we have this year.

"But I think the team have a great future, with great potential, and there is no point to change."

Maldonado, who is currently in his third season at Williams, believes the team can win more races in the future.

He added: "When I started to drive for Williams I saw the factory, the cars and the history of the team and it was very important for me to become a part of the team.

"We achieved one race victory last year and I think if we have achieved one we can go on to achieve two and three and four. We just need to work hard together, the potential is there."

[MIKA27]

Pitlane speed limit reduced

The speed limit in the pitlane is now officially 80 km/h over the course of grand prix weekends after the rule was ratified by the World Motor Sport Council.

The regulation was initially set to be changed for the 2014 season, but the tweak was brought forward after FOM cameraman Paul Allen was injured during a pitlane incident at the German Grand Prix.

A loose wheel from Mark Webber's Red Bull went flying through the air and struck Allen down, leaving him with a broken collarbone and ribs.

The FIA then decided to bring the regulation charge forward and the speed limit has been reduced to 80 km/h (49.7 mph) from the Hungarian Grand Prix onwards as opposed to the 100 km/h (62.1 mph) it was before the incident.

The Australian, Monaco and Singapore Grands Prix, though, will continue to have a stricter speed limit of 60 km/h (37.2 mph) because of the nature of the circuits.

The WMSC also confirmed that all team members who work on a car during pit stops must now wear head protection.

[MIKA27]

New Tyres and Heatwave opens a world of possibilities for the Hungarian Grand Prix:

This weekend’s Hungarian GP will be fascinating from a strategy point of view as it sees the debut of a new specification of Pirelli tyres at the same time as safety measures come in after the incident with a flying wheel in Germany. As a result the pit lane speed limit has been lowered to 80km/h from 100km/h which will add over three seconds to the time needed to make a pit stop. This makes multiple stops less attractive.

At the same time extremely high temperatures are forecast as mainland Europe experiences a heatwave. We could see track temperatures in the 50s this weekend.

Testing of the new Pirellis at last week’s Young Driver Test in Silverstone showed that these new tyres degrade less than the ones they are replacing, so – heat permitting – it will lead teams to want to run with as few stops as possible.

Although teams like Force India, Ferrari and Lotus blocked a change of tyre specification earlier in the season, it may be that with their more gentle action on the tyres means that they still have a benefit- especially in the heat – as pit stops take longer and are therefore less attractive. Being able to do one less stop than the opposition, or in Lotus’ case being able to run the faster soft tyre for longer still carries an advantage.

To make the situation more intriguing, the Hungaroring circuit is rarely used and so the track is usually dirty at the start of the F1 race weekend and the grip improves as the weekend goes on. This means that it’s very easy to be misled by the tyre performance on Friday and the only really meaningful work that can be done on car set up and planning race strategy is often the one hour session on Saturday morning.

The track is tight and twisty with generally a low grip surface and it is also quite bumpy.

The start is always crucial at the Hungaroring, as the slow second and third corners tend to open the field out. The run down to Turn 1 is quite long; from pole position to the braking point before Turn 1 is 400m. KERS will be important at the start, but in the race it will be less effective; there is not a lot of high energy braking time so it’s hard to get the KERS fully charged during a lap of the race.

Track characteristics

Hungaroring – 4.381km kilometres.

Race distance – 70 laps = 306.630 kilometres. 14 corners in total.

Average speed of 196km/h is the lowest of any permanent track on F1 calendar.

Aerodynamic setup – High downforce.

Top speed 301km/h (with Drag Reduction System active on rear wing) – 291km/h without.

Full throttle – 55% of the lap (low).

Total fuel needed for race distance – 150 kilos (average/high).

Fuel consumption – 2.11kg per lap (average)

Time spent braking: 14% of lap. Number of brake zones – 11. Brake wear- High.

Total time needed for pit stop: 16 seconds

Fuel effect (cost in lap time per 10kg of fuel carried): 0.35 seconds (high)

Form Guide

The Hungarian Grand Prix is the tenth round of the 2013 FIA F1 World Championship and thus marks the half way point in the 19 race season.

Red Bull has control of both championships, but Mercedes has taken a big step forward in the second third of the season and has had two wins in the last four races. Sebastian Vettel, the clear championship leader, has also scored two wins in the last four.

Mercedes has the clear edge in qualifying and is likely to dominate again in Hungary, but the race will be very tough as temperatures of 40 degrees are forecast.

The circuit and temperatures should suit Lotus, which ran Red Bull very close in Germany and they have to be the pre-race favorites if they can qualify in the top two rows of the grid. Raikkonen finished a strong second in Budapest last year behind Lewis Hamilton, despite starting fifth on the grid.

As far as drivers’ form is concerned; it has been a happy hunting ground for Hamilton with three wins and Jenson Button who has won the race twice. Fernando Alonso won in 2003, Kimi Raikkonen in 2005 and Mark Webber in 2010.

Weather Forecast

With a heatwave in Europe, it could be one of the hottest Grands Prix on record. The forecast is for temperatures around 38-40 degrees, but there are often thunderstorms in the air, which could bring rain, as in 2011.

Likely tyre performance and other considerations

Pirelli tyre choice for Budapest: Soft (yellow markings) and Medium (white markings). This is the same as last year, but this year the compounds are softer so the pace should be faster.

The tyre specification is new for this race, with 2012 constructions married to 2013 compounds, pushed through on safety grounds after the spectacular tyre failures in Silverstone.

With the predicted heatwave, track temperatures of 50 degrees plus could be on the cards. The strategy will probably come down to fine margins with two stops being the target. It will be interesting to see whether the soft or the medium turns out to be the better race tyre; if the low degradation seen in the recent test at Silverstone is carried through, the soft could be the better tyre to race on, with a performance advantage of 0.8s to 1s per lap. Lotus is likely to explore this option carefully. Raikkonen did two stints on soft tyres last year, with a middle stint of 25 laps.

The crucial thing for teams to understand will be the crossover point where the medium becomes better over the long run.

The target for the first stop will be around lap 17-20.

The Hungaroring is notoriously hard on the front tyres, partly due to all the long corners and partly due to the balance of the car being much more forward. High temperatures will also take their toll.

In the past, overtaking was extremely difficult at the Hungaroring and it is still tricky. There were few passes after the opening laps of the race last year.

But the DRS adjustable rear wing zone, situated on the pit straight, has helped create some overtaking opportunities into Turn 1.

Number and likely timing of pit stops

The time needed for a stop at Hungaroring has now extended due to the lower pit lane speed limit, which discourages pit stops.

As these new tyres are more like 2012 tyres than those from the first eight races of 2013, we are likely to see a similar picture to last season.

Last year two stops was the way to go and three stoppers lost out, surrendering track position at the final stop and struggling to regain it despite faster tyres at the end. With lower degradation tyres this is even more likely to favour the two stoppers.

It’s likely that we will see a mixture of predominantly two stop strategies this weekend, with some interesting things going on with stint lengths and compound choices. It could be a really interesting battle at the front if Mercedes, Lotus, Red Bull and Ferrari all play to their strengths.

Chance of a safety car

Safety cars are rare at the Hungaroring.

In fact the chances of a safety car are only 10% and there have been only two in the last seven years.

Pit Stop League Table

Of course good strategy planning also requires good pit stop execution by the mechanics and we have seen tyre stops carried out in less than two and a half seconds by F1 teams.

It is clear that the field has significantly closed up in pit stops.

The league table below shows the order of the pit crews based on their fastest time in the German Grand Prix, from the car entering the pit lane to leaving it.

1. Red Bull 18.979 secs

2. Mercedes 19.316

3. Lotus 19.378

4. Ferrari 19.476

5. McLaren 19.692

6. Sauber 19.816

7. Toro Rosso 19.846

8. Force India 19.910

9. Marussia 19.953

10. Williams 20.331

11. Caterham 20.545

[samredarmy]

One more year for Vettel.

[MIKA27]

One more year for Vettel.

I hope not!

[MIKA27]

Raikkonen’s massive salary requirements not an issue for Red Bull

Kimi Raikkonen’s considerable wages will not be a factor in Red Bull’s decision on who partners Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel next season, team principal Christian Horner said on Thursday.

“Of course, finances are always a factor but…the difference between first and second or second and third and fourth is a significant amount in the constructors’ world championship,” he told reporters at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

“So the financial element of it, if you don’t make the right decision, is going to impact you anyway if you are not scoring constructors’ points. So that isn’t really an element in our decision making.”

Horner told reporters at the Hungarian Grand Prix that a decision on who would replace the departing Mark Webber was likely to be made after the August break with the choice between Lotus driver Raikkonen and Toro Rosso’s Australian Daniel Ricciardo.

“There’s been some interesting applicants over the last few weeks but fundamentally we’re still looking at the same drivers,” he said.

Raikkonen, the 2007 champion, is one of the highest paid drivers in the paddock while Ricciardo – who flew to Budapest on a budget airline – is a product of the Red Bull young driver programme and made his F1 race debut only in 2011.

Ricciardo tested for Red Bull at Silverstone last week and acquitted himself well but Red Bull are looking for a driver they can be sure will bring home solid championship points as the successor to Australian Webber.

“Daniel, what he has demonstrated so far, has been very positive,” said Horner.

“Kimi’s qualities speak for themselves,” added the principal. “He has a proven track record. You can’t question Kimi’s credentials.

“We want the two fastest and strongest drivers that we can put in the car for next year. I think both Daniel and Kimi would represent extremely good options.”

Horner said triple champion Vettel had not voiced any preference either way.

Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne, Ricciardo’s team mate, had effectively been ruled out of the reckoning.

“I think at this stage it’s probably too early for him, which is why we chose to look at Daniel at the test at Silverstone,” said Horner.

“I think he (Vergne) deserves a seat in Formula One and should he not be successful with the Red Bull seat then it would make logical sense for him to continue at Toro Rosso.”

[MIKA27]

Massa: I remember 2008, but actually I don’t remember 2009 at all!

It happened four years ago, but Felipe Massa cannot come to Hungary without being asked about the very serious accident of 2009, when he was hit on the head by a suspension spring that came off another car.

Asked about it this afternoon at the usual press meeting in the paddock, Felipe began by joking that “I remember 2008, but actually I don’t remember 2009 at all! I’ve always liked this track, it has suited my driving style, but I’ve never managed to get a solid result.”

“In 2008, I had the win in my pocket, but I ended up parked at three laps from the end. Then in 2009, there was the accident, so when I first arrive here, I always think of having a clean race and getting the sort of result that I have come close to getting. So I hope I have a really great weekend.”

Asked if the Scuderia would be tackling this weekend on the defensive, the Brazilian seemed surprised at the question. “We will have to wait and see how we go in qualifying, which will be an important moment for us,” he began.

“It’s going to be a very hot weekend and if you ask what suits us best, I would say the heat, so if the car works well, we should expect to have a good race pace and therefore race on the attack not on the defense.”

“Then it was time for another mid-season tradition, a question about Massa’s future with Ferrari. “

Let’s wait and see,” he said. “At the moment my main concern is getting results and the rest doesn’t bother me so much. Good results would not only help me here at Ferrari, but also with other teams, in case there was nothing here.”

Prior to this event, Felipe spent half a day at the Silverstone test session, evaluating the new Pirelli tyres that are being used as from this weekend.

“Testing was primarily useful in that we saw the tyres did not fail,” he maintained. “There was not a single tyre problem for us or for the other teams. They went through long and short runs with no problems and they seem to be more consistent, maybe a bit slower over a first flying lap. So I think it was useful. Here, the old data will still be relevant as the tyres are more or less the same as last year. We will have to see what happens in the heat.”

On the subject of moves to make the pit lane safer, restricting media access and reducing the speed limit in pit lane, Felipe was not convinced that a slower pit lane would necessarily be a safer one.

“I don’t think the problem in the pit lane (in Germany) came from the speed, it came from the fact that a wheel was not properly fixed on the car. In that situation, if a car is doing 80 km/h or a hundred, a loose wheel is still going quickly. It is important to fix all these safety issues and with pit stops now down to two seconds, the possibility of making mistakes is greater than before.”

[MIKA27]

Lotus to pay tribute to Spain train victims

In the wake of the train crash in Spain which resulted in at least 80 dead, Lotus have announced they will pay tribute to those affected by the tragedy.

Team chairman Gerard Lopez said in a statement: “Following the tragic accident on Wednesday 24th July 2013 involving the passenger train in Galicia, I and all within Lotus F1 Team would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those affected and involved.”

“As a Galician, I will provide all the help and support possible to those affected by this disaster, which has taken place in an area of the country I know and love so well. As an expression of support, I would like to reach out to those involved and show my unity to the region.”

“Furthermore, as a mark of respect and display of moral support, Lotus F1 Team will drive with the Galician flag on the rear wing end plates of both E21 Formula 1 cars throughout the weekend of the Hungarian Grand Prix.”

[MIKA27]

Formula 1 considering minimum time for pitstops

Formula 1 is considering introducing a minimum time limit for pitstops during a grand prix, as efforts to enhance pitlane safety continues.

After a cameraman was hospitalised by Mark Webber’s flying wheel at the Nurburgring following a botched pitstop, access to the pitlane for journalists and photographers has been severely limited.

And according to Auto Motor und Sport, the clampdown could be set to continue.

Concerned that ever more impressive techniques and technology are pushing the speed of pitstops beyond the safety threshold, talks between the FIA’s Charlie Whting and the team bosses are set to take place at the Hungaroring on Thursday.

“A time limit will be discussed,” said correspondent Michael Schmidt.

“For example, a minimum of five or even ten seconds, which would reduce the error-rate drastically.”

Schmidt added, however, that some teams would resist the move, insisting the spectacle and competition of the pitstops is a crucial part of the Formula 1 ‘show’.

[MIKA27]

Alonso: It will be a stressful summer break if Sebastian increases the gap

Fernando Alonso has highlighted the importance of closing the gap on championship leader Sebastian Vettel at the Hungarian Grand Prix, anything less will add to Ferrari’s stress levels over the summer break.

“A good result this weekend would be very good for team motivation and our hopes,” said Alonso to the assembled media. “If we can close the gap to Sebastian before the break it would be a good thing, but if it increased, it would make it a stressful break for us and less motivating. So, it’s an important weekend.”

The Spaniard’s press meeting in the Hungaroring paddock was overshadowed by news of the terrible train crash in his home country on Wednesday.

“A sad day, because you go to bed thinking of your problems last night and the little things that went wrong in your day and you want to improve something and you quickly realise how unimportant those things are,” said the Ferrari man.

“This news reminds you what is really important in life and there is a feeling of frustration that you can’t do anything, you cannot put the clocks back. Your thoughts are with the families of those involved with the people in that train. Of course, we will try and have the best race possible, knowing that it cannot make these people happy, but we can try and dedicate our maximum effort to them.”

The heat is always a topic in Budapest, with temperatures set to hit the 37 degree mark on race day, but the Spaniard seemed cool about it.

“Nothing changes in terms of preparation, whatever the temperature on Sunday, we will do our normal preparation,” he said. “We just need to be a bit more open on strategy, in case we need to make an extra stop because of the tyres, but we won’t know until we start practice tomorrow.”

Alonso’s first ever Grand Prix victory came here in Hungary in 2003 and, prompted by a question, he had some unusual memories of that significant day.

“I remember my father was here and I was able to hug him. He comes from a very normal job, working in factory making explosives for mines and my mother working in a shopping mall so after the race, I said: we win a Formula 1 race and this will be there for all our lives, even if we retire tomorrow, we will be very proud of this victory.”

“Immediately after I took the flag, I flew to Poland because we had an event there on the Monday. I don’t know why, but this flight to Poland is one of my main memories, because I wanted to celebrate with family or fly to Spain to see friends and I had to fly to Poland!”

Since the incidents in the pit lane at the German GP, the pit lane speed limit has been reduced, media access is restricted and proposals are being discussed to reduce the speed with which pit stops themselves are completed.

The Prancing Horse driver had this to say on the subject, “Always when something happens in terms of safety, we must react and we are all in agreement on improving safety. However, finding the way to do it is difficult to agree on. But I think reducing the pit lane speed limit cannot be bad, as it is the same for all the teams and there is less risk for the mechanics.”

“Reducing the number of media in the pit lane during free practice can also be a solution, because sometimes there are too many of them in FP1 and FP2. In pit stops we are all trying to find the limits; of driver reaction time, the wheelguns and the procedure itself, so if they find a solution to increase the time of a pit stop to improve safety and it is the same for all the teams, I don’t think anyone will disagree.”

[MIKA27]

Red Bull to announce Webber successor after Budapest

Daniel Ricciardo and Jean Eric Vergne remain contenders for the soon to be vacated race seat with world champions Red Bull, as the team’s billionaire owner revealed that the identity of Webber’s successor will be announced after the Hungarian Grand Prix.

AFP quotes Mateschitz saying, “No decision has been taken yet. It is still under discussion within the team but it will be announced after Budapest. Ricciardo did an excellent job at Silverstone and Jean-Eric Vergne (also of Toro Rosso) was good too.”

Kimi Raikkonen remains a candidate, but it is appearing increasingly likely that the Finn will stay on with Lotus who have received an injection of funding which will help them in their future title ambitions.

Insiders say Raikkonen’s preference would be to stay with Lotus, but he needs assurance that they are solid financially in the wake of late payment of his retainer earlier this year and also to battle the big teams next year when the new turbo era begins.

Currently, in the race for the highly coveted seat at Red Bull, Ricciardo appears to have edged ahead of Vergne although the latter is ahead in the championship standings – the Hungarian GP weekend could be decisive.

[MIKA27]

Pirelli announces tyres for Spa, Monza and Singapore

Pirelli has announced the slick P Zero compounds that will be taken to the first three grands prix of the second half of the season, in Belgium, Italy and Singapore.

At Spa, the longest and one of the fastest circuits of the year, Pirelli will bring the P Zero Orange hard and P Zero White medium. Spa is the circuit that puts the highest vertical load on the front tyres all season, mainly due to Eau Rouge corner. Consequently, the two hardest tyres from Pirelli’s Formula One range are the most suitable.

For Pirelli’s home race at Monza, the hard and the medium compounds will be used once more. Whereas Spa is characterized by a lot of fast corners, Monza is all about high-speed straights. Here, the tyres are subjected to very high longitudinal forces and blistering can be an issue due to the stress put on the tyres under braking. Therefore, the two hardest compounds are also the ideal choice at this race.

Singapore, by contrast, will be run with the P Zero White medium and P Zero Red supersoft (with the softest tyre in the range making its first appearance since Canada). Singapore is a street circuit run at night, which places unique demands on the tyres.

The tight and twisty corners make the supersoft the ideal tyre to generate traction and grip, while the medium tyre adds extra durability into the strategy mix.

All the tyres will be in the same specification as used from Hungary: with the 2012 construction matched to the 2013 compounds.

The Cinturato Green intermediate and Cinturato blue full wet will also be brought to every race as usual.

Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery commented: “The second half of the season starts off with two of the fastest and most demanding races for tyres of the year, in Belgium and Italy. Singapore is a completely different challenge: the final street race of the season, which is ideal territory for the supersoft tyres. As always, our selections have concentrated on providing the best opportunities for strategy as well as the most effective race tyres.”

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Hulkenberg 'rubbishes' exit rumours

Nico Hulkenberg says talk of him walking away from Sauber is "rubbish" and makes him laugh.

Prior to Sauber securing major Russian investment, there were rumours that this weekend's Hungarian GP could be Hulkenberg's last with the team who had reported failed to pay him.

The German, though, insists there was nothing factual about that at all.

"It's rubbish," he told Autosport. "They make me laugh, make me smile.

"I read it on my Twitter page where people can write to me. A bunch of people were having a discussion and I was thinking 'Where has that come from?'"

However, just because he's not leaving at the end of this weekend's grand prix, that doesn't mean he won't walk away at the end of the season.

The former Williams and Force India driver says he's in control of his future and is looking at his options, which include Sauber.

"At Williams I wasn't aware of the situation. It was only at the end of the season that I became aware.

"To be honest, I feel comfortable in my seat, in my skin. You can never be 100 per cent sure in this business, but I feel I do a decent enough job for people to recognise.

"I'm looking at all my options, but I haven't decided yet or done anything.

"Making a decision is a bit further down the line. I'm talking to people, including Sauber, but nothing has been decided."

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Mateschitz hails Ricciardo's test

Although Red Bull team owner Dietrich Mateschitz has hailed Daniel Ricciardo's "excellent" test, he has refused to rule out Jean-Eric Vergne.

The battle to replace Mark Webber at Red Bull Racing next season is heating up as time is running out for the candidates to impress.

Toro Rosso's Ricciardo has emerged as the early favourite after being called upon to test for Red Bull during the recent Young Driver Test.

However, the Aussie is by no means the only driver in the frame.

His team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne is also in the running while team boss Christian Horner has expressed his desire to sign Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen.

For now, though, Mateschitz appears to be leaning towards promoting one of the Toro Rosso youngsters.

"There is no decision yet, and it is still under discussion within the team," Mateschitz toldAutosport. "It will be announced after Budapest.

"But Ricciardo did an excellent job at Silverstone, and [Jean-Eric] Vergne was very good."

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'VJM06 is Force India's best car ever'

Halfway through this season, Vijay Mallya is a happy team boss as Force India have "probably exceeded" all expectations.

Barring a disaster in Hungary, or a massive revival from McLaren, Force India are set to head into the summer break fifth in the Championship.

The team has scored 59 points in the opening nine races, ten more than their Woking rivals.

It has been an impressive run from Mallya's team, which has scored points in all but two grands prix.

"I think the first nine races have probably exceeded the expectations we set ourselves over the winter," said the Indian businessman.

"The first mission was to start the year well and that's what we've done. In fact, it's been our best start to a season ever: we've shown good pace and had some excellent races.

"At the same time we recognise that we haven't made the most of all the opportunities and we've had our fair share of bad luck.

"But I prefer to focus on the positives and there's no doubt that the VJM06 is the best car we have ever produced and I'm proud of the hard work from everyone in the team."

The team, however, still has the Hungarian GP to tackle before the summer break with Mallya admitting more points are needed at a track where Force India have struggled in the past.

"The priority remains the same as the Silverstone test: to get better understanding of the new Pirelli tyres. That's been a key factor in our strong performances so far this year so we need to make sure we continue to deliver good tyre management.

"As a venue, the Hungaroring has not traditionally been our strongest track. Paul scored points a couple of years ago and it's important to add some more to our tally this weekend."

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October date for Russian GP

The inaugural Russian Formula One Grand Prix in Sochi, the venue for next year's Winter Olympics, is expected to be staged on October 19, 2014, organisers announced on Wednesday.

Oleg Zabara, deputy chief of the Russian GP's organising committee, told reporters: "I'm happy to announce that the international Formula One promoter has set a preliminary date for the Russian Grand Prix on its calendar of season 2014.

"There are 450 days remaining before the first official Friday practice of the Formula One stage in Sochi's Olympic Park."

He added: "The construction works at the circuit are nearing completion and preparations for the first Russian Grand Prix are currently in full swing.

"We are looking forward to attracting more Russian and foreign tourists into the region by extending the holiday season in southern Russia.

"I am sure that Sochi will become an up to date and comfortable home for motorsport in Russia with its own inimitable style for all of the Formula One fans."

The new Russian leg of the F1 calendar received backing last Sunday from Jenson Button.

The McLaren driver driver, appearing at a Moscow City race day, said: "As a driver I'm really excited and looking forward to race at the new Grand Prix and in a new country as well.

"It's great for the fans to hear, to smell and to feel the F1 cars' speed."

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Double DRS zone for Hungary

In an attempt to boost overtaking, the FIA has introduced two DRS zones for this year's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Due to a lack of long straights, the Hungaroring has featured only one zone over the past two years but it will have an extra one this year.

There will once again be only a single detection point positioned at Turn 13 with the first activation point after Turn 14, which is just before the start-finish straight.

This year drivers will also be able to activate DRS at the exit of Turn 1, which should increase their chances of passing in the notoriously difficult overtaking area in Turn 2.