Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Costco offering this $115,000 full-size F1 simulator in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/costco-offering-this-115-000-full-size-f1-simulator-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/costco-offering-this-115-000-full-size-f1-simulator-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/costco-offering-this-115-000-full-size-f1-simulator-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



For video game enthusiasts who can't stand the thought of playing a racing game on a single television screen, using a standard controller and (gasp!) sitting on a couch, there are plenty of realistic racing simulators out there. While better simulators usually include a trio of monitors, a racing chair and appropriate steering wheel and pedals, Costco has what could be the ultimate racing simulator for Formula One fans in the UK with deep pockets and a desire for a life-like gaming experience.

Costing a mere 90,000 British pounds (roughly $136,000), Costco UK sells a simulator mounted to a life-size F1 car that includes plenty of composite, carbon fiber and alloy. It even has full brakes, wheels and tires. The price includes set up and training, but don't expect to pick one up in addition to a 10-pound package of bacon and a 40-count package of toilet paper, since it takes about 12 to 18 weeks to deliver. All that is missing to get this thing on a real track are the engine and transmission. As for the simulation aspect, this system uses three 23-inch thin film transistor (TFT) screens, an Intel Core i7 processor and a five-speaker surround sound system.

Head over to the Costco UK website to check out what has to be the coolest and most excessive gaming device ever.

Costco offering this $115,000 full-size F1 simulator in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costcof1formula 1formula oneracing simulatorvideo gameSat, 18 May 2013 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/costco-offering-this-115-000-full-size-f1-simulator-in-uk/20571875/article-detail.xml 20571875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/f1-racing-simulator_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/f1-racing-simulator.jpg <![CDATA[Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Honda and McLaren announce new F1 efforts by showing three race cars throughout history

McLaren Honda team formation - executives shaking handsHonda must really love Formula One racing, as evidenced by today's announcement that the Japanese automaker is returning to the world's most popular motorsport for the fifth time in its history. Honda has entered into a team partnership with McLaren to develop and manufacture power systems - the engine and energy recovery system - for the 2015 F1 season. McLaren will be in charge of chassis development and running the day-to-day operations of this newly formed team, which will be called McLaren Honda.

Honda says its decision to reenter F1 racing had to do with new regulations for the 2014 season that require cars to be powered by a 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged V6 engine paired with an energy recovery system. Apparently the chance to develop this particular powertrain for F1 racing was too enticing for Honda to pass up, which suggests it has bigger plans for the knowledge learned while developing these systems beyond just winning races.

As mentioned, this is Honda's fifth foray into F1 racing, the first being back in 1964 when it participated as its own team through 1968. Its longest stint came from 1983-1992 as an engine supplier, during which time it partnered with many teams, including McLaren, and won six Constructor Championships. Honda then returned from 2000-2005 as an engine supplier for British American Racing (BAR) before buying that team outright and running it as Honda Racing from 2006-2008. Then the global economic crisis hit. Honda's return to the sport will surely be welcomed by fans as its partnership with McLaren should produce a formidable team. It's a strong signal that the company has returned to health after a few tumultuous years, and hopefully its rediscovered motorsports mojo will help yield more passionately engineered street cars.

Continue reading Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner

Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onehondahonda engine suppliermclarenmclaren hondaThu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571998/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/20571998/article-detail.xml 20571998 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-honda-announcement-03-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-honda-announcement-03-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Coulthard and Vettel drive Infiniti M sedans on the site of Russia's future grand prix circuit

The next Winter Olympics will happen in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23, 2014. Sometime after that, barring any delays, a portion of the Sochi Olympic Park will be turned into the Sochi Olympic Park Circuit, a 3.65-mile track for the first Russian Grand Prix in 100 years (the last of two Formula One grands prix were held in St. Petersburg).

As we've come to expect from the Infiniti Red Bull team, it recently sent Sebastian Vettel and brand ambassador David Coulthard to the unfinished venue to run the route in Infiniti M sedans and offer some impressions. With average cornering speeds above 62 miles an hour, Coulthard called it a fast street circuit in the Monaco vein. You can watch them try it out - yes, that's Vettel gone airborne above - and avoid a "White Van Man" in the video below.

Continue reading Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit

Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david coulthardf1formula 1formula oneinfinitiinfiniti mrussian grand prixsebastian vettelsochisochi olympic park circuitvettelvideoThu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/20569418/article-detail.xml 20569418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi.jpg <![CDATA[Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



This year's Formula One season might qualify as being just as crazy as last year's, only it's a different kind of crazy. Instead of a new winner every Sunday, how the winner actually manages to take the victory is the mystery, and just when we thought the season might have settled into a groove regarding team performance, here comes the Spanish Grand Prix to remind us that we don't know anything until the race has been run.

There were many similarities to past weekends to being this one: Mercedes-AMG Petronas showed awesome one-lap pace, Fernando Alonso did well enough in qualifying to get fifth on the grid but talked up the race pace of the Ferrari, Kimi Räikkönen was the equivalent of a racing photobomber, never saying much but always showing up in the picture, Felipe Massa wasn't really big on the tires and McLaren might want to consider starting a blues band they spend so much time singing them.

Then the lights went green and things went nuts...

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops'

Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 spanish grand prixf1felipe massafernando alonsoFerrariformula 1formula oneinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusmercedes-amgnico rosbergspanish grand prixTue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567561/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/20567561/article-detail.xml 20567561 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b.jpg <![CDATA[Renault offers shadowy glimpse of F1-influenced electric car concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/renault-offers-shadowy-glimpse-of-f1-influenced-electric-car-con/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/renault-offers-shadowy-glimpse-of-f1-influenced-electric-car-con/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/renault-offers-shadowy-glimpse-of-f1-influenced-electric-car-con/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Renault mystery F1 EV teaser

Well, what have we here? Truth be told, we're not entirely sure. The teaser image above comes from Renault, and its contents are about as opaque as the message with which it arrives:

"This prototype vehicle, which features muscular styling and impressive performance credentials, provides a bridge between the world of Formula One and that of electric vehicles. It's a concept car that will make a lot of noise... but, in total silence."

So, the gist is that Renault is readying an EV concept influenced by F1. Beyond that, and the picture above displaying some of the car's electric drivetrain, we don't have much to go on. Fortunately, we won't have to wait long to find out what they are up to - the unnamed concept will be revealed in two days' time, on Thursday, April 25 at the company's plant in Valladolid, Spain.

Continue reading Renault offers shadowy glimpse of F1-influenced electric car concept

Renault offers shadowy glimpse of F1-influenced electric car concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evf1formula 1formula onerenaultrenault conceptrenault evrenault f1valladolidTue, 23 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547549/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/renault-offers-shadowy-glimpse-of-f1-influenced-electric-car-con/20547549/article-detail.xml 20547549 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-f1-ev-concept-teaser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-f1-ev-concept-teaser.jpg <![CDATA[Vettel reserves the right to continue disobeying team orders]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/vettel-reserves-the-right-to-continue-disobeying-team-orders/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/vettel-reserves-the-right-to-continue-disobeying-team-orders/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/vettel-reserves-the-right-to-continue-disobeying-team-orders/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber

So says he. While speaking with reporters, Sebastian Vettel said he would probably disobey team orders again if those orders included instructions not to challenge his teammate Mark Webber. As you may recollect, Vettel found himself in hot water after he passed Webber at the Malaysian Grand Prix to take the win. Vettel later apologized for his actions, saying, "I messed up." Apparently being sorry only goes so far. When asked if he would do the same again, Vettel said that he probably would and that his actions at the Malaysian GP were a form of indirect payback for a lack of support at past races.

Webber caught flack last season after appearing to obstruct Vettel twice at the Brazilian GP as the German driver fought for a team win against Fernando Alonso.

Moving forward, Red Bull has said it will not implement team orders at the end of a race, and Vettel has not been punished by the team for taking the win. The driver said that he failed to understand the order given during the race over the radio and that he immediately apologized to everyone involved. He also said he would have yielded the position if he had been ordered to do so.

Vettel reserves the right to continue disobeying team orders originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onemark webberred bullred bull racingsebastian vettelSun, 14 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538838/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/14/vettel-reserves-the-right-to-continue-disobeying-team-orders/20538838/article-detail.xml 20538838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vettel-webber_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vettel-webber.jpg <![CDATA[Ron Howard's Rush trailer sets stage for an epic F1 drama]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/ron-howards-rush-trailer-sets-stage-for-an-epic-f1-drama/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/ron-howards-rush-trailer-sets-stage-for-an-epic-f1-drama/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/ron-howards-rush-trailer-sets-stage-for-an-epic-f1-drama/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ron Howard's Rush F1 biopic - trailer

The story of the 1975 Formula One World Championship - and the rivalry cum friendship between Niki Lauda and James Hunt that lies at its core ­- is one step closer to making its Hollywood splash. The first theatrical trailer of Rush has cropped up on YouTube, and it's safe to say that we're more excited than ever to watch the movie when it hits theaters on September 20.

Based on some of the cuts we see here - Lauda's infamous crash at the Nürburgring and a dark and sodden start to the 1976 Japanese Gran Prix - it appears that no effect expense was spared to make the Ron Howard film as convincing as possible. Should performances from Daniel Brühl and Chris Hemsworth stand up, Rush could be more than just a diversion for hardcore racing fans. Follow on below for the official trailer.

Continue reading Ron Howard's Rush trailer sets stage for an epic F1 drama

Ron Howard's Rush trailer sets stage for an epic F1 drama originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1976 formula one championshipchris hemsworthdaniel brühldaniel bruhlf1f1 movieformula 1formula onejames huntniki laudaron howardrushrush movierush trailervideoMon, 08 Apr 2013 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533577/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/ron-howards-rush-trailer-sets-stage-for-an-epic-f1-drama/20533577/article-detail.xml 20533577 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rush-trailer-v3-628-opt2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rush-trailer-v3-628-opt2.jpg <![CDATA[Ecclestone wonders if F1's upcoming turbo V6s should get augmented sound [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/ecclestone-wonders-if-f1s-upcoming-turbo-v6s-should-get-augment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/ecclestone-wonders-if-f1s-upcoming-turbo-v6s-should-get-augment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/ecclestone-wonders-if-f1s-upcoming-turbo-v6s-should-get-augment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Renault's 2014 Formula One engine - standalone view

While every team on the Formula One grid is worried about making a good showing in this year's championship at the same time as they develop a brand-new car for next year's championship, Bernie Ecclestone and F1 circuit promoters have a different concern: how next year's cars will sound. The current cars use 2.4-liter, naturally-aspirated V8s that can reach 18,000 revolutions per minute and employ dual exhaust, next year's engine formula calls for 1.6-liter turbocharged V6s that are capped at 15,000 rpm and are constrained to a single exhaust outlet. Ecclestone and promoters like Ron Walker believe the new engines sound like lawnmowers and that the less thrilling audio will keep people from coming to races. If Walker's Australian Grand Prix really is shelling out almost $57 million to hold the race, every ticket counts. As a fix, according to a report in Autoweek, Ecclestone "suggests that the only way to guarantee [a good sound] may be to artificially adjust the tone of the V6s."

However, neither the manufacturers nor the governing body of F1, the FIA, think there will be a problem. Ecclestone fears that if the manufacturers "don't get it right" they'll simply leave the sport, but the only three carmakers and engine builders left next year, Renault (its 2014 "power unit" is pictured), Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari are so embedded that it would stretch belief to think they'd leave the table over an audio hiccup - if said hiccup even occurs. And frankly, these issues always precede changes to engine formulas, as they did when the formula switched from V10 to V8; fans, though, are probably less focused on the engines and more on the mandated standardization of the sport and the spec-series overtones that have come with it.

No one knows yet what next year's engines will sound like, but we've assembled a few videos below to help us all start guessing. The first is an engine check on an Eighties-era John Player Special Renault with a 1.5-liter V6 turbo, after that is Ayrton Senna qualifying in 1986 in the Lotus 98T that also had a 1.5-liter V6 turbo, then you'll find a short with a manufactured range of potential V6 engine notes, and then the sound of turbocharged V6 Indycars testing last year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Any, or none of them, could be Formula One's future.

Continue reading Ecclestone wonders if F1's upcoming turbo V6s should get augmented sound [w/videos]

Ecclestone wonders if F1's upcoming turbo V6s should get augmented sound [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.6-liter turbo2014 formula one enginesbernie ecclestoneecclestonef1ferrariformula 1formula onemercedes-benzrenaultv6Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532882/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/ecclestone-wonders-if-f1s-upcoming-turbo-v6s-should-get-augment/20532882/article-detail.xml 20532882 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renaultf12014_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renaultf12014.jpg <![CDATA[Lewis Hamilton laying down 'off the hook' tracks for his own album? [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/lewis-hamilton-laying-down-off-the-hook-tracks-for-his-own-alb/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/lewis-hamilton-laying-down-off-the-hook-tracks-for-his-own-alb/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/lewis-hamilton-laying-down-off-the-hook-tracks-for-his-own-alb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

F1 driver Lewis Hamilton walking with girlfriend and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger

Formula One racecar driver Sebastian Vettel is diversifying his resume by becoming the Director of Performance for Infiniti, and it also sounds like his rival Lewis Hamilton is also dabbling in some extracurriculars. According to Yahoo!, the 28-year-old Hamilton has apparently been stealing away time in a recording studio to record his own pop music album over the last year. The report, which quotes singer/songwriter Angel, indicates that Hamilton might have a second career waiting for him after racing.

So far, Hamilton and Angel have written about 12 songs across various music genres, and another interesting element to his involvement in the music industry is that his girlfriend, Nicole Scherzinger (above), is the lead singer for the Pussycat Dolls as well as a former judge for the reality singing contest, X-Factor. For those who are interested, it doesn't sound like he's ready to put out an album just yet. For the moment, it appears Hamilton's duties in Austin, Texas will be limited to lapping the Circuit of the Americas rather than the performing on the local music scene.

Us? We're just hoping for an eventual duet with fellow F1 racer and musical hopeful Jacques Villeneuve. Yeah, we went there. In the meantime, we'll have to keep hope alive by watching Hamilton and friends sing Wonderwall by Oasis in one of the videos below.

Continue reading Lewis Hamilton laying down 'off the hook' tracks for his own album? [w/videos]

Lewis Hamilton laying down 'off the hook' tracks for his own album? [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angelf1formula 1formula onelewis hamiltonnicole scherzingeroasisvideowonderwallFri, 29 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523186/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/lewis-hamilton-laying-down-off-the-hook-tracks-for-his-own-alb/20523186/article-detail.xml 20523186 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/lewis-hamilton-with-nicole-scherzinger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/lewis-hamilton-with-nicole-scherzinger.jpg <![CDATA[Robert Kubica would give it all back to be in F1 again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/robert-kubica-would-give-it-all-back-to-be-in-f1-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/robert-kubica-would-give-it-all-back-to-be-in-f1-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/robert-kubica-would-give-it-all-back-to-be-in-f1-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Robert Kubica hasn't been in a Formula One grand prix race since a rally crash left him injured in early 2011, but that doesn't mean the driver has stopped thinking about F1. According to Autosport.com, Kubica is headed back to WRC2, but remains focused on getting back into an F1 driver's seat. While he had received offers to race in DTM, he chose to stick with rallying because the demanding physical challenges should provide better preparation for a return to open-wheel racing.

"I would pay all the money I have to be back in the cockpit of a Formula One car," he said while speaking to reporters.

Kubica believes that physically, he may be able to compete on a course like Barcelona, but the more challenging Monaco Grand Prix would be beyond his reach. Kubica is expected to work with Citroën in the testing phase of the company's World Touring Car Championship program in 2014 as well.

Robert Kubica would give it all back to be in F1 again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenf1formula 1formula onekubicarobert kubicaworld rally championshipwrcTue, 19 Mar 2013 18:36:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20509948/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/19/robert-kubica-would-give-it-all-back-to-be-in-f1-again/20509948/article-detail.xml 20509948 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/robert-kubica-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/robert-kubica-628.jpg <![CDATA[Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



A pre-season full of talking points was swapped for a brand-new set of talking points after the running of the opening grand prix of the 2013 Formula One season. The consistency of the regulations from last year to this year and the triplicate dominance of Infiniti Red Bull Racing meant that no one would have been that surprised if the relative order of things remained the same. But teams found so many ways to switch things up that, in typical pre-season fashion, no one was ready to make any bets on in-season performance, and a couple of surprising players suffered the ignominy of getting it really wrong: McLaren knew it was in trouble from the very first test, while Williams drivers applauded their car as the best in years, only to have Pastor Maldonado call it "undriveable" on the very first day of practice in Melbourne.

And then there were those Pirellis, the Italian company talking up the fact that its super soft tires would only go off so quickly that it would force teams to pit at least twice during the race.
Even then, no one could have seen the first round of pit stops beginning on Lap 5.

Nevertheless, someone had to win the 58-lap race - and that someone did it in what is becoming his usual style.

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers]

Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 australian grand prixadrian sutilaustralian grand prixf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1formula onegrand prixinfiniti red bullkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotussebastian vetteltorro rossoSun, 17 Mar 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507196/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/20507196/article-detail.xml 20507196 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ausf101_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ausf101.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #324]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/autoblog-podcast-324/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/autoblog-podcast-324/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/autoblog-podcast-324/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Motorsports with BaronVonClutch, Geneva highlights according to Zach, four cylinder Mustangs for the world! autoblog podcast logo

Episode #324 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Peter Leung (aka BaronVonClutch) of Richland F1 talk about motorsports and how to learn to love them, Zach's Geneva impressions and four cylinder 2015 Ford Mustangs. We wrap with your questions and emails, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!


Autoblog Podcast #324:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Dodge Durango Citadel
2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8


Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Peter Leung

Runtime: 01:14:20

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #324

Autoblog Podcast #324 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chrysler 300 srt82013 dodge durango2015 ford mustangautoblog podcast 324baronvonclutchf1 australian gp 2013featuredformula 1geneva motor showWed, 13 Mar 2013 17:15:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #324Autoblog01:14:20 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20500238/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/autoblog-podcast-324/20500238/article-detail.xml 20500238 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Marussia launches KERS-equipped MR02]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/marussia-launches-kers-equipped-mr02/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/marussia-launches-kers-equipped-mr02/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/marussia-launches-kers-equipped-mr02/#commentsFiled under: ,



This is the penultimate car launch of the 2013 season, the Marussia MR02. The fourth car built by the team that was known as Virgin in its first two Formula One seasons is said to be a "comprehensive evolution" of last year's car. Produced under the eye of Pat Symonds, he of The Renault Affair at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008, the chassis is a product of CFD and wind tunnel work through a technical partnership with McLaren, and its Cosworth engine is aided by a two-year-old Kinetic Energy Recovery System purchased from Williams. It's the first time the team has used KERS on one of its cars.

Out back is a Coanda exhaust, otherwise there's nothing exotic about a car just looking to score the team's first Constructor's points. With no major change in regulations, the car probably won't have the usual early-season opportunities to take advantage of big-team misfortunes, but the MR01 was quite a reliable runner, so the addition of KERS could make the difference this year between one point and none among the backmarkers.

Continue reading Marussia launches KERS-equipped MR02

Marussia launches KERS-equipped MR02 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onemarussiamarussia mr-02marussia mr02mr-02mr02Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449553/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/marussia-launches-kers-equipped-mr02/20449553/article-detail.xml 20449553 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/06marussiamr02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/06marussiamr02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus opens the 2013 Formula One season with the launch of the E21 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/lotus-opens-the-2013-formula-one-season-with-the-launch-of-the-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/lotus-opens-the-2013-formula-one-season-with-the-launch-of-the-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/lotus-opens-the-2013-formula-one-season-with-the-launch-of-the-e/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Lotus has broken the seal on the 2013 Formula One season, launching the E21 car at its factory in Enstone. With the regulations this year quite similar to those of last year, there are no dramatic changes in form compared to the E20. After some teams lobbied to be able to cover the stepped nose with a "vanity panel," Lotus retained the configuration, the team's technical director saying that the panel would add more weight and didn't make sense to put on the car unless it also added performance.

Beyond that, the E21 is said to be an comprehensive advance in its details - the suspension gets a new layout, the Coanda exhaust and the passive double DRS system are evolutions from last year, the front wing is "a continuation of concepts" from 2009.

After securing fourth in the Constructor's Championship last year, this is the chassis that drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean will use to try and move the team up a place, which would mean beating one of the big three teams over the course of the season. The quietly and impressively consistent Räikkönen managed third in the Driver's Championship, and we're sure he wouldn't mind a move up in the standings, either.

You can watch a replay of the reveal on Sky Sports in the video below - it commences at 43:10, and there's a sound bite of the car starting up just below that. Other unveilings this week will be two of those big teams Lotus wants to conquer, McLaren on Thursday and Ferrari on Friday.

Continue reading Lotus opens the 2013 Formula One season with the launch of the E21 [w/video]

Lotus opens the 2013 Formula One season with the launch of the E21 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e21f1formula 1formula onekimi raikkonenlotuslotus e21Romain GrosjeanWed, 30 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20441077/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/lotus-opens-the-2013-formula-one-season-with-the-launch-of-the-e/20441077/article-detail.xml 20441077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lotuse21_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lotuse21.jpg <![CDATA[Famed Brabham name poised for return to F1?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/famed-brabham-name-poised-for-return-to-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/famed-brabham-name-poised-for-return-to-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/famed-brabham-name-poised-for-return-to-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,



A recent report wonders aloud whether the Brabham name is close to a return to Formula One, with family scion David telling a Brazilian outlet "yes, there is the possibility to bring the team back (to F1)." However, the short answer to "Is the Brabham name coming back to Formula One?" is likely "No," and the long answer is likely, "Not for a while."

Why is the rumored return (a thin rumor, at that) even a news item? Because during his spell in the sport, as a driver and then as a team owner, Jack Brabham brought about as much panache, prestige and intrigue to F1 as Ferrari does cachet. The now-86-year-old Brabham won three F1 World Championships, the first in 1959 when he pushed his Cooper over the line after running out of gas. He became team owner in 1961 after his second driver's title, his team collecting a total of six Driver's Championships and four Constructor's Championships before it shut down in 1992. What's more, he was the first team owner to win a Driver's Championship in his own car, then Bernie Ecclestone bought the team, then Alfa Romeo owned it, then Peter Windsor's attempt to own it (which is still a matter of mystery). Denny Hulme of Can-Am fame would also win an F1 championship as a driver for Brabham, Graham Hill, Nikki Lauda and Dan Gurney are also on its list of pilots and Gordon Murray - yes that Gordon Murray of that other F1 - designed the "fan car" for it. It's a big name.

Before the start of the 2010 season, a German businessman who bought the remains of the Super Aguri team lodged an application with the FIA to start a team under the Brabham name. The Brabham family then began court proceedings, claiming they knew nothing about the team or the businessman's rights to use their name. For some context, Lola and March, two additional legendary F1 constructors, also lodged applications to join the circus in 2010, efforts that came to nothing.

That's where things have been for more than three years, and that's why we think this new report is a long way from signaling any Brabham return. Even after the legal battle is settled, any team or naming rights owner would need to find a team to buy or buy the branding rights to. While a sufficient amount of money can always get a conversation started in F1, there probably aren't any teams that truly fit either of those profiles right now.

So you can put your throwback blue and white Parmalat jacket away now, at least until 2014...

Famed Brabham name poised for return to F1? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brabhamf1formula 1formula onejack brabhammotorsportsWed, 02 Jan 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20414456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/famed-brabham-name-poised-for-return-to-f1/20414456/article-detail.xml 20414456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/brabham-f1-parmalat-racer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/brabham-f1-parmalat-racer.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari's Montezemolo slams Ecclestone over Vettel overtake investigation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/ferraris-montezemolo-slams-ecclestone-over-vettel-overtake-inve/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/ferraris-montezemolo-slams-ecclestone-over-vettel-overtake-inve/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/ferraris-montezemolo-slams-ecclestone-over-vettel-overtake-inve/#commentsFiled under:



Sebastion Vettel recently celebrated his third Formula One title by driving his Red Bull Racing car through the streets of Graz, Austria, but Ferrari is still caught up in the controversy it stirred up by asserting that Vettel made an illegal pass under yellow at the Brazilian Grand Prix. After Ferrari asked for clarification on the pass, Bernie Ecclestone called the whole issue a "complete joke," and now Luca di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari (shown above), has responded to Ecclestone's comments with some scathing words of his own.

According to ESPN F1, Montezemolo sarcastically said "you have to show respect for your elders, especially when they get to that stage in which they are no longer in control of what they say" in regards to Ecclestone. Seemingly putting the whole controversy to rest, though, Montezemolo went on to congratulate Vettel and Red Bull for the win in what he refers to as a difficult season.

The pass in question came on the fourth lap of the rainy race when Vettel seemed to have passed Toro Rosso driver Jean-Eric Vergne under a local yellow. In the final standings, the resulting 20-second penalty would have knocked Vettel from sixth to eighth position, which would have been enough for Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso to win the Driver's Championship by a single point. Despite flashing yellow lights, the FIA said that a green flag was waving making the pass legal.

Ferrari's Montezemolo slams Ecclestone over Vettel overtake investigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernie ecclestonebrazilian grand prixf1ferrariformula 1luca di montezemolomotorsportsred bull racingsebastian vetteltoro rossoMon, 03 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392782/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/ferraris-montezemolo-slams-ecclestone-over-vettel-overtake-inve/20392782/article-detail.xml 20392782 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/luca-di-montezemolo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/luca-di-montezemolo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari fails to take F1 driver's title from Vettel on questionable pass]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/ferrari-fails-to-take-f1-drivers-title-from-vettel-on-questiona/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/ferrari-fails-to-take-f1-drivers-title-from-vettel-on-questiona/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/ferrari-fails-to-take-f1-drivers-title-from-vettel-on-questiona/#commentsFiled under: , ,

F1 racer Sebastian Vettel at press conference with Fernando Alonso

On November 25, Sebastian Vettel took sixth place at the Brazilian Gran Prix, earning him enough points to take the 2012 Formula One Driver's Championship. It wouldn't be an F1 season finale without some drama, though, and this season, it came in the form of allegations by Ferrari that the Red Bull driver made an illegal pass under a yellow light.

Ferrari is looking into on-board footage that may show Vettel passing Toro Rosso driver Jean-Eric Vergne, which would have resulted in a 20-second penalty if discovered during the race. If that had happened, it would have resulted in Vettel falling to eighth place, which would have caused him to lose the Driver's Championship by a single point to Fernando Alonso and the Ferrari team.

Ferrari has asked the FIA to review the footage, but it is reportedly unlikely that the Formula One governing body will penalize Vettel. According to the UK's Telegraph, the FIA has taken the position that it will not apply penalties retroactively, and to do so would reverse that stance.

Ferrari fails to take F1 driver's title from Vettel on questionable pass originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazil gpbrazilian gran prixf1fernando alonsoformula 1formula onered bull racingsebastian vetteltoro rossovettelFri, 30 Nov 2012 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391256/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/30/ferrari-fails-to-take-f1-drivers-title-from-vettel-on-questiona/20391256/article-detail.xml 20391256 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/vettel-alonso_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/vettel-alonso.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The track between the lakes, the Circuit d'Interlagos in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yet again served up a fitting finale to the Formula One season. There were all kinds of ways for the two Driver's Championship contenders - Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull and Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari - to win and lose during the 71 laps of the Brazilian Grand Prix, and that was before the rain, before the yellow flags and safety car periods, and before the accidents.

The World Championship lead swapped hands at least three times during the race. By the end of Lap One, in fact, it was a fair question if either driver would have hands, or a car, steady enough to hold it...

Continue reading 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]

2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 brazilian grand prixbrazilf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1interlagosjenson buttonlewis hamiltonmclarenred bullsebastian vettelworld championshipMon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20388045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/20388045/article-detail.xml 20388045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Coca-Cola returning to F1 with Lotus sponsorship [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/coca-cola-returning-to-f1-with-lotus-sponsorship-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/coca-cola-returning-to-f1-with-lotus-sponsorship-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/coca-cola-returning-to-f1-with-lotus-sponsorship-w-videos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Coca-Cola Burn and Lotus F1 sponsorship announcement graphic

Even before Red Bull Racing became a record-breaking three-time Constructor's Champion in Formula One, it has dominated conversations both as a team and as an energy drink. After seven years of "Red Bull this" and "Red Bull that," Coca-Cola is reportedly ready to jump into the F1 fray with its Sweden-based energy drink Burn.

Rumors had placed Coca-Cola's entry with McLaren F1, but it's actually Lotus that has secured the deal. We have no idea what the sponsorship will look like, but the website for Burn says that "We [intend] to foster that creativity by incorporating art and music in a way that will break the conventions of traditional F1 sponsorship," Lotus F1 team principal Eric Boullier adding "We are excited to partner with burn to build a new and innovative model for sponsorships that will combine experiences, content creation and social media..."

Since most - including this writer - have no idea what Burn is, we've included a couple of Burn commercial spots to help get us up to speed, which you'll find below. The 2012 season hasn't even ended, and we're already looking forward to 2013...

Continue reading Coca-Cola returning to F1 with Lotus sponsorship [w/videos]

Coca-Cola returning to F1 with Lotus sponsorship [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burncoca colacoca-colacoca-cola burnenergy drinkenergy drinksf1formula 1formula onelotuslotus f1sponsorshipvideoSat, 24 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20386779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/24/coca-cola-returning-to-f1-with-lotus-sponsorship-w-videos/20386779/article-detail.xml 20386779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lotusburnf1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lotusburnf1.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler gains full control of Mercedes F1 team after buying out Middle Eastern stake]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/23/daimler-gains-full-control-of-mercedes-f1-team-after-buying-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/23/daimler-gains-full-control-of-mercedes-f1-team-after-buying-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/23/daimler-gains-full-control-of-mercedes-f1-team-after-buying-out/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When rumors surfaced earlier this year regarding the desire of Abu Dhabi's Aabar Investments to completely shed its stake in Daimler, no one knew why and neither party would comment. The Middle Eastern investment firm took a 9.1-percent stake in Daimler in 2009, had dropped that to 3.1 percent earlier this year, then got rid of the remainder in October. Part of that original deal in 2009 was a 40-percent share in the Mercedes Formula One team, and Reuters has reported that Daimler just bought that back as well.

Pending approval from the regulatory authorities, the German company will fully control its F1 team (team principal Ross Brawn had owned 24.9-percent of the team but sold it to Mercedes in early 2011). The amount paid for the stake hasn't been disclosed.

Daimler can now focus on getting the team where it wishes to be, which is not down in fifth place fighting with Sauber and with less than half the points of fourth-placed Lotus. The team rebranded itself Mercedes-AMG this year, has committed to Formula One's Concorde Agreement until 2020 and signed Lewis Hamilton for three years. It will want to begin extracting added value for the hundreds of millions of dollars it has already invested and the hundreds of millions more it knows are required.

Daimler gains full control of Mercedes F1 team after buying out Middle Eastern stake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Nov 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aabarAabar Investements PJSCamgf1formula 1mercedes f1mercedes-amg petronasmercedes-benzFri, 23 Nov 2012 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20384423/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/23/daimler-gains-full-control-of-mercedes-f1-team-after-buying-out/20384423/article-detail.xml 20384423 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/daimlerf1control_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/daimlerf1control.jpg -1 2