Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Williams aims to restore former glory with new FW34]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Williams FW34 F1 racer

If there's ever been an example of a hero fallen from grace, surely it's Williams. Once dominant in Formula 1, it's been relegated to "also ran" status, but the privateer entry is intent on clawing its way back up to the top.

Williams has infused its management, technical staff and its driver roster with fresh blood. It signed a new engine deal with Renault, whose powerplants drove Williams to successive World Championship titles decades ago, and helped Red Bull rule F1 the past two years.

The team unveiled its new challenger at Jerez, where the season got underway with the first test session of the new year. The new FW34 - so named as the 34th grand prix car produced by Frank Williams - wears the lamentable stepped nose, tighter side pods, and tighter rear quarters that are characteristic of all the 2012 F1 cars unveiled so far.

KERS and DRS systems are intended to help the FW34 keep up with the competition, but only time will tell whether drivers Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado will be able to make the most of it and drive Williams back to its former glory.

Williams aims to restore former glory with new FW34 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruno sennaf1formula 1formula onefw34jerezmaldonadopastor maldonadosennawilliamswilliams f1williams fw34williams-renaultSun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166585/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/20166585/article-detail.xml 20166585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webfw34_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webfw34.jpg <![CDATA[Toro Rosso unveils STR7 at season-opening F1 test in Spain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/toro-rosso-unveils-str7-at-season-opening-f1-test-in-spain/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/toro-rosso-unveils-str7-at-season-opening-f1-test-in-spain/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/toro-rosso-unveils-str7-at-season-opening-f1-test-in-spain/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Toro Rosso STR7

With the first test session of the season now under way in Jerez, Spain, the remaining teams - that is, at least, the ones that have their cars ready - are presenting their new designs for the 2012 Formula One World Championship. The latest among them: Scuderia Toro Rosso.

Long known as the Red Bull B-squad, STR positions itself as something of a training squad for new drivers moving into F1 as an extension of the company's young driver training program. And for that reason it axed both of its drivers (Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastian Buemi) in favor of fresh talents Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Like most (make that all so far except McLaren), the new STR7 which they'll be driving this year is distinguished from last year's field by a rather unsightly, platypus-style stepped nose and tighter sidepods and hindquarters. Ferrari once again provides its Type 056 V8 engine, driving through a seven-speed gearbox and assisted by a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) and Drag Reduction System in the rear wing.

With its new drivers and car, Toro Rosso hopes to finish sixth or seventh in the championship this year; an ambitious goal considering that the last time it finished that well was in 2008 when Sebastian Vettel won the Italian Grand Prix against all odds - a victory that still stands as the only podium finish out of the 108 races the team has contested in its six years of racing. We'll be watching to see how they fare.

Toro Rosso unveils STR7 at season-opening F1 test in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onescuderia toro rossostrstr7toro rossoThu, 09 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/toro-rosso-unveils-str7-at-season-opening-f1-test-in-spain/20165684/article-detail.xml 20165684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web-str7_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web-str7.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus F1 Team reboots with 2012 E20 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Lotus E20

What's in a name? That depends who you ask. For the folks at Lotus, a name matters a great deal. That's why it fought so hard to regain control of its brand from the team now known as Caterham, and why it is launching racing programs in top series around the world under that same name. For the F1 team that has most recently adopted it, however, the name is less relevant than the winning form to which it hopes to return.

The outfit has won championships under the Benetton banner with Michael Schumacher behind the wheel, and as Renault with Fernando Alonso driving. Its track record has fallen off considerably since then, but this year it's back with new owners, new drivers and this, its new car.

Wearing the same black and gold livery as the R31 campaigned last year under the transitional Lotus Renault GP handle, the new car bears that same stepped nose employed by most of the teams on the grid so far to make the most of the latest technical regulations. In a nod towards continuity, the car is dubbed the E20 - as the 20th car to be built by the Enstone-based team - rather than starting from scratch with a new nomenclature.

The team's former owners at Renault continue to provide the engine that will power 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen in his the long-awaited return to F1 and his junior team-mate Romain Grosjean in his second stab at F1 after dominating the GP2 series, with former HRT race driver Jerome D'Ambrosio joining as test driver. Check out their new ride in the high-res image gallery above and the video after the jump.

Continue reading Lotus F1 Team reboots with 2012 E20 [w/video]

Lotus F1 Team reboots with 2012 E20 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lotus e20e20f1formula 1formula onelotuslotus e20lotus f1 teamTue, 07 Feb 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165484/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/20165484/article-detail.xml 20165484 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weblotus-e20_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weblotus-e20.jpg <![CDATA[Force India F1 team reveals 2012 VJM05]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/force-india-f1-team-reveals-2012-vjm05/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/force-india-f1-team-reveals-2012-vjm05/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/force-india-f1-team-reveals-2012-vjm05/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Force India VJM05

Force India has come a long way. What started out as Jordan Grand Prix and changed hands (and names) several times before landing in the stewardship of Indian bazillionaire Vijay Mallya has become a solid mid-field contender on race days. In 2011, the team finished sixth in the constructors' standings, behind front-runners Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes and Lotus Renault GP. In 2012, however, Force India aims to challenge Mercedes and Lotus for fifth place using the car shown above.

The VJM05 bears the same unfortunate stepped nose of the just-unveiled Ferrari F2012 and Caterham CT01, a trend we expect to see across much of the field as teams deal with F1's technical regulations. Engine, transmission and KERS are again provided by Mercedes-Benz through a partnership with McLaren, and while former DTM champion Paul di Resta returns for another season in the cockpit. Adrian Sutil departs the team in the wake of his assault conviction, his seat now occupied by Nico Hulkenberg.

We'll be watching to see if the young duo can continue to move Force India up the F1 hierarchy. For now, you can check out the press release after the jump and photos from the car's unveiling - which included the first on-track session of any 2012 F1 cars revealed thus far - in the image gallery above.

Continue reading Force India F1 team reveals 2012 VJM05

Force India F1 team reveals 2012 VJM05 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 force india vjm05f1force indiaforce india vjm05formula 1formula onevjm05Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163976/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/force-india-f1-team-reveals-2012-vjm05/20163976/article-detail.xml 20163976 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webvjm05_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webvjm05.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari unveils new step-nosed F2012... snow be damned [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ferrari-unveils-new-step-nosed-f2012-snow-be-damned-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ferrari-unveils-new-step-nosed-f2012-snow-be-damned-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ferrari-unveils-new-step-nosed-f2012-snow-be-damned-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Few things can stand between a Ferrari and the finish line. Not rain, not sleet and certainly not snow. So while the latter fell in prodigious quantities on Maranello, where Ferrari was planning to unveil its latest F1 challenger yesterday, that didn't stop the Scuderia from showing it off to the world, through the magic of this newfangled invention they're calling the "internet".

The F2012 you see here is the fifty-eighth F1 car built by Ferrari, comprising a chassis and powertrain developed and produced entirely in-house: a rarity among F1 teams, particularly in these past few years since major manufacturers like Honda, Toyota and BMW withdrew from the sport.

The most prominent change to the car's form over the F150˚ Italia it replaces is the rather aesthetically challenged but aerodynamically-optimized stepped nose, which (like the one on the Caterham CT01 and expected to follow on several more) conforms to revised FIA regulations while allowing sufficient air to pass underneath the nosecone to allow the underbody aerodynamics to do their thing. The rear section is also more tapered, leading to the rear wing with the Drag Reduction System that returns from last season.

That's all well and good, of course, but what really matters is how the F2012 is going to stack up against the competition - particularly from the returning champions at Red Bull and longtime rivals at McLaren. Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will wring out all the F2012 it has to offer, but only time will tell if they'll be able to add another trophy to the cabinet in Maranello. In the meantime you can check out their new ride in the high-res image gallery above and follow the jump for the full press release, technical details and video footage.

Continue reading Ferrari unveils new step-nosed F2012... snow be damned [w/video]

Ferrari unveils new step-nosed F2012... snow be damned [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1f2012ferrariferrari f2012formula 1formula onescuderia ferrari f2012Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163820/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/ferrari-unveils-new-step-nosed-f2012-snow-be-damned-w-video/20163820/article-detail.xml 20163820 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ferrari-f2012web1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ferrari-f2012web1.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari F1 launch snowed out in Maranello]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ferrari-f1-launch-snowed-out-in-maranello/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ferrari-f1-launch-snowed-out-in-maranello/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ferrari-f1-launch-snowed-out-in-maranello/#commentsFiled under: ,

snow at Fiorano

If you grew up in a sufficiently northern climate, you probably remember staying eagerly tuned in to the local radio or television station, praying on a cold day that enough snow would have fallen for them to close the schools. Well that's what's happened in the Modena area in northern Italy, but while the school children may be celebrating in their jammies, the racing fans among them will be disappointed to learn that the snow has caused the launch of the latest Scuderia Ferrari single-seater to be canceled.

Enough snow, as you can see from the photo above, has fallen on Maranello to not only close down the team's private Fiorano test track - which was supposed to be used for the car's first demonstration run - but also all the roads leading to and from the site, preventing the motorsport press from getting there.

Ferrari will undoubtedly reschedule or make alternate arrangements to unveil the new car, but for now, the latest scarlet speedster will have to stay under wraps. Official announcements can be found after the jump.

Continue reading Ferrari F1 launch snowed out in Maranello

Ferrari F1 launch snowed out in Maranello originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1ferrarifioranoformula 1formula onemaranelloscuderia ferrarisnowFri, 03 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163105/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/ferrari-f1-launch-snowed-out-in-maranello/20163105/article-detail.xml 20163105 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/maranello-snow_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/maranello-snow.jpg <![CDATA[This is what riding in an F1 car is like with loose seatbelts and no HANS Device]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/this-is-what-riding-in-an-f1-car-is-like-with-loose-seatbelts-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/this-is-what-riding-in-an-f1-car-is-like-with-loose-seatbelts-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/this-is-what-riding-in-an-f1-car-is-like-with-loose-seatbelts-an/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yas Marina Formula 1 Experience

Riding shotgun in a two-seater race car at speed is a lot of fun - trust us on this - but this video is headache inducing. And scary. Seems like the pit crew on hand at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi was so concerned with starting the camera and setting its white balance that they didn't bother checking to see whether the passenger's safety harness was tight enough. And it clearly wasn't.

You'll notice in the screenshot above that the passenger's helmet appears to be striking the bulkhead in front of her, which is definitely not supposed to happen. Indeed, she gets thrown around something fierce as the two-seater F1 car corners and brakes. So let this serve as a lesson to those of you who might embark on your first hot lap on a race track: Tighten up those belts until they are truly snug.

Click past the jump to watch the video in its entirety.

Continue reading This is what riding in an F1 car is like with loose seatbelts and no HANS Device

This is what riding in an F1 car is like with loose seatbelts and no HANS Device originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabif1formula 1formula onehans devicevideoyas marinaThu, 02 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163167/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/this-is-what-riding-in-an-f1-car-is-like-with-loose-seatbelts-an/20163167/article-detail.xml 20163167 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/f1-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/f1-opt.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren unleashes new MP4-27 on 2012 Formula One World Championship [w/audio]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mclaren-unleashes-new-mp4-27-on-2012-formula-one-world-champions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mclaren-unleashes-new-mp4-27-on-2012-formula-one-world-champions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mclaren-unleashes-new-mp4-27-on-2012-formula-one-world-champions/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 McLaren MP4-27

Forget about all the talk, about the contracts and the lawsuits. The real sign of the Formula One season gearing up to start is when each team unveils its new car. As you may already know, unlike most other series, each team in F1 is not really considered a team. They're called "constructors". Each is responsible for designing and crafting the cars they'll be fielding in the championship.

That process got under way last week when Caterham beat all the others to the punch by unveiling its new Renault-powered CT01. And that's all well and fine, but we all know that the Caterham is far more likely to finish last than finish first. What you're bound to see taking checkered flags is the car you see here: the new McLaren MP4-27.

McLaren, you see, is the winningest team on the grid this side of Ferrari. And with Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton - both world champions - performing the driving duties, the British squad is hard at work on closing that gap. The more immediate challenge, however, is overcoming Red Bull, which returns as reigning champion once again and to which McLaren finished second last season.

The MP4-27 you see here is the car with which McLaren hopes to seize the lead. Although the design looks rather similar to the 2011-spec MP4-26 it replaces, McLaren insists it represents a comprehensive redesign. Fortunately that does not include the stepped platypus nose already shown on the Caterham and which is expected to proliferate across a good part of the grid. Power once again comes from Mercedes-Benz, a relationship that McLaren reiterates it is not about to terminate in favor of another supplier or building its own engines in-house.

We'll have to wait and see as the season gets underway to see if the MP4-27 will be a winner for McLaren, but for now you can check out the high-resolution images from the launch in the gallery above, and jump past the break for the full press release and the sound file of the Mercedes-Benz V8 cranking over.

Continue reading McLaren unleashes new MP4-27 on 2012 Formula One World Championship [w/audio]

McLaren unleashes new MP4-27 on 2012 Formula One World Championship [w/audio] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mclaren mp4-27f1formula 1formula onemclarenmclaren mp4-27mp4-27Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161933/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/mclaren-unleashes-new-mp4-27-on-2012-formula-one-world-champions/20161933/article-detail.xml 20161933 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webmp4-27front-3-4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webmp4-27front-3-4.jpg <![CDATA[Adrian Sutil convicted of assault in Germany]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/adrian-sutil-convicted-of-assault-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/adrian-sutil-convicted-of-assault-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/adrian-sutil-convicted-of-assault-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Adrian Sutil

Formula One driver Adrian Sutil has been convicted of assault in a trial concluded this week in Munich, Germany. The proceeding revolved around a brawl at a night club in Shanghai, where Sutil slashed the throat of Genii Capital CEO Eric Lux, co-owner of the team now known as Lotus, with a champagne flute.

The conviction comes with a suspended sentence of 18 months and a 200,000-euro fine which is earmarked towards charity. For his part, Sutil reportedly claims it was an accident and that he tried to settle the issue out of court with Lux, who in turn says he didn't get the apology he was after until the courts settled the matter.

The next question is where that leaves Sutil. The driver has been with the Force India team (in its various iterations) since 2006 when he was named a driver for the team then called Midland, making his race debut the following year under Spyker management. With the trial looming over his head, the team cut Sutil from its roster for this season, leaving him without a drive as the rest of the field has all but completely filled up.

Adrian Sutil convicted of assault in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrian sutilassaulteric luxf1force indiaformula 1formula onegeniigenii capitalluxsutilWed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161329/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/adrian-sutil-convicted-of-assault-in-germany/20161329/article-detail.xml 20161329 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sutil-speaks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sutil-speaks.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren denies plans to switch engine suppliers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mclaren-denies-plans-to-switch-engine-suppliers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mclaren-denies-plans-to-switch-engine-suppliers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mclaren-denies-plans-to-switch-engine-suppliers/#commentsFiled under: ,

McLaren headquarters in Woking

For 15 years, McLaren was the F1 team of choice for Mercedes-Benz, enjoying a near-works level of support and collaboration from the German automaker. But as you may recall, Daimler bought its own team three seasons ago: the outfit that started out as British American Racing, then became Honda before branching out as Brawn GP, was rebranded Mercedes GP under its latest management and now rechristened Mercedes AMG Petronas. And ever since, McLaren has had to deflect speculation that it was looking for a new engine supplier.

Back in November, those rumors, somewhat ironically, centered around Honda, the company that once owned the team now owned by Mercedes-Benz and which was once McLaren's most victorious engine supplier. The Woking-based outfit scuttled those rumors at the time, and has now had to deny another set, this time involving PURE.

The new engine supplier established by former Jacques Villeneuve manager and BAR-Honda team principal Craig Pollock (with considerable technical know-how from former Peugeot, Renault and Ferrari engineers) is hard at work designing a new engine to be used from 2014 when the new turbocharged V6 engine regulations come into effect. There's no telling which teams PURE will power at that point, but one thing McLaren is adamant about is that it won't be theirs.

Instead, the brass at Woking is insistent that it is perfectly happy in its relationship with Mercedes-Benz, whose racing engine operations are linked to its eponymous racing team by little more than name and common ownership. McLaren, then, is expected to stick with Silver Star power at least through the end of 2015, if not longer.

McLaren denies plans to switch engine suppliers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula onehondailmormclarenmclaren mercedesmercedesmercedes-benzpurevodafone mclaren mercedesTue, 31 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/mclaren-denies-plans-to-switch-engine-suppliers/20160273/article-detail.xml 20160273 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mpc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mpc.jpg <![CDATA[Petrov lines up as Pirelli test driver... but what will he drive?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/petrov-lines-up-as-pirelli-test-driver-but-what-will-he-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/petrov-lines-up-as-pirelli-test-driver-but-what-will-he-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/petrov-lines-up-as-pirelli-test-driver-but-what-will-he-drive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Vitaly Petrov at Lotus Renault GP

When the music stops, there are always a few Formula One drivers left without seats. That's not because the field is getting smaller, it's because there are always more drivers looking for rides than there are rides to go around. And that's certainly the case this season. With only one race seat still yet to be confirmed at the perennial backmarker Hispania Racing Team (HRT), several drivers were dumped by the teams they drove for last season.

That includes Rubens Barrichello (axed by Williams in favor of Bruno Senna), Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi (both canned by Toro Rosso), Tonio Liuzzi (from HRT), Adrian Sutil (from Force India) and Vitaly Petrov (dismissed by Lotus-Renault in favor of Kimi Raikkonen).

So where will they all end up? Barrichello and Sutil are left scratching their heads, while Alguersuari and Buemi are lining up roles as official test drivers for major teams. But Petrov is reportedly looking at another avenue that is neither with a current team nor altogether outside of F1.

An official announcement has not been made, but all signs point towards Petrov serving as official test driver for Pirelli. The Italian rubber company needs an F1 driver with recent experience and proven talent to test the tires it furnishes for the entire grid at each grand prix, and that driver looks to be Petrov.

The question is, what will he be driving as Pirelli's test pilot? Last year, the company used the 2009 Toyota TF109, but that's now three years old - a relic by F1 standards. Picking up one of last year's cars from a team still competing in the series could constitute an unfair advantage, particularly given the constrictions on testing these days, so Pirelli is reportedly working with all the teams to try and find a consensus solution, but if none is found, it may have to cut a deal with one of the teams in order to continue its development work on next year's tire compounds.

Petrov lines up as Pirelli test driver... but what will he drive? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onepetrovpirellitire testingvitaly petrovThu, 26 Jan 2012 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156951/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/petrov-lines-up-as-pirelli-test-driver-but-what-will-he-drive/20156951/article-detail.xml 20156951 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/q0c5182_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/q0c5182.jpg <![CDATA[Caterham kicks off 2012 Formula One season with CT01 launch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/caterham-kicks-off-2012-formula-one-season-with-ct01-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/caterham-kicks-off-2012-formula-one-season-with-ct01-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/caterham-kicks-off-2012-formula-one-season-with-ct01-launch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Caterham CT01

It's that time of year, ladies and gents, when Formula One teams begin unveiling their new cars for the upcoming season. But while top teams like Ferrari and McLaren usually compete for the first slot, this time it's Caterham that has beat them all to the punch by revealing its new CT01.

Caterham, as you may recall, is the new name of what was known until now as Team Lotus, a name which has now been reclaimed from the Malaysian outfit that was using it through a contentious licensing agreement by the British automaker and engineering consultancy (which has now taken over the team formerly known as Renault). Got all that?

Bearing a similar green and yellow livery and much of the same design as last year's Lotus, the CT01 represents some of the changes you can expect to see across the board as the rest of the field fills out. That includes a rather odd-looking stepped nose design and reshaped rear quarters (due largely to the ban on exhaust-blown diffusers).

Underneath the bodywork - shaped in the Williams wind tunnel - sits the same Renault RS27 V8 engine that will be used this season by Red Bull, Lotus and Williams, coupled for the first time (for this team) to a Kinetic Energy Recovery System on the brakes and a Red Bull-sourced seven-speed sequential gearbox.

Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli will return for driving duties once the season kicks off in March. Before then, McLaren is expected to unveil its new MP4-27 on February 1, Scuderia Ferrari and Force India on February 3, Lotus on the fifth, Sauber and Red Bull on the sixth, and Mercedes-Benz on the February 21, with the remaining teams yet to announce the dates for their unveilings. Stay tuned.

Caterham kicks off 2012 Formula One season with CT01 launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 caterham ct01caterhamcaterham ct01caterham-renaultct01f1formula 1formula onerenaultThu, 26 Jan 2012 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157586/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/caterham-kicks-off-2012-formula-one-season-with-ct01-launch/20157586/article-detail.xml 20157586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web03-caterham-ct01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web03-caterham-ct01.jpg <![CDATA[Circuit of the Americas opens waitlist for United States Grand Prix tickets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/circuit-of-the-americas-opens-waitlist-for-united-states-grand-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/circuit-of-the-americas-opens-waitlist-for-united-states-grand-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/circuit-of-the-americas-opens-waitlist-for-united-states-grand-p/#commentsFiled under:

Circuit of the Americas grandstand illustration

Just under 300 days separate us from the return of the United States Grand Prix. At least that's the idea, now that construction has resumed on the troubled Circuit of the Americas on the outskirts of Austin, Texas. But an encouraging sign is that race organizers have started gearing up to sell tickets.

While seats haven't exactly been put up for sale just yet, organizers are now populating a wait list for premium seats. Those constitute seats with an advantageous view of the action, covered from the Texas sun, with priority parking and concessions.

No matter how many seats you'll want to buy, you can get your name down on that list with a $100 deposit. If General Admission is more your pace, however, those won't begin selling until the summer.

Circuit of the Americas opens waitlist for United States Grand Prix tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austincircuit of the americasf1formula 1formula onetexasunited states gpunited states grand prixus grand prixusgpWed, 25 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/circuit-of-the-americas-opens-waitlist-for-united-states-grand-p/20155875/article-detail.xml 20155875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cotagrandstand_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cotagrandstand.jpg <![CDATA[Kimi Raikkonen marks official return to F1 with Lotus test run [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/kimi-raikkonen-marks-official-return-to-f1-with-lotus-test-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/kimi-raikkonen-marks-official-return-to-f1-with-lotus-test-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/kimi-raikkonen-marks-official-return-to-f1-with-lotus-test-run/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kimi Raikkonen in Renault R30 at Valencia

Few drivers have caused the kind of speculation that Kimi Raikkonen has in the past few years alone. Will he take a Ferrari payoff and make way for Fernando Alonso? Will he find another ride in Formula One? Will he make it in the World Rally Championship? Will he make a real go of it in NASCAR? Will he ever come back to F1? And if so, with which team? Well, the speculation can now stop - or at least change focus - because the 2007 World Champion has officially returned to Formula One.

After signing on with the Lotus team (previously known as Renault, and before that as Benneton and Toleman), Raikkonen has had his first chance to get behind the wheel of a modern F1 car since leaving the Scuderia at the end of 2009. The test took place over the course of two days at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain. But since driving the current car with current tires would constitute an unfair advantage under the present regulations, Kimi was stuck driving the 2010 Renault R30 on demonstration tires (probably from the GP2 series) with a fresh coat of paint (and a new helmet design).

The acclimation run appears to have gone smoothly enough, but we'll have to wait until the start of the season in March to see if Raikkonen's still got what it takes. Then Raikkonen will be squaring off against a huge field of fellow former World Champions, including Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Follow the jump to watch the video clip.

Continue reading Kimi Raikkonen marks official return to F1 with Lotus test run [w/video]

Kimi Raikkonen marks official return to F1 with Lotus test run [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 renault r30f1formula 1formula onekimikimi raikkonenlotuslotus f1lotus f1 teamlotus renault gpr30raikkonenrenault r30ricardo tormoTue, 24 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154821/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/24/kimi-raikkonen-marks-official-return-to-f1-with-lotus-test-run/20154821/article-detail.xml 20154821 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webkimi-lotus-valencia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webkimi-lotus-valencia.jpg <![CDATA[F1 driver Adrian Sutil to stand trial in Germany over Shanghai bar fight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/f1-driver-adrian-sutil-to-stand-trial-in-germany-over-shanghai-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/f1-driver-adrian-sutil-to-stand-trial-in-germany-over-shanghai-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/f1-driver-adrian-sutil-to-stand-trial-in-germany-over-shanghai-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Adrian Sutil

An impending court trial in Germany is shaping up to be the largest parade of Formula One drivers since the 2011 season wrapped up in Brazil this past November. The proceeding pits one Eric Lux (CEO of Genii Capital that owns part of Lotus Renault GP) against Adrian Sutil (a veteran grand prix driver who most recently drove for Force India) over an alleged fight in a Shanghai night club.

Now, most of us have been there and done that, but the details of this particular incident remain scarce. Apparently, during the altercation, Sutil cut Lux's neck with a broken bottle. Over what they were fighting, exactly, we don't know, but the fight apparently broke out after the end of the Chinese Grand Prix last April. According to ESPN, a number of F1 personalities - drivers, managers, team owners - were present and celebrating together, lending to the likelihood that some of the world's hottest of hot shoes could be called to testify at the trial scheduled for the end of this month.

Whether Sutil is found guilty of any wrongdoing or not, it seems the incident has all but completely scuttled any chance he had of returning to the grid for the upcoming season: Force India has already replaced him and Williams (his other prospect) went with Bruno Senna, leaving only HRT with a seat open.

F1 driver Adrian Sutil to stand trial in Germany over Shanghai bar fight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrian sutilbar brawlbar fightchinese grand prixeric luxf1f1 bar fightfightformula 1formula onegeniigenii capitalgermanyluxmunichsutilThu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151378/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/f1-driver-adrian-sutil-to-stand-trial-in-germany-over-shanghai-b/20151378/article-detail.xml 20151378 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sutil_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sutil.jpg <![CDATA[Sky Sports gears up for F1 with dedicated channel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/sky-sports-gears-up-for-f1-with-dedicated-channel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/sky-sports-gears-up-for-f1-with-dedicated-channel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/sky-sports-gears-up-for-f1-with-dedicated-channel/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sebastian Vettel on camera

There aren't a lot of television stations in the world dedicated entirely to cars. On this side of the Atlantic, we have Speed and Discovery's new Velocity channel, and the latter isn't even all cars all the time. But now, the UK is getting its own dedicated Formula One network.

Resulting from the BBC's forfeiture of part of its F1 contract to Rupert Murdoch's Sky network, Sky Sports F1 is launching this year in high definition. The channel will carry the grands prix themselves throughout the entire season, without commercials, as well as all the practice and qualifying sessions. In between race weekends, the channel will show interviews, magazine programs and re-runs of races.

Sky Sports F1 will be provided to existing Sky subscribers as part of their bundle, but it will also be available through other providers like Virgin Media, which has just signed on to the deal as well. Sky has also been lining up a roster of talent to cover the races and provide the commentary, including former F1 drivers Martin Brundle, Anthony Davidson and Damon Hill, the 1996 World Champion who most recently signed on.

As for race fans here in the colonies, we'll soldier on with Speed's coverage (with occasional races broadcast on Fox) and TSN in Canada.

Sky Sports gears up for F1 with dedicated channel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony davidsonbbcdamon hillf1formula 1formula onemartin brundlerupert murdochskysky networksky sportssky sports f1sky sports f1 hdWed, 18 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150837/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/sky-sports-gears-up-for-f1-with-dedicated-channel/20150837/article-detail.xml 20150837 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vettel-on-camera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vettel-on-camera.jpg <![CDATA[Bruno Senna signs with Williams F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/bruno-senna-signs-with-williams-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/bruno-senna-signs-with-williams-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/bruno-senna-signs-with-williams-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bruno Senna

Formula One is no stranger to motion. But as fast as these drivers in their cars move during the regular season, it's in the off-season when things really get shaken up. Drivers change teams. Teams change names. Personnel come and go. Contracts are signed and terminated. But while most of the top drivers are staying put for the coming season, there have been a number of question marks left on the 2012 roster.

One of the last, however, has now been answered as the Williams team announces the signing of one Bruno Senna. If the name rings a bell, it well should: His late, great uncle Ayrton once famously hinted at his nephew's latent talents. However after a promising start in Formula 3 and GP2, Bruno hasn't quite been able to shine. He started out in 2010 for the backmarker Hispania Racing Team, but after failing to secure a ride for the start of the following season, was brought in by Lotus-Renault to fill in for Nick Heidfeld, who in turn was filling in for Robert Kubica.

Bruno only managed a couple of championship points last season at Lotus, which opted to pass him over in favor of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean. Williams, however, apparently feels that Senna's got more talent than he's been able to demonstrate, so they've signed him for a one-year contract to drive for the team this coming season.

In moving in at Williams - the team at which Ayrton Senna famously died in 1994 - Bruno replaces fellow Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello, one of the last drivers still on the grid who raced with Ayrton back in the day. Where that leaves Rubens remains to be seen, but with only a solitary seat left at HRT for next season, the elder statesman of the paddock could be looking at forced retirement.

Continue reading Bruno Senna signs with Williams F1

Bruno Senna signs with Williams F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruno sennaf1formula 1formula onesennawilliamsTue, 17 Jan 2012 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150382/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/bruno-senna-signs-with-williams-f1/20150382/article-detail.xml 20150382 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bruno-williams_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bruno-williams.jpg <![CDATA[Ron Howard's <i>Rush</i> caught filming at 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/ron-howards-rush-caught-filming-at-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/ron-howards-rush-caught-filming-at-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/ron-howards-rush-caught-filming-at-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

James Hunt's No. 11 McLaren on Nurburgring

Good motorsports films don't come up terribly often, but now and again, we get lucky. In 2011, we were graced with the very fine Senna documentary, and it appears there's another period Formula One racing piece that could be worth watching on the silver screen soon: Rush.

We've known for some time that this project, which chronicles the 1976 F1 season-long battle between Austria's Niki Lauda and Britain's James Hunt, was in the cards, and we also knew that Ron Howard had signed on as producer. Howard, you may recall, is the Academy Award-winning force responsible for such films as A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13 and Frost/Nixon. But we hadn't heard much about filming getting underway - until now.

Thanks to these new photos taken at Germany's Nürburgring by our friends at PistonSpy, we now see that work on the film has begun. We have to say, James Hunt's Marlboro-liveried McLaren looks particularly fetching in these photos, and it must be a thrill to see and hear these vintage F1 cars lapping the legendary Nordschleife.

We're already cringing in advance for Howard's recreation of Lauda's massive crackup at the German Grand Prix, a crash that saw him sever his right ear and suffer facial burns (you can see in-period video footage of the fiery crash after the jump). Lauda would return after missing just two races and storm back into the points chase in pursuit of James Hunt and his McLaren. Hunt would eventually win the World Championship by a single point. For dozens of additional images, be sure to check out PistonSpy at the link below.

Continue reading Ron Howard's Rush caught filming at 'Ring

Ron Howard's Rush caught filming at 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onegerman grand prixjames huntlaudamarlboromarlboro racingnürburgringniki laudanurburgringron howardrushrush movieTue, 17 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150325/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/ron-howards-rush-caught-filming-at-ring/20150325/article-detail.xml 20150325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/rush-movie-shooting-ring-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/rush-movie-shooting-ring-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Robert Kubica's road back to F1 blocked by another broken leg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/robert-kubicas-road-back-to-f1-blocked-by-another-broken-leg/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/robert-kubicas-road-back-to-f1-blocked-by-another-broken-leg/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/robert-kubicas-road-back-to-f1-blocked-by-another-broken-leg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Robert Kubica, racecar driver
Robert Kubica has hit an impressive stretch of bad luck. The former Formula One driver with both BMW and Renault saw his chances of returning to the sport dashed in early 2011 when he was seriously injured in the Ronde di Andora rally. After the driver's forearm was partially severed in an accident, Kubica missed the entire 2011 F1 season. He also suffered a fractured right leg. In November, the racer made it clear he wouldn't be ready for the start of the 2012 season, either. Now Kubica has fractured the same leg after slipping and falling on ice while walking.

Kubica was taken to a local hospital, where x-rays showed the fractures in his right leg. He'll require surgery to install a single metal screw above his ankle.

Previously, rumors had circulated that Kubica would replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari, though team boss Stefano Domenicali has been quoted as saying there are currently no plans for the Polish driver to join the team.

Robert Kubica's road back to F1 blocked by another broken leg originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbroken legf1ferrariformula 1formula onekubicarenaultrobert kubicaFri, 13 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147186/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/robert-kubicas-road-back-to-f1-blocked-by-another-broken-leg/20147186/article-detail.xml 20147186 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/q0c2085_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/q0c2085.jpg <![CDATA[Williams announces resignation of Patrick Head]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/williams-announces-resignation-of-patrick-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/williams-announces-resignation-of-patrick-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/williams-announces-resignation-of-patrick-head/#commentsFiled under: ,

Patrick Head, Williams F1

Those outside of Formula One circles may not recognize the name Patrick Head, but rest assured just the same that his departure from the Williams team marks the end of an era.

Head co-founded the team together with Frank Williams in 1977 and was instrumental in all of the outfit's many victories. Until 2004, he served as the team's technical chief, remaining on board ever since as engineering director. But now, even that role has come to an end as the team's board of directors has announced Head's immediate resignation.

The move comes as part of a comprehensive restructuring of the team's management, getting rid of the old in order to make way for the new in an effort to find the success the team enjoyed at its height. Head will continue his involvement with Williams Hybrid Power Limited, but after 34 years in the sport, will no longer be involved in the team's racing activities.

Continue reading Williams announces resignation of Patrick Head

Williams announces resignation of Patrick Head originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onepatrick headwilliamswilliams gpwilliams grand prix engineeringwilliams hybrid powerwilliams hybrid power limitedWed, 04 Jan 2012 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/williams-announces-resignation-of-patrick-head/20138833/article-detail.xml 20138833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/patrick-head_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/patrick-head.jpg -1 2